ICO vs SUNY

[Daylooo]

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Has anyone ever had to make a choice between ICO vs SUNY? Which did you choose and why?

I know theres a few threads up with the same question but they've gotten no replies.
I've done most of my research but I still can't decide between the two...

Thanks

*btw I'm an international student so, instate-tuition @ SUNY does not factor into my decision.

 

[dngk5119]

 

[Shnurek]

Not if they are not US Citizens. We have a bunch of Canadians that pay out-of-state tuition for all 4 years.

 

[swtster]

For me, I chose ICO for the following reasons:

(1) impressive facilities and a large clinic that offers a bunch of sub-specialty services
(2) the residence complex
(3) Canadian students can apply for work-study
(4) the third year curriculum includes a clinical research project
(5) business and clinical electives are available for those who are interested
(6) the multitude of student services including tutoring, note-taking, podcasts etc.

I really liked SUNY and I really wanted to do the OD/MS program because I'm interested in research but I found living in NYC to be too expensive and I wasn't sure I wanted to commute from Queens/Brooklyn every day. I was also disappointed that SUNY didn't offer international students work-study options or business electives. I would apply to SUNY's residency programs though.

 

[FutureEyeDr]

I had to choose between ICO and SUNY. It was a very tough decision, but I went with SUNY mainly because it was much cheaper and b/c of the OD/MS program, and it was closer to home. Both are amazing schools, but you have to look at the cost and convenience.

 

[Shnurek]

Yay SUNY woooo we take a lot of the private practice jobs in the area after graduation 🙂 They know how well prepared we are.

 

[OptoHopeful90]

i am having the exact same problem having to decide between ICO and SUNY, I have sent in both deposits so I have until April to decide, any comments would be helpful and much appreciated

 

[Daylooo]

Well so far my pros and cons of each school

SUNY

Pros:
Great location (manhattan)
Great clinic = great clinical experience
Small class size

Cons:
30 mins commute from Queens
Expensive housing
Not many work-study opportunities
Facility is outdated (but they're in the process of renovating some floors, should be completed next year I believe)

ICO

Pros:
Decent location (10-15 mins from dt chicago?), however located in a pretty sketchy area (though they have great security)
Great clinic = great clinical experience
Brand new facilities (lecture rooms, gym, weight room), though I don't go to the gym or weight room so...not too relevant
Better scholarships
Better work-study opportunities

Cons:
Sketchy location
RC (1st years are pretty much limited to living in double rooms -> think 1st year undergrad!)
Large class size (I hear if you don't live in RC, it's pretty difficult to get to know your classmates, especially with such a large class size)

Thats all I can think of for now

Feel free to share your pros/cons.

 

[yyk]

Well so far my pros and cons of each school

Large class size (I hear if you don't live in RC, it's pretty difficult to get to know your classmates, especially with such a large class size)

That sounds pretty right, the commuters sticked together in the first year. I'm currently in 2nd year at ICO and found that students who did not live in the RC first year, still integrated pretty well with the rest of the class in 2nd year. Despite the large class size, everyone gets opportunities to meet other classmates whether or not they live in the RC because the professors and the lab coordinators arrange group assignments and lab pairings to give opportunities for that. Meeting friends shouldn't be such a big concern if you are considering commuting in your first year to ICO. I chose to live in the RC first year simply because I was not familiar with the country.

 

[hockeystar123]

After debating between these two schools for such a long time now, I finally decided to go to ICO. Although it's more expensive, I think I'll be happier and more successful here. The faculty at SUNY just seemed very unfriendly to me. I was initially thinking about doing the OD/MS program as well so if I did that I would've definitely chosen SUNY. Also, for boards, ICO gives third year students a lighter class schedule and hosts review sessions whereas at SUNY, you're on your own (at least this is what I was told when I called them).

 

[Shnurek]

The faculty at SUNY just seemed very unfriendly to me.

Got that right. That's life though. The more you struggle, the better it is in the end.