NYCOM and BSSP for minority students

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mbenavidez

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Is there anyone who will be doing this program? If so, have you received any information yet from NYCOM?
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I haven't reieved anything yet for the BSSP, but I believe that it begins June 10th. So I guess we should be getting something real soon....
 
Choisimd,

Thanks for the reply! Where are u from? The program is from June 9 to July 26. Do you know if housing,food, or anything is included? Thanks a bunch! :)
 
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My wife will also be doing the BSSP program this summer. Talk to Denise Hanley, director of minority affairs if you have any questions. She's great. She told me that housing, food, and financial aid are NOT included in the summer program. :p Book, however are free. I guess it's really hard for the students who are not from NY. The only way we are able to do it is because we will be staying with my grandmother in Queens until financial aid kicks in in the fall. I will also be working. I'm not sure if BSSP students will have time to work, the program is intense. Hope this helps. Sorry I didn't have better news. You would think that they would account for the cost of living, but they don't. Peace
 
Thanks DOnut!

That info is helpful. I called the minority office and they didn't return my call. I was hoping housing was included, espec. since I am coming from AZ. :rolleyes: I don't have long to find a place to live, I better get on that! Thanks Again!
 
what is the BSSP program?
 
Basic Science Summer Program (BSSP)

BSSP introduces urderrepresented minority students in medicine to first year medical school courses...Biochem, Micro, Histology, Anatomy, Physio, and OMM.
 
mbenavidez,

You can email Denise also, she is pretty good at responding emails. I from Long Island so I will be bumming food, and money off my relatives if our stipend doesn't cover everything. <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />
 
Stipend???????? Who said anything about a stipend? Choisimd don't get me excited. If there is a stipend, that will be wonderful. :clap: :clap: Please don't play with my emotions.
 
I'm pretty sure that we get a one-time stipend of about ($700-$800) dollars....At least that is what I understood from my conversation with Denise back in January. I could be wrong, but you should definitely find out from Denise. They have to give us something b/c there is no way we can work during that time....we got to eat right! :wink:
 
If there is a stipend it would be wonderful, any amount would be helpful! I will be contacting the minority affairs office again, hopefully to hear some good news!:)If you hear anything, please let me know.

By the way, do either of you know anyone who has completed the program? If so, did they have positive things to say about it?

Thanks Again! :wink:
 
I have a friend who completed the program last summer. He said it was very hard, but an excellent way to prepare you for the fall. You will have to work hard through. You are essentially starting medical school the summer before medical school.
 
is BSSP mandatory for minorities entering their first year at NYCOM?
 
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I am not sure if it is mandatory for all entering first year minority student to complete the program, but it is for me.
 
No it is not mandatory for all minority students. It's a program that was set up by NYS to increase minority retention. This program gives pre-first year matriculates an opportunity to experience the rigor of 1st year before starting. It also gives the students an opportunity to meet other minority student, and form friendships/study groups before the "ball is dropped" so to speak. It's a great program, hard though. But then again, everything from now until we graduate will be hard.
 
I heard a rumor that if you don't do well in this summer program, you'll be placed in the 5 year program instead of the 4 year program. Is that true? I'm just trying to gain some information for some friends who are applying to med school.
 
I got a reply to my email. She did not mention a stiped. The only thing she said was included was books, tuition, and our lab coats. ( NO housing or food) They are currently getting the letters ready for this summers group. If you require housing, dorms are available at the LIU/CW Post,wherever that is. I'm out;)!
 
CW Post (Long Island University) is nearby, within walking/biking distance from NYCOM. I don't know anything about what their dorms look like but having been on the campus, it is very pretty in a very nice section of the Island. (It may be very pricey) :cool: :cool: :cool:
 
My friend who did the BSSP last summer told me that many of the BSSP students stay on LIU's campus. My wife called today, and she was told that there may or may not be a stipend. I have no idea what that means. I'm guessing no stipend. Oh well it would have been nice. My wife and I are moving to NY next week. Can't wait!!! Hopefully we'll meet some of y'all when the program starts. Peace
 
That Sucks! :rolleyes: <img border="0" alt="[Pity]" title="" src="graemlins/pity.gif" /> I was hoping there would be a stipend, maybe we will get lucky. :D Good thing I have a job, otherwise I wouldn't be able to finance this. However, I feel blessed that I have the opportunity and means to do it! :wink: If there is one thing I've learned through this LONG process... everything always seems to work out for the best, so I won't worry about it. :p

:D Good luck with the move! :cool: Hope to meet you and your wife soon! Thanks Again! :)
 
Thanks....we'll see you in NY. :D :cool: :)
 
I will be joining you all in the summer program. I got my letter of admission last week. Have any of you received anything from Denise Hanley? I've heard that we can get housing at LIU/CW Post, right? I'm just ready to begin...but no prospects of a living arrangement yet.
 
Hey Sam Adams!

Congrats! :clap:
Housing is available at CW Post, but I do not know how much it is going to cost. I have not received any information yet from the office of minority affairs. If I get some news I will be sure to let you know. :wink:
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by mbenavidez:
•Hey Sam Adams!

Congrats! :clap:
Housing is available at CW Post, but I do not know how much it is going to cost. I have not received any information yet from the office of minority affairs. If I get some news I will be sure to let you know. :wink: •••••I recieved my letter yesterday about the summer program....and the summer program is $1400, due the first week of June! AHHHHH! There isn't even any air conditioning in the rooms. YIKES! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />
 
I still haven't recieved anything, :mad: but mail always takes forever to get here from NY. When can we can move in and when we have to be out by? Did the letter say anything about a stipend? Thanks! :p
 
THANKS!!!!! I will see all of you in a few weeks. I guess that something should be coming in a week or so. CONGRADS to all of you!!! :clap:
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by mbenavidez:
•I still haven't recieved anything, :mad: but mail always takes forever to get here from NY. When can we can move in and when we have to be out by? Did the letter say anything about a stipend? Thanks! :p •••••No mention of a stipend :( ....I think we can move in The friday before, which is June 7th. I just recieved my letter yesterday, and I live in NY, so you should be gettting your letter later this week or by Monday.
 
I got my letter the other day. I'm pretty sure that your's will come soon. Yes, I also read the part about the $1400 upfront for housing, etc. Whew...I'm excited!!!! I'm looking to move in on the 7th and get situated. I hope that we get a stipend...that would make it a little bit better. Are you guys moving with a lot of stuff??? I'm looking for storage places....here...they run about $300 for 4 months. Yikes!!!

Did you all receive any financial aid information/forms? I haven't filled out a thing. Uh, oh!! Just a few more weeks to get at a little Anatomy...Biochem...get into a mental zone...hit plateaus!!!!

Ciao
 
I called the minority affairs office AGAIN yesterday b/c I still have not received anything! She told me they just made a more complete list of who would be in the program and my name wasn't on that list. She told me it was a good thing I called. :mad: SO, I am still waiting for the info. Has anyone received anything else? Thanks!
 
Hello there!!..Congratulations to y'all on your acceptance!!...
I emailed Denise (Hanley) today with some questions and she emailed me a copy of the letter we're supposed to be getting in the mail...Pretty much it says what others posts say:
-Housing at CW Post-1/4 mile from NYCOM (No Air)
-Move in all day fri. jun 7th 'til 12 noon sunday june 9th...
-Bring $1400 certified check/money order (no cash nor personal checks!!!)
-Plus $90 for insurance
-Orientation june 9th at noon.

That's all the information I've received from the school so far...Hope this helps!
See y'all soon!!!
 
I got a letter on Monday from Schaefer...it says that they will be sending financial aid info., etc. in the next few weeks/months....and to keep the admissions office updated with your address/phone, etc. You guys can get started (if you haven't already) on the FAFSA. It might help. I've had bad experiences with it....like it getting caught up in the mail...yada, yada, yada which makes your award late....and we need it!! Any mention from Denise about a stipend? Humph...
 
Unfortunately there was no mention of any stipend...Sorry Sam!...Hopefully somebody hears otherwise...
 
Yes, let's keep our fingers crossed...it surely would be nice. It's just a few weeks away...should be a good move though. Do you know how many people will be in the program? -Cool, thx
 
Yes!!..couldn't agree more, a stipend would be extreeeeeeeemely nice!...
i heard from the school that between 25 and 30 students participate in the program each summer...don't have the exact number for this summer though...
 
Dontbelievethehype
Congrats on you acceptance! :clap:
Thanks for the info., it was helpful! :D

I am looking forward to meeting all of you! :)
 
Me too...it will be nice to finally meet all of you!!! I've been posting messages on this site for a while now...stuff about MCATs...and it is finally nice to get back into school...and NY at that!
 
Hey guys,
Yo let me tell you. My wife and I have been down here for 2 weeks now, and it is IMPOSSIBLE to find an apartment. If anyone knows anything please let me know. It seems like we have been to 50,000 apartments, and either they only want 1 person (not a married couple) or....I hate to say it......not a minority. I know that NYC is supposed to be the home of diversity, BUT let me tell you. Old Westbury is one of the most exclusive areas in Long Island, and I don't think they really want "us" anywhere around. Sorry everyone I'm just really frustrated right now. It has been reallyt hard finding an apartment. I'm checking in Queens now. There are more of us there. Minorities that is. :p :mad: :mad:
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by DOnut:
•Hey guys,
Yo let me tell you. My wife and I have been down here for 2 weeks now, and it is IMPOSSIBLE to find an apartment. If anyone knows anything please let me know. It seems like we have been to 50,000 apartments, and either they only want 1 person (not a married couple) or....I hate to say it......not a minority. I know that NYC is supposed to be the home of diversity, BUT let me tell you. Old Westbury is one of the most exclusive areas in Long Island, and I don't think they really want "us" anywhere around. Sorry everyone I'm just really frustrated right now. It has been reallyt hard finding an apartment. I'm checking in Queens now. There are more of us there. Minorities that is. :p :mad: :mad: •••••DOnut,

I would also suggest looking in Hempstead, Long Island or the surrounding areas. It is only about 15 minutes from NYCOM. You are more likely to find alot more reasonably priced apartments in these areas that cater to college, and grad students because there are many local colleges in the area (ie; Hofstra, Adelphi, etc.) But queens is a good choice as well, and definitewly stay away from places in Old Westbury and Glen cove, it's way too expensive!!!....Good luck!
 
Thanks alot choisimd. I've actually called a few places in Hempstead, but nobody will return my call. At this one particular place, I actually left 5 messages. Oh well, thanks for the advice, see you on June 9th.......I think that's when the BSSP starts. Peace!
 
Hey mbenavidez glad to hear the info was helpful...
DOnut, good luck with the apartment search...hey, regarding your comment about people not wanting to rent to minorities, don't sweat it, close-mindedness grows rampant in some places...and as sad as it is, if we think we're minorities NOW, wait until we step foot in the medical profession(we won't be 'minority',i think the more accurate term would be 'almost non-existent')...it won't be pretty!
I'm also looking forward to meeting everybody on orientation day!!!...See ya!
 
True.....true....
 
DOnut: I saw this ad on the NYCOM student website this morning:

Topic: Apartment available starting in June (1 of 1), Read 49 times
Conf: Housing
From: Paul Sim?es [email protected]
Date: Friday, May 17, 2002 10:10 PM

My roommate and I will be leaving our 2 bedroom, second floor apartment as we will be doing rotations next year that make this location not practical. The apartment has its own private entrance. This 2 family house is located in Mineola, just off Glenn Cove Road (about 15 minutes away from school). The house is in a very quite and safe neighborhood on a dead-end street. If interested, let me know. This would be perfect for 2 NYCOM students to live in or for a married couple.

•••quote:•••Originally posted by DOnut:
•Hey guys,
Yo let me tell you. My wife and I have been down here for 2 weeks now, and it is IMPOSSIBLE to find an apartment. If anyone knows anything please let me know. It seems like we have been to 50,000 apartments, and either they only want 1 person (not a married couple) or....I hate to say it......not a minority. I know that NYC is supposed to be the home of diversity, BUT let me tell you. Old Westbury is one of the most exclusive areas in Long Island, and I don't think they really want "us" anywhere around. Sorry everyone I'm just really frustrated right now. It has been reallyt hard finding an apartment. I'm checking in Queens now. There are more of us there. Minorities that is. :p :mad: :mad: •••••
 
Wow thanks Sam Adams.....where did you find that? I checked the NYCOM board and didn't see it. Oh well I must have been looking with my other side. Thanks again. I'll e-mail him now.
 
•••quote:••• Hey mbenavidez glad to hear the info was helpful...
DOnut, good luck with the apartment search...hey, regarding your comment about people not wanting to rent to minorities, don't sweat it, close-mindedness grows rampant in some places...and as sad as it is, if we think we're minorities NOW, wait until we step foot in the medical profession(we won't be 'minority',i think the more accurate term would be 'almost non-existent')...it won't be pretty!
I'm also looking forward to meeting everybody on orientation day!!!...See ya! ••••Hey, in all seriousness, minorities are making more headway into the medical field than most other professional fields. NYCOM has more than 1/3 of it's students considered under the true umbrella definition of "minority". More than half of this year's first year class are women also. Are they considered minorities? Have you ever walked around an inner city hospital? None of the doctors speak English, especially MDs. The north shore of long island is a rather affluent community, but there are also large populations of immigrants, minorities, etc. Housing is at a premium though, and unfortunately landlords can be picky, whether it's right or not. Most only prefer women as tenants. Popular towns to look in are Glen Cove, Sea Cliff, Roslyn, Westbury, Mineola, Hempsted, Oyster Bay, and Bay Harbor. Try contacting a realator if you're not having any luck on the NYCOM webboard. Best of luck....
 
WE GOT AN APARTMENT!!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Thank God!!!!! Man I'm glad that is over. We were starting to think we couldn't afford to live here. But we were able to get a one bedroom in Babylon, NY. It's about 20min from NYCOM. Man we're so happy. Thanks to everyone who gave suggestions on SDN. I'm upset that I actually paid $200 to do that rent-direct thing, and I actually ended up finding this place in the newspaper. Oh well......it's over. Thanks again everyone!!!!!!
 
DOnut...cool!!! I'm glad to hear that you got a place. I will be going through the same stuff in late July! Ugh...maybe something will open up...by the beach...yeah right??? We won't have time for that.

Best of luck!
 
DOnut: That's great news!...Congrats on the apartment!!

OceandocDO: Yes, you do make a good point, but I was talking about under-represented minorities in the field (school applicants + practicing physicians). The numbers of African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans in the medical field just do not add up to keep up with the increase in our population.
In regards to women being 'minority', I would have to say that even though the number female medical students is the same (or sometimes higher) than males, the truth is that the majority of hospital departmental directors/chiefs/heads are men. So, yes I do believe women are a 'minority' in this case. But if we look at the increasing number of women going into the profession this discrepancy hopefully will soon change.
You can email me if you want to discuss this outside this forum, I do believe there are many gray areas surrounding these topics.

See y'all in 19 days!!!!
 
Thanks for the love y'all.
 
DOnut..happy to hear you and your wife have finally found a place to live. :) I am not looking forward to finding a place in the next couple of months. Wish me luck! :)

Well I still haven't recieved anything...I have called a few times and still nothing. I'm very frustrated b/c it's not like I'm right around the corner. I am flying over 2000 miles for this..it just makes me mad! :mad: Everything in admissions is ok..it's just this program. I don't know what's going on. Anyhow, please keep me posted if anyone receives anything else in the mail. THANKS! :wink:
 
mbenavidez:

Try calling the admissions office or Denise Hanley. I know that they have the original letter in Schaeffer's files and they send a carbon copy to the Office of Minority Affairs. My acceptance letter was dated two weeks prior to my receiving it. Either it is in transit...or awaiting courier service. Hope that this helps. If you have a fax # where you can receive...they could do that--too. Sorry to hear about your letter.
 
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