NYMC vs Downstate (tale as old as time)

[disorder]

I know this has been discussed in previous years, or almost EVERY year, so I figured I'd start off this year's thread.

All things being equal, I think both schools are evenly matched and it comes down to factors other than education.

I will save money by going to Downstate (~45k) because I will be able pay in-state tuition after my first year. I won't need a car at Downstate, thus I'll save money in insurance, maintenance, and gas. However, living expenses are more in Brooklyn. Downstate gets the nod in clinical experience. It's been a dream of mine to live in a city, but I'm used to a suburban environment and there's comfort in it.

My major hesitation about Downstate is that I would love to come back to CA. Both match well, but NYMC obviously matches more people into CA programs. How viable should the probability of matching into a CA program affect my decision (since it's largely "luck")? I liked the facilities at NYMC, but was largely unimpressed by the interview day (the intangible "no spark"). Students at both schools seemed equally happy. NYMC is obviously in a safer area, but there are nice parts of Brooklyn other than in the Downstate area.

Both schools seemed to be "safeties" for most of their students. I commonly hear this about each school "XXXX wasnt my first choice, but..."
NYMC- "...look at our excellent board scores and we match well."
Downstate- "...we have awesome clinical experience and are well prepared for residency." (I keep hearing the spiel that attendings like Downstate graduates)

X-Factor- I have a fiancee that will most likely work in Manhattan. She wants to eventually move back to CA as well. Pro-tip: Don't work full-time, plan a wedding and apply to medical school simultaneously.


Appreciate the help! I thought I had clarity in this process until I got the WL acceptance from NYMC this morning.





Appendix
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=369988
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=367505
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=254146
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=14236

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[BJPENNSTATE]

go to Downstate, it's a better school overall.

the only reason why SUNY Downstate doesnt have more people match in Cali programs is because NYMC is a private school and most of the students are from CA and most of the Downstate students are from NY and want to stay in New York.

 

[disorder]

go to Downstate, it's a better school overall.

the only reason why SUNY Downstate doesnt have more people match in Cali programs is because NYMC is a private school and most of the students are from CA and most of the Downstate students are from NY and want to stay in New York.

Interesting. I kind of wondered about this, actually, and it did seem the majority of students are NY residents (however there did seem to be a good number of CA students as well...).

You're at Penn State? loved it when I interviewed there... too bad there's no WL movement.

 

[kstreet]

Both are good schools and your education will be a product of your own motivations rather than the reputation of the schools on SDN.

All else being equal, go to the one that is cheaper for the long haul.

 

[aznb0y129]

To the OP, I only got into NYMC and Downstate, but my decision was easy being a NY resident. I chose Downstate for financial reasons as well as the clinical experience. Being from CA, your tuition costs will initially be comparable, but you can apply for IS residency after first-year and save some money.

I would recommend Downstate