NYMC vs SUNY Downstate

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Doc AdamK in 2006

Now 2 year UB Med Doc
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Right now I have an acceptance at NYMC and I was just put on the waitlist at SUNY Downstate.

Which would you choose and why?

Thanks
Have a great day

AK

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I've also been accepted to NYMC, and I'm wait-listed at Downstate.

At this point, I'll probably choose NYMC offer Downstate. In-state tuition at Downstate is always a plus, but I think NYMC has much more to offer. The thing that draws me to NYMC are the clinical affliates in both Westcheste and NYMC- you can't get too much better than that. They also have strong committment to primary care, and community service. Their facilities are great, and much newer and nicer than Downstate. One drawback, though, is the curriculum (I prefer systems-based).

I wasn't too impressed with Downstate. Neither are many physicians that I've spoken with in the NYC city area (and that includes people who have attended Downstate). I thought that their facilities were incredibly run-down, and I'm not thrilled about the neighborhood- although you can't beat the demographics of the patient population.

One other thing that draws me to NYMC over Downstate is the demographics of the student population. NYMC's nickname is "UC Valhalla," and its name and reputation holds strong out West. This is importnat to someone like myself who hopes to eventually settle out West. My pre-med adviser (from a West coast college), didn't know a thing about Downstate's program, but raves about NYMC,
 
i think NYMC is the biggest waste of money imaginable, but that's just me :)
 
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I'm also favoring NYMC, but I wish I would get my financial aid package.

I would really like to get a scholarship.

phinicky, have you been offered a scholarship?

AK
 
Phinicky

Are you holding any other waitlist spots in NY?

Assassin:

I think for $32K/year it is way to expensive. I really need a scholarship.

AK
 
When did you interview at Downstate? I interviewed there in February and still haven't heard anything but i think I'll be waitlisted. I also interviewed at NYMC but that was in April.
 
$32,000 is a lot of money- but med school is never a waste of money. Personally, I don't mind taking out extra $$ in loans to go to a place where I think I'd be happier.

But, I was also accpeted to Upstate (and withdrew), and I'm currently waiting on GW, Stony Brook, (both wait-listed, high priority and SB), and MCP (it's been 10 weeks already!)
 
congrats, adam!
both schools have rejected me. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />
i would go with nymc. have u spoken to their fa office? also, check their match lists. nymc is huge on primary care. however, if u wanna go into em, downstate is the place.
 
i was faced with the same situation as you pre- May 15, and ultimately decided on downstate. nymc is a great school (my sister just graduated from there and had great things to say), but the tuition is just too expensive.

granted, i just visited downstate's campus again and was horrified by the student housing situation. i keep telling myself im saving 15K a year, and will graduate with great clinical experience.

and i don't know where that comment came about downstate's poor reputation. i thought that the students did great in the 2002 match.
 
I interviewed on Jan 4th

On hold 3 weeks later.

Waitlisted just last week.

AK
 
The quality of these schools is very similar. I have never heard of a reputation issue with Downstate. The match lists for the past few years are posted on Downstates website and they are very strong,so I dont see any problem. Now in terms of appearance of the physical facilities NYMC wins as Downstate is in need of much renovation.Suburbia vs Brooklyn is an individual choice.I love Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope but the immediate area of Downstate is not safe.NYMC will cost around 20K or more in loans a year at least. If money is at all consideration then Downstate is the choice hands down,otherwise NYMC would be a nicer place to be.
 
With all due respect. Picking NYMC over downstate a mistake . The education and quality of residencies are very comparable so basically the only thing that's different is the tuition.

You might not think that the money is that important now but believe me in 6 or 7 years you will. One of my friends graduated from UPenn medical school. Although UPenn is one of the best school in the country he was complaining to me that he wished he had gone to his state school.
 
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