SLU vs SUNY Downstate

[cherrykissel]

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Hi SDN,I was hoping I could get some opinions in choosing between SLU and SUNY Downstate.
I'm from California and would be OOS at both. I'm not interested in research.
I'm concerned about safety at both schools, but I felt that the area around SLU was slightly safer than Flatbush.

SLU:
Pro's:
- P/F grading
- Lectures end by noon, with few group sessions throughout the week
- Positive atmosphere; students were unstressed, friendly, and very happy with their school
- Faculty/administrators seemed supportive and helpful
Con's:
- Price (~50k/year tuition)
- Would need a car

SUNY Downstate:
Pro's:
- Price (~50k first year, ~30k for years 2, 3, 4)
- Great clinical experience
- NYC
Con's
- H/HP/P/F grading, not curved
- Unimpressed with my interview day

I'm not sure how much time I'd spend on campus at Downstate. According to their calendar, it looks like lectures+ group activities generally run from 9AM-3 or 4 PM, but I've also heard that lectures are optional?


I don't know if my impressions of these schools based on one single day is a good indicator of the school's atmosphere in general, but my impression was that the students at SLU seemed very happy, while the students at Downstate seemed indifferenet.

Any input, especially from current students, would be appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[Sephiroth]

I'd go to SUNY Downstate. I really like NYC (hope to end up there eventually), Downstate has a better rep, so that may help you with your residency selection. Even if you're not interested in research, it is important for more competitive residencies, and even for something like IM would probably be helpful for getting the top programs. And SUNY is cheaper too, so that's another plus. I don't personally mind the H/HP stuff, I don't know how much it might bother you though.

Full disclosure: I'm on SLU's waitlist , but didn't get in to Downstate. That said, I honestly would personally much prefer to go to DOwnstate.

 

[Velour Fog]

Are you positive the SUNY will give you in-state tuition after a year? When I was at Upstate and this question came up, the asker was pretty much told there will be no more residency changes for OOS students as of this year.

Jus' sayin'.

 

[kpcrew]

it sounds like you think slu would be a better fit for you. quality of life is important and if you don't think that the atmosphere or the location of a school feels right, then it might be worth paying more for slu.

 

[cherrykissel]

I'd go to SUNY Downstate. I really like NYC (hope to end up there eventually), Downstate has a better rep, so that may help you with your residency selection. Even if you're not interested in research, it is important for more competitive residencies, and even for something like IM would probably be helpful for getting the top programs. And SUNY is cheaper too, so that's another plus. I don't personally mind the H/HP stuff, I don't know how much it might bother you though.

Full disclosure: I'm on SLU's waitlist , but didn't get in to Downstate. That said, I honestly would personally much prefer to go to DOwnstate.

Thanks for your input! I'm not too concerned with the grading in general, but I'm just worried that it could create a competitive, cut-throat environment among students. My interviewer has told me that she thinks the class gets along very well, but I haven't heard a first-hand account from a student...

Are you positive the SUNY will give you in-state tuition after a year? When I was at Upstate and this question came up, the asker was pretty much told there will be no more residency changes for OOS students as of this year.

Jus' sayin'.

I've read about this on SDN several times, but during my interview at Downstate, I was told that OOS students would quality for in-state tuition as long as they've lived there 12 months, registered to vote, etcetc... Does anyone have more info on this?

it sounds like you think slu would be a better fit for you. quality of life is important and if you don't think that the atmosphere or the location of a school feels right, then it might be worth paying more for slu.

Thanks for commenting!

 

[desiprincess787]

hey there, congrats on both your acceptances! I would say to go where you feel most comfortable. That being said, maybe you should contact some SUNY Downstate students and talk to them? I say this because I interviewed at SLU and got the same vibe from the students that you got from the SUNY students. Sometimes it just depends on the day, the exam schedule, who you meet and when you meet students, so interview day might not always be the best indicator of "happiness." Moreover, I'm definitely jealous of the diversity of clinical exposure you'd get in NYC.

Last question--did you get off of the WL at SLU?

Good luck with your decision!

 

[silverwyvern4]

Hi SDN,I was hoping I could get some opinions in choosing between SLU and SUNY Downstate.
I'm from California and would be OOS at both. I'm not interested in research.
I'm concerned about safety at both schools, but I felt that the area around SLU was slightly safer than Flatbush.

SUNY Downstate:
Pro's:
- Price (~50k first year, ~30k for years 2, 3, 4)
- Great clinical experience
- NYC
Con's
- H/HP/P/F grading, not curved
- Unimpressed with my interview day

I'm not sure how much time I'd spend on campus at Downstate. According to their calendar, it looks like lectures+ group activities generally run from 9AM-3 or 4 PM, but I've also heard that lectures are optional?

If you live near the school at Downstate, then you don't have to travel at night. I always take the shuttle bus from the subway even in the day time because it's easy!
Our grades are not curved. AOA is based on your class ranking, but that's true for every school. I usually wake up at 11am because morning lectures are usually optional.

 

[cherrykissel]

hey there, congrats on both your acceptances! I would say to go where you feel most comfortable. That being said, maybe you should contact some SUNY Downstate students and talk to them? I say this because I interviewed at SLU and got the same vibe from the students that you got from the SUNY students. Sometimes it just depends on the day, the exam schedule, who you meet and when you meet students, so interview day might not always be the best indicator of "happiness." Moreover, I'm definitely jealous of the diversity of clinical exposure you'd get in NYC.

Last question--did you get off of the WL at SLU?

Good luck with your decision!

Thanks for your comment! I will email the school and ask if they can get in contact with a curent student!

I got the acceptance email from SLU late May...I think the WL is moving quickly now, my friend was also offered an acceptance about a week ago (I interviewed in Jan, hers was in Feb).

If you live near the school at Downstate, then you don't have to travel at night. I always take the shuttle bus from the subway even in the day time because it's easy!
Our grades are not curved. AOA is based on your class ranking, but that's true for every school. I usually wake up at 11am because morning lectures are usually optional.

Thank you for your input! I was thinking about finding an apartment in Park Slope, but I was nervous about commuting late at night after Anatomy lab... I might think about finding a place nearby the school. Btw, do you think that the grading leads to competition among students?

 

[silverwyvern4]

Thank you for your input! I was thinking about finding an apartment in Park Slope, but I was nervous about commuting late at night after Anatomy lab... I might think about finding a place nearby the school. Btw, do you think that the grading leads to competition among students?

I've never gone to the anatomy late except at the mock practical when lots of students commute together anyways. I can't predict your class, but my class has many students who share helpful tips and resources with each other.

 

[jplkl]

I've read about this on SDN several times, but during my interview at Downstate, I was told that OOS students would quality for in-state tuition as long as they've lived there 12 months, registered to vote, etcetc... Does anyone have more info on this?

OP, you should read the info at the etcetc link again. There are words in it which suggest that you must live in New York State 12 monhts prior to starting school in order to get NYS residency. The section in question notes.....A U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.A. whose domicile has been in New York State for a one-year period prior to registration pays in-state tuition rates. Persons who do not meet this one-year requirement are out-of-state residents and pay out of state tuition rates.

 

[india45]

From everywhere I interviewed at P/F was pushed at every school that option was available.

Given that though, Downstate has the better reputation. My only apprehensiveness comes from it not P/F and the area. However, I think that both those may be small issues for you. Also, the lectures being recorded creates a pretty lax environment on a daily basis.

It's been said before but go to the school where you would learn better in and have a better time. Brooklyn isn't Manhattan but its pretty darn close so you could go in and explore Manhattan whenever you wanted.

Full disclosure - Waitlisted at Downstate

If finances are important - Go to Downstate but if not then just go to the place that will make you happier - it seems like you liked the vibe at SLU more but seem to be leaning towards Downstate - that is you almost want a reason to push you over the edge to going there.

 

[ryuuzaki]

Thanks for your input! I'm not too concerned with the grading in general, but I'm just worried that it could create a competitive, cut-throat environment among students. My interviewer has told me that she thinks the class gets along very well, but I haven't heard a first-hand account from a student...



I've read about this on SDN several times, but during my interview at Downstate, I was told that OOS students would quality for in-state tuition as long as they've lived there 12 months, registered to vote, etcetc... Does anyone have more info on this?



Thanks for commenting!

As a current Downstate student, I can tell you now that we are, without a shadow of a doubt, the least competitive medical students you'd probably find at any of the SUNYs in NY. I am not even kidding.

Virtually no one here is cut-throat. We all work together, share notes. Our Facebook group hits 10 posts a day on average, and is probably read by 75% of the class on a daily basis. Don't worry about the H/HP/P/F.

Also, OP, not having a curve is a PRO, not a CON. A curve will put you on the bottom even if you do astoundingly well.

Passing is 68, High Pass is 85, and Honors is 90. Everything is on an absolute scale.

I forgot to mention--attend Downstate. No contest versus SLU, hands down.

 

[Sephiroth]

As a current Downstate student, I can tell you now that we are, without a shadow of a doubt, the least competitive medical students you'd probably find at any of the SUNYs in NY. I am not even kidding.

Virtually no one here is cut-throat. We all work together, share notes. Our Facebook group hits 10 posts a day on average, and is probably read by 75% of the class on a daily basis. Don't worry about the H/HP/P/F.

Also, OP, not having a curve is a PRO, not a CON. A curve will put you on the bottom even if you do astoundingly well.

Passing is 68, High Pass is 85, and Honors is 90. Everything is on an absolute scale.

Love ur username/av. One of my favorite shows.

 

[kautionwirez]

As a current Downstate student, I can tell you now that we are, without a shadow of a doubt, the least competitive medical students you'd probably find at any of the SUNYs in NY. I am not even kidding.

Virtually no one here is cut-throat. We all work together, share notes. Our Facebook group hits 10 posts a day on average, and is probably read by 75% of the class on a daily basis. Don't worry about the H/HP/P/F.

Also, OP, not having a curve is a PRO, not a CON. A curve will put you on the bottom even if you do astoundingly well.

Passing is 68, High Pass is 85, and Honors is 90. Everything is on an absolute scale.

I forgot to mention--attend Downstate. No contest versus SLU, hands down.

Isn't it stressful if you want to Honor?

Love ur username/av. One of my favorite shows.

Death note? (Awesome show!)

 

[deleted454156]

As someone who is waitlisted at both, I would definitely go to Downstate over SLU. Reasons? Price, renowned clinical experience, and I am more interested in doing medicine in an urban area like Brooklyn than Saint Louis.

 

[cherrykissel]

OP, you should read the info at the etcetc link again. There are words in it which suggest that you must live in New York State 12 monhts prior to starting school in order to get NYS residency. The section in question notes.....A U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.A. whose domicile has been in New York State for a one-year period prior to registration pays in-state tuition rates. Persons who do not meet this one-year requirement are out-of-state residents and pay out of state tuition rates.

Hrm....I thought this is saying that I would need to live in NY for a minimum of 12mo before I get in-state tuition when I register for the second/third/fourth years...I guess I will e-mail though, just to set it straight. Thanks for your concern though 🙂

I've never gone to the anatomy late except at the mock practical when lots of students commute together anyways. I can't predict your class, but my class has many students who share helpful tips and resources with each other.

Thanks again for your input, I appreciate hearing from current students!

It's been said before but go to the school where you would learn better in and have a better time. Brooklyn isn't Manhattan but its pretty darn close so you could go in and explore Manhattan whenever you wanted.

Full disclosure - Waitlisted at Downstate

If finances are important - Go to Downstate but if not then just go to the place that will make you happier - it seems like you liked the vibe at SLU more but seem to be leaning towards Downstate - that is you almost want a reason to push you over the edge to going there.

Thanks for commenting! I was pretty set on attending SLU (it was my first acceptance after all), but I'm having a hard time choosing now that Downstate's come into the picture...

As a current Downstate student, I can tell you now that we are, without a shadow of a doubt, the least competitive medical students you'd probably find at any of the SUNYs in NY. I am not even kidding.

Virtually no one here is cut-throat. We all work together, share notes. Our Facebook group hits 10 posts a day on average, and is probably read by 75% of the class on a daily basis. Don't worry about the H/HP/P/F.

Also, OP, not having a curve is a PRO, not a CON. A curve will put you on the bottom even if you do astoundingly well.

Passing is 68, High Pass is 85, and Honors is 90. Everything is on an absolute scale.

I forgot to mention--attend Downstate. No contest versus SLU, hands down.

Thank you for commenting 🙂 It means a lot to hear that from a current student.

As someone who is waitlisted at both, I would definitely go to Downstate over SLU. Reasons? Price, renowned clinical experience, and I am more interested in doing medicine in an urban area like Brooklyn than Saint Louis.

Thanks for your input, I hope you get off the waitlist soon!

 

[SUNY DOWNSTATE]

downstate!! I am going there and am excited for the clinical training there

 

[ryuuzaki]

Isn't it stressful if you want to Honor?



Death note? (Awesome show!)

I don't know how to answer your question. Medical school is stressful overall.

Having H/HP added to the mix of possible grades doesn't make it anymore stressful. In theory you may think it might, but in reality it really doesn't.

 

[ryuuzaki]

I have to add one more thing: silver is right. Your experience will be dependent on the people who make up your class. The current trend is that the last few classes that have entered Downstate are not competitive with each other and are very helpful.

 

[FIREitUP]

I don't know how to answer your question. Medical school is stressful overall.

Having H/HP added to the mix of possible grades doesn't make it anymore stressful. In theory you may think it might, but in reality it really doesn't.

I disagree; I do think adding honors to the mix makes it more stressful. There's so many things I would just not study as much because they're useless if there was just P/F and no internal ranking. Incidentally these are the same topics that are taught poorly and not really covered in review books.