Stony Brook vs. Hofstra

[mellohi]

Hi everyone! I'm very happy this cycle to have acceptances to Stony Brook and Hofstra. I also have an acceptance to NYMC, but I will probably not be going there. I'm having trouble deciding because the two programs are very similar in almost every metric I'm looking for...

I'm a Long Island native, so both schools are close to my family and support network. Both have excellent research. Both have excellent matches to my preferred specialties. Thank you, and any insight is extremely valued!

Stony Brook
Pros:

• More established program
• Maybe slight edge with research opportunities (is an R1 university)
• NBME exams
• 1.5y preclinical + Step 1/2 taken together (unsure if pro or con)
• Cheaper tuition than Hofstra (comes out to $52k difference over 4 years)
• Lots of shadowing available; HOME clinic seems like cool opportunity

Cons:

• Middle of nowhere, kinda far from NYC

Hofstra
Pros:

• Expansive resources of Northwell
• Also great research
• Smaller class (~100 people, only ~35 smaller than SB though)
• Closer to NYC
• PEARLs clinical curriculum seems interesting

Cons:

• Not the nicest area
• Mandatory 8am class (tbh not a huge con, mandatory class could be a good way to get some structure in my day and get to know my classmates)
• Still a newer program
• In-house written exams (con, considering SB is only NBME)

At the moment my gut feeling is leaning towards Stony Brook (very non-scientific method i know haha). Obviously yes the tuition is a factor, but I'm also curious what your thoughts are independent of cost.

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[surelycalm]

I was trying to decide between them as well, my strong lean is Stonybrook. For me it's NBME, non mandatory lectures, plus cheaper as the deciding factor. Both programs are fantastic, so there really isn't a wrong choice.

 

[stew_md]

Wait until financial aid packages. I've heard that Hofstra can be generous with aid. Based on your pros and cons it seems you're leaning towards Stony Brook though. Give it some time to see how financial aid pans out and go to the school where you feel most supported and able to succeed. If I were you I would reach out to some current students to get a feel of the culture and vibes too.

 

[surelycalm]

Since you withdrew from Hofstra today, I'm assuming you went with Stony Brook? That ended up being my choice as well. From their presentation at accepted students day and their Step1/Step2 stats it looks like it ends up being a pro. That was the only thing that had concerned me a little.