Golden_Fox
Full Member
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Stony Brook vs SUNY Downstate - Help me decide (NYC resident, interested in anesthesia)
Context:
Accepted to Stony Brook (in-state tuition) → currently my top choice
Waitlisted at Downstate (interviewed in August, seems like decent WL movement)
Stony Brook – Pros
More structured curriculum → exams every ~4 weeks (vs large exam blocks)
Back-to-back Step 1 + Step 2 → reportedly strong Step 2 scores (~mid 250s)
Stronger research opportunities overall (important for anesthesia?)
Smaller class size (~140)
Clinical rotations mostly in one location → less travel/logistical stress
Stronger match list than Downstate this year
Stony Brook – Cons
Need a car → added cost + hassle
Around 50-75k more for housing first 1.5 years, car, and food; interest will make it go up to 100k+
Long Island lifestyle feels quieter / less to do
Further from NYC network/support system
SUNY Downstate – Pros
Brooklyn location → huge for lifestyle + staying connected to NYC (I’m a city person at heart)
Can live at home first 1.5-2 years → major cost savings
No car needed
Strong exposure to diverse/underserved patient population
SUNY Downstate – Cons
Larger class size (~200)
Less structured exam schedule (big exam blocks every 2–3 months)
Potentially fewer research opportunities (esp. for competitive specialties?)
Rotations more spread out
Gut says Downstate if I get in. However, Stony has a bunch of pros too. Let me know what you all think!
Context:
Accepted to Stony Brook (in-state tuition) → currently my top choice
Waitlisted at Downstate (interviewed in August, seems like decent WL movement)
Stony Brook – Pros
More structured curriculum → exams every ~4 weeks (vs large exam blocks)
Back-to-back Step 1 + Step 2 → reportedly strong Step 2 scores (~mid 250s)
Stronger research opportunities overall (important for anesthesia?)
Smaller class size (~140)
Clinical rotations mostly in one location → less travel/logistical stress
Stronger match list than Downstate this year
Stony Brook – Cons
Need a car → added cost + hassle
Around 50-75k more for housing first 1.5 years, car, and food; interest will make it go up to 100k+
Long Island lifestyle feels quieter / less to do
Further from NYC network/support system
SUNY Downstate – Pros
Brooklyn location → huge for lifestyle + staying connected to NYC (I’m a city person at heart)
Can live at home first 1.5-2 years → major cost savings
No car needed
Strong exposure to diverse/underserved patient population
SUNY Downstate – Cons
Larger class size (~200)
Less structured exam schedule (big exam blocks every 2–3 months)
Potentially fewer research opportunities (esp. for competitive specialties?)
Rotations more spread out
Gut says Downstate if I get in. However, Stony has a bunch of pros too. Let me know what you all think!
