SUNY Buffalo vs. Hofstra

[demystifie]

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So I was just accepted at Buffalo and I'm trying to make this last minute decision between Buffalo and Hofstra. I'm interested in neurosurgery and both schools have residency programs in neurosurgery (not sure how they compare though). I'm looking to do research during med school as well so I'm not sure if one school would be better than the other in this regard.

Here are my pros and cons:

Buffalo:
Pros:
-More established school
-Traditional curriculum with a mix of lectures and PBL
-Solid match list
-New building in the works
-Research opportunities may be better here

Cons:
-Cold weather
-Further from family
-I think grading is H/P/F (let me know if this is wrong)

Hofstra
Pros:
-Innovative curriculum (PBL and early clinical experience)
-about $10k less expensive than Buffalo per year (scholarship)
-small class size
-True P/F grading
-close to home
-NSLIJ hospital system
-everything is bran new

Cons:
-New school
-Curriculum seems to be a work in progress
-Have to drive a lot
-Prosection anatomy lab

Thanks!

 

[Cyberdyne 101]

I say Hofstra. It's closer to home and you already have contacts in the area for research, etc.

I still hope you end up at Dartmouth!! 😉

 

[rmpruitt]

I'm a current Hofstra MS3 applying to Neurosurgery residency next year. If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me.

Be aware that your interests in medicine may change. I had no idea that I wanted neurosurg. However, I have found some pretty incredible mentors, and if your interests stay the same there are plenty of amazing people here that will help you reach your goals.

 

[demystifie]

Thanks everyone, I'm going with Hofstra!

 

[pink/\floyd]

Thanks everyone, I'm going with Hofstra!

Congratulations and enjoy Hofstra!

 

[Sarah_Sonny25]

OP I actually had the same decision as you and I ended up going with Buffalo for personal reasons (boyfriend is at school there), cost, and regional preference (I'm an upstater). I think when it boils down to it you just gotta go with your gut and where you can see yourself living and practicing. I hope you have fun and enjoy Hofstra a lot!!!

 

[demystifie]

OP I actually had the same decision as you and I ended up going with Buffalo for personal reasons (boyfriend is at school there), cost, and regional preference (I'm an upstater). I think when it boils down to it you just gotta go with your gut and where you can see yourself living and practicing. I hope you have fun and enjoy Hofstra a lot!!!

Thanks, best of luck to you at Buffalo!