SUNY Decision Battle: Downstate vs Buffalo

[Mr. Game & Watch]

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Any thoughts would be appreciated! NY resident here. Really not leaning toward any specific school at the moment....

Downstate
Pros
-Closer to family (about one hour)
-Located within NYC (speaks for itself)
-Larger Public Health/Health Equity Focus (one of my stronger interests)
-Early clinical exposure
-"Integrated Pathways" aspect of the curriculum that can help with residency applications and networking
-Have friends/support already living in NYC or nearby
-More tolerable weather
-"Student-run" clinic
-True P/F
-Likely more public service opportunities
-Match List seems to slightly favor locations I would be interested in rather than favor upstate NY or midwest
-Closer to S/O
-Major exams every 2-3 months, seems like good practice for Step 1

Cons
-Much higher cost of living (and leisure activities)
-Older facilities
-Neighborhood is not the safest, especially after late night studying
-Clinical rotations all across NYC, some not in great areas and can involve an hour plus subway ride (again maybe at night too)
-Many affiliated hospitals reportedly have poor staff, meaning more work as a student
-Slightly worse match list for peds / fam med (not necessarily what I'll go into, but two specialties I'm considering)
-Unranked
-Unlikely (small chance) that I stay in NYC for residency or beyond
-Larger Class Size (210 v 180)
-Poor Administration

Buffalo
Pros
-Brand new, state-of-the-art medical education building (http://www.buffalo.edu/content/dam/...hool/dec2017/Jacobs_SMBS_Interior_4979-X2.jpg)
-Slightly stronger research focus
-Paired with a local community physician from the start of year I
-Pass/Fail system (new, but supposedly an uncertain ranking system)
-Quality school ranking (~75, not as important considering it's not top 25 but still)
-Fresh start in a new city that seems to be on the rise
-Impressive clinical skills simulation center
-"Student-run" clinic
-Closer clinical rotations and more supportive hospital staff, although driving in the snow
-Can bring my car and drive home instead of waiting for a subway

Cons
-*Bruttttal winters* (especially when mixed with stress, quite a significant factor)
-Much farther from family/friends and support - may feel isolated especially during 5 month winters
-Will not stay in upstate/western NY or the midwest for residency or beyond, about 30% of their students usually go to Rochester or stay in Buffalo

Etc.
-In-State tuition at each school, so tuition is neither a pro nor con in this case. Though again, cheaper COA overall in buffalo. But likely not enough to solely influence my decision.
Again any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated. For those similarly trying to decide I wish you all the best! Valar Dohaeris.

 

[Mr. Game & Watch]

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[meronebib]

I would go to Downstate. I feel they have a strong reputation in NYC for producing students that have lots of “hands-on” experience. It’s closer to your family too, and the general area just sounds significantly more exciting than Buffalo. Plus, it’s not as cold!

 

[Mr. Game & Watch]

I appreciate the input!

Anyone else have any insight/advice?

 

[kritkatbar]

Are you me?? In a very similar situation to you (except i'm on the waitlist for both schools lol) so i've given it a bit of thought. I am leaning more towards Downstate, even though I was very impressed by Buffalo's facilities, sense of community, and research opportunities. Since i've been living in NYC for a few years now, the idea of not having to uproot my entire life and move basically ~beyond the wall~ is very compelling (ie. being able to see non-med school friends/family on the weekends or when you have free time would be huge).

I think both programs are great though academic-wise and will get you to where you want to be! Best of luck with your decision 🙂

 

[Mr. Game & Watch]

Are you me?? In a very similar situation to you (except i'm on the waitlist for both schools lol) so i've given it a bit of thought. I am leaning more towards Downstate, even though I was very impressed by Buffalo's facilities, sense of community, and research opportunities. Since i've been living in NYC for a few years now, the idea of not having to uproot my entire life and move basically ~beyond the wall~ is very compelling (ie. being able to see non-med school friends/family on the weekends or when you have free time would be huge).

I think both programs are great though academic-wise and will get you to where you want to be! Best of luck with your decision 🙂

Mind if I PM?

 

[kritkatbar]

Mind if I PM?

feel free!

 

[Lawpy]

The schools are comparable but Downstate's location will help you out for clinical years/away rotations etc. Don't underestimate the importance of having a support system nearby (it's critical especially when school gets stressful). Also seems Downstate's better suited for your goals.

Going with Downstate hands down.

 

[55554443321]

Current M3 at Downstate. I think the biggest things that stick out from your Pros and aren't flashy selling points would be the true P/F, Step-style exams every 2-3 months (forces you learn things and retain them which in turn helps with long term retention for Step) and proximity to family, friends, S/O. Everything else you mentioned is kind of...eh.

With regards to the cons you've pretty much got all of them.

I would say that the poor staff = more work as a student is a double-edged sword. You end up doing more work (which means less time to study) but that also means that because you've had so much hands on experience managing patients and doing procedures you're able to shine on your away rotations and sub-internships during your 4th year to residency programs you're trying out for. At least that's the way my upperclassmen have framed it for me.