Hi,
I have a couple of questions about these two programs and I hope current students and alumni will chime in. What I know so far is that SUNY Downstate and Stony Brook are the most affordable options in metro NY. (Excluding CUNY York, whose accredition was in limbo recently, I believe it's ok now.) Downstate is about $1k cheaper, and a semester shorter. Stony Brook program is longer than most (3 years), and has multiple locations. I volunteer and know students who are interested in applying to these programs.
I've meet a couple of alumni from Downstate but haven't had the chance to speak with them for a length of time. From what they've told me, Downstate is exceptional but also very competitive. (Not surprising, it's a very popular option: location, tuition wise). The only time I hear anything about Stony is on the internet, but I know that as a research science SUNY it's a strong program too.
But here are questions I can't find answers for. (Downstate has an information session that I'm attending next month.)
I have a couple of questions about these two programs and I hope current students and alumni will chime in. What I know so far is that SUNY Downstate and Stony Brook are the most affordable options in metro NY. (Excluding CUNY York, whose accredition was in limbo recently, I believe it's ok now.) Downstate is about $1k cheaper, and a semester shorter. Stony Brook program is longer than most (3 years), and has multiple locations. I volunteer and know students who are interested in applying to these programs.
I've meet a couple of alumni from Downstate but haven't had the chance to speak with them for a length of time. From what they've told me, Downstate is exceptional but also very competitive. (Not surprising, it's a very popular option: location, tuition wise). The only time I hear anything about Stony is on the internet, but I know that as a research science SUNY it's a strong program too.
But here are questions I can't find answers for. (Downstate has an information session that I'm attending next month.)
- How many students are/were in your graduating class? I know Downstate's number is low (28-33) but I can't find much on Stony Brook. I heard Stony has about 40 students per location.
- How diverse is/was your program? Again, I think Downstate leads in this by default, but I'm curious about Stony.
- How is/was your faculty, campus support system? One of my concerns for any program is how organized, reachable, and connected it will be. I'm mostly concerned about clinical placements, how recognizable faculty are in OT outside of classroom (articles, research), building networks, and finding mentors.