SUNY Downstate vs Howard COM

[Jumpet]

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Howard

Pros

• Already confirmed, have a lease
• DC is probably nicer, haven't spent much time in Brooklyn
• Have car available
• Like previous living conditions in grad school
• The students and other classes are really cohesive

Cons

• Long travel time home, (NY)
• More expensive
• Not as ‘competitive school’- potentially could be a standout in the class(pro and con)
• Fewer research labs- research opportunities seem to be largely external

SUNY Downstate
Pros

• Cost less (in state tuition)
• More ‘competitive’ –would be in the middle of the class (pro and con)
• Step 1 prep was more emphasized during tour
• No commute
• More research opportunities
• Integrated pathways
• MD/mph available

Cons

• Would have to break a lease to go
• Not as nice apartment
• I have never lived in Brooklyn (from suburban environment but I frequented NYC)
• Not as many exams- 8-12 weeks for a total of 6 exam weeks

As a URM, Howard cold be a better 'fit' but it is far from home (NY) and I already signed a lease. Is Downstate worth changing my plans? EDIT: Accepted to downstate off waitlist

 

[s_tian]

Depends. How much would it cost to break the lease or would you have to pay the entire year/find someone to sublet? And what about finding housing near Downstate? Would the difference in tuition offset the cost? Personally I don't find that DS is more competitive, and it seems like you've already established yourself at a school that you enjoy in an area you'd like to live in. I don't think it's worth changing up all your plans this late and throw in this much uncertainty.

 

[Jumpet]

Sunk costs- month of rent, parking pass, an electric fee and the hassle of moving in- 1184. To break the lease... I haven't flown the situation up with management yet but I'd likely just lose the money I put in already and have to vacate. On paper I'd need to find someone to cover the space but in MD renters have to make a reasonable effort to fill the room as well. I still see people touring the place and the undergrads have not started yet so I don't think they have a shortage of interested tenants.

Difference in tuition 3,500. I'd live off campus in a nearby town for Howard and commute using the metro, Downstate I'd be on campus, across the street from school. I can't put a finger on the availability of units at the moment (it's the weekend) but I'm anticipating one of the options being ~1500/month and the other 1200/month all included (compared to 1000/month+ electric). Really not saving as much as I thought I would.

 

[Jumpet]

Update
Difference in tuition +fees is more like 4302. Still, a lot less than anticipated.

 

[MooberGoober]

Stick with Howard, it seem to be a better fit for you.

 

[PugsAndHugs]

Not as many exams- 8-12 weeks for a total of 6 exam weeks

As a Downstate student, this is definitely a pro. It lets you study at your own pace, have a LOT of free time, and teaches you to store large amounts of info for your exams (which you need to do for Step 1 anyway).

Think about how it sounds- out of the ~18 months of preclinicals, you have 6 weeks of exams. A lot less test associated anxiety for those that tend to have it.