SUNY Downstate vs Stony Brook

[snakemuffin]

I was prepared to go to Downstate, but just found out that I was accepted from the waitlist at Stony Brook. I have 24 hours to decide. I have been back and forth probably 5 times in the past hour. Roughly, here are my pros and cons for each school:

Stony Brook

Pros:

• Newer, nicer facilities
• More extensive research opportunities
• More global opportunities/study abroad options, which is something I’m interested in
• Better reputation (??)

Cons:

• Location is middle of nowhere Long Island (this is the biggest con in my book)
• From what I understand, it’s H/P/F, but this might be outdated information
• Less diverse patient population

Downstate:

Pros:

• Location: Brooklyn. I think I’d really enjoy living in Brooklyn. I’ve spent the past 5 years in rural NY and am growing a bit tired of it. City living is attractive, but I may be romanticizing it in my head.
• Patient diversity: Probably one of the most diverse patient populations in the US
• Impressive match list (but I’m not sure it’s much different than Stony Brooks)
• P/F

Cons:

• Campus and facilities are quite outdated and gloomy. This might get depressing.
• a more chaotic environment, which may not be as conducive to my education, plus I’ve heard some pretty bad things about the disorganized and uncompromising administration here
• Location: immediate location of the school is in a pretty bad part of town.
• Reputation not as good as Stony Brook?

This is a really tough decision for me. At first I thought Stony Brook was the right decision without question, but I can’t help but think I might be missing out on the city living and patient population of Brooklyn. What are your thoughts?

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[voxveritatisetlucis]

Stony brook is generally agreed to be the best state med school in NY, but I don’t think the prestige difference is enough. I would either go cheaper or where you have a better feeling.

Both are expensive COLs but Brooklyn more so obviously.

 

[GrainofSalt]

I think here ur gut is telling you to go to stony. But truth be told, both schools will get u to where you want to go.

Also, the city will always be there for you. Especially if ur going to a well know solid mid tier school like stony, u should have no problem matching back into nyc. Also, the patient population situation certainly isn't as drastic as you think it might be. Stony is ranked pretty well and will certainly offer you solid clinical experiences. What do you think?

 

[PugsAndHugs]

Think about where you will be happier. The prestige/rank difference is not big enough to have a significant impact on your career/future plans. As a Downstate alum, although the facilities are not brand new state of the art, the library (where you will be spending most of your time) is new with extremely comfortable chairs and well lit + natural light which i thoroughly enjoyed for my 4 years lol. Also I had no trouble with administration during my time, neither did my close friends, I think this is over exaggerated… Again go where you think you will be the happiest. If there is a significant difference in tuition, go with the cheaper one.

 

[doctorspicychai]

Talking to students at both schools, I have heard much better things about administration and assistance from staff at Stony Brook. Although getting into medical school may have seemed to be the hardest part, you have 4 years in which you will need guidance from faculty to help you be successful both through the step exams and beyond when matching residency. That being said, a medical school education is a medical school education. If it is important for you to be in the city (despite the rising cost of living) instead of right outside with the ability to commute in, then do so. I think you will be successful wherever you go, and congratulations on the opportunity to decide!

 

[sp333]

Congrats on getting accepted into both programs. Both are amazing schools to get into and you should be proud of all your accomplishments thus far. A relative of mine actually did his residency at Stony Brook and he said that it was a once in a lifetime experience. As for the concerns of the patient demographic, DS definitely does have a diverse patient background that can broaden your experience into patient care. Having said this, I don't know if there will be a substantial difference in the patients that you will ultimately be treating if you were to go to Stony Brook. There are definitely many factors to consider and it is a good thing that you logged all the pros and cons of each school. I would recommend you rank like the top 3 characteristics of what you value when choosing a med school and see which school aligns more with your desires.

 

[Putkernerinthehall]

I think the only real downside to SB is the somewhat boring location halfway out on Long Island. Otherwise it has a lot going for it as OP and others have noted. I haven't looked at DS but SB matches very well to NYC and New England.

 

[GrainofSalt]

I think the only real downside to SB is the somewhat boring location halfway out on Long Island. Otherwise it has a lot going for it as OP and others have noted. I haven't looked at DS but SB matches very well to NYC and New England.

Honestly the travel isn't too terrible. A lirr ride is only about 2 hrs to NYC. I'd just do some anki on the train 🤣🤣

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

Honestly the travel isn't too terrible. A lirr ride is only about 2 hrs to NYC. I'd just do some anki on the train 🤣🤣

Really? Two hours? I thought it was much quicker than that but maybe things have gotten worse traffic wise since covid.

 

[GrainofSalt]

Really? Two hours? I thought it was much quicker than that but maybe things have gotten worse traffic wise since covid.

I've taken the lirr a few times to stony and it's about 2 I remeber haha

 

[snakemuffin]

Thank you all for your responses. I think I’m going to choose Stony Brook

 

[GrainofSalt]

Thank you all for your responses. I think I’m going to choose Stony Brook

Congratulations again!!!

 

[LunaOri]

Stony Brook! It’s close to the beach, an easy train ride in to NYC, and in a pretty nice location. It’s not as rural as you think.

 

[medstudent247]

I think you’re making the right decision with stony brook!