SUNY Stonybrook Love?

[sucksabigone]

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When I interviewed at Stonybrook I hated it. The buildings look like prisons from Mars and the student i ate lunch with told me she wakes up every day at 4 am just because she likes to and never goes to "bars" (insert sneere and repulsion at the idea that i might actually like drink or have fun in anyway). I was scared! But...alas, months have gone bye and now the location - so close to manhattan, so close to the beach- the price tag and its great reputation are drawing me in. I was wondering if anyone else was thinking of going there for class of 2010...or if anyone knows anyone who goes there and likes it?

 

[snapshot]

yeah, i'd love to go there...but it's officially 3 mos. and 2 days since my interview and the admissions office still says that no decision has been made?!?!?!?!

 

[minnie2240]

When I interviewed at Stonybrook I hated it. The buildings look like prisons from Mars and the student i ate lunch with told me she wakes up every day at 4 am just because she likes to and never goes to "bars" (insert sneere and repulsion at the idea that i might actually like drink or have fun in anyway). I was scared! But...alas, months have gone bye and now the location - so close to manhattan, so close to the beach- the price tag and its great reputation are drawing me in. I was wondering if anyone else was thinking of going there for class of 2010...or if anyone knows anyone who goes there and likes it?

I felt exactly the same way. It seemed like such a depressing and boring campus but it does have a good reputation. Honestly though, compared to the other NY schools it is not close to manhattan at all. Its like almost 2 hrs away and the nearest beach isn't exactly "Hamptons-like"....So I wanted to get some feedback from current students as well.....

 

[ziggy123]

I felt exactly the same way. It seemed like such a depressing and boring campus but it does have a good reputation. Honestly though, compared to the other NY schools it is not close to manhattan at all. Its like almost 2 hrs away and the nearest beach isn't exactly "Hamptons-like"....So I wanted to get some feedback from current students as well.....

I'm also worried about the same thing..Stonybrook seems completely dead in terms of location..but when I interviewed there I stayed with a student host and she seemed a bit more lively and actually had a life outside of school..so I'm still not sure whether it's the place for me..still holding out for a few other schools

 

[mjc48]

hey guys, i'm interviewing for the mstp there in late feb. any words of advice/general feedback? also, i live 30 minutes from there and i can tell you first hand that the closest beach is not nearly that far. if you want to go to the north shore (li sound) its all of 20 minutes. south shore (atlantic ocean) is about 45. other than that, the social scene in the summer is ok (hamptons and what not) but might be a bit dead in the winter unless you go into the city. it is mostly a commuter school, as is everything else on the island, so the people our age that are still around are likely out of college with no plans of going back or never went. also, li is an expensive place to live (more than a lot of cities) so don't expect to save money on that.

 

[tkdusb]

There's a 99.9% chance I'll be attending Stony Brook come August.

Unfortunately, unlike the majority of people, I actually loved it while I was there. I liked the fact that it was in the middle of nowhere, but I think most people frown on that.

Also, BigDan is awesome and his enthusiasm for the school is one of the many reasons I'm in love with Stony.

 

[OHMAN0125]

Don't listen to BigDan

 

[OHMAN0125]

Just kidding.. I'm a first year and i think SB is a good place if you like the suburbs (which I do). But if you like going out a lot and partying then this place is probably not as desirable as the NYC schools. But if you want to goto a SUNY then SB is probably better than the rest. 👍

 

[ILLmatic]

Just kidding.. I'm a first year and i think SB is a good place if you like the suburbs (which I do). But if you like going out a lot and partying then this place is probably not as desirable as the NYC schools. But if you want to goto a SUNY then SB is probably better than the rest. 👍

hey do u happen to know what the chances are of getting in off the post-interview waitlist?

 

[gluon999]

hey do u happen to know what the chances are of getting in off the post-interview waitlist?

Bump. I'd like to know too.

 

[OHMAN0125]

I'm not too sure, but a significant amount of students do get off the waitlist. I'd say 20%-25% of the class was probably off the list. So the real question is how many ppl are on the list. Which I don't know. BTW....u have to be proactive for StonyBrook's waitlist. I heard that ppl who contacted the office a lot and sent letters usually get off the list. But this prolly applies to any school. Lol. Good luck. 👍

 

[ashabee4]

Does anyone have any idea how long it takes to hear from the committee? I interviewed only 2 weeks ago and am already getting antsy! I really loved Stony Brook. I got a very favorable impression during my visit. I actually liked how strange the buildings were!

 

[bigdan]

Yo.

tk-Holla at your boy. Good look on the shout out. Not sure if we met at all, but send me a PM if you wanna second look or whatever.

Group-

I'm a first year here at SB. I do love the school. So as not to ramble, let me hit the highlights (my opinions only) on medical school in general. First, go where you think you'll feel good. If the place seems "dead" to you, and you are "alive", don't go there. Before ANYTHING, you have to pick where you will be happy - above tuition, above reputation, etc. I had a short list of important things for me, and (luckily, I guess) the school's exterior appearance was not on that list - our hospital may just be the ugliest building in NY. But I liked what was inside of it. Got into all 8 schools I applied to, most of 'em pretty than SB, but this works for me. Second, you are, um, going to medical school. Be sure you will get done what you need to get done when picking a school. I loved Emory and Atlanta. But it woulda cost me TONS more to go there, and I don't know that I would be taking in the city and balancing my studies. But that's the personal choice in all of us. Do what works, and remember you're gonna owe someone >100K for these four years.

Now, related to the Brook, LOTS get in off the waitlist, so hang in there.

OHMAN- reveal yourself. You know I've got nothing but good advice for the masses.

Best of luck to all you guys, whichever school you choose.

dc

 

[OHMAN0125]

I'd say you'd have to wait at least 4 weeks. 2 weeks is really fast! And they are pretty busy this time of year. I'd give it up to 6 weeks then contact the office if you must. I think when I interviewed, the Asst Dean told us the approx. amount of time it would take for a decision.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

When I interviewed at Stonybrook I hated it. The buildings look like prisons from Mars and the student i ate lunch with told me she wakes up every day at 4 am just because she likes to and never goes to "bars" (insert sneere and repulsion at the idea that i might actually like drink or have fun in anyway). I was scared! But...alas, months have gone bye and now the location - so close to manhattan, so close to the beach- the price tag and its great reputation are drawing me in. I was wondering if anyone else was thinking of going there for class of 2010...or if anyone knows anyone who goes there and likes it?

I know someone who started there this year and really loves it, although she's freaking out by the volume of work

 

[bigdan]

This second part of first year isn't bad at all. But Anatomy and Biochem together is just nuts. The anatomy course is great content wise. But it is so frickin intense in terms of what is expected. There were some things we had to learn that our prof would say: "no one knows what this does" or "this isn't important clinically", and then proceed to tell us to know it for the test. Not bad, just a lot of work.

We're used to getting out, the first semester, between 4:30 and 6, depending on how late you stayed in lab to do anatomy. But now classes are out by 3 at the absolute latest, and Fridays we're out at noon.

dc

 

[MDempress]

Question, who interviews applicants? Do all of the deans do it?

 

[OHMAN0125]

I know someone who started there this year and really loves it, although she's freaking out by the volume of work

Wait so are u saying that other med schools dont give a lot of work? I think all med schools have a ridiculous amount of work.

 

[Clocks]

This second part of first year isn't bad at all. But Anatomy and Biochem together is just nuts. The anatomy course is great content wise. But it is so frickin intense in terms of what is expected. There were some things we had to learn that our prof would say: "no one knows what this does" or "this isn't important clinically", and then proceed to tell us to know it for the test. Not bad, just a lot of work.

We're used to getting out, the first semester, between 4:30 and 6, depending on how late you stayed in lab to do anatomy. But now classes are out by 3 at the absolute latest, and Fridays we're out at noon.

dc

Sweet!

I'm willing to deal with a rough first semester in order to enjoy getting out at 3 in the spring.

What I liked about SB:
1) I know matchlists are subjective as heck and vary from year to year, but SB's matchlist was VERY impressive. The IM placements were spectacular: For those wanting to do Ortho, I think I counted 5 in the 05 class.
2) The strong matchlist is only more impressive given the small class size. I think being part of such a small class will only be a good thing. It will help build cohesion in the class and promote cooperation. I want to know my classmates 🙂
3) The location- I'm not at med school to party; its not my personality. If I want to go out, I can go out. Having spent the last 4 years of school in NYC, coming here wouldn't be that difficult.

I've also never really spent more than half a day in Long Island before- I think its a nice area to spend the next 4 years of my life. My interviewer was fantastic and gave me a great vibe of the school. Their quick turnaround post-interview and the fact that it was my first acceptance has also played a role in my enthusiasm. As always, Dan has been invaluable (you should get paid!).

Oh yeah, I also like sports. Being part of a DI school is gonna be pretty sweet . If only their b-ball team could get better. They had a solid soccer squad last year and their baseball team is pretty decent. I'll be a Seawolves homer still!

MDEmpress, I was interviewed by a faculty member by the way.

 

[ashabee4]

I interviewed on Friday, the 13th of January and learned TODAY that I have been accepted at Stony Brook! I was notified by snail mail. It took less than two weeks, which is amazing. I am incredibly excited because I really loved Stony Brook when I visited. My interviewer was a retired faculty member who was just incredible. It was completely no-stress and was very conversational. After working so hard for as long as I can remember, I never thought an acceptance would feel this rewarding...

 

[bigdan]

Ash-

Congrats! Are you coming to SB?

Who was your interviewer?

Clocks-

Sounds like you'll be here next year - be sure to tell Grace or Dr. Fuhrer that I should be getting paid!

Good luck to all still waiting to hear back or to interview!

dc

 

[DrKitty]

I can't help but hate SB 🙁 I have been complete since November and haven't heard anything from them. I called them and they said my file is under review. I think they just don't like me. And it's supposed to be my state school!

 

[ashabee4]

Dan - I will most likely be coming to SB. I should be hearing from a few more schools in the next month or so, but I liked SB the most...

 

[OHMAN0125]

I can't help but hate SB 🙁 I have been complete since November and haven't heard anything from them. I called them and they said my file is under review. I think they just don't like me. And it's supposed to be my state school!

Actually that might not be a bad thing. At least it's not a rejection right? One thing you can do if you really want to come here to SB is send a letter of intent with update materials. Be proactive. 👍

 

[tkdusb]

Hey SB students, do you know how popular the "with recognition" programs are? Do most students try to participate and graduate with recognition in research or service? Also, do any med students actually live on campus? I got the feeling while I was there that nearly everyone lives off campus. Also, is a car needed for the first two years? I know transportation isn't provided to any clinical sites, but I don't know how early you begin travelling to clinical sites. I'll have more questions later!

 

[mp457]

Dan - I will most likely be coming to SB. I should be hearing from a few more schools in the next month or so, but I liked SB the most...

it really may not be a bad thing. my application was complete in early dec and just got an interview invite from sb. if it was a rejection, they would probably have sent it to you a while ago. i am also ny resident, with an ok stat. best luck to you.

 

[OHMAN0125]

Hey SB students, do you know how popular the "with recognition" programs are? Do most students try to participate and graduate with recognition in research or service? Also, do any med students actually live on campus? I got the feeling while I was there that nearly everyone lives off campus. Also, is a car needed for the first two years? I know transportation isn't provided to any clinical sites, but I don't know how early you begin travelling to clinical sites. I'll have more questions later!

Most medical students do live off campus. Yes you will need a car for everything here on LI (u do begin to goto sites your first yr). I'm not sure about the popularity of the "recognition" programs, I know a few in my class doing it. I think it's good if you are looking to do research in a specific field your interested in. But in my opinion it will be extremely tough to publish in the limited amount of time you have for research. You also have to basically find your own research mentor (I think). This can be hard if you dont know the field you want to specialize in.

 

[bigdan]

Yup. Ohman's advice is right on.

We start travelling right away - maybe the third or fourth week we're on clinicals - so a car is necessary...minimal public transportation (if any) and things are quite spread out.

MD with recognition, to me, is in the eye of the beholder. You do get money for research. I think Ohman is right in that most folks do their research over the summer between first and second years, and that might not be enough time to get your data and try to get a paper out. You, however, might be able to get a poster out. But I'm not sure what the "with recognition" gets you (in terms of gains). I find it to be of minimal benefit, if any at all, but many think it's worth while. Up to you I guess.

Some do live on campus - cheap, close by, but it's living in a dorm again.

dc

 

[ckat]

hey there. i'm a third year at stony brook.

here's my two cents...

first two years are tough. especially 1st semester of first year. the adjustment is hard, probably harder than the adjustment to college. 2nd year probably gets a bit tougher, tho you are a bit more used to studying and the material is more interesting, however, you are going thru systems, and one system can be over in a few weeks.

as for research, by all means, do it if you're interesed, but you don't have to. there's plenty of time b/w 1st and 2nd year to go away for a few weeks and do research. at least 30% of my class is doing the MD with recognition thing, but I'm not, and I still did research on my own.

Having come from a private college, I have to say that going to a public school has both its advantages and disadvantages. Of course, I am saving a lot of money, but there is no such thing as a free lunch. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like at a private school. However, ultimately, I know I am getting a decent education at a decent price. I did fine on the boards, as did everyone else that I hang out with. Keep in mind that this is medical school, and you won't be out hanging out at bars all the time like you may be used to. NYC is sorta far away, b/c of the traffic on LI, but first year, I used to go into nyc EVERY weekend and stay there for the entire weekend. It can be done, and people do it.

There are even people who live in queens and even manhattan the first two years. Granted, not many, but people do it. And definitely third year with the option to do clinical rotations in nassau county, people definitely move away from stony brook and into nassua, queens and even manhattan.

People do match well here, and I think most people going thru the school are worried about how they will do and how competitive they are. but as the dean always tells us from day one, people are pleasantly surprised how they do, as Stony Brook does have a great reputation. Last year's match list speaks for itself and was phenomenal. Great medicine placements, great specialty placements, like ortho 5/5 and even a plastics combined 6 yr program, prolly one of the most competitive programs out there. This year, speaking to 4th years, they are all happy with the types of interviews they are getting.

anyway, this is my two cents, if you have questions, reply to this thread. If you really want to have a talk, PM me and we can set something up.

 

[snapshot]

3.5 months since my interview... what's going on?!?!?! i'm hesitant to call the admissions office again, but seriously...i don't think this is normal!

 

[ckat]

3.5 months since my interview... what's going on?!?!?! i'm hesitant to call the admissions office again, but seriously...i don't think this is normal!

just go ahead and call. send another letter. 3.5 months is too long.

 

[karat]

Is SB still sending out interview invites? Or if we haven't heard at this point...should we just assume a rejection?

 

[ckat]

sb interviews thru march, so don't despair yet.

however, i would recommend writing to them now to express your continued interest.

 

[radioh3ad]

i've been wait listed at SB. had a great interview with dr. schechter. love that guy. went to michigan too.

should i just keep writing that they're my first choice? keep contacting the admissions office? how would u compare going to BU vs. Stonybrook?

 

[bigdan]

Radio-

I'd send something periodically. After they stop interviewing - which is guess is in March - send again. And hang in there - MANY students in my class got in off the waitlist.

Re: BU, I can't really say. You may (or may not) have read my previous posts; if you're a NYS resident, you'll like the SB price. Our 2005 Match List was nuts. And our Biochem course director, Dr. Schechter, is also nuts, as you've seen. Good luck either way.

Snapshot-

Check your PM.

dc

 

[OHMAN0125]

i've been wait listed at SB. had a great interview with dr. schechter. love that guy. went to michigan too.

should i just keep writing that they're my first choice? keep contacting the admissions office? how would u compare going to BU vs. Stonybrook?

If your a NYS resident, I'd go with SB. Match lists are great at both schools. My cousin is at BU and he loves it. But is the price worth it? I would have to say probably not. But I'm pretty sure the nightlife there is better than LI. But I never go out anyways. So I really wouldnt know. Lol.

 

[radioh3ad]

damnit it's gonna be a tough choice if i get in off the waitlist. will it be a problem to get financial aid if i do get in that late? should i just fill out the FAFSA and institutional aid forms now?

 

[ckat]

yup u got it... the way to play the game is to keep on writing letters, and then writing more letters. nothing shows them that you love them than you writing letters saying how much you love the school and why you want to go there.

friend of mine goes to bu. she likes it, but couple things about bu. it's mad expensive, boston is expensive, and bu also has a lot of class time that is hard to miss, as they do not have a note taking service.

while sb is moving more and more to making classes more mandatory, b/c the administration is fighting a losing battle with the new dean and the curriculum commitee and bitter professors, there is still less class time than bu.

as to financial aid, just fill out fafsa and you'll be fine. fin aid at sb consists of 8500/year of federal subsidized loans, and the rest in unsubsidized loans.

i can understand the hard choice, i love boston, having gone to college there and the surrounding environment b/w the two schools is very very different. again, tho, if you're the type who wants to hang out in the city, you can do it at sb. it might take a little bit more effort, but if that's what you want, then you can do it. as i've said before, i went into the city every weekend for all of first year and then 2nd year i went up to boston at least once a month.