Temple vs. Downstate

[tweaked17]

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Hey all,

I'm faced with what I consider to be a difficult decision, as the title implies.

I got a really good vibe from Temple, similar to how I felt at Upstate (where I was rejected, unfortunately).

Both schools seem like they would lend great clinical experience. Am I wrong?

Downstate is closer to home. I live about 15 miles east, on Long Island. I have considered the fact that in Philly, I would have little/no support system. On the other hand, it's not that far from home (1.5-2hrs?).

So, here's what I'd like to hear: your honest opinion about both schools and your reasons for choosing one over the other; please leave tuition out of the equation (clearly Downstate wins in that category); feel free to mention things about the cost of living in both areas, however, if you are a resident.

SDN has been a great resource in the time since I began considering medicine, so I'm hoping to get some good advice. Thanks in advance, and good luck to those of you who are still waiting to hear back from your top choices

 

[go lakers]

I interviewed at both schools and was accepted to Temple (last cycle). I got a similar vibe from both schools as far as clinical experience - you are going to get your hands dirty at Kings County and @ Temple Hospital. You are going to see a lot and do a lot at both places.

However, there is a new building opening up for Temple Med next year (I think) and that is something positive to consider. The other thing that favors Temple for me is this hard to describe, positive vibe I got when I interviewed there. The students and faculty seemed like happier people and I just got more positive vibes about being a medical student there. I know thats not very helpful, but I'd pick DS in your situation, considering tuition & location. GL

 

[ar2388]

i would also pick downstate because I somehow get the feeling that not that it is more prestigious than temple (please I do not mean offense or anything, i am just terrible with words tonight it seems) but that it may be considered "better" in some people's eyes because of the insane clinical experience you will get at King's County. Also, if you are thinking about going into EM or surgery or something of the sort, then you want to see everything you possibly can and downstate would be better for that I think. And NYC is still a whole lot bigger than philly and that again would probably help with clinical experience.

 

[rama kandra]

Im a fan of Downstate, and my opinion is that you should go to Temple.

Being from New York, you could spend 4 years in Philly and come back to New York for residency and beyond. I initially thought of endorsing DS for you, b/c of location and such, but now after reading into Temple, I think you should go there.

Anytime a new facility opens its really exciting to see the impact. No doubt, Temples new building is really going to help its reputation and its a school on the rise. Facilities at DS are really not so hot (a few buddies know this first hand) and I just think that facilities are kinda important to me, since I like to work and learn in a good environment and Temple will have some exciting new things to boast.

As far as clinical exposure is concerned, you will find a lot of it in that part of Philly too. There are plenty of med students in the city and plenty of hospitals, just like New York.

So take this with a grain of salt, but staying in Brooklyn for medical school is kind of nothing to be excited about IMO when looking at what Temple can feel like. You'll be happy to work and enjoy a new building like that. Goodluck!

 

[tweaked17]

I interviewed at both schools and was accepted to Temple (last cycle). I got a similar vibe from both schools as far as clinical experience - you are going to get your hands dirty at Kings County and @ Temple Hospital. You are going to see a lot and do a lot at both places.

However, there is a new building opening up for Temple Med next year (I think) and that is something positive to consider. The other thing that favors Temple for me is this hard to describe, positive vibe I got when I interviewed there. The students and faculty seemed like happier people and I just got more positive vibes about being a medical student there. I know thats not very helpful, but I'd pick DS in your situation, considering tuition & location. GL

The new facilities are pretty enticing, and I definitely got a great vibe from the people there. No one really acknowledged me at Downstate. I'm thinking about going back to both schools for a second look.

I'm not considering tuition at this time (like I said above), because I'm considering the HPSP. If I were to finance on my own, Downstate would win hands down. Who wants that kind of debt?

i would also pick downstate because I somehow get the feeling that not that it is more prestigious than temple (please I do not mean offense or anything, i am just terrible with words tonight it seems) but that it may be considered "better" in some people's eyes because of the insane clinical experience you will get at King's County. Also, if you are thinking about going into EM or surgery or something of the sort, then you want to see everything you possibly can and downstate would be better for that I think. And NYC is still a whole lot bigger than philly and that again would probably help with clinical experience.

Temple has really improved recently. I think I'd see similar pathologies in both cities, to be honest. One thing I heard from an MS4 at Downstate is that you have a lot of autonomy and responsibility on clinicals.

 

[rama kandra]

ps that building is f'ing cool. and thats coming from a once-nearly-architect

 

[tweaked17]

Im a fan of Downstate, and my opinion is that you should go to Temple.

Being from New York, you could spend 4 years in Philly and come back to New York for residency and beyond. I initially thought of endorsing DS for you, b/c of location and such, but now after reading into Temple, I think you should go there.

Anytime a new facility opens its really exciting to see the impact. No doubt, Temples new building is really going to help its reputation and its a school on the rise. Facilities at DS are really not so hot (a few buddies know this first hand) and I just think that facilities are kinda important to me, since I like to work and learn in a good environment and Temple will have some exciting new things to boast.

As far as clinical exposure is concerned, you will find a lot of it in that part of Philly too. There are plenty of med students in the city and plenty of hospitals, just like New York.

So take this with a grain of salt, but staying in Brooklyn for medical school is kind of nothing to be excited about IMO when looking at what Temple can feel like. You'll be happy to work and enjoy a new building like that. Goodluck!

Another really important thing to consider is teaching style. Downstate is organ-based, and students I spoke to said they really liked that there were more frequent blocks/exams because you wound up studying less for each one (and, according to them, doing better).

Anyone have more insight to offer?

 

[StPlayrXtreme]

You should also consider the difference in cost...downstate's tuition is a bargain.

I also disagree with the previous posts that say you should go to Temple because their building is nicer. In my opinion, it's really not worth an extra $100,000 for a similar educational experience, even if the building happens to be new.

I think the two schools are of similar quality. I'd go to a second look at downstate just to be sure. If still think Temple is worth the extra debt, then by all means go for it.

 

[tweaked17]

You should also consider the difference in cost...downstate's tuition is a bargain.

I also disagree with the previous posts that say you should go to Temple because their building is nicer. In my opinion, it's really not worth an extra $100,000 for a similar educational experience, even if the building happens to be new.

I think the two schools are of similar quality. I'd go to a second look at downstate just to be sure. If still think Temple is worth the extra debt, then by all means go for it.

Thank you, but as I mentioned twice above, I'd like to leave tuition out of the equation. I'm interested in the HPSP, and if I choose not to do it, Downstate would be my choice hands down.

 

[StPlayrXtreme]

Ah...I missed the HPSP part. If you don't have to pay for it, then go to Temple.

 

[tweaked17]

Ah...I missed the HPSP part. If you don't have to pay for it, then go to Temple.

Other than Uncle Sam footing the bill, is there a reason you say this?

 

[ar2388]

second look is an excellent idea! esp since downstate has that realyl cool sounding shadow-a-student program. give it a shot at both schools and then see where your mind is

 

[tweaked17]

second look is an excellent idea! esp since downstate has that realyl cool sounding shadow-a-student program. give it a shot at both schools and then see where your mind is

I think it's really tough to take everything in the first time around. Intimidation factor (which is directly proportionate to how much you like a school).

I have to find time to do this before May. I'm taking 21 credits this semester.

More please 👍

 

[rama kandra]

It seems like both schools are the same in terms of teaching style. Temple has 6 blocks in year one and DS has 9. Both are basically organ and system based and so I only see the advantage of having more blocks at DS.

 

[ar2388]

21 credits?! my god. i am a slacker with my 13 but i wanted an easy last semester

 

[JackInTheBox]

In my opinion, something like "nicer facilities" is a really weak factor in terms of deciding where I'm going to go. Are you really going to care how cool a building looks when you're stuck inside studying or checking in for your rotations at 4 in the morning? And as far as your clinical rotations go, what would a new hospital really offer you over an "older" building? Nicer facilities would definitely not be enough for me to incur another $100,000 in debt.

 

[fizzle]

In my opinion, something like "nicer facilities" is a really weak factor in terms of deciding where I'm going to go. Are you really going to care how cool a building looks when you're stuck inside studying or checking in for your rotations at 4 in the morning? And as far as your clinical rotations go, what would a new hospital really offer you over an "older" building? Nicer facilities would definitely not be enough for me to incur another $100,000 in debt.

Well, "nicer facilities" means the school classrooms are going to be nice too, not just the exterior. And especially if I'm stuck inside studying, I'd like to be somewhere nice. I've been to one interview where I could actually picture myself spending time at the school facilities instead of going back to my apartment to study, and that's one of the biggest factors that makes it one of my top choices (fortunately, it's also the cheapest since it's a state school). Not saying whether it's worth the $100k in debt, but it isn't insignificant.

 

[tweaked17]

Again guys, for the third time.. let's not consider tuition costs.

The only situation in which a private school is an option is if I do the HPSP (or get some kind of crazy assistance package). If I choose to finance my own tuition, the state school wins, of course.

Thanks!

 

[tweaked17]

21 credits?! my god. i am a slacker with my 13 but i wanted an easy last semester

I only need to take 15 credits to graduate with my major/minor, but the remaining 6 are from a philosophy class I've been meaning to take for a while, and a TA position for orgo lab. Both things I want to do, so it's not as bad as it seems.

I'll be sure to have some fun while I still can.

 

[medseek1]

I withdrew from DownState after being invited for interview and attended interview at Temple where I am going to withdraw if I don't get admission with scholarship.
From my research, they are both quite similar programs with a slight edge to DownState. More over if you have NY residency you should not think twice.
DownState is the obvious choice.(save $$$$) I did not want to visit DownState after I heard from others about the surrounding neighborhood areas and how they could be dangerous at times. I felt that the areas around Temple were not much nicer either.

 

[Soggun]

I think DS offers significantly more clinical experience and I think that helps a ton in residency. Given the cost difference, the experience, and having support nearby (which really does matter in med school), I think DS is an easy decision.

Also, for the facilities argument, keep in mind that DS did just open brand new anatomy labs which are top of the line and significantly better than anywhere I interviewed 2 years ago (Temple included).

If you haven't already at least come back to DS for the shadow-a-student program (e-mail the admissions office to set up a date) and make sure that you don't get an equally good vibe from us - obviously I'm a little biased, but I think it would be hard to not see us (1st and 2nd years at least) as pretty chill people.

 

[tweaked17]

I didn't get to see the new anatomy lab; my guide was a 4th year and it had moved since he took anatomy (obviously). He couldn't find it 😀

I interviewed at NYMC today. I don't see why people talk so much trash, the faculty is amazing and the students all seemed very happy. I had a better impression of the school upon leaving.

 

[tweaked17]

Bump.

Anyone going to Temple for the second look on the 20th?

Should one dress more casually going for a second look at a school? I certainly don't mind wearing a suit, but I don't want to be overdressed.

 

[drizzt3117]

In my opinion, something like "nicer facilities" is a really weak factor in terms of deciding where I'm going to go. Are you really going to care how cool a building looks when you're stuck inside studying or checking in for your rotations at 4 in the morning? And as far as your clinical rotations go, what would a new hospital really offer you over an "older" building? Nicer facilities would definitely not be enough for me to incur another $100,000 in debt.

I think facilities are really important. I am really glad I chose to go to a school with nicer amenities. When you spend 80+ hours a week somewhere, it helps that it's nice! There are many factors that premeds think are important when they're picking schools that end up not being so important but I think facilities and amenities are not one of those.

 

[maceo]

pick the school thats easier in terms of test taking and grading. and i would rather live in philly than brooklyn without a doubt

 

[silverhorse84]

Bump.

Anyone going to Temple for the second look on the 20th?

Should one dress more casually going for a second look at a school? I certainly don't mind wearing a suit, but I don't want to be overdressed.

I'm not going, however, I would dress business casual. I've gotten invites from other schools for their second looks and that's what they ask for. So, nice pants (or skirt if you're female), shoes, and a button down shirt. If you're male you can add a tie and then take it off if you're the only one 😳

 

[JackInTheBox]

I think facilities are really important. I am really glad I chose to go to a school with nicer amenities. When you spend 80+ hours a week somewhere, it helps that it's nice! There are many factors that premeds think are important when they're picking schools that end up not being so important but I think facilities and amenities are not one of those.

That's true. I just wonder about the people who gush over how nice a new building looked on their 15 minute walking tour on interview day.

 

[tweaked17]

I'm not going, however, I would dress business casual. I've gotten invites from other schools for their second looks and that's what they ask for. So, nice pants (or skirt if you're female), shoes, and a button down shirt. If you're male you can add a tie and then take it off if you're the only one 😳

I despise the term "business casual"

Yeah, I think I'll be leaving the jacket at home. Did you think it was weird that they're going to Dave and Busters after the day's done? It's not that I don't want to hang out with my potential classmates, but that was a big "No, Thanks!"