Upstate vs St. George

[Lagnes]

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Hey Guys,

I just got into St. George and I got a conditional acceptance to SUNY Upstate. I really liked SUNY Upstate however the conditional acceptance requires me to take a master's program at Upstate for two years. My main concern is the amount of time. I have already been out of school for one year (working for a nonprofit) and do not really want to wait another two years to get into medical school, however I really loved Upstate when visiting, it would be $100,000 cheaper in tuition after six years vs four years at St. George, and I've seen that Caribbean medical school students struggle getting very competitive matches (not that I am seeking one however I would like to keep all my options open).

Any advice? Thanks!

 

[Sephiroth]

That's weird, I've never heard of this kind of program. Do you have a link to it. But assuming it is pretty straightforward as you described and almost impossible to screw up the admission to upstate, go there. People have taken off more time than that - by choice or not. You'll be much better off in the long run having graduated from Upstate than SGU. Plus you even said upstate is cheaper, so that makes it pretty easy.

 

[Barcu]

I would say upstate or reapply (and I would lean toward upstate even though the extra time isn't ideal). I would avoid the Caribbean.

 

[Cinclus]

Upstate. All. The. Way.

 

[DanGee777]

This is very peculiar to me. When I was looking into SMPs last year and called the Upstate office to ask if they have any advice and if any of their master's programs similar to one by giving students an edge in admissions, they said that they don't have any program like this. Do you have any more details on this program that you can share?

I second the Upstate suggestion.

 

[bigloley]

So you are saving $100,000 by going to Upstate, even though its 2 extra years? I say do Upstate, St. George has no guarantee and it's much more expensive. It's also supposed to get worse in the future for IMG's to get residency spots

 

[RedSox10]

Upstate or reapply.

 

[Velour Fog]

Upstate or reapply.

Upstate or derp.

Not sure if serious or trollin....

 

[Nymphicus]

what kind of question is this?

 

[chronicidal]

what kind of question is this?

a short-sighted one

 

[kautionwirez]

Upstate derp

 

[Nymphicus]

I feel my signature does apply.

 

[Spaceman Spif]

I have a friend who did this program. ALL of them rocked med school once they matriculated. The classes are pretty demanding and is sort of a warmup for the actual med school curriculum. You used to get credit for some 2nd year classes taken, but I'm not sure that's the case anymore. 2 extra years are nothing in the long run ESPECIALLY if it is a cheaper option. Go with Upstate.

 

[DanGee777]

I have a friend who did this program. ALL of them rocked med school once they matriculated. The classes are pretty demanding and is sort of a warmup for the actual med school curriculum. You used to get credit for some 2nd year classes taken, but I'm not sure that's the case anymore. 2 extra years are nothing in the long run ESPECIALLY if it is a cheaper option. Go with Upstate.

Do you know the name of it and roughly how many people a year are offered it? Is it something that Upstate just invites you to do if they want you but think you need some prep beforehand?

 

[Nymphicus]

It's all about the debt man. If St. George's gives you a scholarship, I'd say go with them.

 

[DanGee777]

It's all about the debt man. If St. George's gives you a scholarship, I'd say go with them.

Wrong! OP will regret it if he/she doesn't get a residency spot coming out of SGU.

 

[Knocked Up]

Where is St. George's? Is this a new medical school? I'm looking at the allopathic school list and I can't find it.

 

[protonate]

I would say upstate or reapply (and I would lean toward upstate even though the extra time isn't ideal). I would avoid the Caribbean.

I agree with the posts above. I would recommend choosing a U.S medical school above any Caribbean school.

 

[Spaceman Spif]

The program is called Med Scholars. I'm not sure how many people are offered a position, but only a few end up doing it. You are guaranteed a spot in a med school class and awarded a masters in biomed sciences granted you pass all of the classes. Some have to take the MCAT over if there score is too low in order to matriculate but I heard everyone does anyway regardless of your score. You also get research credit too which could help with residency stuff later on. Other than time, there is no downside.

 

[BurntFlower]

Avoid Caribbean schools like the plague. Go to Upstate or reapply.

 

[mmmcdowe]

Upstate. If you apply you will only be saving one year assuming you can get in.

 

[Megatron2016]

No brainer. Upstate all the way. Like mmmcdowe said, at this point it is only costing you an extra year. Just confirm that it basically almost guarantees your entrance to the medical school if you perform well.

St George is not an option in this scenario. Reapply ONLY if you are sure you can do as well or better than Upstate next cycle.

 

[gatorade848]

if you are technically accepted to med school at upstate DO NOT reapply. once you have an MD acceptance it is a big red flag to reject it. not sure if this special case is the same as regular MD admission though