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SUNY - Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine (Brooklyn)

Brooklyn, NY

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 38% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did okay.
⭐ Overall Impressions

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.

What was the stress level of the interview?

Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.

How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?

Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
💬 Interview Questions

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools revolve around the applicant's research experiences, leadership roles, motivations for pursuing medicine, study habits, challenges faced, clinical experiences, and personal interests or hobbies. Additionally, respondents undergoing Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) format interviews may have been subject to nondisclosure agreements, as indicated by references to "nondisclosure" or "non-disclosure."

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at SUNY - Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine (Brooklyn) discussed a wide range of topics from personal stress management strategies to experiences that shaped their interest in medicine. While some respondents mentioned standard questions about academics and career goals, several referred to an MMI format with nondisclosure agreements, indicating a potential focus on scenario-based or ethical dilemmas during the interviews.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at SUNY - Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine (Brooklyn) discussed various topics such as personal statements, MCAT performance, GPA trends, clinical experience, research experience, reasons for pursuing medicine, dealing with stress, and why they chose Downstate specifically. Some respondents mentioned specific questions related to their application details, ethical dilemmas, or specialty preferences, while others highlighted the conversational nature of the interviews.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 1 person.

What was the style of the interview?

Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.

What type of interview was it?

Most respondents had an open file interview.

Was this interview in-person or virtual?

Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.

Where did the interview take place?

Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
📍 On-Site Experience

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by a Student

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as average.

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents rank the facilities as below average.

What were your total hours spent traveling?

Most respondents spent 0-1 hour traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by automobile to the interview.

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Most respondents spent less than $100.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Friends or family or with friends or family.

How would you rate the hotel?

Most respondents rated their hotel as average
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

Would you recommend the hotel?

Most respondents would recommend their hotel.

What is your ranking of this school's location?

Most respondents rate the school location as average.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What are your comments on where you stayed?

No responses
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.

How did you prepare for the interview?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing their applications, reading SDN interview feedback, and browsing the school's website. Additionally, mock interviews, practicing common questions, and staying updated on current healthcare issues were common strategies used to prepare for the interview.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were most impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the school, where both staff and students were approachable and enthusiastic. The emphasis on early clinical exposure, diverse patient population, supportive community, and facilities such as the anatomy labs and study spaces were commonly highlighted as positive aspects of the school. Additionally, the affordability of in-state tuition, the collaborative and low-stress environment, and the dedication to serving underserved communities were also key factors that left a positive impression on the applicants.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed that they were negatively impressed by the outdated and run-down facilities, disorganized interview/tour days, lack of enthusiasm from students and tour guides, unappealing neighborhood, and poor organization. Suggestions included improving facilities, enhancing organization on interview days, and increasing student enthusiasm to create a more positive impression overall.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known more about the school's curriculum, the specific location of the interview, the relaxed atmosphere of the interview, the potential waiting times, and the lackluster lunch provided. Suggestions included studying the curriculum in-depth, preparing questions for financial aid, and wearing comfortable shoes for the long day.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interviewing experience positive, with many appreciating the friendly and conversational nature of the interviews. Common feedback included comments on the facilities and neighborhood, with some noting the outdated facilities but others highlighting the school's strong clinical experiences and diverse patient population. Some applicants mentioned concerns about certain interviewers, while others praised the school's clinical focus, affordability, and student satisfaction.
  • Positive experience. Interviewer was super friendly and easy to talk to. Questions were also very straightforward, but gave many opportunities to say something interesting about myself (hobbies, interests, etc). Felt respected as a candidate.
  • Overall interviewing with Downstate was a very positive experience.
  • It seems like this school is lacking in funding. We were told point blank that scholarship money is limited to about $5,000 to $10,000 per student per year (if they even qualify). The facilities look as though they haven't been updated in 30 years; everything from the interview waiting room furniture to the equipment of the student gym look worn and beat down. Anatomy lab was nice, though.
  • Be prepared to wait, write a paragraph about a picture, and talk about any red flags on your application.
  • Great school with outstanding clinical experiences

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office should better organize the interview day schedule to minimize downtime, improve communication and interaction with candidates, provide more engaging activities during the visit, and enhance the overall experience by addressing logistical issues and offering more informative sessions or tours. Additionally, there is a recurring theme of transitioning to online communication and application processes to streamline operations and reduce waste.