Entering Class Fall 2000 / Graduating Class of 2004

“Why I decided to attend The College of Medicine at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University”

Amherst College

"I chose Downstate Health Sciences University because I thought the urban environment would offer me an unparalleled education. I think that the diversity of the community will teach me not only about medicine, but also how to interact with people more effectively."

Barnard College

"I chose SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University because when I interviewed the students talked very highly of the school and said that the school offered a lot of support for all students, especially students of color. I felt that with this feedback from the students, I would easily feel comfortable here."

Boston College

"It offered a good medical education with the benefit of paying in state tuition."

Boston University

"The interview really sold me. Personally, I learn best from hands-on experience. I really like the fact that you have many opportunities to interact with patients."

"I chose SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University for my MD because of its proximity to my home and its low cost. Also, because of the new curriculum and excellent clinical exposure."

"It offers an unparalleled clinical education."

Brandeis University

"I saw a very culturally diverse group of students with whom I thought I would be able to learn and successfully obtain my degree."

Columbia University

"The excellent clinical opportunities available and because of the great education provided for much less than a private school. The CBL and Doctoring Experiences also contributed greatly to my decision as they will supplement the traditional lectures and aid the learning process."

"The school is in New York and I would like to practice medicine in the state later. Also, I believe I will receive a fantastic clinical training here at Downstate. I also, value the diversity of the student body and the patients we will meet."

Cooper Union

"I wanted to get a good education and also early exposure to clinical. I have also lived in New York City for a considerable portion of my life. I love the diversity that the city offers and wanted to attend school in the city again."

"Because of its urban location, reputation for research and large diverse patient population."

Cornell University

"Its reputation for producing excellent clinicians, its balance of CBL and traditional lecture-based learning, and because it was a SUNY."

"It is an opportunity to work with peers that may have an interest in the urban setting, and the school has a wealth of resources catering to any taste, any field."

"Downstate offers a great classroom and clinical experience through the new and improved curriculum and the wide clientele available to Kings County and University Hospital. In addition, the convenient location and nice campus adds a nice touch to my medical school experience."

"Clinical experience, diversity, and originally from Brooklyn."

"The integration of clinical experiences throughout the 4 years of school. In addition, I chose Downstate for its proximity to New York City."

CUNY Brooklyn College

"I was part of the BA/MD program at Brooklyn College. I chose this program for its competitiveness and Downstate for residency placement."

"It is multi-cultural and diverse, and I felt that it would be a place where my religious observances would be respected."

"When applying to BA/MD programs, SUNY Downstate had the most appeal because of its proximity to my home in Brooklyn and its affordable tuition."

CUNY City College

"It is a school of the community - it is diverse and students who graduate from here usually want to serve this underserved area and others."

"It is the only institution that I would receive an exceptional education at a reduced cost."

"The student body was very welcoming and willing to help. The cost was also very influential in my decisions."

"The curriculum - block system, CBL and the Doctoring Experience. The reputation of the school, research opportunity during the summer. The location."

CUNY College of Staten Island

"SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is world renowned in its clinical training. I am attending Downstate through the "Early Assurance Program" with the College of Staten Island. I am confident that my experience at SUNY Downstate will enable me to be the best physician I can be."

CUNY Herbert H. Lehman

"I liked the SUNY Downstate curriculum very much. It was also less expensive compared to many other schools. Besides that I wanted to stay in New York, so Downstate was the best choice."

CUNY Hunter College

"Downstate is closer to my place of residency than any of the other schools. It has a better clinical base and residency opportunities."

"Diverse student body, combination of lecture & CBL, cost, the location - as a Brooklyn native I look forward to serving the community."

CUNY Queens College

"The faculty is great and you cannot get as great a quality of education for such an affordable price. Another factor that is great is that the location is close enough to the city so you always have something to do in your free time."

"The school provides an excellent education and a high level of exposure to the hospital setting considering the reasonable price. Also, the learning and setup at Downstate allows for working together with fellow students."

"Because of its ethnic diversity, great education with an affordable tuition, and its great faculty."

"I was attracted by the new curriculum for studying medicine and by the clinical reputation that proceeds Downstate. I also chose this school because of its location in Brooklyn and in the city. It's also a fantastic education for an even more fantastic price. And I love the diversity."

CUNY York College

"The opportunities it offers to minority students and its location to a diverse community."

"It is close to Kings County Hospital, where there is the best clinical experience available. In addition, I am and will give back to my community. Finally, the school has a great location in the middle of Brooklyn close to the trains."

Emory University

"The faculty I met were exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable. I save a lot of money by attending, and the school is located close to home."

Fayetteville State University

"Brooklyn is the Mecca of diversity, and Downstate is a good reflection of Brooklyn."

Fordham University

"I chose SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University for my MD because of the Organ base curriculum provided, and the vast clinical experience I am able to receive. I also chose SUNY Downstate because of the support and genuine interest the whole staff and faculty show toward their students."

"Downstate provides an excellent academic and clinical experience with the benefit of low tuition."

"The outstanding faculty reputation and the vast array of clinical experiences that will be afforded at Kings County Hospital."

Hamilton College

"Other medical schools do not have the diversity that Downstate permits one to experience, be it patients or fellow students. It also allows students to be more involved clinically in their early years."

Hamilton College

"I'm originally from upstate New York (and I mean really upstate, between Syracuse and Rochester, not Westchester County). I went to school upstate and worked for a year in Boston. I wanted to study at a school in New York City — a very exciting place (and yes, you can survive and thrive if you're from upstate). It was also important to me to go to a diverse school that serves a diverse patient population, which SUNY Downstate does a great job with at a great price!"

Hofstra University

"I was told by former and present students that at this medical college I would get a great education for a reasonable cost. Also, I was impressed with the diversity of the college and the minority representation. Finally, Downstate Health Sciences University was closest to home and I didn't want to be isolated from my family for the 4 years."

Lafayette College

"I wanted to be in New York City, in a large diverse community. I was impressed by the new curriculum, and the opportunity for extensive clinical experience. The price was right!"

"Its great reputation and the extensive opportunities provided by the institution."

Loyola College

"I know that I will experience so much more than I would at any other suburban medical school. Being on an urban campus gives you the opportunity to see more."

New York University

"The way the courses are set up: the block system - I feel that such organization proves to be very beneficial in our understanding of the various organ systems and helps us integrate the various disciplines. Another major reason is due to the outstanding faculty of this institution."

"This is the school with a great reputation where I can obtain the greatest clinical experience available."

"It provides an excellent education for a reasonable and affordable price."

"It's amazing. Everyone you meet will be extremely willing to help. They will make you feel welcome and happy to be at Downstate. Not to mention the amazing professors and students."

"I was interested in obtaining clinical experience in an urban setting. I was also attracted to Downstate because it is State funded and very affordable."

"The opportunity to work with a diverse population. Its affiliation with Kings County Hospital is appealing because of the variety of diseases and cases that you will be exposed to for your preparation as a physician."

"Its organ-based curriculum; the location — which provides for a diverse population; the friendly and warm atmosphere; and the closeness to home."

"Its reputation for providing excellent and diversified clinical experience, i.e. 'hands on experience'."

"I chose SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University for my MD because of its reputation for producing MD's who are strong with their clinical skills. I also love the proximity to New York City and the overall well rounded MD that SUNY Downstate provides."

"Excellent clinical exposure, multi-cultural environment, urban environment, great residency opportunities, cost, and close to home."

"I believe its upgraded curriculum and outstanding faculty will fully prepare me to become a doctor of success."

Oberlin College Emory University (MPH)

"The most fruitful exchange of ideas occurs when you bring people from different backgrounds together. Downstate creates an atmosphere for a great clinical learning experience."

Pace University

"The way they made me feel welcome on the day of my interview. And also because I will not have to mortgage my future to get an education."

Penn State

"I chose SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University for my MD because of my interactions with the students during my visit. I've never lived in New York City at all and only visited once. Students are diverse, clinical experiences are abundant, and it's very affordable."

Rutgers University

"The reputation, the location, and the diversity of the class."

"Incredible location and diversity. Integrated curriculum and early exposure to patients."

Smith College

"It provides students with an excellent education, both in the basic sciences and in clinical medicine."

St. John's University

"It gave me opportunity to attend with my spouse. Downstate physicians are top-of-the-line. The cost of tuition is extremely student oriented. The staff was always warmhearted and open-minded. The location is great for getting experience and for commuting."

SUNY Binghamton

"It was a public medical school, relatively close to home with an excellent reputation for graduating caring and competent doctors, a fresh new curriculum, and an unparalleled amount of clinical opportunities."

"Its stellar reputation. I didn't want to leave New York City and the tuition is unbeatable."

"I've always envisioned myself serving in underserved, urban areas. Compared with other medical schools, Downstate offers a lot of hands-on experience early on in our medical careers. I came to Downstate also because of the low-cost in tuition. I think I'm getting a good education at a very fair price."

"Its reputation along with its affordable tuition. Other factors such as early clinical experience, curriculum, and diverse student body contributed to my decision as well."

SUNY Stony Brook

"The cost of attendance is very reasonable. Downstate has been known for preparing clinically well prepared physicians. I am most attracted to the volume and variability of cases in addition to the diversity of patient population. Lastly, I chose Downstate because of its residency placement into prestigious institutions."

"Downstate is a pioneering school that has a breadth of history incorporated within its educational innovation."

"Downstate has an excellent reputation in academic and clinical teaching. With access to Kings County's ER, a No. 1 trauma center, we have a self-teaching classroom with hands on experience and exposure in the clinical setting."

Syracuse University

"I am excited by the opportunities inherent in living in Brooklyn and being close to Manhattan. Additionally Downstate has a terrific reputation for providing outstanding clinical training."

Texas Christian University

"The diversity of both the student body and the community it serves. I am privileged to be able to learn and serve in an environment that reflects our world's people."

Tufts University

"I wanted an urban medical school experience with a strong focus on clinical teaching."

University of Chicago

"Its superb clinical training opportunities and its capability to produce not only excellent clinicians but also the best academic physicians."

University of Michigan

"Urban setting, a large public hospital, organ based curriculum, the price, and the reputation."

Washington University

"It presented the greatest opportunity for clinical experience as a medical student."

Wellesley College

"The opportunity to study in such a culturally diverse community. The lower cost of Downstate, compared to other schools was also a major factor."

Williams College

"The friendly laid-back atmosphere, the diversity of the students and patients. Early and excellent overall clinical education and solid basic sciences."

"The opportunity it provides for me to develop my career in a truly diverse setting. The in-state tuition is definitely a plus compared to my other options."

Yale University

"I chose SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University for my MD because of its location, low cost, and reputation for both academic and research excellence."