Entering Class Fall 2001 / Graduating Class of 2005

Allegheny College

"I decided to attend SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University because of the diverse people and opportunities it would allow me to come in contact with. Also, because it is a strong programs that is allowing me to experience New York City."

Barnard College

"Clinical experience, location, diversity and cost."

"Great clinical experience, location and I heard good about the school."

"I was interested in SUNY Downstate’s specialized curriculum, and have heard great reviews on this non-traditional curriculum. I was drawn to the diverse class of this school and chose Brooklyn because it is close to home."

Boston College

"I think it will best prepare me to become a great physician by giving me both academic knowledge and clinical exposure."

"Excellent education for the price. Close to home."

"Excellent clinical sights, location, price interaction with faculty and administrative staff."

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

"The admissions staff was very warm and welcoming during my interview process. My interviewer was also very reassuring and had obviously spent a great deal of time reviewing my file before the interview. Downstate has many great opportunities, exposure to diverse community populations that I hope to take advantage of.."

Brandice University

"It is a good medical school that will allow me to see more pathology than anywhere else. It will also allow me to be close to home."

Brigham Young University

"I heard the people here were nice, the education was good and I wanted to come back to NYC. In addition, the price was right."

"Diversity! to practice medicine in an inner city, high volume hospital, cheaper tuition (relatively speaking), and in the New York City Area."

Brown University

"Excellent clinical experience, low tuition, family tradition."

Bryn Mawr College

"Good clinical hospital to learn in. Location, lots of opportunity."

College of Staten Island - CUNY

"Cheaper is not always worse than more expensive Kings County."

Columbia College

"Location and Downstate reputation for giving its students excellent clinical experience."

"I was very impressed with the school upon my visit. It offers what I am looking for in my education lots of clinical experience. Additionally, it is close to my home so I can commute and its reputation is indisputable."

Columbia College, Columbia University

"I wanted to attend medical school in New York and I liked the low tuition."

Columbia University

"I wanted to attend medical school in New York and I liked the low tuition."

"Urban location and excellent clinical training."

"To get the best clinical training and to work in an inner-city university hospital."

"I chose Downstate because it provides early clinical expose as well as opportunities to do research."

"I got into the MD/Ph.D. program here at Downstate, which was a primary goal of mine. Both the clinical and research components here at Downstate had great reputations. Also, being a resident of New York City, staying close to my family and friends was another important factor."

"Location, research reputation, prices."

"Link program from Columbia in New York, CBL, small jump learning. Friendly environment."

"Reputation for producing solid medical doctors."

"A primary reason to attend SUNY Downstate was the breath of clinical exposure. Downstate provides numerous opportunities in a very diverse metropolitan environment."

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 of Human Ecology

"Downstate provides excellent education opportunities, has nice facilities, and offers the types of diverse activities and students that one can only find in a place like New York City."

Cornell University

"I am from Queens, Brooklyn is a very convenient location for me. The tuition is reasonable. In addition, honestly, this is the only place I got in. However, I am enjoying the orientation and people are nice-so I think I might not regret my decision."

"Downstate is a great school and is a great bargain as well! I know quite a few people whose children, siblings, friends, etc… are alumni or current students. All are very happy here. In addition, Downstate was the first of two schools that accepted me. Finally, I wanted to stay in New York City for medical school."

"It is close to home and a good school."

"I decided to attend SUNY Downstate because Downstate will offer me the best opportunity to get a good residency program in New York City. In addition to the excellent residency placement, the financial burden incurred will be minimal compared to other medical schools."

"Location, clinical experience, involvement in community, diversity of students and faculty."

"Price, location, clinical experience, reputation and residency match rate."

CUNY Brooklyn College

"Member of B.A. M.D. program close to home and low cost."

"Excellent academic teaching. Excellent clinical training. Affordable. "

"I want to study medicine in an environment as diverse as possible. Downstate is located in a community with great ethnic diversity. In addition, the medical center is associated with numerous hospitals and participates in a large number of research studies. I felt that Downstate provides the diverse environment that I seek."

"Location, reputation and affordability."

"Location, atmosphere, clinical experience, prices."

"Value for money, proximity to parents recommendation of a graduate."

"The exceptional clinical experience a solid education and the location."

"I have always been interested in medicine and my experiences in the field have only reinforced this interest. For example, I did a 6-week internship at Kings County in the department of obstetrics & gynecology. This helped me to realize that I really enjoy working with people and gave me a sense of satisfaction. I chose SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University over other medical schools because of its location. Not only is Downstate close to home for me, but its location in Brooklyn exposes students to a very diverse patient population."

CUNY City College

"Minority neighborhood. Familiar with the environment, students and some faculty. Connivance wise, low tuition, past accomplishment of the school."

"Since it is in our environment that I am used to, I believe that it will help me be a well-equipped physician in this urban community."

"Mostly because of the curriculum, also the location and tuition."

"I heard great things about it and it’s within my state of residence."

"This institution is well reputed for its curriculum and training. Many of my friends and acquaintances have graduated from here and have only had praises for their education. I also like the location of he school and the possibility of clinical rotations at Kings County hospital."

"I wanted to stay in New York and Downstate has a good reputation. In addition, I heard students at Downstate get a through clinical experience, which was something very important to me."

"I decided to attend the college of medicine at SUNY Downstate because of its commitment and history in community involvement. Another plus was a diverse student body and the opportunity to remain in any community."

CUNY Queens College

"The training available at Kings County and University Hospital what alumni (including my aunt) told me about it."

"Excellent faculties and learning opportunity and cost of education."

CUNY York College

"The people here were friendly, encouraging and inviting. 2. The cost of education was reasonable. 3. The clinical education is rated one of the best."

"SUNY Downstate is very close to where I live with my relatives. I also received a tuition fee waiver grant and the institution has a very fine clinical experience."

Emony University

"Downstate is close to home, reasonable priced and my brother went here so I know that he did well and he advised me to come here."

Dartmouth College

"I chose Downstate because of the excellent clinical program the school offers. I am also attracted to the integrated curriculum, which fosters a more comprehensive approach to medicine. Twenty-five years ago I was born at Kings County Hospital, and I feel that I am completing a full circle in my life by returning to Brooklyn for my medical practice."

"Downstate is a great school.

Emory University

"I felt that New York City had more to offer me as a medical student. I will have an opportunity to experience medicine in a way that a smaller city would not allow. "

Fordham University

"Downstate is an excellent, affordable school that is close to home. I also like the fact that it is in an urban area. A diverse population is exciting and allows for many learning experiences."

George Washington University/Harvard Extension Post-BAC

"Downstate was the first school that accepted me. Although it was not my first chose, I realized that Downstate was the best school for me. I am very close to my family and attending the university will allow me to maintain my family ties while attending medical school. In addition, the diversity that is present at the school and community was very important to me. It reminds me of home. In addition, I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone that I met from the lunch lady to the security guard to administration greeted me with a smile. I am very happy and feel lucky to be here."

Georgetown University

"It is close to home, as I am from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. I also wanted to get on extensive clinical experience, and I knew that SUNY Downstate would offer me that. I also know a few graduates of SUNY Downstate who were all very favorable of their time at SUNY Downstate. "

Haverford College

"I chose Downstate because of its reputation, its proximity to Manhattan, as well as all of the opportunities it provides. From my interview experience, Downstate seemed like a very friendly and caring school and thus far, I have not been disappointed."

Howard University

"Location, reputation, tuition and residency matching."

Hunter college

"I decided to attend Downstate Health Sciences University for many reasons. The atmosphere, environment and cultural diversity were very interesting and intriguing. The faculty/staff was extremely friendly and helpful and everyone made me feel comfortable. In addition, it was very warms and welcoming."

"Hospital affiliation and clinical opportunities offered."

Johns Hopkins University

"Downstate has a great reputation and Downstate medical students have an even grater reputation in New York hospitals according to doctors I know. My neuroscience advisor at JHU also recommended it to me. The convenient location and curriculum also helped me decide on Downstate."

"Great curriculum. Abundant clinical opportunities."

"Financial reasons. Location. Working environment. Reputation."

Lehish University

"I chose Downstate because it was an excellent reputation, good graduate studies in a field that interests me and because it is compensitively inexpensive."

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

"I joined the SUNY campus because it will foster a good medical education, provide excellent exposure to a variety of clinical settings, is relatively inexpensive as a medical school and finally is located near my neighborhood."

McGill University

"Renowned clinical training and great research opportunities."

Mt. Holyoke College

"Urban environment and near my family. I enjoyed my visit here and all the people I met. Excellent school."

Mt. St. Vincent

"I decided to attend Downstate because of the quality of education at a very affordable cost. Downstate also would provide superior clinical experience. Located in an urban setting."

New York University

"Location very close to me so that I can avoid living here, down costs by commuting. Great school, inexpensive."

"Downstate Health Sciences University reflects the best in academic and clinical exposure. In academics, Downstate is not resistant to change and as an institution; it seeks out new ways of doing things. As far as the clinical aspect, the school is located in a populated, diverse section of Brooklyn. Thus, there is a great opportunity to experience things that are not available in other schools."

"The student and faculty seemed really friendly and down to earth. I also heard a lot about the great clinical exposure. And its’ cheap."

"You get a great education at a great price. Excellent clinical exposure. "

"I decided to attend SUNY Downstate for several reason: 1) since I begin researching different medical schools, I've always had a good feeling about SUNY Brooklyn. 2) I am a big fan of the new block curriculum and a school that innovates and is willing to change. 3) I want to serve inner city populations and SUNY Brooklyn will teach me in this environment. 4) I want to stay in Brooklyn."

"Downstate, along with its great diversity and clinical exposure, has a great national reputation, which aids students in obtaining competitive residency placements throughout the country. The tuition could not hurt."

"The location was preferable and I felt I would receive a better clinical education at Downstate than at the other medical schools I was accepted at."

"Downstate was a good fit for my goals of becoming a physician and a desire to receive my education in New York City. Cost of attendance and the fact that many of my friends attend this school were major factors as well."

"Great location, good school, good tuition."

"Location combined with the integrated curriculum trade made Downstate my #1 choice. "

"Very good match placement due to strong clinical exposure. I dearly situated close to Manhattan and other boroughs."

"Great residency placement. I spent sometime with a neurosurgeon who graduated from Downstate. The cost also helped. I also wanted to stay in New York."

"Cheap tuition for good medical education."

Northwestern University

"I have heard that SUNY downstate has the best clinical program and students are well prepared when it comes to working in a hospital setting. The price was definitely of importance. In addition, being close to home was another issue I considered."

Pace University

"Downstate is one of the best medical schools in New York. I applied only to the schools in New York because of my family circumstances. Downstate has the best reputation and location these were my major reasons to choose Downstate."

Providence College

"Urban location, clinical exposure/training, 2 hrs from home, states school-price and campus housing."

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

"I chose this school in particular because students get early clinical experience, it is cheaper than other private schools, it is exciting and near/in New York City, and I think I will be able to observe and do more in this undeserved area. I hope to benefit from this school’s diversity and that of the community in general."

Rollins College

"My father went to SUNY Downstate and said that it was an excellent school. He really enjoyed his time here and he got a good education and went on to become an excellent physician. I decided that if it worked for him, it would work for me."

Rosemont College

"I picked SUNY Downstate because I know that I always wanted to practice medicine in an urban environment. I was extremely impressed with the friendliness of the staff and students. I am extremely glad that I made this decision. "

St. John's University

"Because, I wanted to stay in New York City and I preferred a SUNY school because of cost. Also, physicians I know who trained at Downstate seem well prepared for anything!"

"SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University offers a wonderful opportunity when doing one’s rotation. I have heard great things from students who have gone to Downstate and from staff at hospitals where my family works. They spoke highly of SUNY Downstate and that influences my decision. Also, it is in New York which is where I have lived all my life and if I get homesick I can always just go home without having to fly 1,000 miles to get a home cooked meal."

St. Joseph’s College

"I decided to attend Downstate because of its cirriculum, diversity, and wealth of experience and location. I like the fact that a lot of the learning is of a practical nature, in the form of CBL’s and courses such as Essentials of Clinical Medicine. I also appreciate that Downstate is in a neighborhood that I am familiar with."

Stanford University

"My whole life, or a big part of it, is here. I am 36 with a partner of 8 years, Sarah. We love the live and let live Brooklyn environment. Her family is here, and they will be an important source of support for me during medical school. (Taking me out to dinner occasionally, etc) Aside from having a life here, I am simply a huge advocate of Brooklyn. I love the people and the diversity, I am excited to stay here and practice. Finally, the cost is a major plus."

SUNY Albany

"I wanted to attend SUNY Downstate because of the exposure to urban clinical medicine. The cost of tuition was also a major draw as was its reputation among upper classmen as an institution responsive to the student body."

SUNY Stony Brook

"I decided to attend the college of medicine at SUNY Downstate because I found out about its wonderful curriculum and opportunities even for the first year students to see patients. SUNY Downstate is also close to my parents’ house, which made my desire to go there even stronger. I also enjoy multicultural diversity of the student body at this school, which I think will prepare me well for my future profession as a medical doctor."

"I liked the early exposure to clinical medicine. The school is in an urban area, which means that it has a diverse patient population. I thought the students seemed very happy with the school when I came for my interview. Many doctors I worked with told me I would get excellent clinical experience."

"The variety of patients that we are able to work with, cost of attending and location (close to home)."

"SUNY Downstate is a good school, has a good reputation. It is also close to home for me. Downstate is affordable and I was given a scholarship."

"I decided to come to SUNY Downstate due to the location and its low tuition, in additional to its reputation."

"Excellent MD/Ph.D. Program."

"My wish from childhood and throughout life."

"I decided to attend SUNY Downstate because of the following: (1) Downstate has produced many fine physicians some of who I have worked with. (2) Faculty/Staff is very supportive (3) The curriculum is great for me. (4) The price & budget is affordable."

"I have heard from medical students how good of a school it is and I like the fact that I will be exposed to patients from diverse backgrounds."

"I am interested in practicing emergency medicine. SUNY Downstate provides the medical student with an excellent opportunity to study emergency medicine and gain valuable experience. Downstate also has a variety of students with diverse backgrounds."

SUNY Binghamton

"To name all the reason would probably take up more space than available, but here are a few of the most important ones. First, the schools’ devotion to early clinical experience is one of the most important reasons. The fact that Downstate also offers some of the greatest clinical experience of all the medical schools I applied to is also important. Second the reputation of the school, specifically as told to me by graduated and current students. “Word of mouth” is very important to me rather than published writings. Lastly, is the location and the exposure to undeserved and urban populations, which is what I plan to practice."

"1. Location In NYC (home), large urban setting so lots of diverse experiences.
2. Money Cheaper than the other schools.
3. Recommended by Students / Physicians."

"The reputation, proximity to home and clinical experience."

SUNY Binghamton

"The reason I decided to attend SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University was simply because it was close to home and it was rather inexpensive."

"Clinical opportunities, price, location and exposure."

"Early clinical experience. Academic reputation. Systems based learning. Location and price."

"Great clinical experience wanted to stay in the city and wanted to be near family."

SUNY Buffalo

"The education allows for much hands-on experience, plus it is not as expensive as most other schools. Another plus is the diversity of the student body."

SUNY Downstate

"Convenient location, affordable and has a good reputation."

Syracuse University

"Location in an urban environment (intensive clinical training). Close to home (Long Island). Curriculum. Cost (New York State Resident)."

University of Michigan

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

Teuro College

"The students, faculty, and alumni of SUNY Downstate are supportive and loyal to Downstate. Coupled to the relatively low tuition and location, SUNY Downstate was the obvious choice for me. "

The College of Staten Island - CUNY

"I decided to attend the College of Medicine at SUNY Downstate because of its well-recognized clinical training. "

Towson University

"I was very impressed with Downstate’s commitment to clinical education, especially the opportunity to work in busy, urban hospitals and to participate in programs like The Doctoring Experience. I am also looking forward to working in a diverse community and serving that community."

Trinity College

" I decided to attend Downstate because of the availability, friendliness, and knowledgeable staff, faculty and fellow student body. Also, the clinical opportunities that Downstate offers attracted me to this school."

UCSO

"Clinical Program, Location, Cost."

"Great education at an affordable price. New curriculum. Public hospital affiliation."

"SUNY Downstate has a reputation of being a great medical school in a diverse area of New York. I also live in Brooklyn and wanted to be close to home."

University of California at Davis

"The clinical aspect of Downstate is what attracted me most. I have a strong interest in working for low income and disadvantaged communities and the diverse patient population that I will be exposed to during my 3rd and 4th years was very appealing. I also would like to run my own clinics in these types of areas as well as 3rd world countries, so because the patient population here rivals that of countries like India and Africa I knew my exposure to the patient in Brooklyn’s Flatbush region wold enhance my medical education."

University of California at Los Angeles

"My main reasons for choosing SUNY Downstate are its location and great clinical experience. First, I always wanted to live in New York and SUNY Downstate is near the city. Secondly, Downstate offers a great opportunity for clinical experience."

"Coming from Los Angeles, New York is going to be exciting and a fresh change for me. Furthermore SUNY is a great school that will give me a good opportunity to explore medicine as well as myself."

University of California at Santa Barbara

"SUNY Downstate offers a great medical experience. I was told by other physicians that when I am done at Downstate I would be able to handle any situation. The school teaches you how to be a good doctor not just pass the boards."

University of Chicago

"1. Great exposure.
2. On visit, surprised by facilities.
3. Even keeled student body
4. Money."

University of Delaware

"I wanted to stay in the New York City area and attend a state school. I heard Downstate was a good school."

"Location and price were two major factors I wanted to practice medicine in an urban area and this is a great place to learn."

"I liked the block concept. I also wanted to stay in New York."

"I wanted a school with clinical experience where I would be completely immersed into the field and into the community."

University of Florida

"I chose Downstate because of its strong academic program, great clinical experience during medical school, friendly faculty and location."

University of Maryland

"Busy hospital, state tuition and close to home."

"The location (New York) and the diversity of the student body attracted me. I also appreciated the affordable price. When I visited during "Second Look", I was struck by the friendliness of the faculty and current and future medical students. As an older, non-traditional student, I was impressed by SUNY’s tendency to admit students who are outside of the medical student box."

University of Maryland College Park

"Close to home, affordable and diverse community inside and outside of learning facility."

University of Michigan

"Location, price, clinical exposure."

"Because I wanted to be a doctor and they accepted me."

"I wanted to come to SUNY Downstate for my medical education because I knew I would receive great clinical training and I wanted to stay in New York City."

University of Michigan Ann Arbor

"SUNY Downstate offered all of the aspects/traits I required of my medical school at an extremely attractive price. I was drawn tot he early clinical exposure, the cooperative/collaborative nature of learning and the supportive learning environment."

University of Pennsylvania

"I got into 3 medical school (SUNY Brooklyn, SUNY Buffalo and Stony Brooks) of the three I chose SUNY Brooklyn because it is close to home."

"1. Friendly environment.
2. Close to home.
3. Great faculty and staff."

"I am excited about it being located in the middle of Brooklyn. I feel this school would open my eyes a lot and help prepare me for the decisions I am to make in the near future. The curriculum structure is also a major plus and the staff has been unbelievable friendly, helpful and patient and makes me think this place is unique and an ideal place to go through the regions of training. From my interview, I just felt like I matched to this school best with its focus, aim and emphasis."

"A diverse student body serving a diverse community. Great curriculum. Great training."

University of Pennsylvania / CUNY Hunter College

"Is close to where I live and offers excellent clinical experience in an urban environment. Also, Downstate is very attractively priced."

University of Rochester

"I decided to come here primarily for financial reason and because of the location."

University Of Texas

"I liked the location, which allowed me to become aquatinted with a type of patient I would not normally encounter. The school also has a good residency match."

University of Virginia

"1. Location close to home.
2. Curriculum the ability to do some clinical work in the 1st 2 years and CBL appealed to me.
3. Cost low in-state tuition.
4. Scholarship received a 1/2 tuition scholarship.
5. Student Feedback heard positive things about the school."

Virginia State University

"1. Appears to be a good place to get good experience in an area I am interested in working in. 2. Tuition 3. Near family."

Wagner College

"Faculty, curriculum, location tuition and research opportunities."

Washington University St. Louis

"The school is very close to home, so I can commute. The location offers the student a diversity of medical cases. Great teaching hospital. The price of the school will save me thousands. Excellent medical staff and reputation for teaching and placing students in top residencies."

Wesleyan University

"The opportunity to work directly with patients fairly quickly, the unbeatable price and quality support system."

Westeyan University

"I chose Downstate for the progressive curriculum. While learning about a given subject in lecture, it makes sense to also be studying the histology and anatomy too."

Xavier University of Louisiana

"I decided to attend SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University because I love the neighborhood and community that is surrounded around this school. It is retro in culture and I am sure it will give me a lot of exposure and experience."

Yehiva University

"I was very impressed when I came to interview at Downstate at the overall friendliness and caring nature that was apparent from both the students and faculty. I have several friends who attend Downstate and are all quite happy here. Moreover, of course, like many others it does not hurt save about $2,000+ a year."