SUNY Downstate vs. NYU Accelerated 2012

[ccaalee]

Hi everyone,

Good luck to everyone who may be applying to schools or are waiting to hear back. I wanted to start this thread to get feedback on two programs in particular: NYU and Downstate. I've read countless threads about both schools, obviously they each have their pros and cons. I've been admitted to both and am now trying to decide which would be the better school for me. If there are any grads or current students out there I would really appreciate your thoughts. I think it's hard to get a grasp on the pros and cons through threads because every student comes from a different background and their complaints may not be as much of an issue for someone else. I included a little about myself so hopefully you will be able to see where I'm coming from and how I should base my decision.

I am a product of upper middle class suburbia and went to a 4 year private undergrad school in Boston. I prefer studying by myself and don't mind self-teaching (but would like the support of teachers on occasion). Although I work hard on my own I would still like for faculty to answer emails and for the administration to be engaged and informative about industry opportunities. I am good at following instructions and haven't had any issues with administration from either schools (not to say people that have had issues can't follow instructions, I know some admins can be awful). In academics I am certainly not the top student but I have always done above average (b+/a-). If I don't do well I tend to believe it's because I didn't work hard enough, not because the program/professor/administration was bad.

Assuming that price is not an issue, is NYU a better program than Downstate? And if I were to take price into consideration, would going to NYU be more beneficial in the long run even though it would take 2-3 years to pay off the debt? I am fortunate enough that I do not currently have any student loans. I'm about 70% sure I would like to get my masters but things always change and who knows what will happen.

Do NYU grads have better job opportunities and connections? Or rather, will it be the top students of any school that will have first pick of where they want to work? Would a hospital looking at two recent grads who have the same grades and experience choose the NYU student over Downstate?

Sorry for the long post but ANY thoughts, feelings, or info would be greatly appreciated during this time of confusion. My last thought: the majority of people in the program probably don't post their complaints or praises so can any of the past threads really be a factor in someone's decision?

[SubSippi]

I'm not from NY and don't know anything about the nursing programs there. But something you might want to consider when choosing a school (if both have decent reputations) is where you would like to live after you graduate. In nursing school, you will spend a lot of time in hospitals and different community health facilities in that area. It's a really good way to get your foot in the door and build a reputation. Also, the teachers you have, more than likely, have had hospital jobs in that area and know a lot of people, and being able to use someone the hospitals are familiar with as a reference can be a big help. One of my teachers has worked in a hospital where I live for a long time, and they always get her input when hiring new grads (everyone is really nice to her!). So anyway, the point of all that is to just keep in mind that the nursing market for new grads is pretty tough, and having gone to school in a particular area can definitely be a help!

[ccaalee]

Jessie thanks for your insight. NYU and Downstate aren't too far from each other, but you definitely make a valid point.

[Suuko, RN, BSN]

I have the same exact situation that you are in, except it's between NYU and Hunter-Bellevue. I went to a private school in Mass. and am trying to weigh out the benefits between a cheaper state/city school with the private NYU. From what I was told, getting a job as a nurse really doesn't change on what school you went to, but your grades and references. But the real question is whether or not the prestige of nyu will make up for the cost over time by helping you advance faster clinically in nursing, or in my case, in hospital administration. I hope your decision making goes well, maybe I'll see you at NYU.

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Moved to NY Nursing Programs for more response.

[Bear0512]

So I know this thread has been dead for a year, but since I've been accepted to both SUNY Downstate and NYU for Summer and Fall 2013, respectively, does anyone have any advice for me? I'm in a similar situation as ccaalee and I'm trying to decide between the two