Didactic Year - Can students share your experience?

[jasdy123]

I've been looking at the course work required for Stony Brook's didactic year and wondering if current students can share their experience? I must have seen almost 12 classes for Fall Qtr alone (~30 units). Is this a manageable course load?  I understand PA programs are rigorous and exams are almost every week during didactic year. However, some other PA programs only have ~20 units per semester.  I would appreciate any feedback!

 

 

[Jene]

hi! i am a current first year. there are about 35 credits during the fall semester, and another 44 in the spring. the didactic year is definitely intense! classes are from 8-5 give or take, and during the fall there is an optional review session from 6-8 once a week.  generally there is not longer than a 2-3 week period without at least one exam a week.  having said that, it is doable.  attendance is mandatory, and if you pay attention during class and put in good study time after, passing the exams is very doable.  the professors here are phenomenal and really teach you what you need to know.  

 

on a personal note, i would say depending on the exam schedule, i spend anywhere from 1-3 hours a day studying.  i highly value and need my sleep, so i rarely stay up past 10 and i have never pulled an all nighter sudying.  i pack i extra on the weekends, but you also have to give yourself a break and relax or you'll go crazy :)  our class is very close and often gets together on weekends to hang out too.

[charlietelesco]

I am a 2nd year and can tell you I was freaking out before starting the didactic year, but its not that bad.  

The heavy credit/course load looks scary on paper but is not that bad in reality.  You spend 40 hours a week in the classroom and take tests frequently but the faculty are very good at getting students through the program.  All you have to do is show up, pay attention and then study on the evenings/weekends.  You'll be busy with school but probably no more busy than other programs