2008-2009 Loyola Secondary Application Thread

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i have a couple questions about the interview day... for people from around chicago, did you stay overnight in maywood? i live about 40 min away but it could be closer to an hour and a half in traffic so i'm tempted to just get a hotel... any suggestions/tips? thanks!
 
I ask bc I am drafting up a LOI to Stritch. In it, I mention my re-application and how I have strived to improve over the past year.

However, I am not sure if I actually completed their secondary last year. I know this sounds horrible, but I have taken a liking to the school after giving it a closer look.



Also, does anyone know about the clinical experience at Loyola? Are students given access diverse urban patient populations- ie right in Chicago?
 
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mbe36 said:
I ask bc I am drafting up a LOI to Stritch. In it, I mention my re-application and how I have strived to improve over the past year.

However, I am not sure if I actually completed their secondary last year. I know this sounds horrible, but I have taken a liking to the school after giving it a closer look.



Also, does anyone know about the clinical experience at Loyola? Are students given access diverse urban patient populations- ie right in Chicago?
Click to expand...

from what I have heard, loyola keeps all the stuff you have sent them throughout the years. I'm not sure if they look at it, but Dean Muraskas always makes a point of stating he keeps all correspondence.

Also, the clinical experience during your third year takes place in Maywood, so you don't really do much work in the Chicago hospitals. That being said, you also get to do work at the Hines VA Hospital. I think during your fourth year you are free to go wherever, but most students choose to stay at Loyola. I think the majority of students really like doing their rotations at loyola, and it's a really nice hospital! People come from all over the Chicagoland area to receive care here so I doubt you will not be exposed to a diverse patient population. The only thing is it's not RIGHT in chicago.

Anybody feel free to correct me if these statements are not true.

Also, kac.. if I were you I would just sleep at home. I usually sleep better in my own bed, and if you just hope on 294 and take it to 290 it shouldn't be too bad of a commute. Good luck everyone !
 
Nellia, thank you for the great response!
 
thanks nellia... i just HATE getting up early and i hate traffic lol. i think i'll make the final decision once i get my interview info.
 
so for an LOI to Loyola, is it best to mail a printed out letter, since the secondary was a hard copy? or it would be better to email it, to make sure they receive it quickly?
 
dohgrl76 said:
so for an LOI to Loyola, is it best to mail a printed out letter, since the secondary was a hard copy? or it would be better to email it, to make sure they receive it quickly?
Click to expand...

I emailed mine, and they acknowledged it fairly quickly.
 
dohgrl76 said:
so for an LOI to Loyola, is it best to mail a printed out letter, since the secondary was a hard copy? or it would be better to email it, to make sure they receive it quickly?
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You should try to email it directly to Judith Porod, the admissions coordinator. Shes been pretty good about actually reading emails and responding/confirming to them.
 
I received an e-mail today stating that my file was currently under review with the committee. (I submitted my secondary really late-Dec. 15th) How long does it usually take to review the file? If I don't get an interview invite within a few weeks does that mean I'm probably not going to be selected for an interview? The e-mail states that if you don't hear anything with 6 weeks to call the office, but I can't imagine it taking that long to look over your file. Thanks!
 
little bus said:
I received an e-mail today stating that my file was currently under review with the committee. (I submitted my secondary really late-Dec. 15th) How long does it usually take to review the file? If I don't get an interview invite within a few weeks does that mean I'm probably not going to be selected for an interview? The e-mail states that if you don't hear anything with 6 weeks to call the office, but I can't imagine it taking that long to look over your file. Thanks!
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they've had mine since september...im apparently "still under review"
 
Imbored, have you heard anything from the mudphud committee? Nothing yet here.
 
Did you get the "file complete" e-mail in September or was that when you turned in your secondary?
 
little bus said:
I received an e-mail today stating that my file was currently under review with the committee. (I submitted my secondary really late-Dec. 15th) How long does it usually take to review the file? If I don't get an interview invite within a few weeks does that mean I'm probably not going to be selected for an interview? The e-mail states that if you don't hear anything with 6 weeks to call the office, but I can't imagine it taking that long to look over your file. Thanks!
Click to expand...



I submitted late September and just received an interview invite yesterday for Feb 25th OOS. I have no clue what Chicago is like. Does the fact that my friend lives on the South side of the city mean that it will be a long drive to my interview in the morning?
 
Bcblazer said:
Imbored, have you heard anything from the mudphud committee? Nothing yet here.
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Nope 🙁. I emailed Dr. Kini a few weeks ago asking when I would know (since he never gave me an exact date), and he said the committee will meet sometime in the middle of February (which I think is quite rediculous considering not that many people interview at loyola mdphd, yet the MD side which interviews hundreds gets back within a few weeks). I guess they probably just wait till all the interviews are over to make up their minds. Though I am now getting unnecessarily nervous since I guess the "middle" of February begins next week.

Did you at least get accepted to the MD side?
 
When did you get the "file complete" email? As far as travel time goes, Loyola is about 10 miles from downtown Chicago. Travel time depends on how far south your friend lives. Mapquest it and add at least 30 min. to the travel time. Weather and traffic are unpredictable. If you take the highway, the school is only a few minutes off of the exit. Good luck on your interview!
 
i sent it in towards the end of sept, and i think i was complete around the 3rd week of october. i'm instate, 31Q mcat
 
imbored said:
Nope 🙁. I emailed Dr. Kini a few weeks ago asking when I would know (since he never gave me an exact date), and he said the committee will meet sometime in the middle of February (which I think is quite rediculous considering not that many people interview at loyola mdphd, yet the MD side which interviews hundreds gets back within a few weeks). I guess they probably just wait till all the interviews are over to make up their minds. Though I am now getting unnecessarily nervous since I guess the "middle" of February begins next week.

Did you at least get accepted to the MD side?
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I was waitlisted to the MD side, so you're in a better position than I am. I'm not too disappointed, as I've all but decided to attend elsewhere. Best of luck to you, though!
 
Did everyone thus far accepted get the invitation for a second date yesterday? Seems like it may be a large group of people if they allow for up to three guests. Wonder what the day will consist of.
 
moab336 said:
Did everyone thus far accepted get the invitation for a second date yesterday? Seems like it may be a large group of people if they allow for up to three guests. Wonder what the day will consist of.
Click to expand...

I got it too. Yeah I thought the same thing about inviting 3 guests. Though I am quite curious if people actually bring guests with them, cause I am really not sure what things there would be to do for family members right now. I really do not want to suggest to my family to come until I know what the day is like. IMO, I would rather people not have guests right now so we could all focus on getting to know possible future peers, knowing more about the school, etc., rather than being overwhelmed by a massive group of people together.
 
I received the invitation as well. I'll be bringing my husband because he has never seen the area and his opinion of Chicago will obviously be important in deciding which school to attend.
 
kac714 said:
i have a couple questions about the interview day... for people from around chicago, did you stay overnight in maywood? i live about 40 min away but it could be closer to an hour and a half in traffic so i'm tempted to just get a hotel... any suggestions/tips? thanks!
Click to expand...

I was in a similar situation when I interviewed, and I just left super early in the morning, since there's next to no traffic at 5:30-6:00 am. It sucks to get up early, but you'll be thanking yourself when you have extra time to navigate the parking lot, get your bearings, use the restroom, etc, BEFORE you walk into the admissions office. Plus, I was so keyed up the night before that I wouldn't have been able to sleep late anyway. 🙂


nellia said:
Also, the clinical experience during your third year takes place in Maywood, so you don't really do much work in the Chicago hospitals. That being said, you also get to do work at the Hines VA Hospital. I think during your fourth year you are free to go wherever, but most students choose to stay at Loyola. I think the majority of students really like doing their rotations at loyola, and it's a really nice hospital! People come from all over the Chicagoland area to receive care here so I doubt you will not be exposed to a diverse patient population. The only thing is it's not RIGHT in chicago.
Click to expand...

This is pretty much correct. I would add that you also have the opportunity to volunteer at Community Health, a clinic for the underserved that's located in Chicago. Keep in mind that "Chicago" does not always equal "diverse" and "suburban" does not always equal "homogenous". You'll get plenty of clinical experience with a diverse patient population at Loyola, trust me.
 
Where do most Loyola medical students live? I have made the drive from the Maywood area to downtown many times, it only takes 15 minutes tops without traffic. Do some students make the commute from the loop to Maywood every day? Do most live in the area surrounding Maywood or the West side of Chicago?
 
amph119 said:
Where do most Loyola medical students live? I have made the drive from the Maywood area to downtown many times, it only takes 15 minutes tops without traffic. Do some students make the commute from the loop to Maywood every day? Do most live in the area surrounding Maywood or the West side of Chicago?
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Most M1s and M2s live in the surrounding suburbs, especially Oak Park and Forest Park -- it's cheaper than the city, and the drive is shorter. For those who live in the city, the Wicker Park / Bucktown area seems to be popular (I live on the north side of the city in Roscoe Village). From what I've heard, there is also a large contingent of students who start off in the suburbs, then move out to the city for the M3/M4 years.
 
Hi everyone. I have an interview this friday (friday the 13th yikes!) and will be staying with a friend in rogers park. Does anyone know about how long it takes to get to the loyola med campus from there so I know what time to leave in the morning? thanks!
 
lildoc said:
Hi everyone. I have an interview this friday (friday the 13th yikes!) and will be staying with a friend in rogers park. Does anyone know about how long it takes to get to the loyola med campus from there so I know what time to leave in the morning? thanks!
Click to expand...
it could take awhile if there is traffic. google map it, and add 45 min to whatever that time is. i live 40 min away with no traffic and decided to get a hotel.
 
kac714 said:
it could take awhile if there is traffic. google map it, and add 45 min to whatever that time is. i live 40 min away with no traffic and decided to get a hotel.
Click to expand...

Oh yikes good to know. Does this mean driving/cab or taking the L?
 
lildoc said:
Oh yikes good to know. Does this mean driving/cab or taking the L?
Click to expand...


I wouldn't want to take the L on an interview day.....just leave super extra early. Its better to be on the road before rush hour and be bored at the school waiting for the day to start, than to be late.
 
a cab would cost alot, but driving is a safe bet. you can always take the blue line, which is right by the school. from rogers park, i think the closest stop is irving park... google cta trip planner and this should help. good luck!
 
lildoc said:
Hi everyone. I have an interview this friday (friday the 13th yikes!) and will be staying with a friend in rogers park. Does anyone know about how long it takes to get to the loyola med campus from there so I know what time to leave in the morning? thanks!
Click to expand...

I agree with kac714: Google map it, and then add 45 minutes to be safe. I drove to my interview from Rogers Park and left at 6 am for an 8 am interview just in case there was a horrible traffic jam. I got there super early, but I was never worried or anxious about being late. As a bonus, I had plenty of time to review the materials I brought, and I had time to chat with some students in the atrium. Leave super early -- you'll be glad you did.

Also, I would recommend driving over taking the Blue line, or cabbing if you have the budget and not the car. The EL will get you close to campus, but it definitely will not get you all the way there.

Good luck!
 
Thanks for the advice guys! I did end up just taking the L and then the pace bus...I left at 6 and got there at 8:15. It was a long haul but I didn't have a car or the money for a cab. I loved loyola by the way! What an awesome school!
 
I cannot find their e-mail address....what is it? Thank you.
 
i just called to check on my status. i know it doesn't look good, but i hadn't heard from them at all. and she said i'm up for ONE FINAL REVIEW. so i think everyone who hasn't had an invite yet is probably in the same boat
 
Nice...I am sending a LOI this afternoon.
 
Hey I know I'm a few weeks behind but I just wanted to make a quick post in response to the concerns of the "Second Date" event. There's (tentatively) going to be a tour of the facilities (both med school and hospital), food provided, guest speakers, etc. The point of allowing guests to come is to let your loved ones see where you might end up for the next 4 yrs. Loyola has always been a very family-friendly school that really puts forth an effort to incorporate the spouses, families, and sometimes children of its med students. And since Loyola does traditionally have a fair amount of non-trad med students, it's a good thing. Also, don't forget that some ppl come from OOS and their spouses might be committing to a big move for the school. Don't you think they'd be a little bummed to make the trip to check out the Chicago-area and then had to sit in a hotel room while their SO was checkin out the school all day?
 
bluesmd said:
i just called to check on my status. i know it doesn't look good, but i hadn't heard from them at all. and she said i'm up for ONE FINAL REVIEW. so i think everyone who hasn't had an invite yet is probably in the same boat
Click to expand...

I also called to check my status on 2/19 because I haven't heard anything from Loyola, except for the two times I called them and they said I was still under review. This time, the nice man who answered the phone said my review had been completed and that I had been flagged for further consideration, and that interviews go through April and if I haven't heard anything by mid-March, I should call them back. He said they try to give at least 2 weeks notice before an interview. I am not that hopeful that I will get an interview at this point but it's nice to know that there may be slim chance. That's odd that the person who answered your call said you are up for one final review, which makes it seem like review of applications for interviews is only happening one more time. Anyway, I've stopped trying to read between the lines of these responses - I end up being wrong most of the time. Best of luck!
 
Hey,

Just got an interview invite today! I was complete in early October or so.
 
bndbckhmlvr768 said:
Hey,

Just got an interview invite today! I was complete in early October or so.
Click to expand...

Congrats on the interview! How long did it take for the interview invite after you received the file complete e-mail? I got an e-mail on Feb. 2nd indicating that my file was under review, but I haven't received an invite for an interview. The e-mail said to phone the admissions office after 6 weeks to check your status if you don't hear anything. It's been 3 weeks, so I'm getting a little nervous that I may be passed over for an interview.
 
I just interviewed at Loyola on Monday, and it was a wonderful experience. Everyone I met was very happy--staff, professors, students, and interviewees. The interviews were very comfortable and conversational, and were a lot of fun as well. If you're into the Jesuit philosophy (I am), it definitely shows--for one thing I was told that a service is held for the human cadavers after the anatomy class is finished dissecting them. I thought that really shows a lot about the spirit of the school. This is my second year applying to Loyola, and I am really hoping to be accepted.

The staff were extremely accommodating of me. I went on the lunch/tour with a current medical student and two other interviewees, but I didn't eat anything because I didn't want to eat right before my interview (which is a bad idea for some and a good idea for others - like me! - depending on your personal physiology...) I was pleasantly surprised when after I came out from my last interview (around 2:30 or so) the staff had arranged for an additional student to take me to lunch. A friend joined him, so I had a nice lunch alone with the two students.

In addition, a problem came up where the second interviewer I was scheduled to meet with was going to be unable to meet with me, and this happened about five/ten minutes before we were scheduled to meet. But another professor who was an experienced interviewer happened to be in the office and was willing to interview me with no notice, so my interview still started on-time, but with a different (and apparently more senior) interviewer. The interview was extremely pleasant and conversational and he spent about twice as much time with me as had otherwise been scheduled. It was a lot of fun and I could tell he really enjoyed interviewing applicants, had a great sense of humor, and also asked me some really good ethical questions.

The assistant dean of admissions, Adrian Jones (also a wonderful person with a great sense of humor) told me there are still a few direct seats available and the admissions committee next meets on March 9th.

As far as logistics go, I stayed at the "Under the Gingko Tree" bed and breakfast in Oak Park. It's a wonderful and beautiful building and at $75/night for the cheaper rooms (and $90 for the more expensive ones), is priced quite nicely. It only took me about fifteen minutes to drive to the campus. The campus was very nice, and is across the street from a forest preserve.

If there is any complaint I have about Loyola, it was the interview invite call—I received it at 7:30 AM! (I’m in CA).

I wish everyone who is hoping for an interview the best of luck!

-Brent
 
I interviewed on Feb. 13th and loved it as well. The Dean also told us there was direct admissions offers left. Then I got a call this week saying they really liked me but they didn't have any direct offers so I would be on the waitlist. It was really disappointing to have been told there were offers when there were not (or at least not for me). Anyways, I hope things still work out because I really liked Loyola.

scratch that! I got another call today and was told they do still have very few direct admissions left! good luck to everyone else!
 
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Skorgirl said:
I also called to check my status on 2/19 because I haven't heard anything from Loyola, except for the two times I called them and they said I was still under review. This time, the nice man who answered the phone said my review had been completed and that I had been flagged for further consideration, and that interviews go through April and if I haven't heard anything by mid-March, I should call them back. He said they try to give at least 2 weeks notice before an interview. I am not that hopeful that I will get an interview at this point but it's nice to know that there may be slim chance. That's odd that the person who answered your call said you are up for one final review, which makes it seem like review of applications for interviews is only happening one more time. Anyway, I've stopped trying to read between the lines of these responses - I end up being wrong most of the time. Best of luck!
Click to expand...

I've been "flagged" as well. Called earlier today.
 
chemnerd89 said:
I've been "flagged" as well. Called earlier today.
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Hey, that's something. Unfortunately, I missed calling them this past week, so I'll have to wait til next Thursday to find out what's up with my app. I got my fingers crossed for the same.

edit: i just went through my e-mails, and as i thought, i never received a "complete" e-mail from them. also, the last time i called (like three weeks ago), the woman said my application had not yet gone to review. has anyone else experienced this?
 
just got an interview invite via phone call

i JUST woke up so needless to say, i sounded like a bafoon over the phone.
 
chemnerd89 said:
I've been "flagged" as well. Called earlier today.
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so i finally got to call to check my status. i was told the same thing - except with the twist that if i don't hear anything by the end of march, i should call back. i wonder if they extended their interview season...
 
Long time reader, first time poster. So I just called for a pre-interview status update and they said that it was "still under-review" and should call back in 3 weeks if I don't hear from them...I completed in December, late I know, but that doesn't seem good...
 
"Flagged for further review"!!! I know it's late, but still hoping for an invite!! Has anyone with this status been invited to interview lately?
 
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