2008-2009 University of Illinois (UIC) Secondary Application Thread

[DrJD]

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Yes I will commute from Aurora. Aurora is the second largest city in IL and the last major suburb of Chicago to the west. Metra is nice and will get you downtown in 40 minutes on an express train, or about 80 minutes if all the stops are made. The major problem with Metra is parking. The lot fills up in Aurora by around 7:00am on weekdays, and there is a 9 year waiting list for a parking permit (you pay 2 dollars a day to park if you do not have a permit). There are remote parking locations with a shuttle, but I have never used them. The ride itself is about $10 round trip, but you can get discounted rates if you buy monthly passes. Also, downtown Aurora is not a nice place, so I would advise not living there, or even better, living in a more eastern suburb to cut down on your commute time.

If you do commute via Metra, your total commute time would breakdown something like this:

1. Aurora to Union Station (Chicago) in 40-80 minutes
2. Walk to Jackson Street El stop (Blue Line) - 10 minutes
3. Wait for El - 5-10 minutes
4. El Ride to campus - 10-15 minutes

If you drive, which I do not advise, it would take about 45-60 minutes on a perfect traffic day. There is unending construction on our toll ways (yes you have to pay to use the interstates in IL), which always slows things down (we are in the midst of year 4 of a lane widening project that I am convinced will never end). Also, the weather from November through April sucks, and we get lots of snow which just snarls traffic. Let me know if this helps and if you have any other questions. Hope to see you in the fall!

Thanks for the detailed info! We were thinking of either Aurora or Naperville... Obviously we'd rather naperville because its closer but the prices are a lot lower in Aurora. I was under the impression that there were some nice areas of Aurora though right?

Thanks again for the info! I'll feel better tomorrow when the mail comes, I wish the address I listed as my permanent address wasn't so far up in Northern California!

 

[genesis09]

From Union Station, you can take the #7 bus, #38 bus, Pink line train (Quincy (2-3 blocks east on Jackson) to Polk (<5 minutes to COM)), or Blue line train (Clinton (2 blocks south on Clinton) to Medical District (half mile north of west campus)) to the UIC west campus.
It is very hard to change residency status at UIC. If you are married, after a year, you can claim residency through your spouse. If you are not married, than you have to live in Illinois for one year and earn half of your expenses. The only people who I know who have done it were undergraduates. If you are under 24, you can claim residency through your parents.
I commute to UIC west campus from Glenview and it takes 90 minutes. My town has parking permits available at both stations.
You will receive the U-Pass. For $95 per semester, you will get unlimited CTA rides.
An on-campus parking permit costs about $230 per semester, I believe.

 

[Proctodoc]

Hey everyone, do you know if UIC checks your references before or after acceptance? On the secondary I gave out my boss's phone number and e-mail. I'm still working full-time and want to keep my job cuz obviously I need the money but don't want my employer to find out that I got into med school cuz they're laying off people at this moment and that would be a sure way to get myself laid off and jobless. Anyone know what UIC's policy is?

 

[migm]

Hey everyone, do you know if UIC checks your references before or after acceptance? On the secondary I gave out my boss's phone number and e-mail. I'm still working full-time and want to keep my job cuz obviously I need the money but don't want my employer to find out that I got into med school cuz they're laying off people at this moment and that would be a sure way to get myself laid off and jobless. Anyone know what UIC's policy is?

It is doubtful UIC would go through the trouble of doing this. If they didn't believe you, you would've gotten questions on it at the interview.

 

[DrJD]

From Union Station, you can take the #7 bus, #38 bus, Pink line train (Quincy (2-3 blocks east on Jackson) to Polk (<5 minutes to COM)), or Blue line train (Clinton (2 blocks south on Clinton) to Medical District (half mile north of west campus)) to the UIC west campus.
It is very hard to change residency status at UIC. If you are married, after a year, you can claim residency through your spouse. If you are not married, than you have to live in Illinois for one year and earn half of your expenses. The only people who I know who have done it were undergraduates. If you are under 24, you can claim residency through your parents.
I commute to UIC west campus from Glenview and it takes 90 minutes. My town has parking permits available at both stations.
You will receive the U-Pass. For $95 per semester, you will get unlimited CTA rides.
An on-campus parking permit costs about $230 per semester, I believe.

Hey thanks for the info! So how has glenview been? Is it safe and nice? I'm not from the area but my wife and I are looking for a suburb that is very safe, and just a nice place to live. We have been considering Naperfille or Aurora, how does Glenview compare to these? Thanks again!

 

[nellia]

Hey thanks for the info! So how has glenview been? Is it safe and nice? I'm not from the area but my wife and I are looking for a suburb that is very safe, and just a nice place to live. We have been considering Naperfille or Aurora, how does Glenview compare to these? Thanks again!

glenview is really really nice ! it is VERY safe and a great neighborhood. driving would not be a very bad commute, but traffic on 94 might make it longer. the metra does run to glenview though, although i'm not sure if that train comes into oglesvy or union.

if you are still looking west though, you should consider elmhurst/western springs/la grange. that's also a pretty nice area and right off 290 so you could just hop on that to get to school and get off at the ashland exit.

 

[Proctodoc]

Migm - thanks for the input!

 

[cubssox2000]

Did anyone else (cause clearly this happened to me if I'm asking) get the first email from the AMCAS saying that the background check was coming, and then never get the second email from the company? I have my filters off, so it should come straight to my inbox. I'm hoping its just because of the holiday week.

 

[Heston]

Did anyone else (cause clearly this happened to me if I'm asking) get the first email from the AMCAS saying that the background check was coming, and then never get the second email from the company? I have my filters off, so it should come straight to my inbox. I'm hoping its just because of the holiday week.

I haven't received it yet either. I called about it and the lady told me they hadn't sent those out. That was wednesday.

 

[DrJD]

Just got the official big envelope... Finally!!! Class of 2013!!!!!! Woot!!!

👍👍

 

[BlackDr2b]

Just got the official big envelope... Finally!!! Class of 2013!!!!!! Woot!!!

👍👍

Congrats DrJD!

 

[migm]

Just got the official big envelope... Finally!!! Class of 2013!!!!!! Woot!!!

👍👍

Crazy ain't it. Congrats

 

[RafaTech]

Just got the official big envelope... Finally!!! Class of 2013!!!!!! Woot!!!

👍👍

Woop woop! Congrats! Its official.

 

[Heston]

I got the Chicago campus!

 

[hypnix]

I got the Chicago campus!

Awesome!

I checked my mail, but nothing 🙁

I mailed in my acceptance forms last Tuesday. When did you send yours out?

 

[Heston]

Awesome!

I checked my mail, but nothing 🙁

I mailed in my acceptance forms last Tuesday. When did you send yours out?

I sent out everything Monday morning. Basically as soon as humanly possible.

 

[genesis09]

Glenview is a nice area, but very expensive except for the area around Milwaukee Ave and the trailer parks. The Milwaukee North Metra train has two stops in Glenview and it ends at Union Station. You can drive to the Blue line within 20-30 minutes. You might want to look at Park Ridge or Oak Park.

 

[kac714]

Hey thanks for the info! So how has glenview been? Is it safe and nice? I'm not from the area but my wife and I are looking for a suburb that is very safe, and just a nice place to live. We have been considering Naperfille or Aurora, how does Glenview compare to these? Thanks again!

Glenview is mostly pretty expensive. I live there (with my parents now, but will not be if i go to UIC) Its really nice, great public schools, etc, but the areas closest to the train station and the expressway are pretty pricey. Its very safe. There is also no nightlife whatsoever, at least not for people under 30.

 

[brandold]

Is anyone else still at "application is in process" after 8 weeks complete?

 

[nellia]

Is anyone else still at "application is in process" after 8 weeks complete?

this is my 9th or 10th week going on applicant in process. 😴😴😴

i can't decide if it's a bad sign, or if they are just behind? i dont even know.

 

[Karate Monkey]

this is my 9th or 10th week going on applicant in process. 😴😴😴

i can't decide if it's a bad sign, or if they are just behind? i dont even know.

I was complete about 5 weeks ago and still have no word. I don't think it is bad news. I think they are probably just pretty busy. It is kinda frustrating though especially since I have had several interview invites from other places already but really wanna go to UIC.

 

[nellia]

I was complete about 5 weeks ago and still have no word. I don't think it is bad news. I think they are probably just pretty busy. It is kinda frustrating though especially since I have had several interview invites from other places already but really wanna go to UIC.

i've been complete since august 15th...

 

[brandold]

dang karate monkey, you've only been complete for 5 weeks and already have several interviews? congrats 🙂! yeah I'm in the same boat, I really want to go to UIC

 

[Karate Monkey]

dang karate monkey, you've only been complete for 5 weeks and already have several interviews? congrats 🙂! yeah I'm in the same boat, I really want to go to UIC

It doesn't make much sense to take so long to do things. I cant imagine waiting as long as you or Nellia have. 5ish weeks is tough enough.

As for the interviews...I was floored! Most of them are at reach schools which adds even more confusion why I havent heard much from UIC. All I want for Xmas is a UIC invite.

Good luck to you guys! Keep me posted on your status.

 

[nellia]

It doesn't make much sense to take so long to do things. I cant imagine waiting as long as you or Nellia have. 5ish weeks is tough enough.

As for the interviews...I was floored! Most of them are at reach schools which adds even more confusion why I havent heard much from UIC. All I want for Xmas is a UIC invite.

Good luck to you guys! Keep me posted on your status.

thanks karate monkey!! when you look at your status does it say applicant or application in process?

 

[Heston]

got the second background check email this morning.

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

Yes, I got the email from Certiphi today as well.

 

[Proctodoc]

I got the Certiphi email this morning too! I started filling it up but there is no way I can remember my previous 7 addresses (esp. college apartments and dorms) so I'll have to do some digging. I guess my delayed reaction is kicking in now. I'M GOING TO UIC AND I'M GOING TO BE A DOCTOR!!!!! WOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[scrplyr86]

is there anyone who had one of the first interviews, whos status check still had decision pending after the october meeting, but then was accepted after the november meeting?
just trying to find out if there is a chance of being accepted (not off the waitlist) after you have been passed up once? 🙁

 

[hypnix]

I got the Certiphi email this morning too! I started filling it up but there is no way I can remember my previous 7 addresses (esp. college apartments and dorms) so I'll have to do some digging. I guess my delayed reaction is kicking in now. I'M GOING TO UIC AND I'M GOING TO BE A DOCTOR!!!!! WOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

I actually have had 7 addresses. I was maybe 11 years old for my last address too!

 

[Michael845]

I actually have had 7 addresses. I was maybe 11 years old for my last address too!

chicagochicagochicagochicagoyayyy!!!


question... i've yet to take a 200-level bio class, and am signing up to schedule classes for the spring. i called the office and someone on the phone told me i can fulfill that requirement taking the class pass/fail, but i would really like to get that in writing before i go ahead and do it...does anyone know who to contact?

 

[hypnix]

Not sure who to contact.

 

[DrJD]

So I overnighted my preference card today... Chicago first, Urbana second... woot!!

UIC here I come!

 

[Bibbed]

Just received a snail mail interview invite. I'm going to call tomorrow to schedule. Does anyone know roughly what month they're scheduling interviews for now?

 

[Proctodoc]

I mailed my preference card in last Tuesday morning and I still haven't received a confirmation letter in the mail yet for which campus I got. Should I be worried? I know it hasn't been long but other people seem to have gotten their confirmation letters already. I live 35 minutes from Chicago btw.

 

[hypnix]

I mailed my preference card in last Tuesday morning and I still haven't received a confirmation letter in the mail yet for which campus I got. Should I be worried? I know it hasn't been long but other people seem to have gotten their confirmation letters already. I live 35 minutes from Chicago btw.

I'm not far from Chicago and mailed mine in last Tuesday and not received anything either. I doubt they filled 175 spots already. I was worrying a bit earlier today after reading this thread, but reason kicked in 🙂

 

[Heston]

I actually have had 7 addresses. I was maybe 11 years old for my last address too!

I've moved around like 12 times in my life...this is impossible for me....

 

[Heston]

OK, i submitted the background check. Some of those addresses I think they might have a hard time with: Haiti, Quebec, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (didn't even have this country in their list).

Fingers crossed i don't have any trouble...

 

[Proctodoc]

I searched all my files and even looked online at my old dorm building's layout to figure out what dorm room number I was, but could not find it at all so I guessed it. I hope they don't bust me for that... I heard somewhere we needed to do fingerprints? I don't see any information from Certiphi about fingerprints. So what's next after the certification? They just e-mail us to tell us we're good to go? How long does that take?

 

[Heston]

I searched all my files and even looked online at my old dorm building's layout to figure out what dorm room number I was, but could not find it at all so I guessed it. I hope they don't bust me for that... I heard somewhere we needed to do fingerprints? I don't see any information from Certiphi about fingerprints. So what's next after the certification? They just e-mail us to tell us we're good to go? How long does that take?

Whoa, dude, i don't think you need the address that refined. All they're looking for is a paper trail so that they can cross reference for any possible funny business. I mean, there's no way in hell i could remember the address in Quebec. I just did the University address and hope for the best. They'll figure it out - they can always call me.

The fingerprints i think will not be needed. If i remember right, the guy you're referring to never got the Celphi email and so he had a background check done on him, initiated by himself. Maybe that was why fingerprints were needed. Who knows.

I think it would be reallllllly stupid and unfounded if they denied my acceptance because I didn't put my dorm room number or knew the exact location of house that I lived at in Haiti for a year. I've never had even as much as a ticket. I'm clean baby.

 

[Heston]

I searched all my files and even looked online at my old dorm building's layout to figure out what dorm room number I was, but could not find it at all so I guessed it. I hope they don't bust me for that... I heard somewhere we needed to do fingerprints? I don't see any information from Certiphi about fingerprints. So what's next after the certification? They just e-mail us to tell us we're good to go? How long does that take?

They said 3-5 business days. That would make it next Monday at the latest.

 

[Chicago Person]

I turned in my site preference card by hand on Tuesday, and got the reply on Saturday. And I got the Chicago campus, so I can finally rest at ease 👍 The letter was dated November 26th (Wednesday), and the address that it went to is about 50 miles west of Chicago, FYI.

For those of you still waiting for your site assignment to come in, you have no reason to worry. We are the second round of accepted applicants, and none of us should have a problem getting our number one choice!

Heston, are you going to UIC for sure next year? If so, I suppose I will see you in class...

Oh, and I also got the e-mail from Certiphi today.

 

[Heston]

I turned in my site preference card by hand on Tuesday, and got the reply on Saturday. And I got the Chicago campus, so I can finally rest at ease 👍 The letter was dated November 26th (Wednesday), and the address that it went to is about 50 miles west of Chicago, FYI.

For those of you still waiting for your site assignment to come in, you have no reason to worry. We are the second round of accepted applicants, and none of us should have a problem getting our number one choice!

Heston, are you going to UIC for sure next year? If so, I suppose I will see you in class...

Oh, and I also got the e-mail from Certiphi today.

Yeah, 100% sure. For many reasons. I'm pretty excited about going to a school i really want to go to. I'm gonna call Loyola tomorrow and tell them I'm not doing the interview.

 

[Proctodoc]

Heston - thanks for the alleviation! I am 100% sure I'm going to UIC as well, with Chicago being my first choice for site preference, to be confirmed anyday now hopefully. I'll see you guys all in class in just 8 months! Maybe we should designate one day to post our real pics as our avatars just so we can start recognizing faces, and then we can take our real pics off after that designated day to remain anonymous once again. Loyal thread members would know to come check pictures out that day only.

 

[CANEMD]

I think if everyone joins the facebook group we can all start to get to know each others faces like that. As far as the address is concerned, I think it is not a big deal at all. I don't remember the address I lived at with my parents when I was a kid and I am sure that is not a problem. Guys, I think they just want to know you are not delinquents. That is all. No need to worry so much. All the worrying at this point is done. Until we have to worry about the step one of course lol. So enjoy this little break we have before all the frustrations and doubts come back.

 

[hal9000]

I think if everyone joins the facebook group we can all start to get to know each others faces like that.

Wow, you guys all bonded in this thread. Anyone in the late boat and have their status change from "cation" to "cant" last tuesday? I wrote a program to automatically login and check my status for changes, and it now checks about 12 times a day. Hopefully they don't log stuff, as my behavior would probably come of as neurotic. UIC is still my top choice, so I would hate to get a rejection, especially out of a misunderstanding.

 

[Heston]

Wow, you guys all bonded in this thread. Anyone in the late boat and have their status change from "cation" to "cant" last tuesday? I wrote a program to automatically login and check my status for changes, and it now checks about 12 times a day. Hopefully they don't log stuff, as my behavior would probably come of as neurotic. UIC is still my top choice, so I would hate to get a rejection, especially out of a misunderstanding.

What did you end up writing the program in? or is it a macro?

 

[Almond Oil]

Wow, you guys all bonded in this thread. Anyone in the late boat and have their status change from "cation" to "cant" last tuesday? I wrote a program to automatically login and check my status for changes, and it now checks about 12 times a day. Hopefully they don't log stuff, as my behavior would probably come of as neurotic. UIC is still my top choice, so I would hate to get a rejection, especially out of a misunderstanding.

Hey Hal, when were you complete at UIC? I was complete 10/8, and my status still hasn't changed from application in process. Is this normal or should I begin to worry?

Congrats to all those who have been accepted and/or interviewed. Were most of you complete before 10/1?

I can feel my anxiety kicking in...

 

[205127]

Hi,

I just got accepted to UIC recently and was wondering if any of you knew the specifics about the orgo requirement. I will be calling this Thursday when they said their admissions counselors will be there, but just wanted to know if any of you would know... They say they require 1 year orgo with lab. I have taken orgo lecture I & II and will take a one semester biochem class and the lab that goes with orgo I in Spring. At my university the only people who take orgo II lab are chem majors and all premeds at my school take orgo lecture I, II and orgo lab I. Do you think they would be okay with this? I cannot take orgo lab II along with orgo lab I this spring anyway...

Thanks for your help!
Pinky19

 

[Chicago Person]

Hi,

I just got accepted to UIC recently and was wondering if any of you knew the specifics about the orgo requirement. I will be calling this Thursday when they said their admissions counselors will be there, but just wanted to know if any of you would know... They say they require 1 year orgo with lab. I have taken orgo lecture I & II and will take a one semester biochem class and the lab that goes with orgo I in Spring. At my university the only people who take orgo II lab are chem majors and all premeds at my school take orgo lecture I, II and orgo lab I. Do you think they would be okay with this? I cannot take orgo lab II along with orgo lab I this spring anyway...

Thanks for your help!
Pinky19

Hey Pinky19, I know a couple of people that are students at UIC Med right now. Neither of them took Orgo Lab II. I haven't taken it either, and don't plan on it. I actually have never heard that UIC requires orgo lab II.