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

[hypnix]

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No news about campus choice yet..... =/ Guys think if it's okay if I call and find out if they received my materials?

 

[herewego]

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.

I'm in the same boat, and we have very similar stats.

My status also changed from cation to cant about..2 weeks ago? I assumed they weren't going to update last thurs because of thanksgiving.

When were you complete, and is this the first time your status changed? I didn't find the whole status page update thing until recently, so I want to know if this is the first time I'm being reviewed or 2nd.

Edit: Oh and why bother checking so many times a day? I thought they only updated every tues/thurs evening, so I think logically you should only check wednes morning and friday morning?

 

[hal9000]

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

I wrote it in python with "borrowed" win32com and win32api modules. The same thing can be written in c or c++ too, with an equivalent module, but python is great for laziness.

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...

I was complete on 10/21. I don't really know how normal it is sorry.

 

[Proctodoc]

No news about campus choice yet..... =/ Guys think if it's okay if I call and find out if they received my materials?

I'm getting scared too! People from much further away have received their campus confirmation already. Also, someone mentioned that our status page would look recognizably different once they receive our site preference card and they make this update? I think I'm going to call them right now on my lunch break. I'll let you know what they say.

 

[hypnix]

I'm getting scared too! People from much further away have received their campus confirmation already. Also, someone mentioned that our status page would look recognizably different once they receive our site preference card and they make this update? I think I'm going to call them right now on my lunch break. I'll let you know what they say.

Thanks, I was going to call regardless what people said here, but I guess you beat me to it. I'm about to go on lunch.

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

My background check was clean and I released the info.... One more step down.

 

[migm]

Has uic cashed anyone's 100$ deposit, yet?

 

[cubssox2000]

Has uic cashed anyone's 100$ deposit, yet?

Sent mine in yesterday overnight. Should have gotten to UIC at 10:30 this morning. I'm waiting for an email saying they got it or my cashed check. Whichever comes first. 😴

 

[hal9000]

Edit: Oh and why bother checking so many times a day? I thought they only updated every tues/thurs evening, so I think logically you should only check wednes morning and friday morning?

Actually, updates happen all through the day. For example, last week tuesday (nov 24th) 10:01AM I had the "Application in Process" status. Then at 12:01 of the same day, I saw my status changed to "Applicant in Process". So, within the arbitrary 2 hour period Tuesday morning, my status changed. I also know someone who got an acceptance, having gone through the entire process, that also said he had arbitrary changes not restricted to the "downtime". However, there is obviously little point in checking during the night.

Now with the whole "downtime" issue, from a computer science perspective, I see absolutely no need for it. You certainly don't see application server driven sites like Facebook or SDN going down for 30 hours each week. The only logical explanation I can come up with is that they want less bandwidth and server-time usage by limiting use altogether during those hours. Or perhaps even in making the downtime seem like their "update time", which would in turn make people check less often and reduce server/bandwidth load. Of course, there may always be a non-cs driven motive that we have no way of knowing...

 

[hypnix]

Find anything out? Out for lunch and anxious

 

[Proctodoc]

Find anything out? Out for lunch and anxious

Yup, the lady said she received my site preference card but the confirmation letter could take up to two weeks to be sent Boo. She didn't tell me if the letter was already sent or not. I'm guessing it works the same way our acceptance packets worked: could take up to two weeks but probably faster. Let me know when you receive your confirmation.

 

[hypnix]

Yup, the lady said she received my site preference card but the confirmation letter could take up to two weeks to be sent Boo. She didn't tell me if the letter was already sent or not. I'm guessing it works the same way our acceptance packets worked: could take up to two weeks but probably faster. Let me know when you receive your confirmation.

Will do. I keep eagerly checking the mail around noon everyday. I really hope for my sanity's sake that the letter is there tomorrow. Waiting continues 😛

 

[205127]

Hi,

I don't post much on SDN but barring interviews, acceptances, and money from Loyola or Rush, I will be attending UIC. I just wanted a bit more information about academics and student life. I think UIC has block scheduling and sorry for the ignorance, but what does that mean? What is the academic environment like? As for student life, what is the day to day schedule like? My parents live in the Chicago suburbs and I plan to get a studio/loft near the school. I want to scope out the area when I come home for winter break to familiarize myself with my new school for four year!

Thanks for any help you guys can give! 🙂

 

[nellia]

so i have been complete since august 15th and have been applicant in process for 10 weeks now.. i am kind of confused about what is going on and why it's taking so long. at first i was thinking maybe i am just on continue to review or something but the thread last year said that if that's the case they will change your status back to application in process. so i don't really know what to do.. should i call ? is there a point ? this wait is seriously agonizing .

 

[hypnix]

so i have been complete since august 15th and have been applicant in process for 10 weeks now.. i am kind of confused about what is going on and why it's taking so long. at first i was thinking maybe i am just on continue to review or something but the thread last year said that if that's the case they will change your status back to application in process. so i don't really know what to do.. should i call ? is there a point ? this wait is seriously agonizing .

Sorry to hear that. Yeah, I guess it wouldn't hurt to call on Thursday and see if you can get a status update of some sort. Are you an IL resident?

 

[nellia]

Sorry to hear that. Yeah, I guess it wouldn't hurt to call on Thursday and see if you can get a status update of some sort. Are you an IL resident?

yeah ! i am an IL resident . things are just not really adding up i guess. ill call thursday for sure. this is one of my top choices so i'm pretty anxious / neurotic about hearing from them

 

[herewego]

yeah ! i am an IL resident . things are just not really adding up i guess. ill call thursday for sure. this is one of my top choices so i'm pretty anxious / neurotic about hearing from them

is it really "applicant" in process and not "application" in process?!? 10 weeks? jeese that completely and utterly destroyed my hope of getting an interview invite tomorrow.

 

[nellia]

is it really "applicant" in process and not "application" in process?!? 10 weeks? jeese that completely and utterly destroyed my hope of getting an interview invite tomorrow.

yeah, it is really applicant in process, NOT application. every week i anxiously check my status only to be greeted by the applicant in process screen. blah. i don't know, maybe it's just me ? people have been applicant for less, that's why i am thinking i need to call on thursday .. maybe we can both get interview invites tomorrow ?

 

[DrJD]

yeah, it is really applicant in process, NOT application. every week i anxiously check my status only to be greeted by the applicant in process screen. blah. i don't know, maybe it's just me ? people have been applicant for less, that's why i am thinking i need to call on thursday .. maybe we can both get interview invites tomorrow ?

Just want to say, don't give up! I am fairly certain I was on applicant in progress for a long time... I was complete 7-18-08 and got the interview invite on 9-24-08... So thats what, uhh... just under 10 weeks but that was early on when they had less applications. It can still happen!

 

[nellia]

Just want to say, don't give up! I am fairly certain I was on applicant in progress for a long time... I was complete 7-18-08 and got the interview invite on 9-24-08... So thats what, uhh... just under 10 weeks but that was early on when they had less applications. It can still happen!

thanks drJD.. congrats on your acceptance ! are you staying in your smp ? if i can recall UIC doesn't require you to complete your graduate program?

 

[DrJD]

thanks drJD.. congrats on your acceptance ! are you staying in your smp ? if i can recall UIC doesn't require you to complete your graduate program?

Wait seriously? lol

Do you know, does UIC require you to complete your graduate program?

 

[nellia]

Wait seriously? lol

Do you know, does UIC require you to complete your graduate program?

i knew someone in the loyola SMP last year who got into uic first semester, so she dropped out of the loyola program. she was older and couldn't justify spending all the tuition money, and she's at uic this year so i'm thinking you can ? double check though !

 

[Proctodoc]

Nellia - DrJD's right. Don't give up hope! i was complete 7/13 or something and got an interview around 10/15. That's like 3 months, so like 13 weeks! I think what helped was calling in on many Thursdays, cuz they have to get into your record to check your status, and most likely they make a note that you called, which Adcom sees as persistent interest. Good luck!

 

[nellia]

Nellia - DrJD's right. Don't give up hope! i was complete 7/13 or something and got an interview around 10/15. That's like 3 months, so like 13 weeks! I think what helped was calling in on many Thursdays, cuz they have to get into your record to check your status, and most likely they make a note that you called, which Adcom sees as persistent interest. Good luck!

ahh thanks for the encouragement everyone ! i guess no news is better than bad news ? haha - hopefully some good news will come out of this wait !

 

[migm]

Wait seriously? lol

Do you know, does UIC require you to complete your graduate program?

Seriously -- let me know about this. I would love to drop the last semesters of my now not-so-useful masters

 

[Chicago Person]

Hi,

I don't post much on SDN but barring interviews, acceptances, and money from Loyola or Rush, I will be attending UIC. I just wanted a bit more information about academics and student life. I think UIC has block scheduling and sorry for the ignorance, but what does that mean? What is the academic environment like? As for student life, what is the day to day schedule like? My parents live in the Chicago suburbs and I plan to get a studio/loft near the school. I want to scope out the area when I come home for winter break to familiarize myself with my new school for four year!

Thanks for any help you guys can give! 🙂

Rush and Loyola? Lame! I'm kidding, I'm kidding -- hopefully the remainder of the interview season goes well for you. Rafatech posted a link to a student-to-student guide a few pages back on this thread. I am reposting that link below. I found it to have some pretty interesting information, and am grateful to the students who got together to write it. At this point, it may just be the best peek you can get into the academic life of a UIC Medical Student. Hopefully it helps you in some way.

http://www.uic.edu/depts/mcam/osa/M1Year/Student-to-Student_Guide.pdf

 

[Heston]

I wrote it in python with "borrowed" win32com and win32api modules. The same thing can be written in c or c++ too, with an equivalent module, but python is great for laziness.



I was complete on 10/21. I don't really know how normal it is sorry.

I havent' ever used python. I would've written it in c++

 

[goone2524]

Nellia - DrJD's right. Don't give up hope! i was complete 7/13 or something and got an interview around 10/15. That's like 3 months, so like 13 weeks! I think what helped was calling in on many Thursdays, cuz they have to get into your record to check your status, and most likely they make a note that you called, which Adcom sees as persistent interest. Good luck!

do they only take status checks on Thursdays or something? 😕

 

[RafaTech]

Chicago-

Thanks for reposting the link to the student-to-student guide. I also found it really helpful in getting some inside info into to the life of a UIC student. 👍

 

[rjpark2]

nellia, i'm in the same exact boat. i've been complete since 7/10, i'm in-state, and I've been on applicant in process since august. I've called them once to ask about my status and they just keep telling me to try again in 4-6 weeks. I just sent them a letter of update/interest in the mail yesterday, even though most people say not to write a letter of interest until after your interview. i figure it couldn't hurt since this is my top choice school and i know i would drop everything if i got in. anyway, good luck- you're not alone in this painful wait.

 

[Heston]

I got contacted by Certiphi today. They need a signature of release for info from the Canadian Mounty force. I hope they'll be able to clear me soon....I thought i was done agonizing.

 

[hypnix]

I got contacted by Certiphi today. They need a signature of release for info from the Canadian Mounty force. I hope they'll be able to clear me soon....I thought i was done agonizing.

Nothing in the mail today 🙁

 

[Proctodoc]

Nothing in the mail today 🙁

No confirmation in the mail for me yesterday either :/ think we're the first batch of acceptees who didn't make the Chicago campus? I really hope it didn't fill that fast. Let's do the math. During interview day, the lady said they interview approx. 1000 people and accept probably 600 (which makes sense because schools usually take double the class size). Now 600 might include waitlistees that ultimately get accepted, but let's be on the neurotic side and say 600 are accepted right after interviewing. They interview over six months, but more are probably interviewed towards the beginning, and since Oct. and Nov. has passed, they've probably accepted 240 (to be on the high end). Chicago holds 175, but they probably take more than 175 knowing people will withdraw later. Of course many acceptees won't turn in their acceptance cuz they're going elsewhere, but that still looks like we're cutting it close. Am I just looking too deep into things? I mean I'm seriously just happy to be going to UIC period, but Chicago would be very nice

 

[migm]

No confirmation in the mail for me yesterday either :/ think we're the first batch of acceptees who didn't make the Chicago campus? I really hope it didn't fill that fast. Let's do the math. During interview day, the lady said they interview approx. 1000 people and accept probably 600 (which makes sense because schools usually take double the class size). Now 600 might include waitlistees that ultimately get accepted, but let's be on the neurotic side and say 600 are accepted right after interviewing. They interview over six months, but more are probably interviewed towards the beginning, and since Oct. and Nov. has passed, they've probably accepted 240 (to be on the high end). Chicago holds 175, but they probably take more than 175 knowing people will withdraw later. Of course many acceptees won't turn in their acceptance cuz they're going elsewhere, but that still looks like we're cutting it close. Am I just looking too deep into things? I mean I'm seriously just happy to be going to UIC period, but Chicago would be very nice

Relax. It is out of your hands. Give it some time

 

[hypnix]

No confirmation in the mail for me yesterday either :/ think we're the first batch of acceptees who didn't make the Chicago campus? I really hope it didn't fill that fast. Let's do the math. During interview day, the lady said they interview approx. 1000 people and accept probably 600 (which makes sense because schools usually take double the class size). Now 600 might include waitlistees that ultimately get accepted, but let's be on the neurotic side and say 600 are accepted right after interviewing. They interview over six months, but more are probably interviewed towards the beginning, and since Oct. and Nov. has passed, they've probably accepted 240 (to be on the high end). Chicago holds 175, but they probably take more than 175 knowing people will withdraw later. Of course many acceptees won't turn in their acceptance cuz they're going elsewhere, but that still looks like we're cutting it close. Am I just looking too deep into things? I mean I'm seriously just happy to be going to UIC period, but Chicago would be very nice

Yeah, so I gave a call today. They received my materials and she told me it could take a few weeks. I'm not sure why, but yeah, I highly doubt Chicago campus is full.

 

[migm]

Yeah, so I gave a call today. They received my materials and she told me it could take a few weeks. I'm not sure why, but yeah, I highly doubt Chicago campus is full.

For as much as it is a relief that the receptionist or whoever answers the phone has said they have received the materials, it would be great to get some type of notification in writing or on the webpage. Has anything changed on your status page yet?

 

[hypnix]

For as much as it is a relief that the receptionist or whoever answers the phone has said they have received the materials, it would be great to get some type of notification in writing or on the webpage. Has anything changed on your status page yet?

Nope.

Still have the two weeks message from the 21st of November.

 

[Tally]

Do you guys know when you interview:acceptance ratio generally declines. I know that UIC offers interview through March or even April, but does anyone know when the class starts filling up? Please let me know when you have a chance! Thanks!

 

[hal9000]

I havent' ever used python. I would've written it in c++

Although c++ is the "greatest language ever", I still rather write most programs in python, simply because "speed of the program" is a non-issue with small programs, where as the time to develop it is. For example, writing this particular program in python took me 5 minutes. The same thing in c++ I could easily say would take around 15+ minutes. The program might over-all run .005 seconds faster in c++... but is that worth it? If I had a for loop with 20 million iterations then yea sure, but I don't. Python writes like pseudocode, so you just need to think up the structure and type english, rather than also remember/dig up complex syntax and such. I highly recommend learning python, especially since you've got the time now having already got an acceptance (congrats!). I'm also more fluent in c++ than any other language btw, so perhaps my shameless plug for python has a little more credibility... I guarantee you'll enjoy programming more. 🙂

 

[Chicago Person]

Although c++ is the "greatest language ever", I still rather write most programs in python, simply because "speed of the program" is a non-issue with small programs, where as the time to develop it is. For example, writing this particular program in python took me 5 minutes. The same thing in c++ I could easily say would take around 15+ minutes. The program might over-all run .005 seconds faster in c++... but is that worth it? If I had a for loop with 20 million iterations then yea sure, but I don't. Python writes like pseudocode, so you just need to think up the structure and type english, rather than also remember/dig up complex syntax and such. I highly recommend learning python, especially since you've got the time now having already got an acceptance (congrats!). I'm also more fluent in c++ than any other language btw, so perhaps my shameless plug for python has a little more credibility... I guarantee you'll enjoy programming more. 🙂

Dude, thanks for the recommendation. I'm going to drop what I'm doing and learn Python right now. So cool.

Do you guys know when you interview:acceptance ratio generally declines. I know that UIC offers interview through March or even April, but does anyone know when the class starts filling up? Please let me know when you have a chance! Thanks!

I remember visiting the admissions office in MAY of this year, and being told they were conducting interviews. I can guess that the school tries to fill all of its spots by the May 15th deadline, but that doesn't account for the students who opt to go to other schools. I don't think that the interview:acceptance ratio declines as time passes, but I do think they invite fewer people to interview in the final months.

Chicago holds 175, but they probably take more than 175 knowing people will withdraw later. Of course many acceptees won't turn in their acceptance cuz they're going elsewhere, but that still looks like we're cutting it close. Am I just looking too deep into things? I mean I'm seriously just happy to be going to UIC period, but Chicago would be very nice

I will march on the admissions office with swords and soldiers and demand your entry into the Chicago Campus, if you think it will help. No, but seriously…I have swords. No, but seriously…I think you have a really good shot at getting Chi-town. If it makes you feel any better, I think the class size this year was like 183 (MSAR).

 

[Proctodoc]

I will march on the admissions office with swords and soldiers and demand your entry into the Chicago Campus, if you think it will help. No, but seriously…I have swords. No, but seriously…I think you have a really good shot at getting Chi-town. If it makes you feel any better, I think the class size this year was like 183 (MSAR).

Yea I'd like to see you do that! In the meanwhile, still no confirmation but it's alright, I'll chill out unless it doesn't arrive before Christmas. On the other hand, background check is complete and sent to UIC.

 

[hypnix]

Yea I'd like to see you do that! In the meanwhile, still no confirmation but it's alright, I'll chill out unless it doesn't arrive before Christmas. On the other hand, background check is complete and sent to UIC.

Nothing here too.

 

[MDWannabe2009]

Hey guys, I have a question. I interviewed a few weeks ago, and now my status page says "decision pending." Is this the normal progression of the status page, or does this mean something else. I know how there are hidden meanings behind what uic puts on the status page, so I was just wondering if this message is normal. Thanks.

 

[DrJD]

Hey guys, I have a question. I interviewed a few weeks ago, and now my status page says "decision pending." Is this the normal progression of the status page, or does this mean something else. I know how there are hidden meanings behind what uic puts on the status page, so I was just wondering if this message is normal. Thanks.

Totally normal, it will say that until they meet and decide on your application later this month. And then it will switch to the decision made message, etc. etc.

 

[P31woman]

I just got an interview invite...well my mom actually is the one who opened and read it...I don't know why it got sent to my home 2,000 miles away.

 

[Proctodoc]

I just got an interview invite...well my mom actually is the one who opened and read it...I don't know why it got sent to my home 2,000 miles away.

Congrats! That's awesome!

 

[hypnix]

I just got an interview invite...well my mom actually is the one who opened and read it...I don't know why it got sent to my home 2,000 miles away.

Call and schedule the interview ASAP!

 

[l7anxtl7lvln2n]

I just got an interview invite...well my mom actually is the one who opened and read it...I don't know why it got sent to my home 2,000 miles away.

Cheers!👍

 

[DrJD]

So what's the consensus, does our status page change once they have logged in our acceptance?

If you've sent yours for this last round of acceptances has your status changed yet?

Mine has not...

 

[migm]

So what's the consensus, does our status page change once they have logged in our acceptance?

If you've sent yours for this last round of acceptances has your status changed yet?

Mine has not...

not changed but i have gotten verbal confirmation it was received