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

[little bus]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I also received a UMed interview and was wondering whether they interview everyone that applied. Anyone else receive an interview?

Also zipmedic, do you know anyone that has done the MD/MPH program and can answer questions about it? I'm trying to decide whether its worth the extra year of loans or if i should just wait until residency. Any help would be great.

I also received an interview invite for the UMed program. The letter says that each application goes through a rigorous screening process and it's hard to imagine them being able to interview over 85 people in one day, especially if the interviews are one-on-one. Anyway, I'm thankful to have an interview!

 

[MD831]

haha... all my hopes dashed with your one post! 😛

I'm assuming it changes to your "actual" assignment after a few days. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Haha... I got the UIN email before I got my acceptance. It would make sense that Chicago's the default. I'm really curious what sort of system they have to assign campuses. They say first come first serve, but people don't seem to get their first choices even early in the application cycle and others get them late in the game.

I was told by the admissions office that at this point petitions/letters are not reviewed until after May 15th when seats become available. They also said that petitions were not considered on a first come first serve basis but more based on individual reasons for wanting a site change. However, that is contradictory to a lot of postings in this forum... anyone have any insight?

 

[146233]

Have they started replying to petition letters yet? I'm the primary care taker of my grandparents over here in Chicago and I need to stay here..I turned in my appeal letter a long time ago..hopefully I get it!

They have.

mine says Col of Med-Urbana-UIC, but the campus says Chicago? very confused...

You're in UPR.

I'm waiting as well! Accordingly to last year's thread, nobody was granted their petition until after May 15th.

Untrue.

I've been calling for the last 4 weeks to find out if I've been granted an interview. All I have gotten is "your file is in review." For those of you who know, is the interview season over? have all the invitations been emailed? Thanks for you response!

Pretty much. Honestly, stop calling. Watch your status page. As I've said time and again, calling just slows everything down.

I wouldn't beat yourselves up over turning in the site card asap. I was in the Dec. batch, turned it in early and still got placed in the UPR track. I think they just have a different system this year. It's rough to just have to sit and wait, for sure!

Same system.

I also received a UMed interview and was wondering whether they interview everyone that applied. Anyone else receive an interview?

No, they don't.

Also zipmedic, do you know anyone that has done the MD/MPH program and can answer questions about it? I'm trying to decide whether its worth the extra year of loans or if i should just wait until residency. Any help would be great.

No, I don't, but it's probably not worth it unless you're seriously interested in public health. And waiting until "residency" probably isn't a good idea. You'll be too busy.

 

[146233]

I'm really curious what sort of system they have to assign campuses.

Don't bother thinking about it.

I was told by the admissions office that at this point petitions/letters are not reviewed until after May 15th when seats become available. They also said that petitions were not considered on a first come first serve basis but more based on individual reasons for wanting a site change. However, that is contradictory to a lot of postings in this forum... anyone have any insight?

Not contradictory to mine. Some have been reviewed and approved. Most have not. The majority will receive attention after May 15th. They are indeed based on merit.

 

[l7anxtl7lvln2n]

Zip, I don't know what this thread would do without you. Thanks for all your help!

 

[hal9000]

zipmedic, that is simply amazing. thanks!

 

[harsh239]

First of all thanks a lot zip!! But then why would they tell us that no files are going to be reviewed until after May 15th??

 

[146233]

First of all thanks a lot zip!! But then why would they tell us that no files are going to be reviewed until after May 15th??

To get you to leave them alone until May 15th. And because the vast majority will be evaluated after that date.

 

[MD831]

does that also mean that "Coll Medicine at Chicago - CS / Campus: Chicago" doesn't mean much until after your registration is confirmed?

Thanks so much zip!

 

[146233]

does that also mean that "Coll Medicine at Chicago - CS / Campus: Chicago" doesn't mean much until after your registration is confirmed?

Doubt it. Seems like you're in. Here's what mine says:

Current Program
Doctor of Medicine
Level: Professional - Chicago
Program: MD:Medicine - Chicago -UIC
Admit Term: Fall 2008 - Chicago
Admit Type: Regular Admission
Catalog Term: Fall 2008 - Chicago
College: Coll Medicine at Chicago - CS
Campus: Chicago
Major and Department: Medicine - Chicago, Administration

 

[hal9000]

does that also mean that "Coll Medicine at Chicago - CS / Campus: Chicago" doesn't mean much until after your registration is confirmed?

bah! quiet man... your posts and inquiries are toying with my hopes and dreams!

however, IF it turns out to be that you were already on chicago campus before you even turned in your site-placement card, it would say something completely mind-blowing about the process by which they "place" people in tracks... as in, it is NOT first-come, first-serve, and might in fact be decided while they review your file before you even get an acceptance. The site-placement card is simply used as a guide, especially when they see those (rare) individuals with UPR track preference over Chicago.

...this is just speculation of course, and seems crazy in even my own opinion... (please correct me if i'm wrong/crazy zipmedic)

 

[Hvm33]

Also just got my UMed invitation, so I will be at Second Look.

Anyone (zipmedic, of course this means you) have advice for how these interviews go? Would appreciate any info you have, and really excited to see y'all April 24th!

 

[Alyla]

last interview date (according to admissions) is April 20

 

[bUBBA gUMP]

last interview date (according to admissions) is April 20

that's less than two weeks from now.🙁

do you think they're still sending out invites?

 

[Trolly]

Sooo if I didn't get an e-mail, does that mean I didn't get an interview?? Boooo 🙁 Kinda weird, I don't know why they didn't send a rejection letter.

Also, I posted a little while earlier, but no one responded. Why is UIC so much more expensive for M2 and M3? I don't think other schools raise the price as much as UIC does. Is that weird, or am I wrong?

 

[stephentyler20]

Has anyone had to deal with this, or am I the only accepted student who has ever gotten below a "C"?...

From the Requirements for Permission to Register form sent in the acceptance packet...

"In order to be given permission to register as a first-year student in the College of Medicine, candidates must:

1. Earn a grade of C or better in all courses taken or to be taken subsequent to submitting an application through AMCAS*. ...
*************EDIT****************
Ah! Please disregard... I wasn't thinking straight when I read "subsequent to"... I might need to hit the cath lab to undue the damage I just did to my heart tissue.

 

[BetheChange4]

Can any current Med students offer their 2 cents abou the UPR track..? Likes?👍 Dislikes?👎

 

[146233]

do you think they're still sending out invites?

Doubt it. Yes, it's only two weeks from now, but they have to prepare for the 2010 cycle.

Also just got my UMed invitation, so I will be at Second Look.

Anyone (zipmedic, of course this means you) have advice for how these interviews go? Would appreciate any info you have, and really excited to see y'all April 24th!

About the same as any other medical school interview, but be prepared to answer "Why UMed?"

Sooo if I didn't get an e-mail, does that mean I didn't get an interview?? Boooo 🙁 Kinda weird, I don't know why they didn't send a rejection letter.

Low priority.

Also, I posted a little while earlier, but no one responded. Why is UIC so much more expensive for M2 and M3? I don't think other schools raise the price as much as UIC does. Is that weird, or am I wrong?

It's not "raising the price" per se. Think about it. In addition to paying for summer sessions after M2/M3, the school also insures the hell out of you while you're seeing patients.

Ah! Please disregard... I wasn't thinking straight when I read "subsequent to"... I might need to hit the cath lab to undue the damage I just did to my heart tissue.

Jeez, why does no one read that? And it's a good thing you're going to medical school; perhaps there you'll learn that the cath lab isn't going to "undo" any damage to your "myocardium." 😉

 

[Proctodoc]

Jeez, why does no one read that? And it's a good thing you're going to medical school; perhaps there you'll learn that the cath lab isn't going to "undo" any damage to your "myocardium." 😉

Did you have an "infarct" stephentyler? Teeheehee! 😀 "Infart"

 

[chief illiniwek]

last interview date (according to admissions) is April 20

this conflicts (not surprisingly) with what i was told when i called last thursday. whoever i spoke to said that my application will be reviewed once more to possibly offer an interview, and that this might not happen til the end of april. this would imply that they would not only be holding interviews after april 20, but will even be making invitations.

i could tell she wasn't on the AdCom or didn't know the exact schedule/agenda for the AdCom, she just seemed to be making educated guesses. for safety's sake, i sent an LOI/update later that day. either way, im still keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[146233]

this conflicts (not surprisingly) with what i was told when i called last thursday. whoever i spoke to said that my application will be reviewed once more to possibly offer an interview, and that this might not happen til the end of april. this would imply that they would not only be holding interviews after april 20, but will even be making invitations.

Sorry, but this is incorrect. The last interview day is April 20.

 

[chief illiniwek]

Sorry, but this is incorrect. The last interview day is April 20.

this is basically what i was assuming; i was just saying sharing another inconsistency with everyone. also, im grateful for your input and everything, but where do you get all your information? you seem to have more answers than the people i have talked to at the admissions office, which makes zero sense to me. 😕

 

[205127]

Hi Zipmedic,

Since you are very knowledgeable about UIC issues, I was wondering if you could give your 2 cents about an individual concern I have. I sent you a Private Message about it.

Thanks in advance!
Pinky 🙂

 

[chessodoc]

Anyone know what the financial packet looks like? Is it like straight 75K loans for OOS?

 

[146233]

Anyone know what the financial packet looks like? Is it like straight 75K loans for OOS?

Pretty much.

 

[146233]

this is basically what i was assuming; i was just saying sharing another inconsistency with everyone. also, im grateful for your input and everything, but where do you get all your information? you seem to have more answers than the people i have talked to at the admissions office, which makes zero sense to me. 😕

I am awesome. 😉

 

[chief illiniwek]

I am awesome. 😉

i'm starting to think you're part of the whole "uic admissions" conspiracy people talked about on last year's thread...maybe you are even the dean. just pm me if this is true. 😉

 

[146233]

i'm starting to think you're part of the whole "uic admissions" conspiracy people talked about on last year's thread...maybe you are even the dean. just pm me if this is true. 😉

There's no conspiracy and the Dean of Admissions is far too busy to mess about on SDN.

 

[sunset823]

Hey all,
I'm an out-of-state (MI) with UIC as my only acceptance right now - I like the school, but the OOS tuition, as you're all aware, is ridiculous - I am not URM, but am not made of money either. I saw elsewhere on this thread that if you take a year off between M1 and M2 and work in IL, you could declare residency for the other three years? Is this possible? Is there any other advice to get around having to pay 4 years of OOS tuition (or take loans for it)? I was also thinking MD/PhD with MSP, but I think it's too late to apply now, or is there a way? Basically, time is not an issue for me, money is.
Thanks!

 

[iduwanna]

It's not "raising the price" per se. Think about it. In addition to paying for summer sessions after M2/M3, the school also insures the hell out of you while you're seeing patients.

Other schools don't insure their students? I don't think I understand your reasoning.

 

[146233]

Hey all,
I'm an out-of-state (MI) with UIC as my only acceptance right now - I like the school, but the OOS tuition, as you're all aware, is ridiculous - I am not URM, but am not made of money either. I saw elsewhere on this thread that if you take a year off between M1 and M2 and work in IL, you could declare residency for the other three years? Is this possible? Is there any other advice to get around having to pay 4 years of OOS tuition (or take loans for it)? I was also thinking MD/PhD with MSP, but I think it's too late to apply now, or is there a way? Basically, time is not an issue for me, money is.
Thanks!

It's not ridiculous. It's a not-so-subtle "we're a state school" message. You can declare residency if you work as a non-student for a year, yes. It is too late to apply for MSP for this year.

Other schools don't insure their students? I don't think I understand your reasoning.

Sure they do; it has to do with how schools amortize all of their expenses on you over the four years.

 

[Hvm33]

About the same as any other medical school interview, but be prepared to answer "Why UMed?"

Thanks zipmedic. I guess I feel a little rusty, been a few months since my last interview and I feel like I've got to get myself in gear again. Also didn't know if it would be as formal as the admissions interview, especially with Second Look going on and wanting to be somewhat comfortable for that. Appreciate the info.

 

[Hvm33]

Hey all,
I'm an out-of-state (MI) with UIC as my only acceptance right now - I like the school, but the OOS tuition, as you're all aware, is ridiculous - I am not URM, but am not made of money either. I saw elsewhere on this thread that if you take a year off between M1 and M2 and work in IL, you could declare residency for the other three years? Is this possible? Is there any other advice to get around having to pay 4 years of OOS tuition (or take loans for it)? I was also thinking MD/PhD with MSP, but I think it's too late to apply now, or is there a way? Basically, time is not an issue for me, money is.
Thanks!

I would advise you to obtain a very clear and straight forward message from the Admissions office on if changing your status is possible...preferably in writing.

I worked for the admissions office of a state school (in GA which may be completely different, you never know) but I know that here it was very difficult to change status if you came in as an out of state student. A co-worker of mine attended the school and even worked on campus as a full-time staff member for over a year and they would still not allow his status to change because he was originally admitted as an out of state student. He filed a petition every semester and was granted it, but there was always the possibility that he could get denied. Just a warning, make sure you know all the facts before deciding and good luck!

 

[chicagoguy223]

I received my award letter today (loan statement)... Does anyone know if UIC gives out grant money and also when that would be awarded?

 

[San Marzano]

Anyone know what the financial packet looks like? Is it like straight 75K loans for OOS?

Almost. They gave me a whopping $1,000 scholarship, so I have $82,000 in loans and the $1,000 brings the total aid up to $83,000. Thank goodness I got into my state school.

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

Almost. They gave me a whopping $1,000 scholarship, so I have $82,000 in loans and the $1,000 brings the total aid up to $83,000. Thank goodness I got into my state school.

I just pooed in my pants. Guess it'll probably RFU or a WL school....

 

[sillyrussian]

hey zipmed... what happens to those of us who have been "continue to be reviewed" since december... ive received 3ish emails saying my file has been reviewed but no decision has been made. does this mean im destined for the waitlist? In your experience what kinda shot do i have through this track?

 

[books]

Anyone know what the financial packet looks like? Is it like straight 75K loans for OOS?

I posted my award letter (you could go back a pg or two and see the break down...I'm not at home) but it was 84-ish in loans for OOS! SWEET!

 

[146233]

hey zipmed... what happens to those of us who have been "continue to be reviewed" since december... ive received 3ish emails saying my file has been reviewed but no decision has been made. does this mean im destined for the waitlist? In your experience what kinda shot do i have through this track?

Looks like you may be waitlisted. If you haven't already, you can send a letter of intent to see if that helps. If you have already sent one, do not send another. Good luck.

To those of you complaining about tuition and perceived lack of institutional need-based aid, get used to it. This isn't undergrad. The vast majority of med students pay with loans. If you want to not go to medical school because of loans you're afraid of but won't be hurting to pay off, that's your decision.

 

[little bus]

Did anyone who has not been assigned to a campus receive an e-mail invitation to attend 2nd look day in Chicago? I have not received my site placement, but was invited to 2nd look day. I'm also interviewing for the UMed program, so I wasn't sure if this invitation is connected to UMed, or if it means that I could possibly have been placed on the Chicago track?

 

[hal9000]

Did anyone who has not been assigned to a campus receive an e-mail invitation to attend 2nd look day in Chicago? I have not received my site placement, but was invited to 2nd look day. I'm also interviewing for the UMed program, so I wasn't sure if this invitation is connected to UMed, or if it means that I could possibly have been placed on the Chicago track?

Wow, I was typing up a post, and realized you posted exactly what I was going to post. Everything is the same for me, so same question here. (Have not gotten my site assignment yet, got the 2nd look invitation email, have a UMed interview, and am wondering if the 2nd look email means I have chicago campus...?)

 

[146233]

Wow, I was typing up a post, and realized you posted exactly what I was going to post. Everything is the same for me, so same question here. (Have not gotten my site assignment yet, got the 2nd look invitation email, have a UMed interview, and am wondering if the 2nd look email means I have chicago campus...?)

There are a lot of UMed interviews that day. Don't go getting your hopes up yet.

 

[hal9000]

There are a lot of UMed interviews that day. Don't go getting your hopes up yet.

Thanks zip, my hopes were never that high to begin with... lol. My question (and little bus too I think) has more to do with whether getting the "2nd Look Invitation Email" = "Chicago Track"? I don't see why it would be sent to anyone who isn't on Chicago track...

 

[146233]

Thanks zip, my hopes were never that high to begin with... lol. My question (and little bus too I think) has more to do with whether getting the "2nd Look Invitation Email" = "Chicago Track"? I don't see why it would be sent to anyone who isn't on Chicago track...

Because people accepted to UMed will be reassigned to the Chicago campus and otherwise won't have an opportunity to tour.

 

[little bus]

Because people accepted to UMed will be reassigned to the Chicago campus and otherwise won't have an opportunity to tour.

I received 2 different invitations on 2 different days for 2nd look day-one from UMed and one from the admissions office. To my knowledge, the UMed application is separate from admissions, so the admissions office is most likely unaware of my application to the UMed program.

 

[hal9000]

Because people accepted to UMed will be reassigned to the Chicago campus and otherwise won't have an opportunity to tour.

Oh I see what you're saying. Little bus, there is no cause for celebration yet dude. Since there is a chance we might be at Chicago campus due to the UMed program, we are getting the email. In fact, it explicitly states "As an applicant to the UMed Program" at the start of the Second Look invitation email. 🙁

 

[Kaya12]

No love from IL... Thats OK. OR and FL love me 😀 Someone else must keep the "next year, Cubbies, next year" legacy goin strong. Don't tell my great grandma lou she would be appaled I've left IL 🙁 Good Luck you guys!!!!! Rep the home state for me while I'm gone!!!

 

[BetheChange4]

No love from IL... Thats OK. OR and FL love me 😀 Someone else must keep the "next year, Cubbies, next year" legacy goin strong. Don't tell my great grandma lou she would be appaled I've left IL 🙁 Good Luck you guys!!!!! Rep the home state for me while I'm gone!!!

Will do!!! The cubbies have a place in my heart and I'll root extra knowing that you won't be here!!! WOOT! Opening day is fast approaching!!!!! 😀

 

[little bus]

Oh I see what you're saying. Little bus, there is no cause for celebration yet dude. Since there is a chance we might be at Chicago campus due to the UMed program, we are getting the email. In fact, it explicitly states "As an applicant to the UMed Program" at the start of the Second Look invitation email. 🙁

The invitation I received from admissions for 2nd look day does not mention anything about the UMed program. Here is my e-mail:

XXXXX,

Please join us for the "Second Look" program on Friday, April 24, 2009. We hope that now that you know of your acceptance to our college, you will take advantage of this opportunity to take a closer look. In past years this event gave incoming students a wonderful chance to meet fellow classmates and faculty members.

We have attached two documents:

· The tentative agenda for the day. As you will see, we have many opportunities to help you further explore the learning environment at UIC.

· A checklist of suggestions for many commonly asked questions.

I hope this information is helpful, but if you have any additional questions feel free to contact XXXX XXXXXX (XXXXX@uic.edu or XXX-XXX-XXXX) or myself. In order to plan appropriately, please reply to this invitation via email to XXXX by April 17. We look forward to seeing you on April 24th.



Hal9000, did you get a different e-mail from admissions?

 

[hal9000]

Here is my email:

Dear X,

As an applicant to the UIC College of Medicine UMED Program we would like to invite you to join us for the Chicago campus “Second Look” program on Friday, April 24, 2009. We hope that now that you know of your UMED Program invitation to interview you will take advantage of this opportunity to take a closer look at the college. In past years this event gave incoming students a wonderful chance to meet fellow classmates and faculty members.

We have attached two documents:

· The tentative agenda for the Second Look day (Does Not include UMED Interview schedule). As you will see, we have many opportunities to help you further explore the learning environment at UIC.

· A checklist of suggestions for many commonly asked questions.

I hope this information is helpful, but if you have any additional questions feel free to contact X X ([email protected] or X-X-X) or myself. In order to plan appropriately, please reply to this invitation via email to Linda by April 17. We look forward to seeing you on April 24th.


I got this email on April 9th, and the UMed invitation interview email on April 8th. When did you get yours, and why are we getting different emails?