2009-2010 University of Illinois (UIC) Application Thread

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apsojdoooo said:
No email yet for me either... I see what you are saying, but maybe they just did away with those emails this year.
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i would have thought the same thing- but at the interview they specifically told us 'you will hear one of three things.' the 'we will keep reviewing you' being one of the three. i guess she didnt say WHEN exactly, but the impression i got was that notification of any three decisions would be happen around the same time.

sigh . . . it doesnt matter, i guess, i already have one acceptance but it does worry me to think my file at UIC got sucked into a black hole or something
 
chreesteene said:
i got placed at the chicago campus too, yay!!

also, herewego: i think that they have committee meetings every 3rd thursday of the month, so it looks like your interview on the 18th will have just missed the december meeting. this means that at the earliest, you will have a decision in late january. from what people have said in this thread, it seems like the chicago track fills up in december/january, so you might still have a chance, but it might be a slim chance... HOWEVER, in the past, people have gotten chicago placement much later in the game (sometimes due to people with earlier acceptances/placements withdrawing their acceptances).

keep in mind, though, that this is just speculation on my part. good luck to you!
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Yea i'm realistic about my chances as well. I would gone on the 14th but my school is in the middle of final exams and I have one that day, no exceptions unless medical emergency. Thanks for the input though, I appreciate it.
 
Joni19 said:
After about 2 months of being "applicant in process," I just checked my status and it has the interview options displayed. It says to choose an interview date carefully, but doesn't tell me how to do that. Do I need to wait for the letter to schedule an interview?
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Hey.. I recall the same thing happening to me when I was in the application process a couple years ago. You've probably called by now to investigate, but it does mean you got an interview. Congrats!
 
=P double post
 
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kai35 said:
Hey.. I recall the same thing happening to me when I was in the application process a couple years ago. You've probably called by now to investigate, but it does mean you got an interview. Congrats!
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Thanks! I actually received the letter in the mail a couple hours after I posted. 🙂

Now I have a bit of a problem. The only two dates available (as of now) are both during my final exams. When I called, the woman said I had two weeks to schedule an interview, and that I could wait to see if later dates are added. She had no insight as to when or of there would be more dates, though.

For those of you who have had interviews, did you notice how often new dates are posted on the status page? Or are the dates available when you get the letter pretty much the only options? I already have an acceptance at another Chicago school, but the in-state tuition would be really nice! Any help would be appreciated!
 
I got the site placement mail yesterday! Chicago, here I come! 😀
 
Yay to all of my chicago people! (and everyone in the class of 2014 😍)

Good luck to those of you still waiting...
 
i gotta visit the chicago campus sometime (i interviewed in peoria). never even seen it, and i live in chicago.
 
i just withdrew my app, so hopefully it will give someone an interview spot. good luck!
 
Chicago Campus placement for me as well 😎. Good luck to all of you that are still "Decision Pending" one way or other.

Matt4788 said:
I received the site placement confirmation in the mail today (Chicago campus), dated for yesterday, 12/9, and I was part of the 2nd round of acceptances just for everyone's info.
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docdocgooose said:
just got the chicago campus placement in the mail. woo 🙂
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chreesteene said:
i got placed at the chicago campus too, yay!!

also, herewego: i think that they have committee meetings every 3rd thursday of the month, so it looks like your interview on the 18th will have just missed the december meeting. this means that at the earliest, you will have a decision in late january. from what people have said in this thread, it seems like the chicago track fills up in december/january, so you might still have a chance, but it might be a slim chance... HOWEVER, in the past, people have gotten chicago placement much later in the game (sometimes due to people with earlier acceptances/placements withdrawing their acceptances).

keep in mind, though, that this is just speculation on my part. good luck to you!
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QuinnWatson said:
FINALLY got the Chicago placement ... a month and a half in waiting! Yay!

Good luck everyone finishing the semester! 🙂
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wahoo2010 said:
I got the site placement mail yesterday! Chicago, here I come! 😀
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NeuroNerd2010 said:
I got the Chicago site placement this morning! Sweet!
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So this may be a way to early to start thinking about this, but I have an uncle who has a condo with no one living in it on S. Michigan where I could live if I wanted (8 miles away from campus). According to Google maps it take ~34 mins to get from the condo to the medical campus using public transit. Would it be dumb to consider living there since it would take quite awhile to get to and from school? Are most places going to take some time to get back and forth from school? does anyone know where a lot of the students live?
 
hawaii said:
So this may be a way to early to start thinking about this, but I have an uncle who has a condo with no one living in it on S. Michigan where I could live if I wanted (8 miles away from campus). According to Google maps it take ~34 mins to get from the condo to the medical campus using public transit. Would it be dumb to consider living there since it would take quite awhile to get to and from school? Are most places going to take some time to get back and forth from school? does anyone know where a lot of the students live?
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Good question. If it's a nice place and I would assume for a good price I wouldn't pass it up since 34 mins public transporation isn't TOO bad...I probably wouldn't want to live anywhere that took longer than 30-40 minutes with public transportation, but I haven't decided how far I would want to live. My mom's friend has a nice condo in hyde park that she is looking to rent (would give me a good deal too) and I'll probably stongly consider it even though it's not super close. I would be more open to living further as long as I was within a block of the el or whatever. I was reading through last year's thread and it seems like Tri-Taylor, Pilsen, Little Italy, and Ukrainian Village are popular places to look. You just have to be careful that you don't get too far west or south. I've seen some nice places on/around Taylor street but obviously they are going to be pricier.
 
I'm a little bit confused. When I go on their secondary site it doesn't say anything about me being complete. Will they email you if you are complete? I sent in my secondary late Sept.

Thanks!
 
Still waiting for the site placement, and I was accepted in the first round...
 
Received an interview invite by mail this weekend- looks like it was up since Wednesday but I hadn't been checking the status site as often as I usually do (a watched pot never boils, I guess!).

I am scheduled for this Friday AM in Chicago (coming from CA- last minute flight!).

I have been looking through this thread and the interview feedback, however, if anyone on this thread has any words of wisdom about the interview, I would really appreciate a PM! Thanks!
 
Finally "Applicant in Process" complete 9/24. I guess it is the little victories in life that get me excited, hah.
 
I called the lady at UIC Admissions today, and I asked her if my application was put on hold because it went from Application in Process to Applicant... and back to Application. After reading this thread, I thought that it meant they looked at the application and put it back.

But the woman I spoke with said it doesn't meant that. In fact, there is NO difference between Applicant and Application in Process. They both mean the same thing- your application is still under review.

Great. When I thought there was some sort of "change" in my application, there actually wasn't. 😡
 
And I asked when would be the next time the adcom meets. According to the thread, it sounded like every third Thursday of the month. But she said that they meet randomly!

So...really, I know nothing. 🙂
 
LittleBun said:
And I asked when would be the next time the adcom meets. According to the thread, it sounded like every third Thursday of the month. But she said that they meet randomly!

So...really, I know nothing. 🙂
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They meet once a month, which has thus far been the 3rd thursday, to review complete files (ie. interviewed applicants). It is possible that they meet at other times to look over other files and offer interviews.

Hang in there though...and good luck to you with all of your applications. Hopefully you hear some good news soon. This is definitely the most stressful process I have been through in my entire life.:scared:
 
Does one get an e-mail explaining interview details? I am currently totally clueless about where to report on Friday.
 
LittleBun said:
I called the lady at UIC Admissions today, and I asked her if my application was put on hold because it went from Application in Process to Applicant... and back to Application. After reading this thread, I thought that it meant they looked at the application and put it back.

But the woman I spoke with said it doesn't meant that. In fact, there is NO difference between Applicant and Application in Process. They both mean the same thing- your application is still under review.

Great. When I thought there was some sort of "change" in my application, there actually wasn't. 😡
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I don't buy it. Why would they have two separate statuses (statii?) for the same thing? That doesn't make any sense. She doesn't know what she's talking about, you probably dialed the wrong number and just talked to some crazy person.
 
So I just got an interview invitation, my first one, and I'd really appreciate some input for the day. Has anyone here interviewed? I know all the interviews are unique to the candidate, but I could definitely use some advice for the day. I'm super pumped and excited, but I want to have a better feel for what the experience might be like. It's 4 hours long, so I'm sure there's a lot to think about. Thanks a lot!
 
BluSkye712 said:
Does one get an e-mail explaining interview details? I am currently totally clueless about where to report on Friday.
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wherever the letter tells you to go that you'll receive after you schedule your interview...they don't really explain much else beforehand as far as interview details. There were signs up inside of the building directing us where to sign in for interviews. If you're AM you interview first then have presentation about the school, lunch *👍👍* and tour. If you are PM you start with the presentation and end with interviews. You have three 1-on-1 30 minute interviews which are designed to be pretty low stress IMO. **at chicago campus**

EvaSwitchBox20 said:
So I just got an interview invitation, my first one, and I'd really appreciate some input for the day. Has anyone here interviewed? I know all the interviews are unique to the candidate, but I could definitely use some advice for the day. I'm super pumped and excited, but I want to have a better feel for what the experience might be like. It's 4 hours long, so I'm sure there's a lot to think about. Thanks a lot!
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Check out the interview feedback...I wasn't asked anything that I didn't see on there. I definitely got the typical why uic, healthcare, tells us about yourself, how would friends/family describe, why medicine questions. However, most of my interviews were extremely conversational especially with the medical student (not a ton of the standard questions during that one). As far as everything else just relax the interviews are really laid back. Try to ask as many questions as you can during your tour and lunch if MS students eat with you. I found them to be extremely open and willing to answer anything that was thrown at them. I was in the PM group but I was pretty relaxed by the time the interviews came around.
 
has anyone who lives in Chicago/suburbs ever been placed in Urbana, Peoria, or Rockford (not by choice)?

btw, I am not 100% familiar with how the placement process works...
 
mybubbles14 said:
wherever the letter tells you to go that you'll receive after you schedule your interview...they don't really explain much else beforehand as far as interview details.
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You mean they are sending a snail mail letter with details after I scheduled on Monday? That certainly won't get to me by the time I leave on Thursday morning...
 
So I still have yet to hear from UIC? I have submitted both primary and secondary and still nothing. Should I take this as a rejection, is the class already filled up?
 
BluSkye712 said:
You mean they are sending a snail mail letter with details after I scheduled on Monday? That certainly won't get to me by the time I leave on Thursday morning...
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Possibly. I received a letter in the mail that was dated 4 days before my actual interview date so you might not get it in time. I don't remember but I probably didn't get this until I got home lol...I received an "interview reminder" via email as well saying the same thing.

"please report at 11:30am to the Faculty Alumni Center, located in the College of Medicine West Building, 1853 West Polk Street, Room 119"

(for the chicago campus)
 
Thanks a lot Bubbles!

Hey, one more question, probably more speculative. Does anyone think it's worth while to shave off my "beard"? It's not like a huge goatee or anything that runs up my cheeks, it's just on my chin, not really a small tuft, but a little more classy, I think. Either way, is that a no-no or what do people think? I haven't shaved it off in a long time, but I have no problem doing that if it's a good idea
 
Ok so do not get me wrong, I am extremely happy I was placed in Chicago, but looking at apartment prices has me wondering how I will be able to afford this.
 
hawaii said:
Ok so do not get me wrong, I am extremely happy I was placed in Chicago, but looking at apartment prices has me wondering how I will be able to afford this.
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+1 It seems like they expect you to split a place with someone which is not an option for me unfortunately. Any place I see with a decent price that is ok looking is on a horrible street...🙁 I wonder if mommy will let me live at home for awhile so i can save some loan money lol.
 
EvaSwitchBox20 said:
Thanks a lot Bubbles!

Hey, one more question, probably more speculative. Does anyone think it's worth while to shave off my "beard"? It's not like a huge goatee or anything that runs up my cheeks, it's just on my chin, not really a small tuft, but a little more classy, I think. Either way, is that a no-no or what do people think? I haven't shaved it off in a long time, but I have no problem doing that if it's a good idea
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I am just some random pre-med, but I would say if it is clean-cut/professional, be yourself! Tear up your interview!👍
 
mybubbles14 said:
+1 It seems like they expect you to split a place with someone which is not an option for me unfortunately. Any place I see with a decent price that is ok looking is on a horrible street...🙁 I wonder if mommy will let me live at home for awhile so i can save some loan money lol.
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I think I am too much of a clean freak to ever live with someone. I am Jacques... I figured you would like that Finding Nemo reference.
 
thanks for the input.

I can't believe I'm posting so many questions, so I apologize for that, but after reading through some of the feedback and preparing myself, I'm getting to realize that I might not have made the wisest decision by choosing an interview date so early. I picked the 18th because they're rolling, as opposed to Jan 6th...but if they meet once a month, and I've passed that date anyways, did this really make a difference? I just don't think I'm giving myself enough time to prepare, and I could probably do myself justice by studying up a lot more beforehand, especially with current medical technology/public health issues, which I didn't know very much about, unfortunately (I'm not very political, but that's a pretty dumb excuse, I realize).

Does anyone know if they frown upon someone who wants to change their date? Does the ADCOM know about that? I don't want to make a bad impression before I even meet anyone, besides the idea of whether or not this is possible....I'd greatly appreciate anyone's opinion on this one, I'm in a bad time crunch
 
EvaSwitchBox20 said:
thanks for the input.

I can't believe I'm posting so many questions, so I apologize for that, but after reading through some of the feedback and preparing myself, I'm getting to realize that I might not have made the wisest decision by choosing an interview date so early. I picked the 18th because they're rolling, as opposed to Jan 6th...but if they meet once a month, and I've passed that date anyways, did this really make a difference? I just don't think I'm giving myself enough time to prepare, and I could probably do myself justice by studying up a lot more beforehand, especially with current medical technology/public health issues, which I didn't know very much about, unfortunately (I'm not very political, but that's a pretty dumb excuse, I realize).

Does anyone know if they frown upon someone who wants to change their date? Does the ADCOM know about that? I don't want to make a bad impression before I even meet anyone, besides the idea of whether or not this is possible....I'd greatly appreciate anyone's opinion on this one, I'm in a bad time crunch
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Don't change your date. The interviews are extremely relaxed. There were some questions that were asked that were a bit more difficult (i.e. What is professionalism in medicine and how is it different than in other careers?), but for the most part they really just want to get to know you. One of my interviewers Google'd me and we talked about what came up... and then somehow got on a tangent about my motorcycle. Before I knew it we went over our time and did not even discuss anything medically related. I didn't prepare at all because I am a firm believer that you should not go into any interview overly rehearsed. You do not have to know something about everything. Just be passionate about what you do know and everything else will work itself out. You have gotten this far... the extra two weeks of preparation would not help at all in my opinion. Best of luck at your interview. I hope it goes great!
 
I wouldn't push it back either. It does suck that you will likely be interviewing the day after they meet for december but I would still stick with it. In hindsight I think I over-prepared. I didn't rehearse answers or anything but I did tons of research and had lots of notes. One of my interviewers gave me a bit of a hard time, but I don't think it was anything that I could've prepared for. The other two were extremely easy-going and conversational. I had to remind myself not to get too comfortable because I was at an interview for medical school more than once lol. The interviews really are meant to be relaxed imo, but if you happened to get the "stress test" just stay calm. It's likely anything you say could lead to disagreement anyways...I think sometimes they just want to see how you handle certain situations like that. My most difficult questions had to do with the current health care issues and whether or not I agreed with the public option (difficult imo because I really didn't want to get into a liberal vs. conservative debate). As far as "preparing" all I would suggest is knowing why you want to attend the school. I was asked that more than once...even "out of all of the schools in chicago why uic?" Other than that be confident and good luck! 👍
 
EvaSwitchBox20 said:
thanks for the input.

I can't believe I'm posting so many questions, so I apologize for that, but after reading through some of the feedback and preparing myself, I'm getting to realize that I might not have made the wisest decision by choosing an interview date so early. I picked the 18th because they're rolling, as opposed to Jan 6th...but if they meet once a month, and I've passed that date anyways, did this really make a difference? I just don't think I'm giving myself enough time to prepare, and I could probably do myself justice by studying up a lot more beforehand, especially with current medical technology/public health issues, which I didn't know very much about, unfortunately (I'm not very political, but that's a pretty dumb excuse, I realize).

Does anyone know if they frown upon someone who wants to change their date? Does the ADCOM know about that? I don't want to make a bad impression before I even meet anyone, besides the idea of whether or not this is possible....I'd greatly appreciate anyone's opinion on this one, I'm in a bad time crunch
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Hi Eva. I, too, would not change the date. I know it seems that the rest of your life may rest on this one day - trust me, I def had that feeling, but the fact of the matter is that these interview days are pretty laid back (hard to believe, I know!). My first interviewer was late (and it wasn't the student one) so I ended up getting interviewed by the tour guy, Garie, hehe who only asked me why I wanted to be a doctor and why I wanted UIC. Then, my second interviewer asked me only two questions. 1. why I want to be a doctor and 2. if I had any questions for him. And my last interviewer asked me 1. how my family was 2. what my favorite subject was outside of science and 3. if I had any questions for him ... and then time ran out because it was lunch time! Haha. Seriously. I freaked out anticipating the healthcrae reform or ethics questions or what makes a good doctor type of question. But I literally only had two or three per interviewer.

All in all, I want to tell you that the best advice anyone can ever give you is to be yourself. I know that this sounds cheeseball, but seriously though, who you are is the best that you can give, and when you walk out of the interview there will be no kicking yourself in the butt, because you were who you really are. I know, easier said then done. If you are honestly yourself, that's all that you can do. No dissapointment there.

Best of luck to you! 🙂
 
hawaii said:
One of my interviewers Google'd me and we talked about what came up... and then somehow got on a tangent about my motorcycle.
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Haha, that is awesome! I secretly hope my interviewer does this to me. 🙂
 
Thank u guys so much for your advice. I'm thrilled to go to the interview, don't get me wrong, I just want to make sure I do everything I can to knock it out of the park. First interview an all, it's a little nerveracking, but all in all just exciting.

Good luck to you all! :laugh::laugh:
 
So the ADCOM meets tomorrow, right? I'm excited to see a status change on Friday!
 
housefish26 said:
I don't buy it. Why would they have two separate statuses (statii?) for the same thing? That doesn't make any sense. She doesn't know what she's talking about, you probably dialed the wrong number and just talked to some crazy person.
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Yea...she sounded fed up, by the tone of her voice. So maybe she just lied to me out of pure annoyance. :[ Anyhow...I hope there is some difference between the two statuses. Some movement is better than none right now.
 
LittleBun said:
Yea...she sounded fed up, by the tone of her voice. So maybe she just lied to me out of pure annoyance. :[ Anyhow...I hope there is some difference between the two statuses. Some movement is better than none right now.
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I talked to the woman in admissions a few weeks back, and she said there was no difference between the two statuses. She didn't sound annoyed when I spoke to her. Seemed quite pleasant to me. Either way, it is better then a rejection.
 
Joni19 said:
Thanks! I actually received the letter in the mail a couple hours after I posted. 🙂
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I never got a letter in the mail when I got my interviews.. just found out from the mysterious status change/blank fields... haha.
 
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