2010-2011 University of Chicago (Pritzker) Application Thread

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DukeNatlChamps said:
cGPA: 3.84, sGPA: 3.82, MCAT: 34Q. So my numbers are competitive, but they are also not at the top of the heap. The biggest factor for my interview invite would probably be my essays, they definitely showed how excited I am for Pritzker and how my background is very different.
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Congrats on the invite!.. Some people are getting rejected almost within hours after sending the secondary (sometimes in the middle of the nite !), so the essays may not even be THE factor... Who knows? But whatever it is.. you got it baby!! Best of luck dude!
 
Got an interview invite e-mail about 45 minutes ago after being complete (per the status page) this morning. Very excited to be going up to Chicago!

I'm sure those of you waiting for an invite will be a little disheartened, but stay strong.
 
rejected after being under review for 18 days. haha
 
ColeOnTheRoll said:
Got an interview invite e-mail about 45 minutes ago after being complete (per the status page) this morning. Very excited to be going up to Chicago!

I'm sure those of you waiting for an invite will be a little disheartened, but stay strong.
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So when I posted my stats, the "top of the heap" scores that I was referring to belong to the freakish ColeOnTheRoll. How could they have not invited him? LOL. But pumped for interview day, looking forward to my 45 minute drive to campus 🙂

I gotta give Pritzker credit though, I appreciate their fast decisions (pro or con). It's so annoying (and in my opinion hurts more!) to be in limbo for that long. I know far too much about that from applying for a full-time job this year, and HR depts would maybe get back to you in 3-4 weeks to then tell you they'll get back to you in another month when a possible position may open and blah blah blah.

Good luck everyone and keep the faith! :luck:
 
BrainBuff said:
Congrats on the invite!.. Some people are getting rejected almost within hours after sending the secondary (sometimes in the middle of the nite !), so the essays may not even be THE factor... Who knows? But whatever it is.. you got it baby!! Best of luck dude!
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Stay thirsty my friends 🙂
 
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So... the longest wait time I've seen on here is 18 days. My history says that I was "moved to MD screen" 21 days ago and there has been no change to my application status.... it still just says "application complete."

hmmm...
 
DukeNatlChamps said:
So when I posted my stats, the "top of the heap" scores that I was referring to belong to the freakish ColeOnTheRoll. How could they have not invited him? LOL. But pumped for interview day, looking forward to my 45 minute drive to campus 🙂

I gotta give Pritzker credit though, I appreciate their fast decisions (pro or con). It's so annoying (and in my opinion hurts more!) to be in limbo for that long. I know far too much about that from applying for a full-time job this year, and HR depts would maybe get back to you in 3-4 weeks to then tell you they'll get back to you in another month when a possible position may open and blah blah blah.

Good luck everyone and keep the faith! :luck:
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Haha, please. 🙄 I'm definitely a fan of the fast turn around. If all schools were this efficient the process would likely suck way less.

Anyone going to the 9/28 interview date? I'll probably be going then for the cheap airfare (9/6 is too expensive due to Labor Day)...
 
alw61188 said:
So... the longest wait time I've seen on here is 18 days. My history says that I was "moved to MD screen" 21 days ago and there has been no change to my application status.... it still just says "application complete."

hmmm...
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Right here with you - I've only been waiting for 15 days, but it's still odd.

It's frustrating when others hear back so quickly one way or the other who were complete weeks after we were (Congrats to everyone with interviews! You all earned it and I wish that I were in a similar position.) At this point I feel that Pritzker has 3 different piles - those whose files they have already decided on and are just waiting for the secondary to formalize the decision, those whose files they plan to read quickly, and then the rest of us.

Can't help but feel like a second-class citizen when they don't even read your application until they've finished with everyone else. At this point I don't think it's a good sign that we've waited this long, but we've paid the fee and written the essays so we might as well keep waiting until they deign to get around to our pile. Good luck to everyone else who hasn't heard back yet!
 
haha I've been complete and under review for 25+ days now...

fun 🙂
 
It seems like Pritzker has a "definite No" pile, a "yes lordy, bring them quick for an interview" pile, and "eh, maybe pile". Maybe the computer resorts the completed files for review based purely on stats? All speculation here, don't mean to start any rumors!

Since I submitted the first day it came out (although my mcat score wasn't released until the 20th of last month), I guess I'm sitting in a "maybe" pile? Does this defeat the purpose of applying early though?
 
Yeah, I was wondering if the fact I wasn't rejected for 18 days meant I actually was somewhat considered. Maybe I was in the maybe pile? My status still says under review, by the way. Strange.

It sucks to start out the process with a rejection, so perhaps I'm just pathetically reading into it to find some comfort and hope haha.
 
Engineer2med said:
It seems like Pritzker has a "definite No" pile, a "yes lordy, bring them quick for an interview" pile, and "eh, maybe pile". Maybe the computer resorts the completed files for review based purely on stats? All speculation here, don't mean to start any rumors!

Since I submitted the first day it came out (although my mcat score wasn't released until the 20th of last month), I guess I'm sitting in a "maybe" pile? Does this defeat the purpose of applying early though?
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i don't think this can be true, since my stats are not what one would call stellar, and i was under review for ~2 days. i think from what we've seen no news is good news, probably being held for review with a different pool than what they have right now. or maybe there's just one reviewer who's lagging behind everyone else :meanie:

good luck to everyone in limbo regardless, it's not a nice feeling..
 
Just got rejected. Maybe I wrote too soon earlier. Good luck and best wishes to everyone else! I knew this was a long shot for me 🙁
 
Yep, just sent me the rejection as well. Good luck to everyone else who hasn't heard back yet!
 
How long after AMCAS received your letters did UChicago mark your application as complete? I heard from Cornell today that my secondary is finally complete, so I think schools have received my letters...
 
It's been 21 days for me since I was moved to the MD screen. Good luck to everyone!
 
smileydoc11 said:
How long after AMCAS received your letters did UChicago mark your application as complete? I heard from Cornell today that my secondary is finally complete, so I think schools have received my letters...
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It took four business days for my LORs to show as received on the status page.
 
After about 30 days of waiting, rejected.
Basic stats:
36 Mkitty
3.9 science gpa
Sad pandas.
 
dang man, u chicago is a hard bargain. theyre rejecting so many people with great stats.
 
WOW...i guess there are no guarantees at any school even with awesome stats.

If i am just now submitting my secondary, am i a little late in the game for U of Chicago? Those essays are taking me awhile....
 
I'm in the same boat with you. I filled in my student host form couple weeks ago and now I'm still waiting for their response. Should we email their student organizers now or this might sound pushy? Could any Pritzker student so kindly give us some suggestions? Thank you very much😍

AriGoldForPres said:
Anyone hear anything on student hosting yet?
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I was searching around the UChicago website and found that you can get a private single dorm room in their International House for only $65. It was much cheaper than nearby hotels and a reasonable alternative to student housing.

Just thought I'd pass along the info.... Hopefully, I'll see some of you at the Sept interview : )
 
tonypiggy said:
I'm in the same boat with you. I filled in my student host form couple weeks ago and now I'm still waiting for their response. Should we email their student organizers now or this might sound pushy? Could any Pritzker student so kindly give us some suggestions? Thank you very much😍
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Don't sweat it. The first years just started class last week, and the second years don't start until the end of September, so finding hosts is a little more difficult now than it usually is. Even in ideal circumstances, the hosting folks tend not to make arrangements until a few days beforehand. Sometimes it feels like you're going to be stranded, but it will work out in the end.

If you get really worried, do shoot them an email just to make sure they know you're trying to make plans.
 
I was wondering if a current Pritzker student had insight...what is the best airport to fly into (looks like MDW is closer)? Is there a shuttle that goes to campus from either airport?

Also the email said to allow 2 hrs travel time to O'Hare after the interview (due to traffic I assume)...is it really that bad? Thanks!
 
RB93 said:
I was wondering if a current Pritzker student had insight...what is the best airport to fly into (looks like MDW is closer)? Is there a shuttle that goes to campus from either airport?

Also the email said to allow 2 hrs travel time to O'Hare after the interview (due to traffic I assume)...is it really that bad? Thanks!
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I ordered my ticket to O'Hare, because that is the only one available from where I live.

There is the Omega Shuttle running between O'Hare and the International House of University of Chicago: http://www.omegashuttle.com/schedule1.htm.

It seems that it takes 1h40min on the schedule, but I am not sure if there would be traffic jams during rush hour.

Alternatively, I found that taking the Subway is also pretty convenient: http://www.transitchicago.com/.
O'Hare airport->Blue line->Downtown Chicago (Jackson?)->X28->University of Chicago

I guess it is also possible to transfer onto Greenline instead of X28. Could someone give an idea of how the traffic is like in Chicago?
 
RB93 said:
I was wondering if a current Pritzker student had insight...what is the best airport to fly into (looks like MDW is closer)? Is there a shuttle that goes to campus from either airport?

Also the email said to allow 2 hrs travel time to O'Hare after the interview (due to traffic I assume)...is it really that bad? Thanks!
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Ohare is on the opposite side of the city from UC... I definitely suggest allowing at least two hours. Probably a little more for public transit, or if you are leaving during rush hour.

Chicago isnt as bad as other cities (cough LA cough) but it still can get hairy.

Also... if you are traveling late, know your route well. You dont wanna be lost around hyde park at night. Its not much worse than any major city, and I've wandered around at night, but prudence is advisable.
 
Allow every bit of that two hours for you to ARRIVE at the airport. Not 2hrs before your flight. Going from UC to Ohare at 4ish is going to be an absolute bear.

MDW is the best way to go for those who haven't purchased tickets yet.
 
BBender716 said:
Allow every bit of that two hours for you to ARRIVE at the airport. Not 2hrs before your flight. Going from UC to Ohare at 4ish is going to be an absolute bear.

MDW is the best way to go for those who haven't purchased tickets yet.
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Thanks so much guys! Is there a shuttle or other service that runs from MDW to campus, or is it pretty reasonable to just take a cab to campus from MDW? Would it make sense to allow <1 hour to get from MDW to campus?

Thanks again so much for your help!
 
RB93 said:
Thanks so much guys! Is there a shuttle or other service that runs from MDW to campus, or is it pretty reasonable to just take a cab to campus from MDW? Would it make sense to allow <1 hour to get from MDW to campus?

Thanks again so much for your help!
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Google transit can show you public transportation, which is decent in Chicago.

http://www.google.com/m/directions?...ago&dirflg=r&ri=0&date=2010-08-23&time=2:54pm

This bus is direct. It goes thru some tough neighborhoods but only costs a couple bucks.

Cab should run about $40
 
MDW is definitely closer and also IMO, a better airport. Less delays, less traffic, shorter lines, etc. Although ORD is usually easier to fly (More flights. More airlines. Often cheaper). I would argue though, that the time, stress, and extra transportation costs to ORD would probably null any flight ticket price difference.

Taking a cab can be pricey but also your safest bet. If it's after the interview, usually you can arrange a carpool to split the cost so that won't be as bad. Otherwise, if you have the time to spare, consider public transportation via the EL or buses (will cost you $2.25). Also just to throw it out there there is a commuter rail, the Metra that is $2.50. The Metra electric line runs from Millenium Park in DT Chicago right into Hyde Park.

I would also recommend contacting your hosts (if you have a student host) ASAP. Some people here do have cars and may be able to pick up/drop off people from the airport. Also depending where some hosts live, different routes of transit would be better.

Finally I would say, be patient if people are a little unresponsive at first. The M1s are currently facing their first anatomy exam, and M2s are busy wrapping up their summers, and TA-ing the M1s.

Can't wait to see everyone on campus. Hope everyone gets here safely and comfortably and is ready to have a great time!
 
RB93 said:
I was wondering if a current Pritzker student had insight...what is the best airport to fly into (looks like MDW is closer)? Is there a shuttle that goes to campus from either airport?

Also the email said to allow 2 hrs travel time to O'Hare after the interview (due to traffic I assume)...is it really that bad? Thanks!
Click to expand...


If you are coming from/going to either airport (MDW or ORD) during rush hour, traffic really is that bad. If you are traveling during the morning or evening rush, it is probably in your best interest to not take a cab or get a ride from someone. Take the L, inexpensive option with the least amount of time variables. Orange line for MDW, blue line for ORD.

Make sure you don't have too much luggage with you because the trains can be crowded during these times as well, and using stairs with luggage is a bear (you probably won't pack that much considering the short length of the trip, but you never know! 🙂)
 
caligrrl said:
I was searching around the UChicago website and found that you can get a private single dorm room in their International House for only $65. It was much cheaper than nearby hotels and a reasonable alternative to student housing.

Just thought I'd pass along the info.... Hopefully, I'll see some of you at the Sept interview : )
Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing! I think I'll book a room as a back-up plan in case student hosting doesn't work out. Unlike everyone else who's flying there, I'm planning on driving, so I hope there's parking available at a reasonable price...
 
Thanks again guys so much for the travel advice! Wow, didn't realize traffic in Chicago was that bad. Good luck to everyone with interviews!
 
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Got secondary. They don't screen I assume? Boo to auto secondaries!!!
 
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no screen, they apparently read every app as well once it's submitted
 
3.77 cGPA, 3.82 sGPA, 36R MCAT. Rejected today 🙁 First response back from a medical school and it's a rejection...
 
its really surprising to hear about the early rejections from such outstanding applicants... were you all out of state?
 
so i arrive at o'hare at 6:20pm, day before my interview.
i hear uchicago is in a sketchier part of town. would i be safe taking public transportation and reaching there at like 8?
 
Dr Gerrard said:
so i arrive at o'hare at 6:20pm, day before my interview.
i hear uchicago is in a sketchier part of town. would i be safe taking public transportation and reaching there at like 8?
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I felt safe arriving at 10:00pm, but I m a 200 lb male, so take it with a grain of salt.

I wouldnt go wandering off campus, but I felt safe and the bus drops off right by campus. If you are worried, get the cell of the person you are meeting and have them meet you at the stop.
 
put on hold today, submitted on sunday. oh well, here's to better luck with other schools.
 
I was submitted my secondary 7/8 and was complete (after LORs) over 3 weeks ago&#8230; why am I still under review? :lame:
 
Dr Gerrard said:
so i arrive at o'hare at 6:20pm, day before my interview.
i hear uchicago is in a sketchier part of town. would i be safe taking public transportation and reaching there at like 8?
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In addition to what thewanderer said, UChicago has the second-largest private police force in the world (to the vatican). They secure the on-campus area really well. Public transportation at that time to campus/near campus should be fine and then the school offers all students UChicago police escorts if you want them once you're close.
 
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