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Thank goodness! I have been looking forward to relaxing a bit this summer. I had a month of Army stuff last summer mixed with the AMCAS, and needless to say it was not very therapeutic. Lol
2011-2012 University of Illinois Application Thread
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Thank goodness! I have been looking forward to relaxing a bit this summer. I had a month of Army stuff last summer mixed with the AMCAS, and needless to say it was not very therapeutic. Lol
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I *JUST* got back from vacation and received the packet - yay! Congrats to everyone and thanks again to idf/AnnPerkins and Visionary Tics.
What is everyone putting as their ranking? I'm curious.
Also, to flakpilot -- I didn't get the part about a prematriculation program. Just curious -- did you have a grade below a C? It says on one of my papers (the Req's for Permission to register) that you can't have below a C or else you have to explain it.
Is this prematriculation program only for URMs? How much does it cost? I don't know what the diff. is btwn that and the Post-bacc program (which I thought you had to 1. apply to UIC COM, 2. be invited to interview, 3. get rejected post-interview but invited to be pretty-much guaranteed a spot in next year's class). I'm trying to find this out for my friend.
What is everyone putting as their ranking? I'm curious.
Also, to flakpilot -- I didn't get the part about a prematriculation program. Just curious -- did you have a grade below a C? It says on one of my papers (the Req's for Permission to register) that you can't have below a C or else you have to explain it.
Is this prematriculation program only for URMs? How much does it cost? I don't know what the diff. is btwn that and the Post-bacc program (which I thought you had to 1. apply to UIC COM, 2. be invited to interview, 3. get rejected post-interview but invited to be pretty-much guaranteed a spot in next year's class). I'm trying to find this out for my friend.
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also, did people who got accepted in Oct get confirmation yet of site/track?
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I know people who had a C in their academic history and matriculated without being required to do the SPP, so I'm not sure what exactly it entails. I know my friend who did the year-long program had a weaker MCAT/GPA than the average. I think it's the post-bacc program you're referring to, since she applied and interviewed and then was offered the option to do the year long program before matriculating.
It seems like some people are given acceptances with the stipulation they complete the entire program and therefore take another year before starting med school, while maybe others like flakpilot just have to do the summer thing before starting. Someone more familiar with the program might be able to better opine on this.
haha yeah, I think that if you haven't heard anything about your offer of acceptance being contingent on anything then you're straight up accepted and good to go. I'm also looking forward to chilling this summer. And maybe organizing a get-together or two with any 2016'ers also in the city then 🙂
yep. Chicago track...letter's on my fridge! 😀
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Hey! thanks to everyone who has replied back about the pre-matriculation program. I didn't have a grade below a C but I did have 2 C's and a C+. I guess it's because of my stats that I'm required to complete this program. Still I'm thrilled to have been accepted! I love this school and I'm actually excited about this summer pre-matriculation program. I think it's just gonna work out good for me because it's basically a pre-view of the basic sciences taught on M1, so I'm going to have everything fresh by the beginnings of class plus, provided I stay in Chicago for school, then I'd been living and attending the school for 2 months, getting to know their teaching methods, the area, etc. So I'm happy!! Can't wait!!. Congrats everyone accepted and good luck to those waiting! 😀 😀
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Congrats! Where in the acceptance packet did it say you have to do the program? On the acceptance letter??? I haven't seen anything so I think I'm good to go, but then again I haven't read every single thing yet so, just wondering where it talked about that.. I've read/skimmed through everything except the booklet with the photo of the president on it so... Never got a C, only a few B's, decent-mediocre MCAT, but I am URM.
Also, do we have to have the acceptance materials in by Jan 4th or just sent by Jan 4th?
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It said it on the acceptance letter. And it just said "return the following material in the blue response envelope by Jan 4th" so I'm guessing that they have to receive it by Jan 4th. I tried calling to ask but of course no one is working because of new year's. I wouldn't risk it and send it to arrive by Jan 4th.
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I have a question for everyone. I got the acceptance letter a couple days ago and also have to have the materials in by January 4 (even though I didn't get them until the 28 and you are supposed to have two weeks to respond). But I was excited and just mailed it in on the first night anyway. However, I was so excited I later found the deposit check on the counter after the letter was mailed in. So do I mail it in separately? I leave for vacation Monday morning and there is no way I will be able to get a hold of anyone before then. As it is it will be hard for me to get it in by January 4th unless I just drop it in the mail this weekend, but I don't know what to include with it. Anyone have any idea??
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eh...if i were you i'd just mail it now separately and call after i get back from vacay. i'm sure they've had worse mistakes.
i mailed mine by regular mail today so I *Hope* the Jan 4 due date is POSTMARK date and not receive by date...i mean the mail is so shady nowadays with the holidays...
i mailed mine by regular mail today so I *Hope* the Jan 4 due date is POSTMARK date and not receive by date...i mean the mail is so shady nowadays with the holidays...
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I emailed them last week regarding my app status, but still haven't heard from them. Anyone in a similar situation? They usually respond within 24 hrs. It's just that my app has been "Application is in process" ever since 5 months. 😱 Is there any hope? *gulp*
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Are there any current OOS medical students at UIC who can give their thoughts on the massive OOS tuition?
I'm an OOS applicant invited to interview at UIC. It looks like an awesome program, but I just dont know about coming out of med school with $400k+ in loans.
I'm an OOS applicant invited to interview at UIC. It looks like an awesome program, but I just dont know about coming out of med school with $400k+ in loans.
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Definitely the right attitude.👍 Everyone wants to relax over the summer, but the pre-mat program is a pretty solid alternative. You'll be surprised by how ahead of the game you are by the time the actual year starts. I remember several points during my M1 year where the rest of us were frustrated by physio, but the students in the pre-mat program were flying through it (relatively) easily because they had already done the hard part over the summer. They were used to the physio professor, already had a good relationship with him because of the small # of students in the program, and had already covered the material in summer boot camp. So definitely look at it as a positive, you'll come out of it well-prepared.
As far as who is asked to do the pre-mat program, it's definitely a minority of students - most won't be asked. I don't really have anything to add on top of what Ann said, she covered it well. The students who I know in the program were all URM or RMED students, but it may not be limited to those groups. And it's likely that people with some flags or weaker parts of their application are considered for the program.
Congrats to everyone as the acceptances keep rolling in.
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You applied, so your chance > 0. I'm sure people have gotten in with a late application. If your numbers are really strong they may push you to the top of the pile. A lot of strong applicants do not realize how fast you have to act in this process, so don't beat yourself up.
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i'm not a current student (only a humble applicant) however i know that there are scholarships given to at least some OOSers that allows them to pay IS tuition. i have heard that all accepted URM applicants are offered IS tuition. there is also a new scholarship this year for OOSers that brings their tuition down to IS level for all 4 years and offers an additional $10k/year scholarship for the 3rd and 4th year if his/her step 1 score is one standard deviation above the norm. i have no idea how many of these scholarships are offered but there is at least a glimmer of hope against the outrageous OOS tuition.
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Same boat as you. Mid-September though. Application still in progress.
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Same here.....complete since mid-August. I'm starting to get really discouraged.
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My stats are horribly average, but I thought I would at least have a shot at my state school. Doesn't look like it 🙁 Have they sent out interviews lately?
Hey Guys
I've been "applicant in process" for god knows how long (since august 8-probably early January).
I just checked and I have changed to "application is in process." Now I don't know what this change means and I've rummaged through this entire thread. Is this a good sign/bad sign?
Thanks
I've been "applicant in process" for god knows how long (since august 8-probably early January).
I just checked and I have changed to "application is in process." Now I don't know what this change means and I've rummaged through this entire thread. Is this a good sign/bad sign?
Thanks
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I bet they are meeting January 19th. They may give some Interviews following the meeting. You are in good shape; they already sent out a lot of preinterview rejections, so you are still in the running. One moment I was application in process then very suddenly I went to applicant, and I was given an interview about a week or so later. It seems like forever, but after they get to you everything accelerates. It is only early January, so don't give up.
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Actually I've been applicant in process for months now. Complete early August.
A committee meets on the first tuesday of every month to review your primary app and see if the applicant should get an interview or not. I found out three weeks after that tuesday.
For a final decision on your app post-interview, they meet on the third thursday of the month.
So if you haven't heard anything yet, sit tight, I'm sure you'll hear something soon. Also consider sending an update letter
For a final decision on your app post-interview, they meet on the third thursday of the month.
So if you haven't heard anything yet, sit tight, I'm sure you'll hear something soon. Also consider sending an update letter
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I've been Applicant in Process since December 14, and recently sent an update letter. When can I expect to hear something? I'm assuming at this point I'll either get an II or a rejection
Where can I find this status? I looked on the website and they refer me to AMCAS....Please help
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uic app status: https://s443-messieruic-comd-uic-edu.proxauto.comd.uic.edu/appstat/
login, then click NEXT
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Yeah I had no idea about this applicant/application thing until after I got an interview invite and joined this thread. I never looked at my status page before then. I guess it's a good thing haha, I would have been checking that daily if I had known 😛 one more thing to make me neurotic 😳
If you don't mind me asking, what were your scores and all that? I'm just wondering what types of scores someone needs to have to be strongly considered. I got a 31N and have a 3.77, with average ECs....??
Just got my assignment yesterday in the mail. Was assigned the Rockford campus (My third choice behind Urbana for all 4 years and Chicago for all 4 years, Peoria was my last choice). UIC is my state school, but after my visit to Rockford and hearing about the curriculum in Rockford and the opportunities, I do not anticipate I will be attending UIC next year. Best of luck to everyone else. Does anyone know if a petition to be reassigned is regularly accepted? Thanks, gl to everyone.
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western -- omg! that sux...i haven't gotten mine yet but i'm scared. i thought it was first come first serve? how can they have this complicated placement system of "oh we've got too many of this type of applicant at this site" (there was a post above that said it was like this) if they've only talked to us for a few hours? did anyone else (victory, digitalsea, etc) get theirs yet?
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western, how far away from chicago/your first choice are you (or at least which site do you live closest to)? maybe that plays a part?
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Yeah, Rockford. I will file for a petition, but Rockford isn't bad. I am not sure I will attend unless my petition gets accepted( I haven't sent it yet). I doubt it is first come first serve, but if that is the case then it looks like Chicago has filled. I believe that the Chicago campus will have a lot of openings after May 15th, but I am not so sure I will choose UIC without knowing if I will be in Chicago. That being said, I am still very grateful. I would just rather live in a medium to large city.
I do live about 40 miles west of Rockford, so that might or might not have played a role in their assignment. I think that the form that I got with my assignment said something along the lines of "based on your choices and available spaces, you have been assigned campus X".
I would hate to think that because of where I grew up would dictate which campus I should get assigned to. Although this seems like a possibility, its a little disturbing that UIC might be placing me in the rural campus simply because I grew up in a rural community. I have a very minimal interest in primary care, which was a main subject of my interview day. (Rockford's curriculum is structured around Primary care).
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Sadly, I'd say that played a huge part in your placement. I've talked to a lot of students in multiple years, and while it's clear campus placement is more of a crapshoot than an exact science, it seems like where you're from plays a huge role. It seems like if you're accepted before February and you're from Chicago or its suburbs, 90%+ get into the Chicago campus.
To western and digitalsea - it's not uncommon for petitions to be accepted. But the key is that the reason has to be legit. I thought about petitioning but eventually I didn't, because I knew my only reason would be that I wanted to live in the city (as most people do). But I know of several petitions that were accepted for better reasons (wanting to be closer to family in the city/suburbs, being a Spanish major and wanting to work with Hispanic populations, the urban med program, the research opportunities, etc). So definitely not impossible, but my advice would be to carefully choose your argument for petitioning and try to make it specific.
Also, it should be noted that switching into Chicago is the hard part. Once you're on the Urbana-Peoria-Rockford track, it's usually fairly easy to switch within these sites. Peoria to Rockford or vice versa are the easiest switches (done many times at the end of each M1 year, usually by people wanting to go where their friends are going). Switching from P/R to all 4 years in Urbana is less common, and you might need a slightly better reason (research maybe) to pull off that switch.
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Thanks for the info! Yeah I live around an hour and a half from Rockford, but only a half hour from the city, so I'm not sure why they placed me in Rockford campus. I did put it as my second choice, so that must have been a factor. I have an Army obligation when I am done with medical school, and I probably won't be back in the area for a decade or so. This is why I wanted the Chicago campus. At least It would be easier to see family on occasion. My parents will be in their 70's by the time I get out of the Army, so it is really important to me. To make things more complicated, my girlfriend has been planning on living in Chicago, and it would be pretty terrible if we had to live that far away from each other. I am interested in the research at Chicago, but ultimately I am just a city person, and it would be hard to live in a smaller city.
My girlfriend will either be conducting research in the city or doing a graduate program, and neither would be available in Rockford, so it is impossible for her to move there. Urbana is possible, but as you said it is more difficult to move to the Urbana campus than the Peoria campus. Feeling a bit lost right bow because I have only gotten love from eastcoast schools and those are much further away from my family. I would be okay with living in Urbana for 4 years. It is still far away from my fam, but at least I can live with my gf there. I should probably write this thing soon...
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I think you have a great shot at an appeal. Write that thing and send it in! Good luck, I'm rooting for you! 👍
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I think you have a great shot at an appeal. Write that thing and send it in! Good luck, I'm rooting for you! 👍
Thank you! I'll post when I hear something 🙂
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Is there someone on here that is a current student (VisionaryTics, Snoopy, etc.) that can tell me more about UIC's finaid? You can PM me if you don't want to disclose your own personal info. I mainly want to get an idea of how real students are paying, how much they will pay at the end (I know the avg debt at grad is like $150K, but what is that with interest? and is that only federal loans or also UIC loans?)
I found out that basically UIC gives out ALL LOANS (only a very select few get grant/scholarships from the admissions office or from a scholarship for disadvantaged students). On other threads, I've read that regardless of whether you're dependent or independent, you should include your parental information on the FAFSA so that the school has a "full financial picture" (i.e. they don't want to give you grants if your parents could technically pay out of pocket) so they can consider you for Scholarships and Grant Aid. UIC apparently doesn't ask for parental info at all and if you give it, they won't look at it. For some reason, i'm just having trouble wrapping my head around this, I guess b/c I always assumed that I'd get some grant aid (and obviously more loans but I never thought it would be all loans...). SO, I want to know: does UIC give out institutional loans as well or is it all federal loans? I work right now, but I make a modest amount and obviously don't have much savings -- does that mean they'll probably give me MORE loans than say, someone who make 100K a year? But even if they give me lots of loans, I can take only part of it/however much I actually think I need (b/c schools always overestimate on how much housing will actually cost) right?
Lastly, I just went on an interview at another school that said they REQUIRE parental info (but not on FAFSA, on a separate site that's private -- apparently 1/3 of med schools use this site that i'm blanking out on now), regardless of your independent/dependent student status. They said this was for "consideration of grants and scholarships." Am I to assume that at these other schools that ask for parental info, I might get a better finaid package? I probably wont' qualify for scholarships there though either, b/c I'm not a minority and my family isn't dirt poor. I'm sorry if i seem kind of dumb on this topic...it's just that I heard that (for example) "UChicago gives out a lot of money" -- is it mainly private schools and the elite ones that give out a lot of grant aid?
I found out that basically UIC gives out ALL LOANS (only a very select few get grant/scholarships from the admissions office or from a scholarship for disadvantaged students). On other threads, I've read that regardless of whether you're dependent or independent, you should include your parental information on the FAFSA so that the school has a "full financial picture" (i.e. they don't want to give you grants if your parents could technically pay out of pocket) so they can consider you for Scholarships and Grant Aid. UIC apparently doesn't ask for parental info at all and if you give it, they won't look at it. For some reason, i'm just having trouble wrapping my head around this, I guess b/c I always assumed that I'd get some grant aid (and obviously more loans but I never thought it would be all loans...). SO, I want to know: does UIC give out institutional loans as well or is it all federal loans? I work right now, but I make a modest amount and obviously don't have much savings -- does that mean they'll probably give me MORE loans than say, someone who make 100K a year? But even if they give me lots of loans, I can take only part of it/however much I actually think I need (b/c schools always overestimate on how much housing will actually cost) right?
Lastly, I just went on an interview at another school that said they REQUIRE parental info (but not on FAFSA, on a separate site that's private -- apparently 1/3 of med schools use this site that i'm blanking out on now), regardless of your independent/dependent student status. They said this was for "consideration of grants and scholarships." Am I to assume that at these other schools that ask for parental info, I might get a better finaid package? I probably wont' qualify for scholarships there though either, b/c I'm not a minority and my family isn't dirt poor. I'm sorry if i seem kind of dumb on this topic...it's just that I heard that (for example) "UChicago gives out a lot of money" -- is it mainly private schools and the elite ones that give out a lot of grant aid?
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I was told by the admissions office that they offer some scholarships to non-resident students that allow them to receive Illinois-resident tuition. Does anyone know how many students receive such scholarships (or a rough estimate)?
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I get all federal loans, now unsubsidized. Thanks, Obama. My parents are covering living expenses, so I took out ~$31k in loans last year, $35k this year. Will be more as an M3/4. Remember the volatility of Illinois politics.
I did not report my parents' income.
I would not count on financial aid/scholarships unless you're URM.
You'll pay more than most other state school, less than private schools.
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thanks VisionaryTics! That is very helpful. Well...do you think that most private schools will give more grant aid or scholarships?
As far as I know, these are exclusively for URMs.
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In comparison to UIC, I would think so. However, I don't have any data points to compare to UIC.
You've got four months before you have to settle on a school, so you'll have plenty of time to compare financial aid packages if you have multiple acceptances.
Also, re-reading your previous post, it looks like you're confused on the financial aid process in regard to loans. You apply for financial aid through FAFSA, and you get awarded up to the cost of tuition (school tuition + living expenses + fees) in federal loans, adjusted for your ability to pay. If you declare no parental assistance/outside income, you can take out up to the full cost of tuition. Here's my award letter:
Cost of Attendance
Component Amount
Tuition - In State* $33,000.00
Mandatory Fees* $3,700.00
Disability Insurance $58.00
Books and Supplies $1,726.00
Housing and Food Expenses $14,464.00
Transportation $1,656.00
Personal Expenses $2,484.00
Total: $57,088.00
Need Calculation
Component Amount
Cost of Attendance $57,088.00
Estimated Family Contribution $.00
Initial Need $57,088.00
Outside Resource $.00
Need $57,088.00
The federal loans that are awarded are not competitive financial aid. Any grad student in the country can file for these loans if they demonstrate need.
And, yes, you can take out only how much you need. Like I said, my parents are covering living expenses, so I took out ~$35k of loans this year out of the $57k offered.
In regards to your last question, I think the best indicator of whether a school gives out grants/scholarships is its financial condition. Rich, well-endowed schools have more money to sling around to attract students. UIC is a state school in a broke state. You do the math.
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I have been complete since September with "Applicant in Process" & NO news, still no interview invite. Does anyone know if they send out pre-interview rejections or are they just stringing me along for a "silent" rejection?
Thanks.
Thanks.
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