I'm also an M1 and working with Students for Affordable Medical Education. I'll echo what Kaushik said. There is a lot to like here at Illinois: deans and faculty that genuinely care and are working towards improvement, some excellent faculty, great opportunities to find and work in whatever you are interested in. I've been pleasantly surprised with the many clinical opportunities as an M1.
What needs to improve? Old facilities, getting rid of some awful teachers, continue to refine/improve the curriculum.
The tuition increase is egregious. It was forced through the Board of Trustees with absolutely no transparency, no plan on how to spend the money, and no consideration for the ramifications. Heavier debt on the students means fewer, less-talented candidates, and fewer students choosing primary care, which only exacerbates our chronic PCP shortage.
Please help us out and sign the petition. Tell everyone you know!! We believe we can reverse this decision if we can get enough people to speak out. We are taking this story to the media, alumni, other students,etc. We want to meet the Board of Trustees and get this changed.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stop-the-tuition-increase-ui-same/
We are on Facebook too. Groups/SFAME
Thanks,
Pete - Class President, 2015