2012-2013 University of Illinois Application Thread

[JohnnyCrash]

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Hey guys, I really liked UIC. I interviewed for the MD-PhD program and was recently selected to be in the running for MD as well (no need to interview as my MD-PhD interview sufficed). I heard that once you have an MD-PhD interview you've got a pretty good chance at the MD acceptance, they don't guarantee it but they do tell you that if you're not accepted to the MD-PhD program you will be highly considered for the MD if the program submits your name to the MD program, which they did for me. I know nothing is for sure, etc., but I am a little concerned that if accepted into the MD-only program I would not be able to attend due to the ridiculous high tuition for OOS students.

Anybody here already an M1/2/3/4 at UIC from OOS that would like to comment on this? Just trying to narrow the choices, I might just withdraw from the MD application due to the tuition. Are they likely to give scholarships to OOS students? How have you been able to handle this astronomical tuition? If you had another choice of schools in the Chicago area would you have gone due to the lower tuition (ex: Loyola/Rush/etc.)?

I'd appreciate any info. Thanks in advance 🙂

During M1 orientation they sat us down and showed us in-state and out-of-state tuition costs and all of the OOS students were freaking out. Frankly, if you are from OOS, you are getting SCREWED by tuition. Check out some of the resident forums - there are loan repayment threads dealing with the astronomical loans taken out by OOS students who attended UIC. It leaves you in a very difficult place when you graduate.

UIC is an awesome school but literally any other option is better if you are from OOS. If I was not in-state, I would not attend unless I had no other options.

 

[HalfPast6]

Nah, I didn't mean that UIC has an MMI, I was just comparing UIC to another school I interviewed at that did have an MMI. I think to count as an MMI a school would have something more like 6-8 interviewers. Though three is on the high side for one-on-one interviews.

I agree with your last comment. I had the afternoon schedule so by my 3rd interview I was pretty pooped. Luckily, my toughest interviewer was first on the list. My last interview was necessarily easy, but he did ask some tough questions which I think I totally fudged on.

On a different note, is the committee meeting today? I interviewed on 1/30. UIC sends snail mail to my permanent address (where the parents live) so I'm curious as to when to go to their place to check my mail.

 

[beast89]

Maybe the decisions will come out on Friday again?

 

[drscholls]

Maybe the decisions will come out on Friday again?

Let's hope. Commence the freak out! (Hoping to see some of the same faces from last month lol)

 

[einstein1990]

Maybe they're meeting next Thursday? Who knows.

I'm not really putting all my eggs in this basket anymore. I thought my interview here went fantastic, but considering they look at my file every month and think "ehhhhh," they probably don't think the same. After 2 acceptances, I know I'm not a bad (or horrible at least) interviewer. While I love UIC and it'd be great to go here, unfortunately, I'm really not counting on much. 🙁

 

[drscholls]

Maybe they're meeting next Thursday? Who knows.

I'm not really putting all my eggs in this basket anymore. I thought my interview here went fantastic, but considering they look at my file every month and think "ehhhhh," they probably don't think the same. After 2 acceptances, I know I'm not a bad (or horrible at least) interviewer. While I love UIC and it'd be great to go here, unfortunately, I'm really not counting on much. 🙁

I was happy to see you posting, then I read what you wrote.

I think this is the time of the application cycle for giving up hope in general, but congratulations on the 2 acceptances. I'm sure that can take the edge off of what ever happens here.

 

[einstein1990]

I was happy to see you posting, then I read what you wrote.

I think this is the time of the application cycle for giving up hope in general, but congratulations on the 2 acceptances. I'm sure that can take the edge off of what ever happens here.

I'm definitely being a debby downer about UIC (among other schools). 🙁 This application season has just been SO long that I'm getting kinda frustrated! And thank you! I'll still be hoping and regularly creeping this thread, though. You can't get rid of me that easy! 😛 Us 'no decision made'-ers gotta stick together!

 

[drscholls]

I'm definitely being a debby downer about UIC (among other schools). 🙁 This application season has just been SO long that I'm getting kinda frustrated! And thank you! I'll still be hoping and regularly creeping this thread, though. You can't get rid I me that easy! 😛 Us 'no decision made'-ers gotta stick together!

Feeling the same way you are for sure, but reddit has been slow today so I am on here more frequently.

And I agree. If we still have no decision by the end of February we should make a facebook group.

 

[ilikevegetables]

I'm definitely being a debby downer about UIC (among other schools). 🙁 This application season has just been SO long that I'm getting kinda frustrated! And thank you! I'll still be hoping and regularly creeping this thread, though. You can't get rid I me that easy! 😛 Us 'no decision made'-ers gotta stick together!

Feeling the same way you are for sure, but reddit has been slow today so I am on here more frequently.

And I agree. If we still have no decision by the end of February we should make a facebook group.

Good luck you guys!! I definitely get feeling a little worn down after this crazy long cycle, but hopefully you'll find things turning out better than you expected 😳

 

[einstein1990]

Good luck you guys!! I definitely get feeling a little worn down after this crazy long cycle, but hopefully you'll find things turning out better than you expected 😳

Thanks for being our positive patty, ilikeveggies 😉

 

[ilikevegetables]

Thanks for being our positive patty, ilikeveggies 😉

Anytime. 😎

Also: does anyone have rough numbers for how many people successfully petition for a Chicago spot each year? Even better, this and a rough total number of people who petition? I called and all they said was "it varies."

 

[Blaughable]

As a current M1, I can't resist putting in a good word for Pilsen. I've had friends in the neighborhood for years and it just keeps getting better. Yes, there is gang violence, but I am a women and I feel perfectly safe here, even at night. My apartment is huge, dog friendly, with parking, and costs a fraction of what my peers are paying to live near Taylor Street. (Hint: Taylor Street is lame, there are way cooler places to live if you are going to pay the premium.)

Also, for those of your still waiting for interviews, keep your chin up! I didn't get my invite til the end of February, didn't interview til the end of March, didn't get accepted til the end of April, and I STILL got a spot in Chicago and here I am kicking ass and taking names. So good luck. UIC is amazing.

Hmmm I might just have to check out the pilsen area then. Any intersections you recommend? Also you mentioned dog friendly...do you have a dog? (If so, how's that going with the whole med school thing)

 

[longshot123]

Does anyone know if we'll hear back today?!

 

[einstein1990]

Does anyone know if we'll hear back today?!

I bet they're meeting next week. Just a hunch, I have nothing to go off of.... you could probably call and ask!

EDIT: just kidding. ha

 

[HalfPast6]

Does anyone know if we'll hear back today?!

Argh. I checked the website today and it looks like I got rejected:

A final decision was made on your application on 02-22-13. Please allow two-weeks to receive the correspondence in the mail. If you do not receive this correspondence in two-weeks, please contact the Admissions Office. No decision will be given over the telephone.

Wtf UIC?!?!? You were my first choice.

 

[Sea Otter]

Argh. I checked the website today and it looks like I got rejected:

A final decision was made on your application on 02-22-13. Please allow two-weeks to receive the correspondence in the mail. If you do not receive this correspondence in two-weeks, please contact the Admissions Office. No decision will be given over the telephone.

Wtf UIC?!?!? You were my first choice.

You may not be rejected. Even accepted applicants get that status. Did you have a tab that says 'Additional Correspondence‘? If so, that is an acceptance.

 

[HalfPast6]

You may not be rejected. Even accepted applicants get that status. Did you have a tab that says 'Additional Correspondence‘? If so, that is an acceptance.

Yes it does. Sea Otter. 😳 U just made my day!

 

[Sea Otter]

Yes it does. Sea Otter. 😳 U just made my day!

Congrats!

 

[HalfPast6]

Congrats!

Thanks! Somehow it doesn't feel real yet....hope to see more acceptances in this thread.

 

[longshot123]

Still says decision pending for me :/

 

[einstein1990]

Still says decision pending for me :/

Same. I see you interviewed on 12/10, so did I. What campus?? PM me. Wonder if we had the same interviewers

 

[HalfPast6]

Same. I see you interviewed on 12/10, so did I. What campus?? PM me. Wonder if we had the same interviewers

They haven't given you a decision in over a month?!? Sounds strange to me. Anyhow, good luck to you both.

 

[einstein1990]

They haven't given you a decision in over a month?!? Sounds strange to me. Anyhow, good luck to you both.

Thanks! Congrats to you!! And yes,some of us have been on hold for over 2 months.

Anyone else get a status change today? Surely can't just be one person!

 

[tdc75]

Thanks! Congrats to you!! And yes,some of us have been on hold for over 2 months.

Anyone else get a status change today? Surely can't just be one person!

1. Is there a difference between "Decision Pending" and "No Final Decision Made"?
2. Do we get email or snail mail notifications of these statuses?

 

[HalfPast6]

Thanks! Congrats to you!! And yes,some of us have been on hold for over 2 months.

Anyone else get a status change today? Surely can't just be one person!

Another SDN user pmed me that he/she had the same acceptance status.

 

[drscholls]

Thanks! Congrats to you!! And yes,some of us have been on hold for over 2 months.

Anyone else get a status change today? Surely can't just be one person!

Together again with no decision. X3

 

[JohnnyCrash]

Hmmm I might just have to check out the pilsen area then. Any intersections you recommend? Also you mentioned dog friendly...do you have a dog? (If so, how's that going with the whole med school thing)

I have two dogs and a very understanding and helpful fiance. There is no way I could care for them by myself. Even though I never go to class, during exam weeks ... forget it. Haha.

East Pilsen (i.e. 18th St between Halsted and Ashland) is gentrifying. Full of hipsters and art galleries, vintage clothing stores, and awesome bars. It's a bit further from campus than where I am in west Pilsen. Still very much an up-and-coming neighborhood. So: more fun, slightly less accessible.

West Pilsen has cheaper rent and feels much more like a Hispanic neighborhood. Lots of families, taco joints on every corner, huge block parties in summer. I live near the pink line - it takes me 10 minutes to get to school.

Best way to find apartments in the area has been on foot or Craigslist. Domu or Padmapper are okay. PM me if you want any more details.

 

[amikros]

I have Additional Correspondence too, does anyone know if that could also mean wait list? I don't wanna get too excited...

 

[einstein1990]

Together again with no decision. X3

WHYYYYYYYY?! Le sigh. 🙁

Okay, any advice on what to do here. I emailed UIC with an update containing my fall grades twice - once in January and once about 2 weeks ago. Haven't received a response. I called and the woman told me it's not in my file and that I should email it. But they're not answering my emails?

 

[PumpMD]

As a current M1, I can't resist putting in a good word for Pilsen. I've had friends in the neighborhood for years and it just keeps getting better. Yes, there is gang violence, but I am a women and I feel perfectly safe here, even at night. My apartment is huge, dog friendly, with parking, and costs a fraction of what my peers are paying to live near Taylor Street. (Hint: Taylor Street is lame, there are way cooler places to live if you are going to pay the premium.)

Also, for those of your still waiting for interviews, keep your chin up! I didn't get my invite til the end of February, didn't interview til the end of March, didn't get accepted til the end of April, and I STILL got a spot in Chicago and here I am kicking ass and taking names. So good luck. UIC is amazing.

How much is a 1 bedroom in Pilsen, for ~600-800 square feet?

Thanks!

 

[JohnnyCrash]

How much is a 1 bedroom in Pilsen, for ~600-800 square feet?

Thanks!

Looking at Craigslist, there really isn't much available right now, but probably $400-600 for something small and basic? Roommates will drive that number down significantly.

For a 2.5 bedroom 1300 square foot loft + gated parking, we pay <$1400. Some people pay >$700/bedroom for small apartments in Little Italy. I feel like I'm getting the deal of the century.

 

[Sea Otter]

I finally got my campus assignment today: UPR track. Not sure how I feel about it.

 

[drscholls]

Anyone get the No final decision email yet this time?

 

[ikestoys]

Not yet, I've been on that train for three months or so.

 

[MrChance2]

I just switched from "Applicant in Progress" to "Applicant in Process" today. I hope that is a good thing.

 

[einstein1990]

Anyone get the No final decision email yet this time?

Nope, wonder why..

 

[drscholls]

Nope, wonder why..

Yeah, it is very frustrating. How hard would it be to have the computer use a function to just send the email. IF (interview=yes) AND (decision=/=final) THEN send (no final decision email).

 

[PingPongPro]

I interviewed on 2/15. A final decision has been made 2/22. Additional correspondence tab present.

Being an oos applicant, I am a little bit scared of having to think of the tuition cost here.

 

[iMed17]

My status just changed from Applicant in process to Application is in process. Does anyone know what that means?

 

[iMed17]

And I went from applicant in progress to applicant in process three weeks ago....this wording makes no sense!

 

[Sodium22]

And I went from applicant in progress to applicant in process three weeks ago....this wording makes no sense!

According to several earlier posts.

"Application in Process" = You are not good enough to grant an interview yet, but might be later on in the cycle. Check back periodically.

 

[iMed17]

but I am application IS in process....
I went back a few pages ago and someone explained that applicant in process --> application is in process means you failed reviewer one, but in that same post it said applicant in progress --> applicant in process means you passed reviewer two and are getting an ii soon. So according to that 3 weeks ago I was getting an ii soon, but today I failed reviewer one?

 

[Sodium22]

but I am application IS in process....
I went back a few pages ago and someone explained that applicant in process --> application is in process means you failed reviewer one, but in that same post it said applicant in progress --> applicant in process means you passed reviewer two and are getting an ii soon. So according to that 3 weeks ago I was getting an ii soon, but today I failed reviewer one?

Not too sure at the point. I know the whole process/progress thing was apparently hearsay that someone came up with though. So who knows...

 

[ewillia8]

Just got an II, very excited, would love to go here

 

[IrishCogs]

Just got an II, very excited, would love to go here

Can you share your status changes if you know them? I was applicant in process for the last 2 weeks and just switched to application is in process, I don't think this is a good thing. Sad.

 

[IrishCogs]

but I am application IS in process....
I went back a few pages ago and someone explained that applicant in process --> application is in process means you failed reviewer one, but in that same post it said applicant in progress --> applicant in process means you passed reviewer two and are getting an ii soon. So according to that 3 weeks ago I was getting an ii soon, but today I failed reviewer one?

I had the same status change today applicant in process --> application is in process... looking back in the thread it looks like a rejection comes a few days after this 🙁 but I guess it's not over until it's over.

 

[ewillia8]

Can you share your status changes if you know them? I was applicant in process for the last 2 weeks and just switched to application is in process, I don't think this is a good thing. Sad.

I went to "Applicant in Process" again 2 or 3 weeks ago. I've been complete since August.

 

[bluebean]

I went to "Applicant in Process" again 2 or 3 weeks ago. I've been complete since August.

Hey, are there still many interview dates available? When is the earliest and latest available? Thanks in advance

 

[ewillia8]

Hey, are there still many interview dates available? When is the earliest and latest available? Thanks in advance

The dates listed are 2/28, 3/5, and 3/8, however, no slots are available for any of those dates at any campus. I'm going to be refreshing approximately every 10 minutes until a date is available, haha.

 

[Sea Otter]

The dates listed are 2/28, 3/5, and 3/8, however, no slots are available for any of those dates at any campus. I'm going to be refreshing approximately every 10 minutes until a date is available, haha.

Call the admissions office tomorrow morning. There were no slots listed as available when I got my invite but they gave me a few options when I called.