2014-2015 University of Illinois Application Thread

[PiratesSpursFan]

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Does anyone know if there is a way to look at your secondary for this school? I have an interview coming up and am trying to do my last bit of preparation for it by going over what I wrote in my secondary. Sadly, I have overwritten or not saved my UIC Secondary answers. If anyone knows a place I could find them that would be great.

 

[SubwayMonster383]

For those of you who were interviewed by a physician: what questions did you ask them at the end of the interview?

 

[rekrul]

Dang, the tension is rising. Do you guys think the decision will be this Thursday, or the next?

 

[TREDWISE]

Does anyone know if there is a way to look at your secondary for this school? I have an interview coming up and am trying to do my last bit of preparation for it by going over what I wrote in my secondary. Sadly, I have overwritten or not saved my UIC Secondary answers. If anyone knows a place I could find them that would be great.

I don't believe so.

 

[ccrod2014]

For those of you who were interviewed by a physician: what questions did you ask them at the end of the interview?

We didn't have much time for questions at the end of my physician interview because we were so deep into conversation about the questions she asked me. The admissions people actually came and knocked on the door because we were over time. But anyway, I did quickly ask her why she chose to specialize in Emergency Med, and what she likes most about it.
I also asked the medical students the same... since the M4 was already interviewing for Emergency Med residencies, and the M2 knew she wanted to specialize in Internal Med, possibly Hem/Onc. Another thing I asked the med students (which you could easily switch around to ask faculty/physicians) is "What do/did you like about going to school here?" or you could ask a physician, "What do you like about teaching/practicing here"
One thing I wish I would have changed about my questions was maybe instead of asking the positive aspects about the school, etc., switch it up and ask the negatives... like, "What do you least like about going here?" or "what would you change about this school?" I think that's less predictable and shows a more interesting perspective. People always ask the positive form of those questions, but I think asking the opposite would show a higher level of thought.
Hope that helps. Good luck 🙂

 

[TREDWISE]

We didn't have much time for questions at the end of my physician interview because we were so deep into conversation about the questions she asked me. The admissions people actually came and knocked on the door because we were over time. But anyway, I did quickly ask her why she chose to specialize in Emergency Med, and what she likes most about it.
I also asked the medical students the same... since the M4 was already interviewing for Emergency Med residencies, and the M2 knew she wanted to specialize in Internal Med, possibly Hem/Onc. Another thing I asked the med students (which you could easily switch around to ask faculty/physicians) is "What do/did you like about going to school here?" or you could ask a physician, "What do you like about teaching/practicing here"
One thing I wish I would have changed about my questions was maybe instead of asking the positive aspects about the school, etc., switch it up and ask the negatives... like, "What do you least like about going here?" or "what would you change about this school?" I think that's less predictable and shows a more interesting perspective. People always ask the positive form of those questions, but I think asking the opposite would show a higher level of thought.
Hope that helps. Good luck 🙂

You're probably better off not asking about negative things on your interview day. You do get better answers but you want your interview to be positive.

 

[AspiringERMD]

You're probably better off not asking about negative things on your interview day. You do get better answers but you want your interview to be positive.

I disagree. I think it's a perfectly reasonable question and allows people to know what to expect as they weigh their options. I don't think anyone is delusional enough to think the school they attend or work for is flawless.

 

[SubwayMonster383]

Thanks, guys. Any other recent interviewees, please feel free to chime in!

 

[john3298]

Anyone know how long it usually takes to get your site assignment in the mail?

 

[Waitingwaitingwaiting]

I got the UMED application invite today, but still haven't gotten any official notice that I got accepted into the actual medical school yet. lol

HI,

I wonder if you have received your package yet? I live in CA and haven't received mine. so am I wondering if I am the only one who has not received the package.

 

[Waitingwaitingwaiting]

Has anyone in CA received their letter/package yet since final decision made in DEC? if yes, when?

Thanks!!

 

[john3298]

Has anyone in CA received their letter/package yet since final decision made in DEC? if yes, when?

Thanks!!

I would call. I live in Illinois, but I got my package a week and a half ago

 

[ccrod2014]

You're probably better off not asking about negative things on your interview day. You do get better answers but you want your interview to be positive.

Well I didn't mean "negative topics", per say. I just mean instead of asking what they like and what's good about a certain thing, ask what is bad or what they didn't like about something. And like I said, I think it would have been good to maybe just add ONE of those questions in there, because it's less predictable. EVERYONE asks stuff like, "oh what do you like about this...." "what's good about this..." etc. It's just conforming to the norm. I think if you ask for a "negative" aspect, it would catch them off guard, I think people would have to think harder about that answer. You know? It just makes you stand out from what everyone else is asking...
Though, your answers to their questions are more important, I feel like questions you ask would also leave an impression on your interview. So it's smart to be unique.

 

[TREDWISE]

Well I didn't mean "negative topics", per say. I just mean instead of asking what they like and what's good about a certain thing, ask what is bad or what they didn't like about something. And like I said, I think it would have been good to maybe just add ONE of those questions in there, because it's less predictable. EVERYONE asks stuff like, "oh what do you like about this...." "what's good about this..." etc. It's just conforming to the norm. I think if you ask for a "negative" aspect, it would catch them off guard, I think people would have to think harder about that answer. You know? It just makes you stand out from what everyone else is asking...
Though, your answers to their questions are more important, I feel like questions you ask would also leave an impression on your interview. So it's smart to be unique.

I don't think that asking what people don't like about the school is really going to leave an impression that they're going to remember.

However, the reason why I think it might not be best practice is that there's a possibility that they'll say something that will create an awkward situation and make the interview feel less positive. For example, I've had people tell me they don't like that the school accepts a good number of people right out of college. If you were right out of college, you might be put in an awkward situation.

 

[CyrilFiggis]

Well I didn't mean "negative topics", per say. I just mean instead of asking what they like and what's good about a certain thing, ask what is bad or what they didn't like about something. And like I said, I think it would have been good to maybe just add ONE of those questions in there, because it's less predictable. EVERYONE asks stuff like, "oh what do you like about this...." "what's good about this..." etc. It's just conforming to the norm. I think if you ask for a "negative" aspect, it would catch them off guard, I think people would have to think harder about that answer. You know? It just makes you stand out from what everyone else is asking...
Though, your answers to their questions are more important, I feel like questions you ask would also leave an impression on your interview. So it's smart to be unique.

I feel that you're all over thinking this. Don't ask trite questions. Don't ask negative questions. Ask thoughtful questions. If you feel really strongly about a school's anatomy lab, ask about that. Follow up with specific questions. Use their responses to gauge your opinions on the matter.

 

[Hyddro]

I feel that you're all over thinking this. Don't ask trite questions. Don't ask negative questions. Ask thoughtful questions. If you feel really strongly about a school's anatomy lab, ask about that. Follow up with specific questions. Use their responses to gauge your opinions on the matter.

To be fair i did ask my interviewer about certain aspects she wishes she could 'change' about the school curriculum, policies or any other thing she felt it needed more attention... she actually liked the question and was honest with me... I also like asking about negative aspects about the school but one must be careful on how to word it.. you dont wanna sound like you heard the school sucks period... you want to word it in a way that you get a full sense of what the school strengths and weakness are. If you nail it then i think it is fine to ask... this is just my opinion though

 

[Rollerbladdin]

Has anyone who interviewed on 12/12/14 or after heard back yet? My page says "Decision Pending". Not sure what that means

 

[IWUdoc2015]

Has anyone who interviewed on 12/12/14 or after heard back yet? My page says "Decision Pending". Not sure what that means

I haven't heard but I interviewed last week.

 

[TREDWISE]

Has anyone who interviewed on 12/12/14 or after heard back yet? My page says "Decision Pending". Not sure what that means

This most likely means that they deferred your application. I'm not sure whether they'll tell you over the phone but you can try calling them.

 

[ccrod2014]

I don't think that asking what people don't like about the school is really going to leave an impression that they're going to remember.

However, the reason why I think it might not be best practice is that there's a possibility that they'll say something that will create an awkward situation and make the interview feel less positive. For example, I've had people tell me they don't like that the school accepts a good number of people right out of college. If you were right out of college, you might be put in an awkward situation.

I feel that you're all over thinking this. Don't ask trite questions. Don't ask negative questions. Ask thoughtful questions. If you feel really strongly about a school's anatomy lab, ask about that. Follow up with specific questions. Use their responses to gauge your opinions on the matter.

I don't think either of you are really grasping what I was getting at. This all started because I simply stated what I would have done differently, which is instead of asking the typical form of a question which is the pro-stance "What do you like..." "what is great about...", etc., I could have switched up some of my questions to make it a bit out of the norm. Then again, interviewing at UIC had a very informal and relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps at another school, in a different atmosphere, you would have to really watch what you ask. Of course there are more specific and I guess "thoughtful" questions a person could ask, but that wasn't the case for me. I didn't have any "burning" questions since I attended UIC for undergrad and have pretty comprehensive knowledge of the school as a whole including the med school. Anyway.... was just my opinion.

To be fair i did ask my interviewer about certain aspects she wishes she could 'change' about the school curriculum, policies or any other thing she felt it needed more attention... she actually liked the question and was honest with me... I also like asking about negative aspects about the school but one must be careful on how to word it.. you dont wanna sound like you heard the school sucks period... you want to word it in a way that you get a full sense of what the school strengths and weakness are. If you nail it then i think it is fine to ask... this is just my opinion though

I completely agree. Wording is key. Never did I mean to suggest you should make it sound like you have a bad impression of the school or whatnot! 🙂

 

[TREDWISE]

I don't think either of you are really grasping what I was getting at. This all started because I simply stated what I would have done differently, which is instead of asking the typical form of a question which is the pro-stance "What do you like..." "what is great about...", etc., I could have switched up some of my questions to make it a bit out of the norm. Then again, interviewing at UIC had a very informal and relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps at another school, in a different atmosphere, you would have to really watch what you ask. Of course there are more specific and I guess "thoughtful" questions a person could ask, but that wasn't the case for me. I didn't have any "burning" questions since I attended UIC for undergrad and have pretty comprehensive knowledge of the school as a whole including the med school. Anyway.... was just my opinion.



I completely agree. Wording is key. Never did I mean to suggest you should make it sound like you have a bad impression of the school or whatnot! 🙂

??? How are we misunderstanding what you are saying. You are saying "Maybe I would have asked questions about the negative aspects of the school to stand out or seem more thoughtful." I said that I don't think that they're going to remember that and that it can potentially end badly. Cyril said that we were both overthinking it.

I don't really think "What do you not like about this school?" is a more thoughtful question than "What do you like about this school?" either. It might be a teensy bit more thoughtful but it's not like they're going to be thinking about your question when they're lying in bed that night trying to fall asleep.

I also disagree that it's better to ask about the anatomy lab. Who cares? I asked about research because I am a very research oriented person. I also asked about the students because I want to go to medical school with smart and collaborative people.

The best questions reflect you as an applicant in a positive way, because that's what the questions really are. They're another opportunity for the interviewer to get some insight into you as an applicant, whether that be your interest in the school or a measure of how much insight you have into the whole process. etc

In fact, I had an interview at another school that wasn't very good because the interviewer didn't read my application at all and she had a totally different background than I do. So when she asked me for questions, I used that as an opportunity to tell her things about myself that I wanted her to know. "What do you think about the patient population that you see at school XYZ? Oh really, well I did ABC which I think really prepared me to work with people like that." Boom. Now it's a half way decent interview.

So anyway I only bothered to respond to your post initially because you thought it prudent to brag about your interview, and I'm only responding now because I am waiting for my laundry and you thought we couldn't "grasp" what you were saying. Not that I am offended, just bored.

 

[ccrod2014]

??? How are we misunderstanding what you are saying. You are saying "Maybe I would have asked questions about the negative aspects of the school to stand out or seem more thoughtful." I said that I don't think that they're going to remember that and that it can potentially end badly. Cyril said that we were both overthinking it.

I don't really think "What do you not like about this school?" is a more thoughtful question than "What do you like about this school?" either. It might be a teensy bit more thoughtful but it's not like they're going to be thinking about your question when they're lying in bed that night trying to fall asleep.

I also disagree that it's better to ask about the anatomy lab. Who cares? I asked about research because I am a very research oriented person. I also asked about the students because I want to go to medical school with smart and collaborative people.

The best questions reflect you as an applicant in a positive way, because that's what the questions really are. They're another opportunity for the interviewer to get some insight into you as an applicant, whether that be your interest in the school or a measure of how much insight you have into the whole process. etc

In fact, I had an interview at another school that wasn't very good because the interviewer didn't read my application at all and she had a totally different background than I do. So when she asked me for questions, I used that as an opportunity to tell her things about myself that I wanted her to know. "What do you think about the patient population that you see at school XYZ? Oh really, well I did ABC which I think really prepared me to work with people like that." Boom. Now it's a half way decent interview.

So anyway I only bothered to respond to your post initially because you thought it prudent to brag about your interview, and I'm only responding now because I am waiting for my laundry and you thought we couldn't "grasp" what you were saying. Not that I am offended, just bored.

Well, now you certainly sound like someone who is offended. I don't feel it necessary to grace your clearly combative post with any additional defense about my post-interview question choices... however, I will tell you I surely wasn't trying to "brag" about my interview. All I did was write my experience for the benefit of future interviewees. And as for my response to @SubwayMonster383 's question, I was just sharing what I PERSONALLY THOUGHT REGARDING MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. My regrets about my post-interview questions. I guess I can see where you would assume arrogance, simply because I mentioned that our conversation ran long or whatever... but I was really just trying to give others an idea of what to expect, and that they might not have time for a ton of personal questions. I suppose I should have left it out, but I didn't think it would make someone so upset.

Also as a side note: I've looked up your post history on this thread, due to past incidents, and you don't seem to come off as the most kind or understanding individual. Some of your responses are rather blunt and somewhat rude, and it's really pointless to be that way. This is supposed to be a forum for pre-meds to interact, give advice, and HELP others; not put people down for over-looking a previous post (on a forum spanning 7 months thus far, with over 1000 posts) or give pointed answers to those who ask an innocent question.

 

[TREDWISE]

Well, now you certainly sound like someone who is offended. I don't feel it necessary to grace your clearly combative post with any additional defense about my post-interview question choices... however, I will tell you I surely wasn't trying to "brag" about my interview. All I did was write my experience for the benefit of future interviewees. And as for my response to @SubwayMonster383 's question, I was just sharing what I PERSONALLY THOUGHT REGARDING MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. My regrets about my post-interview questions. I guess I can see where you would assume arrogance, simply because I mentioned that our conversation ran long or whatever... but I was really just trying to give others an idea of what to expect, and that they might not have time for a ton of personal questions. I suppose I should have left it out, but I didn't think it would make someone so upset.

Also as a side note: I've looked up your post history on this thread, due to past incidents, and you don't seem to come off as the most kind or understanding individual. Some of your responses are rather blunt and somewhat rude, and it's really pointless to be that way. This is supposed to be a forum for pre-meds to interact, give advice, and HELP others; not put people down for over-looking a previous post (on a forum spanning 7 months thus far, with over 1000 posts) or give pointed answers to those who ask an innocent question.

😛 Don't take things so personally.

 

[ccrod2014]

No.

Well... nobody that goes to the University of Illinois calls the school "UI." It's either UIC for the University of Illinois at Chicago or UIUC/ U of I for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIS for the Springfield one). So I thought it was a little strange that you were saying you had a strong connection to "UI."

mhm you call us neurotic and then you ask this question. It happens whenever they decide to push the button to flip you from one to the other. As someone that works in academia, it is not predictable.

No

Exhibit A. I particularly enjoyed the second one... that was nice.
Perhaps I'm just being sensitive on some of these, but sensitivity seems to be an overwhelming theme in this thread.

 

[IWUdoc2015]

Ok moving on......What is the average time that it's taking to get a response as to if you've been accepted or not?

 

[ccrod2014]

😛 Don't take things so personally.

I don't mean to take it personally, I just notice A LOT of rude things on these threads (not just UofI)... and it's not just you. I just think it's soooo unnecessary. Please feel free to dissect my posts, if need be. Otherwise, we should probably call a truce.... sorry for my unintended arrogance.

 

[ccrod2014]

Ok moving on......What is the average time that it's taking to get a response as to if you've been accepted or not?

I interviewed Dec 19th-- and still waiting. This is because tomorrow is the first Adcom meeting since my interview date. Time depends on several factors. If you interview directly after the Adcom meeting for that month, for example, you'll be waiting at least 4 weeks for the next one. Depends on if they make a decision on your file in the first review round, or if you get deferred till next month. In other words... it could be a week, could be 3 months.

 

[IWUdoc2015]

I interviewed Dec 19th-- and still waiting. This is because tomorrow is the first Adcom meeting since my interview date. Time depends on several factors. If you interview directly after the Adcom meeting for that month, for example, you'll be waiting at least 4 weeks for the next one. Depends on if they make a decision on your file in the first review round, or if you get deferred till next month. In other words... it could be a week, could be 3 months.

I interviewed last week in Peoria. I was really impressed and hope I get accepted.

 

[ccrod2014]

I interviewed last week in Peoria. I was really impressed and hope I get accepted.

I'm sure you did wonderfully, and I hope you get accepted too! U of I is a great school, I've never been to Peoria or Rockford, but I would assume that all the campuses are somewhat equally impressive. I am praying for an acceptance as well, as it's my first choice haha. Who knows, you might be lucky and get accepted tomorrow! Be sure to check your portal in the evening!! 😉

 

[TREDWISE]

I don't mean to take it personally, I just notice A LOT of rude things on these threads (not just UofI)... and it's not just you. I just think it's soooo unnecessary. Please feel free to dissect my posts, if need be. Otherwise, we should probably call a truce.... sorry for my unintended arrogance.

Truce accepted lol. And you really shouldn't take it personally but I think it's understandable that you might take it that way if you're not used to being around people like me. BUT you shouldn't be digging up people's post history to criticize them because that's very creepy.

I'm sure you did wonderfully, and I hope you get accepted too! U of I is a great school, I've never been to Peoria or Rockford, but I would assume that all the campuses are somewhat equally impressive. I am praying for an acceptance as well, as it's my first choice haha. Who knows, you might be lucky and get accepted tomorrow! Be sure to check your portal in the evening!! 😉

If you get into UIC and I go there too we shall do battle in person.

I interviewed Dec 19th-- and still waiting. This is because tomorrow is the first Adcom meeting since my interview date. Time depends on several factors. If you interview directly after the Adcom meeting for that month, for example, you'll be waiting at least 4 weeks for the next one. Depends on if they make a decision on your file in the first review round, or if you get deferred till next month. In other words... it could be a week, could be 3 months.

I didn't realize that December 18th was the last admissions meeting, which means...

Has anyone who interviewed on 12/12/14 or after heard back yet? My page says "Decision Pending". Not sure what that means

Hopefully you just got bumped into the next admissions meeting for whatever reason.

 

[ccrod2014]

Truce accepted lol. And you really shouldn't take it personally but I think it's understandable that you might take it that way if you're not used to being around people like me. BUT you shouldn't be digging up people's post history to criticize them because that's very creepy.



If you get into UIC and I go there too we shall do battle in person.



I didn't realize that December 18th was the last admissions meeting, which means...



Hopefully you just got bumped into the next admissions meeting for whatever reason.

Well I don't live under a rock-- so I know sarcasm or whatever-- it's just easy to misinterpret text I suppose since there's no connotation or tone, and none of us actually know each other, so yeah. Also, I like being creepy. 😵 But really... I just type in your ID and it comes right up... easy enough. 😉

I accept your challenge to a duel.

Yes-- third-Thursday rule!

 

[TREDWISE]

Well I don't live under a rock-- so I know sarcasm or whatever-- it's just easy to misinterpret text I suppose since there's no connotation or tone, and none of us actually know each other, so yeah. Also, I like being creepy. 😵 But really... I just type in your ID and it comes right up... easy enough. 😉

I accept your challenge to a duel.

Yes-- third-Thursday rule!

By the way, I totally didn't realize you were the one who didn't understand my humor with the 'mhm' comment lol. Maybe if your avatar weren't a guy I wouldn't have teased you so much haha.

 

[john3298]

This most likely means that they deferred your application. I'm not sure whether they'll tell you over the phone but you can try calling them.

Decision pending is what shows up after you interview. It means that you've interviewed but they haven't made a decision on you yet.

 

[TREDWISE]

Decision pending is what shows up after you interview. It means that you've interviewed but they haven't made a decision on you yet.

If I remember correctly it is also what it says when your decision has been deferred.

 

[john3298]

If I remember correctly it is also what it says when your decision has been deferred.

I believe you are correct as well

 

[TREDWISE]

I believe you are correct as well

Thank you lol

 

[ccrod2014]

By the way, I totally didn't realize you were the one who didn't understand my humor with the 'mhm' comment lol. Maybe if your avatar weren't a guy I wouldn't have teased you so much haha.

Do you tease men differently than women? And I enjoy Sheldon Cooper humor. It represents me trying not to smell all the BS on this thread. lol--- I totally made that up.

 

[IWUdoc2015]

Guys.....move the discussion to private please

 

[Medguy22]

/popcorn

 

[ccrod2014]

... 😛

 

[SubwayMonster383]

OK... I don't know what that turned into, but I'll ask again...

Those of you who have been interviewed by physicians (not just at UIC): what kinds of questions did you ask them?

Thanks in advance!

 

[EEB]

Wait, so I thought adcom meetings were every third Thursday. Wasn't that last Thursday? Or is the adcom meeting today? Also, are you guys saying a decision pending status means my application may have been deferred? I interviewed last Wednesday, and my status changed to decision pending last Thursday. Thanks!

 

[john3298]

Wait, so I thought adcom meetings were every third Thursday. Wasn't that last Thursday? Or is the adcom meeting today? Also, are you guys saying a decision pending status means my application may have been deferred? I interviewed last Wednesday, and my status changed to decision pending last Thursday. Thanks!

All it means is that you've interviewed but they haven't made a final decision. It either means you haven't been reviewed yet or you were deferred until the next month.

 

[EEB]

Ok, thanks. So do you know if the adcom is meeting today? Technically, last Thursday was the third Thursday.

 

[rekrul]

Wait, so I thought adcom meetings were every third Thursday. Wasn't that last Thursday? Or is the adcom meeting today? Also, are you guys saying a decision pending status means my application may have been deferred? I interviewed last Wednesday, and my status changed to decision pending last Thursday. Thanks!

I think (and hope, since I'm also "decision pending") that the first adcom meeting this month is today. If so, then the only possible status for anyone that interviewed this month would be "decision pending." If anyone that interviewed this month has a status other than decision pending please speak up...if I'm screwed I'd rather know sooner than later...heh.

 

[EEB]

Has anyone been rejected post-interview?

 

[Ruby31]

Perhaps this was covered earlier, but has anyone been rejected pre-interview? Is UIC one of the schools that does silent rejections?

 

[Vivalarevolution]

Perhaps this was covered earlier, but has anyone been rejected pre-interview? Is UIC one of the schools that does silent rejections?

There were a few people on here that had a "final decision" status before they interviewed so I believe that they do reject pre-interview

 

[Hyddro]

Guys.....move the discussion to private please

hahaha winner here!

OK... I don't know what that turned into, but I'll ask again...

Those of you who have been interviewed by physicians (not just at UIC): what kinds of questions did you ask them?

Thanks in advance!

I was interviewed in Chicago and the physician who interviewed me was a pediatrician.. tbh i dont remember much since I interviewed back in October, but I could tell you he made it very relaxed and conversational. I feel it was kind of a semi-structured interview... you know, your answers lead them to asking you related questions. At one point we talked about soccer since I knew grew up in Peru and the passion lives within me .. but he also asked me questions like 'why medicine..?' or 'what do you see yourself doing with an MD?' .. not difficult questions really. Good luck!

 

[ccrod2014]

Last year I did not received a rejection letter in the mail until May.

EDIT: I was "applicant in progress" the whole time, never interviewed.