2016-2017 Loyola University Chicago (Stritch) Application Thread

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Have any late-August/early-September complete people received II's yet?
 
Have any late-August/early-September complete people received II's yet?

I was complete 9/12 and just recently had my interview. I was surprised when I got the II so quick so I wouldn't worry yet since it seems to not be in order. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you though! Good luck!!!!


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Do you guys think it is still worth it to submit this school's secondary? I still have a few days left before the 4-6 week priority period expires for me. This isn't one of my top choices so I was more worried about completing other secondaries, but with only 1 II so far, I feel like I should expand my pool. Think it's too late to submit now? For what it's worth, I did receive a fee waiver...
 
Do you guys think it is still worth it to submit this school's secondary? I still have a few days left before the 4-6 week priority period expires for me. This isn't one of my top choices so I was more worried about completing other secondaries, but with only 1 II so far, I feel like I should expand my pool. Think it's too late to submit now? For what it's worth, I did receive a fee waiver...
I'm still sending some out myself, like you said not to schools of my top choice but with no interviews I think it makes sense to invest in apps at least this last week
 
Do you guys think it is still worth it to submit this school's secondary? I still have a few days left before the 4-6 week priority period expires for me. This isn't one of my top choices so I was more worried about completing other secondaries, but with only 1 II so far, I feel like I should expand my pool. Think it's too late to submit now? For what it's worth, I did receive a fee waiver...
You literally have nothing to lose. You cant win if you dont play. Get it done! Good luck!
 
When is there going to be some movement in IIs?? I'm another person complete since August 1. I can't really complain since I have received six IIs (including 2 from other Jesuit schools) and just received an acceptance from the one school where I have completed the interview (one of the Jesuits) - the rest are scheduled in the next couple weeks. However, Loyola has always been near the top of my list and my family has a long history with Loyola - 5 alumni (none SSOM). Come on!
 
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Your status can literally stay the same until the the last interview has been handed out. There is no answer to the question you're answering per se. Interviews Invites have been going out, so there is movement. But not always in order. And people who have not received invites are often continually reviewed throughout the cycle.

The only thing I can tell you is, "Hang tight, it's a long, bumpy ride."
 
Hi friends! Just got an Interview Invite and trying to decide if it's worth the plane ticket to go... I was looking online and Loyola is unranked? I know that's not a good way to compare schools, but my MSAR just expired and I was wondering if someone could tell me what's amazing about this school and why it's worth it (or not).
WHen were you complete?
 
Hi friends! Just got an Interview Invite and trying to decide if it's worth the plane ticket to go... I was looking online and Loyola is unranked? I know that's not a good way to compare schools, but my MSAR just expired and I was wondering if someone could tell me what's amazing about this school and why it's worth it (or not).


The ranking has to do with NIH research funding, not necessarily how good the school is. That's not to say that Loyola doesn't have research opportunities available (quite the opposite actually), but Loyola definitely doesn't get nearly as much NIH funding as other ranked schools do. That being said, there are many doctors that have NIH funding at Loyola, and many projects are also funded privately, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Now if you are planning to go into academic medicine, that's where attending big name schools/ranked schools might be worth looking into (that wasn't the case for me). When I was applying, I was told that majority of the US MD schools will have very similar if not the same curriculum, so it's important to find a place where you fit in. No matter where you graduate from, you will be a doctor, so focus on things that you think you need from a school in order to succeed. For me, that was a community like environment, faculty and staff that are supportive and approachable, opportunities for community involvement, and lots of shadowing and research opportunities---all things that Loyola has to offer. At the end of the day, you have to decide what's important to you, and if investing a few hundred dollars for the plane ride there is worth it to see what Loyola has to offer. In my opinion, unless you're sitting on a few acceptances to schools that you would pick over Loyola in a heartbeat, I would go to the interview and see what Loyola is all about. What's a few hundred dollars in the grand scheme of things? 😉
 
The ranking has to do with NIH research funding, not necessarily how good the school is. That's not to say that Loyola doesn't have research opportunities available (quite the opposite actually), but Loyola definitely doesn't get nearly as much NIH funding as other ranked schools do. That being said, there are many doctors that have NIH funding at Loyola, and many projects are also funded privately, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Now if you are planning to go into academic medicine, that's where attending big name schools/ranked schools might be worth looking into (that wasn't the case for me). When I was applying, I was told that majority of the US MD schools will have very similar if not the same curriculum, so it's important to find a place where you fit in. No matter where you graduate from, you will be a doctor, so focus on things that you think you need from a school in order to succeed. For me, that was a community like environment, faculty and staff that are supportive and approachable, opportunities for community involvement, and lots of shadowing and research opportunities---all things that Loyola has to offer. At the end of the day, you have to decide what's important to you, and if investing a few hundred dollars for the plane ride there is worth it to see what Loyola has to offer. In my opinion, unless you're sitting on a few acceptances to schools that you would pick over Loyola in a heartbeat, I would go to the interview and see what Loyola is all about. What's a few hundred dollars in the grand scheme of things? 😉

Thank you so much for your insight! I'm going to go see what it's like since I've heard such great things! 🙂
 
Thank you so much for your insight! I'm going to go see what it's like since I've heard such great things! 🙂
Not a problem! Glad you decided to attend the interview--I don't think you'll regret it! Best of luck!
 
Too late to submit a secondary?

This questions gets asked many times. The answer remains: It is late, but that does not mean you chances are zero. If your app is competitive, you can still be considered. Weigh your chances with your financial means and time and then decide if you want to.


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If anybody is still on the fence regarding whether or not to attend an interview, we are pleased to announce that we have been World Series Champions for about half a day, already. We anticipate average Step scores in the 250+ range secondary to alleviation of spiritual ischemia.


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Hi friends! Just got an Interview Invite and trying to decide if it's worth the plane ticket to go... I was looking online and Loyola is unranked? I know that's not a good way to compare schools, but my MSAR just expired and I was wondering if someone could tell me what's amazing about this school and why it's worth it (or not).
Where did you read Loyola was unranked? Because I've never seen that before
 
Hey ya'll, your friendly neighborhood M3 here! Considering the anxiety that tends to surround the admissions process, allow me to share some morsels:
1. Think of this as musical applications. If you don't get an II, they put you in a new pool of applicants considered for II. Rinse and repeat.
2. It's not too late to apply. We look at everyone! There's no such thing as too much talent.
3. It ain't over til it's over. Because you're playing musical applications, you're not rejected until explicitly told so. We had a guy accepted during orientation week my M1 year! (True story)
4. Loyola likes to feel the love! If we're legit your first choice, let us know why! Send meaningful updates of great things you're doing academically and in life. Remember, medschool admissions is like dating - both parties want to impress and be impressed.
4a. Don't be a player by telling a bunch of schools they're your bae . You'd be foolish to think admissions folk don't talk to each other.
5. Be real! Fake is easier to spot than ppl think. And it's not cute.

Cheers and all the best!


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Do you know of such rankings/websites? Can you name them , thanks!

I think rankings are really good at determining the level of research money pouring into an institution. That isn't to say Loyola doesn't have research, it does, just significantly less than other institutions. But, what I do think Loyola excels it, which I believe is more important to medicine, is how to treat the patient as a whole. Loyola would give you a world class education in understanding the biological aspect of disease, but also looking at the patient's environment, their social background, their spirit, and how to display empathy and communication to a diversity of patient. If you want to be an excellent clinician and know how to be a doctor that patients would love to see, than Loyola would be the best place to go. For me personally, I do love research, but the biggest reason I wanted to become a doctor was to be able to help and connect with patients. Unfortunately, the humanistic part of medicine isn't as valued in our society which is why I believe Loyola isn't ranked. However, to me, that is the most important part of medicine which is why Loyola is such an incredible place.
 
Do you know of such rankings/websites? Can you name them , thanks!

A physician at a major teaching hospital in Chicago told me: "It doesn't matter where you go to medical school in the U.S. What matters is where you go for residency." He also said, "When you're a doctor, very rarely will a colleague ask where you went to medical school. Rather, most will inquire where you went for residency." Your medical school rank is just icing on the cake.
 
I think rankings are really good at determining the level of research money pouring into an institution. That isn't to say Loyola doesn't have research, it does, just significantly less than other institutions. But, what I do think Loyola excels it, which I believe is more important to medicine, is how to treat the patient as a whole. Loyola would give you a world class education in understanding the biological aspect of disease, but also looking at the patient's environment, their social background, their spirit, and how to display empathy and communication to a diversity of patient. If you want to be an excellent clinician and know how to be a doctor that patients would love to see, than Loyola would be the best place to go. For me personally, I do love research, but the biggest reason I wanted to become a doctor was to be able to help and connect with patients. Unfortunately, the humanistic part of medicine isn't as valued in our society which is why I believe Loyola isn't ranked. However, to me, that is the most important part of medicine which is why Loyola is such an incredible place.
I totally agree with you , I really liked Loyola! I was asking out of curiosity as I don't know of any rankings other than US News.
 
A physician at a major teaching hospital in Chicago told me: "It doesn't matter where you go to medical school in the U.S. What matters is where you go for residency." He also said, "When you're a doctor, very rarely will a colleague ask where you went to medical school. Rather, most will inquire where you went for residency." Your medical school rank is just icing on the cake.
Yes I have heard that too.
 
Just wondering - does anyone have any insight on if it's ok to send post-II updates before hearing back on a decision??
 
Just had my interview this past week and wanted to update everyone about it since I have some time at work. First off, the day was great! The facilities, faculty, students... wow. The community and environment of the school really was different from the other schools I've interviewed at. What really sold me was the school's commitment to its mission--so if you are service-oriented/minded, this is the school for you.

As for the interviews, it really was as relaxed and low-stress as everyone says it is! I know this is easier said than done, but don't stress too much about your interview here. The school truly does wants to know who you are as a person, your motivations for pursuing medicine, and why Loyola! I loved my interviews and interviewers, I don't know what it is about this school, but everyone seems to exude such a welcoming and helpful presence. You can see from the people here that they will produce great physicians and future health care leaders.

Anyway, loved the school and definitely confirmed for me that this is my top choice! :luck:😍
 
Just wondering - does anyone have any insight on if it's ok to send post-II updates before hearing back on a decision??
I think they mentioned at the interview day that they do like receiving updates from post-IIers!
 
Checking in on this thread, does anyone know if Loyola is receptive to pre-II updates? I'm hesitant because IIRC on the secondary it asked for plans for upcoming year, which I did speak about but wasn't sure if I should update them to confirm I did in fact do those things!
 
Just wondering - does anyone have any insight on if it's ok to send post-II updates before hearing back on a decision??
Checking in on this thread, does anyone know if Loyola is receptive to pre-II updates? I'm hesitant because IIRC on the secondary it asked for plans for upcoming year, which I did speak about but wasn't sure if I should update them to confirm I did in fact do those things!

Hi! I'm an M2 and just wanted to share my thoughts on updates:

If you have something meaningful to add to your application, send an update! During the application process, I was told that "Loyola likes to feel the love" which is what the M3 above also said. I personally sent an update pre and post interview and got good results from both (interview and acceptance 1-2 weeks after sending each of those updates). That's not to say that the same thing applies for everyone, but those update letters are looked at and can help! Again, only send updates if you have something meaningful/ new to add to your application (can be a new volunteer position, new job, new grades, anything really), but try to elaborate and explain how those new things have helped you become a stronger applicant, or at least what you've learned from those new things. Good luck!
 
For those who have gotten acceptance calls, how long did it take to receive the letter in the mail?
 
Checking in on this thread, does anyone know if Loyola is receptive to pre-II updates? I'm hesitant because IIRC on the secondary it asked for plans for upcoming year, which I did speak about but wasn't sure if I should update them to confirm I did in fact do those things!
I would update them! I highly doubt it would hurt your chances and would show you have continued with these plans and are interested in the program.
 
Did anybody who interviewed 9/22 hear back yet? I thought they said we would get a status change on October 17th, but my status hasn't changed since the interview?
 
Hi! I'm an M2 and just wanted to share my thoughts on updates:

If you have something meaningful to add to your application, send an update! During the application process, I was told that "Loyola likes to feel the love" which is what the M3 above also said. I personally sent an update pre and post interview and got good results from both (interview and acceptance 1-2 weeks after sending each of those updates). That's not to say that the same thing applies for everyone, but those update letters are looked at and can help! Again, only send updates if you have something meaningful/ new to add to your application (can be a new volunteer position, new job, new grades, anything really), but try to elaborate and explain how those new things have helped you become a stronger applicant, or at least what you've learned from those new things. Good luck!
Thanks for this advice, sending in a gap year update now!
 
I would update them! I highly doubt it would hurt your chances and would show you have continued with these plans and are interested in the program.
Hi! I'm an M2 and just wanted to share my thoughts on updates:

If you have something meaningful to add to your application, send an update! During the application process, I was told that "Loyola likes to feel the love" which is what the M3 above also said. I personally sent an update pre and post interview and got good results from both (interview and acceptance 1-2 weeks after sending each of those updates). That's not to say that the same thing applies for everyone, but those update letters are looked at and can help! Again, only send updates if you have something meaningful/ new to add to your application (can be a new volunteer position, new job, new grades, anything really), but try to elaborate and explain how those new things have helped you become a stronger applicant, or at least what you've learned from those new things. Good luck!


Thanks everyone for the advice! Super helpful and I will make sure Loyola feels the love!
 
if we interview in early december, do you think we'd know of our decision by the 12/15 date, or would we have to wait until their next meeting (which will probably be in february)?
 
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Also, if anyone has interviewed both here and at Rush, I would love to hear your opinions on the two! I really really really love Rush and had planned to attend but I think I should at least visit Loyola because I've heard nothing but great things about it
 
Something along the lines of "thank you for interviewing here and it was nice meeting you blah blah"
Thanks! Do you remember when your status changed to that after your interview? I was told it would but am still waiting on it to submit an update.
 
Or I guess a better question to maintain your anonymity would be how long did it take for your status to change?
I actually don't remember the exact number of days but I can tell you it was definitely within a week of interview.
 
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