Fellow UIC waitlisters?

[imtiaz]

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anybody with me?

1st quartile here..... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

 

[imtiaz]

hi. i was on hold too. they decided about everyone.. you are either accepted/waitlisted(like me)/or EEK! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> rejected.. *gulp*

 

[imtiaz]

yeah man, the meeting was this thursday. a letter is probably already on its way to you. i just got mine today. if you are waitlisted it will say on there what quartile you are in. if you get a fat packet, congrats! the waitlist comes in a regular envelope, and the rejection *gulp* comes in the same size envelope. i've got my fingers crossed for you...

 

[imtiaz]

man, rush rejected my ass pre-interview.... stupid rush @#%#@[email protected]#%@#$#@%@#[email protected]#%@#%... hahahahaha but i don't mind... UIC is my top choice

 

[imtiaz]

yo i hear you... i'll take ANY campus at this point.. although the chicago campus might be full if enough people decline spots might open up.. besides, all the campuses are good.. i've got no acceptances either at this point, and i'm sweatin' over here about this whole deal.. where else are you waiting on? i'm waitlisted at meharry too.. just 2 schools total..

 

[imtiaz]

bump...

c'mon, just me and vdawg?! i know there's more of you out there...

 

[leafs]

yesterday i got the letter....3rd quarter waitlist...am not holding out much hope

 

[leafs]

sorry, quartile

 

[imtiaz]

leafs, never lose hope! try to increase your rank by adding things to your file, a tip on this with UIC, you can't do this by faxing/mailing, you have to make an appt and go see them to do it. good luck to all of us.. there's got to be more of us on this board, don't be shy!! we are all in this together....

 

[imtiaz]

bump.....

let's keep them coming...

 

[shorrin]

Hey Imtiaz,

1st Quartile is excellent!! I have my fingers x'd for you. Have you talked to mark urosev at all? He's a really nice guy and super helpful.

 

[imtiaz]

hey shorrin, i guess 1st quartile is better than 4th anyway, the thing that worries me is that they haven't used their waitlist for the past 2 yrs. in 2000 and 2001 entering years, they've been enrolling classes of 200 or 210 when it should be 175. they say that they were more selective this year handing out acceptances, but it all depends on who says no to UIC. if enough people say no then i'm set, but if not (which seems to be the trend) then it's tough to say. anyhow, i tried to call last thursday but the lines were just backed up. i'll most definitely call this thursday to see if i can find out more information... thx for the encouragement

 

[imtiaz]

BUMP..

anybody get news this week?

 

[The Philosopher]

V,

I agree totally. I'm from Illinois and will be applying next year, but I haven't had the opportunity to look at the curriculum as schools as much in depth as all you guys, but I think that the atmosphere plays a huge part in your success in medical school. I mean, it's one thing if you've got 1 acceptance, I guess you have no choice.

But if you had a choice, and if you aren't under any monetary constraints, go with Rush. I've heard they have a nicer program than UIC...although I dunno how they rank compared to each other. And I guess they are both right next door to each other, so the only thing to consider is the curriculum, students, and program incentives/administration/etc.

The basic opinion is that Rush students are usually so much more happier than UIC students, who work in primitive labs in some basement dungeon of the medical school...

 

[imtiaz]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by The Philosopher:
•The basic opinion is that Rush students are usually so much more happier than UIC students, who work in primitive labs in some basement dungeon of the medical school...•••••the anatomy labs at UIC are on the 8th floor

 

[jennien]

I can totally relate with your frustrations with UIC. I interviewed in January and they kept telling me for the past four months that no decision had been made. However at the actual interview they told me we would know of our status two weeks after. I finally got a letter in the mail on Tuesday saying I was in the 2nd quartile. I don't even care because I have been accepted at Southern Illinois and am also in the top 25% waitlist at Rush. Even if I get into UIC, I will NOT go there. I don't want to spend the next four years trying to work with rude people!!

 

[imtiaz]

hey hey, UIC is my top choice people. they may be a little rude at times, but the clinical affiliations can't be beat.

 

[imtiaz]

i guess everyone is calling today, cause i've called like 7 times so far to check if there's any new news with my file and every time i get the voicemail of the adcom that they transfer me to.

 

[imtiaz]

i agree with vdawg. if you want to be babied/pampered go to rush. they are very good at that. i don't necessarily think that it makes a difference in the sense of how good of a physican you will make. i DO think the cost of the two schools plays a role. rush is much more expensive, and if being pampered is worth it to you and you can afford it, then by all means go to rush. me personally, ill stick with UIC and the cheap tuition!

now move you #%@$ waitlist!!

 

[shorrin]

I have dealt with admin at UIC at bit this past week. I was really afraid of the truth to the bad reputation, however, I was met with friendly and helpful people for the most part.

As far as I am concerned admin is admin and most where ever you go you'll get red - tape. Once you figure out the best people to ask are upperclassmen then boom, you get your leg in the door and you're on your way to solving whatever issue you have.

It's without a doubt true that most of the people you call to check status could care less about you and your 'status' (mark urosev being a big exception) and can be awfully rude. The rest of the people I have encountered have been great.

Chin up guys, when you get in you'lll be in and that's All that will matter :wink: good luck!!!

 

[Mr. H]

Hi everyone, what kind of credentials are considered a "shoe in" at UIC? AFter considering many things, I've come to the conclusion that money is the first thing I should take into account. And so UIC goes on to the top of my list. Chicago is awesome, and the price is right. Is the school pretty good about accepting people (assuming you're instate, apply early, have above the avg. in grades/mcat for those that matriculate)?

 

[Mr. H]

So what exactly do you mean keep "good contact with them" . Is it best to email them and tell them I'm interested in applying? or something? I really want to get in there, it would save so much money flying out all over the place. I got decent stats (33,3.8), so those mo fo's better take me!!!

 

[The Philosopher]

"Good contact" just means that once you have received an interview or whatever, just stay in touch with em, expressing your interest. Give em transcripts, publications, etc. etc.

You probably don't even have to worry about that until after the interview though.

Your numbers look outstanding for any school, and if everything else is in place, don't sweat it.

Good luck!

 

[imtiaz]

as long as you don't TERRIBLY f*** up the interview, you are almost guaranteed a spot at UIC. they have a class of 300, they don't have the time to be all nitpicky and figure out whether you're a soft cuddly mushy person inside. they just want to know if you're sane and if that's true, you're acceptable/accepted. don't even sweat it dream, i know you'll make it in to UIC.

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Mr. H:
•So what exactly do you mean keep "good contact with them" . Is it best to email them and tell them I'm interested in applying? or something? I really want to get in there, it would save so much money flying out all over the place. I got decent stats (33,3.8), so those mo fo's better take me!!!•••••

 

[gg]

well, i had a very good interview at uic and ended up on their waitlist (3rd quartile). i had much worse interviews at three other, out-of-state schools and i got in to these schools. go and figure...

 

[imtiaz]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by gg:
•well, i had a very good interview at uic and ended up on their waitlist (3rd quartile). i had much worse interviews at three other, out-of-state schools and i got in to these schools. go and figure...•••••i'm sorry to hear that gg. i know that UIC is more of a numbers school. they just plug your numbers into equations and generate scores and everyone who is at a certain point level or above gets an automatic acceptance, etc etc for waitlists and rejections.

why won't this waitlist moveee?!

[[ UIC WAITLIST ]]

 

[gg]

yes, from what i've heard uic does this number game to figure out your standing. however, what i cannot understand is that being an illinois resident and having statistically greater chance of getting in to uic (they do interview and accept a lot of in-staters), i got into out-of-state school that accepts about 60-70 out-of-state residents from more than 3,400 applicants. and my stats are not that bad - not impressive but average comparing to other applicants.

 

[imtiaz]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by gg:
•what i cannot understand is that being an illinois resident and having statistically greater chance of getting in to uic (they do interview and accept a lot of in-staters), i got into out-of-state school that accepts about 60-70 out-of-state residents from more than 3,400 applicants.•••••the whole process is a crapshoot. at least you are accepted somewhere! trust me, you're in a much better situation. i'd trade with you, wanna trade? my 2 waitlists (UIC+Meharry) for your UIC rejection+other acceptances? didn't think so congrats btw on being accepted.

 

[gg]

don't get me wrong. i'm more than happy with my acceptances. but this only proves that the whole process is a crapshoot, like you said. i sincerely hope you get in to uic - it's the best deal you can get considering the money.

 

[Mr. H]

I hope we all get in people!! We could party it up in downtown chi-town!!

 

[imtiaz]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Mr. H:
•I hope we all get in people!! We could party it up in downtown chi-town!!•••••true that! <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

 

[MedPuck]

Mr. H,
My advice would be to have your AMCAS application/secondary apps in right away so you can hopefully earn an early interview. You have great stats and hopefully lots of great experiences/recs/essays to accompany them. The Chicago campus site fills up quick so be sure to have everything done as soon as you receive your materials. Every Chicagoland physician I have spoken with says if you get accepted, UIC is the ONLY way to go! Hope everything works out for you. Good luck

BTW, I have spoken with several students and their responses indicate that the bureaucracy factor at UIC is way overrated! The education is excellent and the clinical years are unbeatable for exposure! I am looking forward to attending UIC this fall and I hope you waitlistees get off the list so you can enjoy the rest of your summer!

 

[Mr. H]

So chicago is the best, eh? What is distinct about the Peoria and Urbana campuses? I don't live more than 1.5 hours from chi-town so it seems ideal. Man, I can't wait to apply. I've been working for 3 freakin years for this moment, and on June 5 all that I am will be sent with a click of a button. Pretty crazy thing to think about!

 

[imtiaz]

dream,

i agree that chicago is probably the best campus. but peoria and rockford aren't bad either. i've even heard it's easier to honor at the other campuses cause the gunners all stick to chicago, etc. and clinicals are great cause they actually NEED you in rural peoria and rockford whereas in chicago you're just in the way (sorta). anyway, even knowing all that i'd still much rather be in chicago, it's closer to home any campus you get is fine though.

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Mr. H:
•So chicago is the best, eh? What is distinct about the Peoria and Urbana campuses? I don't live more than 1.5 hours from chi-town so it seems ideal. Man, I can't wait to apply. I've been working for 3 freakin years for this moment, and on June 5 all that I am will be sent with a click of a button. Pretty crazy thing to think about!•••••

 

[Dr.No]

Actually to tell you the truth, although the administration doesnt like to talk about it, from what I have heard from students and the administration in Champaign, and Rockford, the Rockford- Peoria sites have consistently outscored Chicago on the USMLE for the past couple of years. And not just by a little bit.. So I wouldn't say its easier to get honors in peoria or rockford. I think Chicago may have a gunner-like atmosphere because it has more students than the othe sites but it certainly doesnt show in scores. And since USMLE scores are a major factor in getting residencies maybe peoria or rockford isnt such a bad idea.

 

[Explosivo]

Applied last year to UIC and interviewed but it was late and my MCAT score killed me. I'm applying again this year. I must say that I have spoken to many medical students from the various Chicagoland area med schools but the ones from UIC seem to consistently give me the most negative impressions. Most that I have talked to are miserable when compared to students at U of C which is no walk in the park in terms of curriculum and long lecture hours.

In my opinion I don't think its the babying factor that makes the students at U of C and other schools so happy. I think that its simply the fact that the school values them as medical students and wants them to succeed. The people I have spoken to from UIC do not give me that impression.

Here's a funny thread I dug up on UIC from a former student there. I think it was pretty funny:

<a href="http://forums.studentdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=011413" target="_blank">University of Illinois at Chicago</a>

A little FYI at Rockford. I interviewed there and I think they said that most people that go there end up in Primary Care. If Primary Care isn't your thing, then you probably want to go to Chicago.

 

[The Philosopher]

Hi guys, I'm from Peoria and have researched at the UIC-COM over there.

lemme know about any questions or concerns...

 

[PimplePopperMD]

that driven guy seems pretty disgruntled.

I'm a third year (fourth year in three weeks) at UIC, and figured i'd drop a line in here as well..

When I chose UIC, I chose it knowing that the first two years anywhere were going to be difficult for me, but at UIC (without the "handholding") they may be worse. That was the case. The teaching isn't great. The exams are pretty ridiculous. And so on, and so on. What I find is that med students are kinda complainy, and we at UIC tend to amplify it. The culture at UIC, i guess.

I am not convinced that UIC sucks. the teaching isn't great, but I'm not convinced that any med school can teach the volume expected to know.

I chose uic at the time for the clinical experiences. Now that i'm completing my third year, i'm seeing that the clinical experiences are SIMILAR at many places. HOWEVER, having exposure to various other med students in the city at the hospital sites, i find that we have some real winning sites. Affiliations change and are quite fluid; we used to be heavy into cook county, and now we have a few rotations there.

despite all this, the fourth year, you can rotate anywhere in the world.

so what's the big difference between med schools? nobody can really say without having gone to multiple schools. I find that it doesn't make much of a difference; uic students do just fine with matching. we do better with the loans, being a state school.

guess i rambled a bit. and whatever his name is was complaining about his ob/gyn rotation; you don't have to do it at u of illinois hospital; you can do it elsewhere, in the suburbs, like christ and lutheran and st francis, where the pt population is different. for that matter, many people do all of their third year rotations away from uih for commuting reasons; i loved the rotation i did there because it was a great learning experience.

to each their own.

good luck to all of you on the dreaded wait list. as i must begin applying for residencies, you must realize that the application process never seems to end. and instead of mcat, it's boards!

but the most difficult part of med school is getting in.

 

[imtiaz]

i got some info from gower on medicalgold.com:

======================
: gower do you know how much movement the
:university of illinois at chicago's waitlist
:typically makes? i am in the 1st quartile this
:year and am looking for some insight about it.

The wait-list is divided into in-state and out-of-state and ranked, as you know, by quartile. Updating activities, honors, awards, research, but not grades, is worthwhile.

However, the not so cheerful news is that on average 7 come off the wait-list after June 15.
The depressing news is that in 2000 and 2001, none did.

Please don't kill the messenger.
==========================

damn, just 7 people?! i am suddenly not so optimistic anymore. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

 

[imtiaz]

bizzump.

any news yet guys?

 

[LynnGweeny]

Hey Imtiaz,
Who is this Gower person that you got your info from? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

 

[imtiaz]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by LynnGweeny:
•Hey Imtiaz,
Who is this Gower person that you got your info from? •••••heya. gower is the guy that runs

<a href="http://www.medicalgold.com" target="_blank">http://www.medicalgold.com</a>

he has many years of experience (as a premed advisor?) i think. anyway, he is pretty knowledgeable about things, usually he has juicy inside information that most other people dont have. anyhow, you still have to recognize that this is just an average (if its true, first of all) and this year they were more strict with handing out acceptances. are you on the waitlist?

 

[realruby2000]

hey guys.... i too am stuck on this dreaded waitlist...the bastards didnt even send me a freakin letter yet so i dont know what quartile im in.

for the people that proclaim that UIC is a stats school i beg to differ.... my stats were far from amazing. mcat = 23 (not 32)... gpa was a 3.65...i was amazed that ieven got an interview...i know i had great letters of rec, a bunch of clinically orientated ec's etc.... who knows whats goin on with these adcoms

 

[imtiaz]

hey ruby, i think maybe you are right. they DO consider other things, but only for someone with stellar ECs, much like many other schools would do the same. however, i dont think this is the norm. you mustve had very impressive ECs! i think really the hardest part about getting into UIC is landing an interview, after that it becomes much easier.

the major problem is that in for the 2000 entering class and the 2001 entering class they just ended up accepting way too many people. this led to more people taking them up on their offers and thus too many people (in fact, more than they could handle) in the M1 class. you would think they learned their lesson in 2000 and changed their methodolgy for 2001, but they didnt. it took 2 yrs of overenrolling for them to finally realize that the demographics had changed and that they needed to adjust their acceptance vs. matriculation ratio. so i hope this year they ended up making less offers and that the waitlist will finally move after 2 yrs of dormancy. anyhow, i wish you good luck and keep us all posted about how its going!

 

[realruby2000]

oh yea.... just found out that im 1st quartile...
but urosev wouldn't tell me where in the first quartile i stand ...which basically means i can be # 1 to # 40...

no movement yet either

 

[imtiaz]

how do you know the 1st quartile consists of 40 people? is that true?!

that means 4 X 40 = 160 people on the alternate list?!

did urosev tell you there's 40 people in the first quartile?

 

[realruby2000]

yea thats what he said

 

[imtiaz]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by realruby2000:
•yea thats what he said•••••yikes! 40 people is a lot! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

 

[imtiaz]

bump... anyone confirm this 40 number? i will tomorrow.

 

[imtiaz]

bizzzzump...

anybody hear any news today? call after 1:30 CDT, they are having an "open house" according to some chick i just spoke to on the phone.