help: Iowa vs. Illinois (Chi-campus) someone besides 'zbarnes' please advise

[prettydoc2B]

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Thanks zbarnes for your advice. Could someone else please advise even though this post may seem mundane. If anyone knows anything about the Univ. of Iowa or the Univ. of Illinois (chicago campus), please add your two cents.

Thanks

 

[gel1]

Iowa is going to give you a better first two years academically. The teaching at UIC has a very bad rep. They both have good research and clinical experiences, but Iowa has the better reputation overall. If you are an IL resident, you will find that the cost of attending has gone up and it will not save you much money, especially when you factor in room and board and compare it to Iowa where the cost of living is not as high.

You obviously need to make a personal decision about where you might prefer to live.

 

[prettydoc2B]

thanks gel1

 

[IlliniDO]

Being from Chicago and having some experience with UIC's med school I would say that you have to take two things into consideration. I agree with the above statement that Iowa has a better first two years. ANYWHERE has a better first two years than UIC. I know of a few people who are miserable there, there are not only huge administrative problems, but they also lack organization in teaching as well. However, the other thing to consider would be the 3rd and 4th years at UIC, which by all means blow away Iowa's. UIC in my opinion has some of the best rotations in the country. That being said Iowa is also very well known clinically. If I were you I would choose Iowa in the end.

Good Luck

p.s. UIC is in one of the crappiest areas of the city of Chicago. It's a bit depressing.

 

[wyo]

I don't have any idea about UIC, but am really happy with my decision to go to Iowa. I think that the teaching seems great and I also think that the rotations will be incredible as well. They seem to have great faculty and although they don't serve a major metro area they are the best faciltiy serving an entire state. If you want to ask anymore questions about Iowa send me a PM.

 

[ForceField]

If you're planning on staying in the Midwest, then the reputations of both schools would be about even. One advantage of UIC over Iowa would be the location, having the city of Chicago to resort to after you've taken some horrendous exams during your first two years. If I were you, go wherever you have in-state tuition. Both are good schools, and as long as you buckle down and work hard, you'll be fine.

 

[Woots32]

I'm an Illinois resident, was accepted to both schools, and chose Iowa. One big factor for me was living environment. I'm from a pretty small town, and the UIC campus is NOT in a good part of Chicago. I want to be able to walk my dog at night without carrying mace, or going to the grocrey store whenever I want without worrying about traffic. 😛 Iowa City definatley doesn't qualify as a major urban center 😉 , but it is a decent sized Midwest town with a lot to offer.

PM me if you'd like to know more. 🙂

 

[DoctorShaR]

Hey girl what's up? It's ShaRonda. Still trying to decide I see. Go to the school where you feel that you will get the most from. Your heart will tell you. Try to remember how you felt when you went on your interview at both schools. I am sure you will make the right decision.

BTW...have you received your stipend yet from the 4th of July week?

Keep in touch,

ShaRonda

 

[Califlower]

I don't know much about the schools. However, I have been to Iowa city(my best bud in the whole world goes to U of Iowa) , and I also visited UIC area couple of times. Iowa city is BEAUTIFUL. I fell in love with the scenery and the lifestyle there. Everyone's so kind and easy-going. A lot different from the atmosphere around UIC... if you're going to live in the suburbs (God help you in your commute) Schaumburg's real nice.

 

[Carb Addict]

I'm in between first and second years at Iowa now and would definitely suggest going here vs. UIC if the first two years are as bad as folks say. We consistently rank higher than national average on Step 1 scores since '94 or sum'n like that. Although I imagine we have as much to bark about as any other school does about certain parts of the curriculum, faculty are quite approachable and esprit de corps among students is great - little in the way of serious competitiveness. I always say we have some of the cleanest air in the country, too!!

PLUS, I must add after attending a recent AMSA convention and chatting with folks from other schools that we must get one of the longest summer breaks between M1 & M2 years!! It's about 12 weeks with absolutely no school requirements.

So that gives you some time to do research or a clinical internship or vacay in your favorite all-inclusive tropical resort. I found it super easy to get involved in research this summer. I did start looking for an advisor in December, though. I'm a bit anal about planning things. 😀

Best wishes!

 

[unregistered]

Don't know if this will affect your decision or if you care at all...but Iowa has one of the best orthopaedics dept in the country. Lots of research...definitely top 5 program in the country.

 

[Chicago Doc]

Hi DoctorShaR and PrettyDoc!!! It's your friendly neighborhood happy dissector!!!

There are lots of things to consider about med school. We all find something to complain about but in the end, go where you will personally be happy. Ranks and other things are irrelevant if you are so miserable you aren't doing well. Hope it will be UIC but if you will be happier somewhere else, I understand. Look at the support services and the teaching style and also availability of notes and handouts. Those are some of the things we complain about most at UIC. They don't use the web nearly enough.

Email me if you need me!

 

[prettydoc2B]

Thanks to everyone for all of their input. I think I've pretty much made up my mind. Oh yes and DoctorShar, nope didn't get the benjamins yet. I don't know what the deal is but I'm beginning to loose my patience.

 

[Woots32]

Originally posted by prettydoc2B
Thanks to everyone for all of their input. I think I've pretty much made up my mind. Oh yes and DoctorShar, nope didn't get the benjamins yet. I don't know what the deal is but I'm beginning to loose my patience.

So what's the verdict? 😱

 

[prettydoc2B]

For all my fellow Hawkeyes, I'll see you in about three weeks!!


prettydoc2B