Help to decide please! University of Illinois Chicago, Southern Illinois,or NIU?

[Chemguy22]

Hello everyone,

I am in a little bit of a dilemma, but before i ask questions i would like to give you some background. I will be a Junior in college in Fall of 2011, and I am thinking about 2 -3 universities. I am married, but 22 years old. I have my first baby on the way with my beautiful wife of 2 years. I have also been through cancer, when i was 20. Although Health insurance is somewhat of a factor, i dont think i should let it control which school i should go to if one school offers better health insurance than the other. What do you think about this?

I am striving to be a doctor, i want to major in BioChem- But i want to have the freedom to change my major to engineering if i wish, niu only offers bio and electrical engineering. SIU and UIC offer Chemical Engineering.

I am really deciding between these 2 universities and possibly UIC.

Info about NIU- NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
Us college news ranking -Tier 2 school.
- Full health insurance without any pre-existing condition clause.
- I have to pay for off campus housing, and because i have a part time job and would not meet there 3x monthly income of the rent, i have to pay for the entire year all at once. So it runs 8051.00 for the year. + 695 security deposit. Only thing i have to pay for is Electric. I can move into the married couple dorm after 1 year for 839.00 a month VS 695 + electric. After 1 year of NIU i dont have enough saved up to pay for another ENTIRE year of rent.
- 2 shootings within a 5 year period
- No Medical school
- Nearest hospital is FAR away for volunteer opportunities.
- Somewhat of a depressing town.
- OLD chem buildings
- 2k more than SIUC for tuition.
- A little better rated on Studentsreview.com
- a review on College prowler says it has alot of diversity
- Studentsreview.com gives the academics a rating of 7.3 which is a B vs 7.0 SIUC which is a B-.
- well recognized by American Chemical Society.
- only 2 choices of engineering, biomedical and electric.
- college prowler academics rating C+

Heres some info about SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CARBONDALE
US COLLEGE NEWS Ranking #183 in National Universities
http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandre...arbondale-1758
-First of all, i dont have to pay for housing for the entire year out of my pocket, its billed through the bursars office.
- Medical School
- Research opportunities as undergrad
- Near Hospital volunteer opportunities
- WAY cheaper housing 2 bedroom for 576 with electric stove vs Gas.
- Campus is WAY nicer, doesnt feel depressing.
- Less Diverse (im not caucasian) ( not being racist, im speaking in terms of less foods available since there is less diversity in that area)
- Cheaper tuition.
- a review on College prowler says that SIUC distinguishes itself from other colleges by Faculty office hours.
- 7.0 in academics on studentsreview.com
I have a list. Its important for my wife to be safe @ home while im at school, and for crime to be less prevalent. WIth a baby on the way id like to have a nice clean apartment which SIUC offers vs Northerns OLD apartments.
- has health insurance but wont cover my oncologist visits for 1 year.
- - college prowler academics rating C+

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO was a no because i cant find housing under 600 bucks. Even though it ranked #143 in the country. I could live at home, but it would be tooooo crowded with a new baby. I need to move out of my parents apartment. The reason i dont want to choose UIC is because, a lot of my friends go there and say that it sucks. The professors dont teach at all, and they dont care nor have office hours. They also said that undergraduate research is pretty rare.
-- college prowler academics rating B-
- I would have HMO health insurance
My counselor told me statistically UIC Med School takes in most of their med students from UIC?? IS THIS TRUE?
Will i have better chances of getting into medical school if i go to UIC?

Its not that rare at SIUC from the reviews ive read and spoke to SIUC over the phone.

U of I i havent even tried nor am i going to im at a 3.12 GPA because of family medical issues. IE i went through cancer, mother had a heart attack, then father had 1 year later while i was in school.

ISU- i dont know about ISU....


AND if i go to UIC i would have to take Sociology and Art over the summer instead of Calculus...

Should i even attempt going into medicine with my GPA?
What school is the best for me?
Is SIUC Looked down upon by med school?

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[n3xa]

I'd suck it up and go cheap at Southern. Sure, the food is gonna suck and you're going to be bored to tears, but between a family to take care of and school, you've got plenty on your plate.

Best of luck to you.

 

[slatermd]

I'd suck it up and go cheap at Southern. Sure, the food is gonna suck and you're going to be bored to tears, but between a family to take care of and school, you've got plenty on your plate.

Best of luck to you.

👍 This is good advice. SIUC will not be "looked down on" when you apply.

You can certainly still become a doctor. As you know, you will have to improve your stats but your dream isn't dead yet. Your life experiences could help you become an excellent clinician.

 

[Chemguy22]

I'd suck it up and go cheap at Southern. Sure, the food is gonna suck and you're going to be bored to tears, but between a family to take care of and school, you've got plenty on your plate.

Best of luck to you.

Thank you for the advice. yea, thats what i was thinking too, the money i have saved up will go further with SIUC.

👍 This is good advice. SIUC will not be "looked down on" when you apply.

You can certainly still become a doctor. As you know, you will have to improve your stats but your dream isn't dead yet. Your life experiences could help you become an excellent clinician.

Thank you. I know im going to have to bring up my stats,and i will do the best i can! i really hope that i bring them up, ever since i went through cancer, i see my tests and panic, otherwise, i never had to study and aced them easily. This is yet another issue of chemotherapy.

I will deff. use this experience to become an excellent clinician, thank you. I know that if i can become a doctor after going through that, i know each and every one of my patients can too. Actually im hoping i specialize in the following fields, Otolaryngology, Anesthesiology, Ortho Surgery, or Oncology (radiation side). Cannot do chemo side man, still have nausea everytime i smell the smell of that office.

What about UIC students getting into UIC med school? Just cuz im from SIUC it wont decrease my chances would it?

 

[slatermd]

What about UIC students getting into UIC med school? Just cuz im from SIUC it wont decrease my chances would it?

No. UIC is heavily biased toward IL residents, but they take people from all IL schools. The slight bias toward UIC students is because they have a post-bacc program for under-represented minorities who earn a bachelor's degree from UIC. A handful are enrolled to take one extra year of undergrad classes at UIC with a conditional acceptance to the med school. This funnels 10 - 20 "extra" UIC students in every year. Still, the med school takes 300 students in each entering class, so your chances aren't any worse for going to SIUC, and wouldn't necessarily be any better if you went to UIC.

When it comes time to apply to med school, you should also look at Southern Illinois and Loyola.

 

[ISUBird100]

Well, I voted for ISU, but I gotta say, I'm pretty biased on that one (refer to my name).

A big part of your decision is the location of the schools. A school like UIC has a completely different environment/atmosphere compared to an ISU or SIU. For me personally, I hate the city, and I could not see myself in that type of area.

I'm not sure where you live, OP, but SIU is roughly 5-6 hours away from where I live, whereas the other schools you listed are 1-2 hours away. Do you want to be closer to home, or far enough away to where getting home can be tough (not to mention the boring ride to/from school).

I wouldn't worry too much about rankings. Any of the schools you listed are fine, and none will hinder your chances on getting to medical school.

EDIT: Sorry, I skimmed through your post and didn't realize your family situation. Nevermind my part about being close/far away from home.

 

[Chemguy22]

Hello all,

Sorry for the late reply. And as far as being further away from home. From all the racket in the house its better for me to be further away. It would be difficult to study because at home I don't have the private are confined from everything else to sit down, concentrate and study thus making me feel like schools further away would be better. I've heard really good things about siuc I'm going to go for that. Thank you all for helping me.

 

[Kevin Baker]

I really didn't like UIC, though I only took one summer class. The atmosphere was pathetic, the amount and extent of cheating was horrendous, and the lack of english spoken by my TA coupled with how apathetic he was when students openly cheated in front of him was insane.

The cost was good, the area is sweet, and the women were hot. There are good research opportunities and there are some older students who take life a bit more seriously, but UIC felt like high school all over again.

If you can tolerate not living in a major urban area, I'd choose Southern.

 

[SFGuy2011]

I actually went to SIUC for my first stint in undergraduate and graduate school, but it's now been about a decade since I was a student there. If you like the outdoors it's a great place to go to school - with plenty of places to hike, camp, etc. Also, as mentioned previously, your money will definitely go far there. Like ISUBird, I'm biased, but I loved my time as a student there.

Oh, there are actually some good places to eat too - especially if you like BBQ. 👍

Try Mary Lou's for breakfast and their biscuits and gravy, Quatro's Deep Pan Pizza, and 17th Street Bar & Grill for nationally known BBQ. None of it is very healthy, but it's so good.

Plus, if you feel the need to get to the city - St. Louis isn't that far away.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[Chemguy22]

Guys,

Should i be taking into account what the students are saying about pre-med or science advisors at SIUC- They are sayings its terrible. NIU has 1835 professors VS siuc has 735. Plus SIU has 20k students and niu has 25k. That seems like a smaller teacher to student ratio than SIU.

I know that some of you guys are biased towards universities. I would assume all of you majored in some science right? im actually doubting which university to go to between NIU and SIU.

I guess im afraid if i go to SIU i dont like it after one semester, i might tank that one semester OR im stuck there till the end.

I liked the NIU only because of accessibility to chicago, but the aspect of living 5 hours away from home and an hour away from St. Louis exhilarates me because i want to get away from home, so i can be on my own and study. However, ive learned that by going to somewhere where the quality isnt good, you just set yourself up for failure, and i dont want to set myself up for failure.

Am i overthinking this?

someone check these 2 links out.
http://www.studentsreview.com/IL/SIUC_c.html

http://www.studentsreview.com/IL/NIU_c.html

Everywhere i look, it seems northern seems to win marginally on paper.

Personally i have seen the chem building, its old, its dingy and it feels like its from the 1910's. Personally i have a difficult time in classrooms like that, but i suppose i can get over it if i have better professors. Please advise guys.

 

[SFGuy2011]

Guys,

Should i be taking into account what the students are saying about pre-med or science advisors at SIUC- They are sayings its terrible. NIU has 1835 professors VS siuc has 735. Plus SIU has 20k students and niu has 25k. That seems like a smaller teacher to student ratio than SIU.

I know that some of you guys are biased towards universities. I would assume all of you majored in some science right? im actually doubting which university to go to between NIU and SIU.

I guess im afraid if i go to SIU i dont like it after one semester, i might tank that one semester OR im stuck there till the end.

I liked the NIU only because of accessibility to chicago, but the aspect of living 5 hours away from home and an hour away from St. Louis exhilarates me because i want to get away from home, so i can be on my own and study. However, ive learned that by going to somewhere where the quality isnt good, you just set yourself up for failure, and i dont want to set myself up for failure.

Am i overthinking this?

someone check these 2 links out.
http://www.studentsreview.com/IL/SIUC_c.html

http://www.studentsreview.com/IL/NIU_c.html

Everywhere i look, it seems northern seems to win marginally on paper.

Personally i have seen the chem building, its old, its dingy and it feels like its from the 1910's. Personally i have a difficult time in classrooms like that, but i suppose i can get over it if i have better professors. Please advise guys.

If you want the honest to goodness truth, there's probably not that much of a difference between the two schools academically. U of I in Champaign would definitely be the best of the Illinois state schools, and I don't really think that's an option for you from what you've told us. Let's face it, neither Northern or Southern are Harvard, or even U of I for that matter. The important thing is where do YOU think you'll be happy, and under what living environment do you think YOU can best thrive academically. School is going to be what you make of it, students from both SIUC and NIU go on to medical school, so choose the school where you'll be happiest.

 

[motomed]

I would not go to SIU, middle of nowhere, depressing town, med school isn't actually there, just the first years go there.... NIU isn't anything special, but there's far more opportunity there. As far as clinical exposure, Aurora is an easy drive and has some decent hospitals. It's a total commuter school in the sense that everyone goes home to the suburbs for the weekend, so it wouldn't be a bad place to raise a family.

Not sure where you're located, but have you checked out the wisconsin state schools? Madison and platteville are both basically on the illinois border and I know at least platteville offers some tuition deals for illinois residents and has a great engineering program.

as far as trying to impress med schools, dont' let that even enter the equation. go where you and the family feel most comfortable and do well while you are there. that's all that matters. in terms of turning the heads of admissions committees, these schools are all lumped together.

 

[Chemguy22]

I looked at that university, I don't think its for me, for those of you voting overwhelmingly for uic, why?
If I go to uic I have to take art and humanities in the summer rather than calculus. Should I be doing that?

 

[LizzyM]

Does the little woman get a say? What social support network is there for her in each of these cities as the mother of an infant/toddler with a husband in college? If she plans to work, what are the daycare options in each location?

 

[Chemguy22]

Of course. She likes siuc wayyyy better than Niu and siuc

 

[LizzyM]

Be sure she has a say in this or you could end up being long distance Baby Daddy. 🙁

I would not discount the ease of obtaining clinical experience as this will be essential to a successful application to medical school.

I would not discount the health insurance thing as it could be essential to your survival. You are taking a big risk with a pre-existing condition clause or a waiting period for care.

 

[Avoidthetiger]

I almost went to SIUC. I love the campus down there - though it can get boring from time to time. From what I remember though, only like ~6 people a year end of in medical school from SIUC and must of them go to SUI... but I could be mistaken. Basically though, if you go to SIUC though - you will be a big fish in a small sea. Make sure you do well down there. There really is no excuse no to be a straight 4.0 student from my experience with students that currently go there -- who aren't premed but still in academic challenging majors.

Additionally! If you want a challenging setting where your peers will challenge you and strive to do well like you, SIUC is most likely not the place to go. I have family down there that get sick of the fact that when they discuss a paper or book, the professor and them are the only one that has read it. They will try to convince there peers that the paper is good... but still no one will take the time to read it...

re: diversity. The best bubble tea I have ever had in Illinois is in a shop down in Carbondale. Don't know anything else down there though food-wise. Also -- not sure about the SUIC housing. I have seen there brand new dorms, but I don't know if your wife/child would be eligible to stay there. I haven't seen much of the other housing options down there... that are affordable like you are looking for... but much of it is very rural and very falling apart.

 

[Chemguy22]

Be sure she has a say in this or you could end up being long distance Baby Daddy. 🙁

I would not discount the ease of obtaining clinical experience as this will be essential to a successful application to medical school.

I would not discount the health insurance thing as it could be essential to your survival. You are taking a big risk with a pre-existing condition clause or a waiting period for care.

considering my situation, what would you do? BTW my wife hates northern, did i mention I have to put an entire years rent down on an apartment because I don't make 3x the market rent amount. That's quite unreasonable.

 

[Avoidthetiger]

considering my situation, what would you do? BTW my wife hates northern, did i mention I have to put an entire years rent down on an apartment because I don't make 3x the market rent amount. That's quite unreasonable.

How are you planning on paying for school? You should consider taking out loans to pay the year long rent - or more importantly, your own health care insurance (for what you need -- which might be more pricey but worthwhile). Also - have you considered scholarships? I believe the Illinois General Assembly Scholarship will be due in the next few months... which would help you pay for Illinois public schools.

Additionally, I believe you should try for UofI (though I personally am not a big fan of their administrative side). You have a shot of getting in even with a lower GPA by explaining the health/family issues. I know you want the ability change majors at your heart content, but I would advise against going into engineering with your lower GPA. I tried engineering, and as soon as I had people tell me a B was an EXCELLENT grade, compared to their Ds and Cs and that I should stop complaining... I got out of that discipline. If your goal is medical school, you should be aiming for top grades to make up for your lower GPA(I'm assuming this is previous college work and not high school).

 

[Chemguy22]

Ok. I will apply to u of I but my counselor says even with my issues they probably won't admit me. I really thought of was my health insurance since Niu is the only school that covers me going to my oncologist at 395 a semester. My friend was telling me that considering I lost my health insurance in Feb it would be six months before I can go back and see ky oncologist, considering that he said siuc I get to visit my oncologist after one and a half year, uic I can visit Niu I can visit immediately, but uic I have to go to their oncologist.

I'm I taking the whole cancer thing too light and that even tho I'm spending a little more money I'm getting better health insurance at Niu? I am really confused. Everybody's advice is helping but I don't know what my priorities should be.

My wife still likes siuc but ny friends like really? You want to be without health insurance for 1.5 years, I think your life is worth saving a little money but I dunno if he is being dramatic or if he's right.

 

[SFGuy2011]

Ok. I will apply to u of I but my counselor says even with my issues they probably won't admit me. I really thought of was my health insurance since Niu is the only school that covers me going to my oncologist at 395 a semester. My friend was telling me that considering I lost my health insurance in Feb it would be six months before I can go back and see ky oncologist, considering that he said siuc I get to visit my oncologist after one and a half year, uic I can visit Niu I can visit immediately, but uic I have to go to their oncologist.

I'm I taking the whole cancer thing too light and that even tho I'm spending a little more money I'm getting better health insurance at Niu? I am really confused. Everybody's advice is helping but I don't know what my priorities should be.

My wife still likes siuc but ny friends like really? You want to be without health insurance for 1.5 years, I think your life is worth saving a little money but I dunno if he is being dramatic or if he's right.

Between trying to make your wife happy and having health insurance, well, that's a dilemma. You obviously need health insurance, but living with an unhappy SO can be miserable too - and will certainly affect how you do academically. I really feel for you brother.

 

[Wiaa]

If I were you I would look into either University of Illinois in Urbana or Illinois State University. SIU is in the middle of nowhere and I seem to hear many complaints from friends who went there. People at ISU and UIUC seem to be much happier. This is of course my bias opinion, but if UIUC did not accept you then I would go for ISU.

ISU offers a great Biochemistry program and UIUC offers excellent engineering courses.

 

[SFGuy2011]

If I were you I would look into either University of Illinois in Urbana or Illinois State University. SIU is in the middle of nowhere and I seem to hear many complaints from friends who went there. People at ISU and UIUC seem to be much happier. This is of course my bias opinion, but if UIUC did not accept you then I would go for ISU.

This post makes me laugh. Wiaa, some people like being out of the city limits for awhile, and for them it's a nice change of pace. Also, what scientific method did you use to come to the conclusion that people at ISU and UIUC seem to be much happier?

Have you ever left home?

You're funny.

 

[Chemguy22]

SFGuy. My wife is not so unhappy with my decision, but this is what she says, she says NIU looks very s***** and depressing. But IMO UIC is the same. Only nice one is SIUC but i did some calculations. Check this out.

So...
Health Insurance-
1)SIUC No coverage for oncologist till aug 2012
2) UIC HMO cant visit my OWN oncologist but CAN visit the UIC head and neck oncologist for $10 with 100% coverage.
3) NIU no pre-existing health condition clause- 80% coverage, 20% coinsurance. Can visit my OWN oncologist.

Professors Chemistry UIC-
66 Chemistry professors including TAs
28 rated good on ratemyprofessor.com
14/33 professors are good- that means 42% of professors will help you succeed. 58% dont care.

SIUC- Chemistry
7 total chem professors. REALLY? 7?? i dunno if thats a good thing
3 are good professors again, according to the same website.
thats also 42% of professors willing to help you succeed.

NIU- Chemistry
16 Total professors
9 good.
56% good professors.

I dont know if that helps but i just put that out there.

Heres my next thought, i thought of enrolling in the state health pool, but i have to pay 210 per month with 1000 out of pocket expense. Again, its a state pool so i will spend twice as much but it doesnt limit me to schools with health insurance. So thats an option.

UIC the houses for 1 bdrm i can get 20 minutes away from school for 700 bucks. Which is ok.

NIU i can go there, pay the entire year, stay for 1 year and then move into the university housing. Seems to be the best median option. Downside? NIU's math department is a joke from what ive heard.

SIUC- I basically save costs, but it seems like this universities professors SUCK. at least in record to my major of biochem.

It seems like th 13% advantage is not significant enough to make a decision.

So heres the rundown.

UIC-
Expensive, old housing, maybe difficult to get.
- Slightly better rep than SIU NIU
- Best health insurance
- HORRIBLE parking.
- 42% good prof for chem
- EASIEST to volunteer in a hospital
- Wife really dislikes the "old" feeling in the housing options.

NIU
- Most liberal health insurance- can go anywhere in the network PPO. 2500 out of pocket limit.
- 56% success oriented chem professors
- Housing is decent have to pay an entire year, NASTIEST chem building.
- Narayan S. Hosmane- Great research professor
- can volunteer in a hospital 30 minute commute in a shady area (aurora)
- Wife REALLY dislikes campus and housing. She says i wont be able to concentrate in a 1 bedroom apt, vs if i go to SIU il have one entire study room to myself.

SIUC-
- Health insurance coverage for oncologist after 1 year from august 2011
- GREAT housing. deductions straight from the bursars office, no 1 year commitment etc.
- BETTER WEATHER
- inexpensive.
- 42% good chem professors.

Ah...thats for feeling for me SF. This thread is really helping me weight my pros, cons and options.

 

[SFGuy2011]

SFGuy. My wife is not so unhappy with my decision, but this is what she says, she says NIU looks very s***** and depressing. But IMO UIC is the same. Only nice one is SIUC but i did some calculations. Check this out.

So...
Health Insurance-
1)SIUC No coverage for oncologist till aug 2012
2) UIC HMO cant visit my OWN oncologist but CAN visit the UIC head and neck oncologist for $10 with 100% coverage.
3) NIU no pre-existing health condition clause- 80% coverage, 20% coinsurance. Can visit my OWN oncologist.

Professors Chemistry UIC-
66 Chemistry professors including TAs
28 rated good on ratemyprofessor.com
14/33 professors are good- that means 42% of professors will help you succeed. 58% dont care.

SIUC- Chemistry
7 total chem professors. REALLY? 7?? i dunno if thats a good thing
3 are good professors again, according to the same website.
thats also 42% of professors willing to help you succeed.

NIU- Chemistry
16 Total professors
9 good.
56% good professors.

I dont know if that helps but i just put that out there.

Heres my next thought, i thought of enrolling in the state health pool, but i have to pay 210 per month with 1000 out of pocket expense. Again, its a state pool so i will spend twice as much but it doesnt limit me to schools with health insurance. So thats an option.

UIC the houses for 1 bdrm i can get 20 minutes away from school for 700 bucks. Which is ok.

NIU i can go there, pay the entire year, stay for 1 year and then move into the university housing. Seems to be the best median option. Downside? NIU's math department is a joke from what ive heard.

SIUC- I basically save costs, but it seems like this universities professors SUCK. at least in record to my major of biochem.

It seems like th 13% advantage is not significant enough to make a decision.

So heres the rundown.

UIC-
Expensive, old housing, maybe difficult to get.
- Slightly better rep than SIU NIU
- Best health insurance
- HORRIBLE parking.
- 42% good prof for chem
- EASIEST to volunteer in a hospital
- Wife really dislikes the "old" feeling in the housing options.

NIU
- Most liberal health insurance- can go anywhere in the network PPO. 2500 out of pocket limit.
- 56% success oriented chem professors
- Housing is decent have to pay an entire year, NASTIEST chem building.
- Narayan S. Hosmane- Great research professor
- can volunteer in a hospital 30 minute commute in a shady area (aurora)
- Wife REALLY dislikes campus and housing. She says i wont be able to concentrate in a 1 bedroom apt, vs if i go to SIU il have one entire study room to myself.

SIUC-
- Health insurance coverage for oncologist after 1 year from august 2011
- GREAT housing. deductions straight from the bursars office, no 1 year commitment etc.
- BETTER WEATHER
- inexpensive.
- 42% good chem professors.

Ah...thats for feeling for me SF. This thread is really helping me weight my pros, cons and options.

Well, I admire you for looking into this as deeply as you have. When I was young and dumb my reason for going to SIUC was that it was as far away as I could without leaving the state of Illinois.

I would have to say, knowing what I know now, and if I wanted to go to medical school - I'd probably opt for UIC. Between NIU and SIU I think the difference is probably negligible, and I had a great experience at SIUC. But I think UIC probably offers more opportunity. Either way, if you work hard enough academically to get great grades, have meaningful EC's, and do well on the MCAT - you're going to be successful in getting an opportunity to interview for medical school. Although I did go back for a post-bacc, I went to SIUC and I'll be going to medical school next year. I also had classmates when I went there who did go on to medical school, so it happens. Like I said, you just have to do the work.

 

[Avoidthetiger]

Why are you currently without medical insurance is my question? You should be purchasing your own insurance - for whatever amount - especially with a child coming soon.

Additionally, have you spoken to each school's admissions about your concern over health insurance/visiting an oncologist? I don't understand why SIU won't let you see an oncologist for so long. My school insurance allowed me to see a specialty provider whenever I am referred -- and assuming your history, I assume the SIU health center would refer to an oncologist on a regular basis. From SIU: "Specialty Care Referrals - PPO provider: covers 80% up to 12 office visits, 12 months or $600 per condition per Lifetime maximum which ever occurs first. Non-PPO provider: covers 60% up to 12 office visits, 12 months or $600 per condition per Lifetime maximum whichever occurs first." That to me suggests you could see an oncologist sooner... but I don't know where you are getting your info. [http://shc.siuc.edu/downloads/Brochures/insurance_brochure.pdf]

Honestly though, you can go to any of these schools and get into medical school. go where you think you will be happiest - whether it is the school that will provide your the health insurance you need or where your wife wants you to go. But please, don't count on your school or your employment to get you the insurance you need. The cost of individual insurance is worth it in your case and you should get it! Also start thinking about life insurance if you haven't yet. You have a child on the way - so think about maintaining your health to help raise your child.

 

[Chemguy22]

Well, I admire you for looking into this as deeply as you have. When I was young and dumb my reason for going to SIUC was that it was as far away as I could without leaving the state of Illinois.

I would have to say, knowing what I know now, and if I wanted to go to medical school - I'd probably opt for UIC. Between NIU and SIU I think the difference is probably negligible, and I had a great experience at SIUC. But I think UIC probably offers more opportunity. Either way, if you work hard enough academically to get great grades, have meaningful EC's, and do well on the MCAT - you're going to be successful in getting an opportunity to interview for medical school. Although I did go back for a post-bacc, I went to SIUC and I'll be going to medical school next year. I also had classmates when I went there who did go on to medical school, so it happens. Like I said, you just have to do the work.

Thank you for the admiration. I realized, that even though my wife and i BOTH really like SIUC, it starting to seem impractical. Why you may ask. I negotiated with the people at NIU, seems to offer the BEST health insurance. Anyway, narrowed it down to NIU and UIC.

Why are you currently without medical insurance is my question? You should be purchasing your own insurance - for whatever amount - especially with a child coming soon.

Additionally, have you spoken to each school's admissions about your concern over health insurance/visiting an oncologist? I don't understand why SIU won't let you see an oncologist for so long. My school insurance allowed me to see a specialty provider whenever I am referred -- and assuming your history, I assume the SIU health center would refer to an oncologist on a regular basis. From SIU: "Specialty Care Referrals - PPO provider: covers 80% up to 12 office visits, 12 months or $600 per condition per Lifetime maximum which ever occurs first. Non-PPO provider: covers 60% up to 12 office visits, 12 months or $600 per condition per Lifetime maximum whichever occurs first." That to me suggests you could see an oncologist sooner... but I don't know where you are getting your info. [http://shc.siuc.edu/downloads/Brochures/insurance_brochure.pdf]

Honestly though, you can go to any of these schools and get into medical school. go where you think you will be happiest - whether it is the school that will provide your the health insurance you need or where your wife wants you to go. But please, don't count on your school or your employment to get you the insurance you need. The cost of individual insurance is worth it in your case and you should get it! Also start thinking about life insurance if you haven't yet. You have a child on the way - so think about maintaining your health to help raise your child.

Avoidthetiger,

I have been without health insurance since feb 1, 2011, why? because i started a family and was stuck in a dead end job for 15 bucks an hour working my way up the grimy ladder of deceitful success.
I always wanted to be a doctor, since i was 10. I went through something insane, cancer, i didnt think i could go back to school, but through faith in God, i found myself wanting to go back to school to finish what i had started.

The only way to do it was to quit my job, considering i had always planned i would go to northern since it was the ONLY school that would cover me without question and allow me to visit my oncologist i had settled on that.

Then i came to a realization, and maybe it was immature of me, that i started to think that OH, just because i had cancer, and the limitation of health insurance shouldnt hold me back from getting into the BEST i can get into, there i realized i will apply everywhere and try to get in.

But i think you pretty much set me straight, i think that you are absolutely right. I need to think WAY more realistically because you're right, i do have to think about maintaining my health for my family. Thats why it seems to me that NIU seems to be the best choice.

Not only is it affordable, its practical. After i read your post i called The apartments and said look, lets be reasonable and re-negotiated the pricing, we came to an agreement of putting 3 months advanced down. I mentioned look, i want to go to NIU, but you guys are making it difficult for me, ive gotten accepted, its just a matter of housing, and im going to SIUC because of that. Well that post motivated quite a bit. To really think about what are my priorities. Its true, going to one school over the other WONT make a difference, but having adequate insurance in case one may need it, (i hope and pray to God i wont ever need it for cancer again) and since Northern seems to be the balance of it all, it seems to be the best fit.

The reason why SIU wont cover my visits.
"
PRE-EXISTING CONDITION
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Pre-Existing Conditions are defined as any illness, injury or condition for which medical advice or treatment was received within the six (6) months preceding the Student’s effective date of coverage under this Plan, or which produced clear, distinct symptoms that indicated the illness, injury or condition probably began and manifested itself before the effective date of the Student’s coverage and would cause an ordinarily prudent person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment. Pre-existing conditions are not eligible until after the Student has completed twelve (12) consecutive month of continuous enrollment in the Plan and remains enrolled in the Plan. If the Student is enrolled in the Plan for Spring and the subsequent Fall semester, they will receive credit towards the twelve (12) month requirement. "

Thats why.

In the end it comes down to practicality right? can i really afford $900 a mont without utilities plus live in a crowded area and pay higher $$ for tuition? Wishful thinking.

Truth is Northern is the BEST fit. And unless someone can provide a reason otherwise, i think that this would be a good route.

That said, i want to

Thank EVERYONE for making this a very very interactive topic, and for allowing me to bounce my ideas off of you guys, and for your advice. You guys have been amazing, and extremely extremely helpful. I cannot thank you guys enough. Especially but not exclusively SFguy and Avoidthetiger.​

..

 

[SFGuy2011]

Thank you for the admiration. I realized, that even though my wife and i BOTH really like SIUC, it starting to seem impractical. Why you may ask. I negotiated with the people at NIU, seems to offer the BEST health insurance. Anyway, narrowed it down to NIU and UIC.



Avoidthetiger,

I have been without health insurance since feb 1, 2011, why? because i started a family and was stuck in a dead end job for 15 bucks an hour working my way up the grimy ladder of deceitful success.
I always wanted to be a doctor, since i was 10. I went through something insane, cancer, i didnt think i could go back to school, but through faith in God, i found myself wanting to go back to school to finish what i had started.

The only way to do it was to quit my job, considering i had always planned i would go to northern since it was the ONLY school that would cover me without question and allow me to visit my oncologist i had settled on that.

Then i came to a realization, and maybe it was immature of me, that i started to think that OH, just because i had cancer, and the limitation of health insurance shouldnt hold me back from getting into the BEST i can get into, there i realized i will apply everywhere and try to get in.

But i think you pretty much set me straight, i think that you are absolutely right. I need to think WAY more realistically because you're right, i do have to think about maintaining my health for my family. Thats why it seems to me that NIU seems to be the best choice.

Not only is it affordable, its practical. After i read your post i called The apartments and said look, lets be reasonable and re-negotiated the pricing, we came to an agreement of putting 3 months advanced down. I mentioned look, i want to go to NIU, but you guys are making it difficult for me, ive gotten accepted, its just a matter of housing, and im going to SIUC because of that. Well that post motivated quite a bit. To really think about what are my priorities. Its true, going to one school over the other WONT make a difference, but having adequate insurance in case one may need it, (i hope and pray to God i wont ever need it for cancer again) and since Northern seems to be the balance of it all, it seems to be the best fit.

The reason why SIU wont cover my visits.
"
PRE-EXISTING CONDITION
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Pre-Existing Conditions are defined as any illness, injury or condition for which medical advice or treatment was received within the six (6) months preceding the Student’s effective date of coverage under this Plan, or which produced clear, distinct symptoms that indicated the illness, injury or condition probably began and manifested itself before the effective date of the Student’s coverage and would cause an ordinarily prudent person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment. Pre-existing conditions are not eligible until after the Student has completed twelve (12) consecutive month of continuous enrollment in the Plan and remains enrolled in the Plan. If the Student is enrolled in the Plan for Spring and the subsequent Fall semester, they will receive credit towards the twelve (12) month requirement. "

Thats why.

In the end it comes down to practicality right? can i really afford $900 a mont without utilities plus live in a crowded area and pay higher $$ for tuition? Wishful thinking.

Truth is Northern is the BEST fit. And unless someone can provide a reason otherwise, i think that this would be a good route.

That said, i want to

Thank EVERYONE for making this a very very interactive topic, and for allowing me to bounce my ideas off of you guys, and for your advice. You guys have been amazing, and extremely extremely helpful. I cannot thank you guys enough. Especially but not exclusively SFguy and Avoidthetiger.​

..

No worries brother. It seems like you've already dealt with a lot at a young age, and it seems like you're moving in a positive direction with everything. Being married doesn't make this process any easier, because you have to be concerned about her happiness as well.

I'll be pulling for you, so take care, stay healthy, and Good Luck!!