Loyola University Undergrad

[MrCow]

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I have seen numerous posts on how Loyola has a good rep. for med, but how is the undergrad program? I haven't heard much and it seems like it is easy to get into? (91% Acceptance rate?)

I also don't want to make another thread, but do med schools care where you go for undergrad? (Not planning on any Ivys) I mostly hear how you should just have a strong GPA and MCAT.

Thanks you!

 

[md-2020]

I have seen numerous posts on how Loyola has a good rep. for med, but how is the undergrad program? I haven't heard much and it seems like it is easy to get into? (91% Acceptance rate?)

It's a pretty solid school, I actually didn't expect them to be that un-selective.

I also don't want to make another thread, but do med schools care where you go for undergrad? (Not planning on any Ivys) I mostly hear how you should just have a strong GPA and MCAT.

Yes, though the exact extent cannot be quantitatively expressed. What other schools are in your range/consideration?

 

[GrapesofRath]

Do very well in Loyola and you can do very well for yourself in med school admission when the time comes down the road.

 

[WedgeDawg]

There are a couple links in my signature that might help to answer the question of "do med schools care where you go to undergrad?"

 

[MrCow]

It's a pretty solid school, I actually didn't expect them to be that un-selective.


Yes, though the exact extent cannot be quantitatively expressed. What other schools are in your range/consideration?

So the Loyola school in Chicago is good then? Why are they so un-selective? I am definitely going to do CC first then transfer. I was thinking of anything that is realistic in Chicago. Like Loyola, UIC, CSU, etc. Probably have no chance in getting into UChicago or Northwestern. Also, a big one that was on my list, Purdue. Possibly apply to Notre Dame as well, but I doubt I would make it in even though it would be amazing. I don't have much money, though, and not too sure what to choose.

Another question I have is... when should I start my clinical experience, ECs, etc.? Freshman? Junior?

Thanks for any future reply you may give!!

 

[WedgeDawg]

Focus on maintaining a high GPA first. Everything else comes after.

 

[MrCow]

Focus on maintaining a high GPA first. Everything else comes after.

Sorry... I tend to be a worry bug. I just worry about the transfer process and that all of my credits transferring. My goal is to go to the Med School in South Bend, because it is so close my house. If I went to Loyola or UIC, etc. would going there be a stretch?

 

[md-2020]

So the Loyola school in Chicago is good then? Why are they so un-selective? I am definitely going to do CC first then transfer. I was thinking of anything that is realistic in Chicago. Like Loyola, UIC, CSU, etc. Probably have no chance in getting into UChicago or Northwestern. Also, a big one that was on my list, Purdue. Possibly apply to Notre Dame as well, but I doubt I would make it in even though it would be amazing. I don't have much money, though, and not too sure what to choose.

What year/GPA/SAT-ACT are you sitting at?

 

[WedgeDawg]

Sorry... I tend to be a worry bug. I just worry about the transfer process and that all of my credits transferring. My goal is to go to the Med School in South Bend, because it is so close my house. If I went to Loyola or UIC, etc. would going there be a stretch?

I don't know what the "med school in South Bend" is, but if you do well enough (starting with a high GPA) at Loyola or UIC, you can conceivably go anywhere you want.

 

[md-2020]

I don't know what the "med school in South Bend" is

Indiana U.

 

[Glazedonutlove]

You will be fine for any med school from loyola with great gpa/mcat/ecs. The undergrad school name will not hold you back from top med schools

 

[MrCow]

What year/GPA/SAT-ACT are you sitting at?

For hs, right? I didn't take the ACT, but was going to. I figured since I am going to CC, I will just take a placement test there. My GPA is a 3.9, but very mediocre classes were taken, sadly. I wish I pushed myself harder than I did in hs.

 

[MrCow]

And, just out of curiosity, how is South Bend Med viewed?

(Also, sorry if I am not supposed to make two replies in a row, not sure if this forum is like that, but one I was on before was. Anyways...)

 

[md-2020]

For hs, right? I didn't take the ACT, but was going to. I figured since I am going to CC, I will just take a placement test there. My GPA is a 3.9, but very mediocre classes were taken, sadly. I wish I pushed myself harder than I did in hs.

Why are you choosing to go to CC with a 3.9 HS gpa? Even with a subpar courseload and (assuming) an average ACT, you should be going to IU-Bloomington or something at least.

I don't know why you're disappointed with a 3.9...that's like straight A's dude.

And, just out of curiosity, how is South Bend Med viewed?

It's called Indiana University SOM, why are you calling it "South Bend Med"?

 

[MrCow]

Why are you choosing to go to CC with a 3.9 HS gpa? Even with a subpar courseload and (assuming) an average ACT, you should be going to IU-Bloomington or something at least.

I don't know why you're disappointed with a 3.9...that's like straight A's dude.

It's called Indiana University SOM, why are you calling it "South Bend Med"?

Mostly because of money. My family (including me) are broke. I know I could probably get grants and what not, but I just feel the CC route is better for me. And I am sure it seems that way, but I didn't take courses I really should have. Don't know why I was calling it South Bend Med, but I won't anymore.

 

[Turkishking]

Mostly because of money. My family (including me) are broke. I know I could probably get grants and what not, but I just feel the CC route is better for me. And I am sure it seems that way, but I didn't take courses I really should have. Don't know why I was calling it South Bend Med, but I won't anymore.

Don't they offer some sort of EOP program? I know EOP is only specific to NY, however, there is probably something similar like that where you're located.

 

[Glazedonutlove]

Mostly because of money. My family (including me) are broke. I know I could probably get grants and what not, but I just feel the CC route is better for me. And I am sure it seems that way, but I didn't take courses I really should have. Don't know why I was calling it South Bend Med, but I won't anymore.

you could get need based aid for college but you would need to take the act/sat
Just curious, why do you think cc route is better for you?

 

[MrCow]

Don't they offer some sort of EOP program? I know EOP is only specific to NY, however, there is probably something similar like that where you're located.

I haven't really looked into it too much, but I am sure they do. I just worry about waiting for the next application date, then take the ACT and do horrible and not get into anywhere. At least at CC, they have no choice but to be stuck with me. 😀 Anyways... on a more personal level... I live with my grandparents and would like to go to the nearest CC by them, because my grandpa isn't doing too good and worry about his health. Probably worry about it more than he does. He is stubborn.

 

[candbgirl]

Are you sure about that Loyola acceptance rate? I'm really surprised it's that high. Anyway why are you looking at schools in Chicago? Especially if you are short of funds. UIC and Loyola would be expensive for you-Loyola because it is a private school and UIC because you would be out of state. What is CSU that you mentioned? Isn't there an IU/PU campus in South Bend? I'm sure there is. That's where you should start looking. Go get some career/college counseling. Enroll in some Gen Ed classes and see what happens. Start doing some volunteering at a hospital or hospice or nursing home and see if being with sick people really is what you want to do, you are at the beginning of your journey so take your time,

 

[candbgirl]

I just read a couple of articles on the 91% issue. That was the acceptance rate for 2013-2014. It was because they wanted to increase the size of their freshman class. It was 27% higher than the previous year. Not sure what the rate was for last year(2014-2015) but the articles expected it to go back to a more normal percent. They also said Loyola received over 20k apps last year-up 5k from the year before.

 

[MrCow]

Are you sure about that Loyola acceptance rate? I'm really surprised it's that high. Anyway why are you looking at schools in Chicago? Especially if you are short of funds. UIC and Loyola would be expensive for you-Loyola because it is a private school and UIC because you would be out of state. What is CSU that you mentioned? Isn't there an IU/PU campus in South Bend? I'm sure there is. That's where you should start looking. Go get some career/college counseling. Enroll in some Gen Ed classes and see what happens. Start doing some volunteering at a hospital or hospice or nursing home and see if being with sick people really is what you want to do, you are at the beginning of your journey so take your time,

I was looking at schools in Chicago, because my grandparents live in IL, but my parents live in IN (hence, Purdue, South Bend, etc.). CSU is Chicago State University. I would love to go to Purdue, because I have an aunt and uncle who live down there and they'd love to have me and even if I had no grants for Purdue, it is still relatively cheap. Main focus is to not live on campus. I rather just live with family and pay them rent. Anyways... I am positive human medicine is what I want, but it does make sense to work with people first. I would live to not have that 1 year gap, I heard the controversy on this, but pre-reqs at CC should be fine? Is there something I maybe haven't considered about pre-reqs at CC?

But I should have been more specific. I wouldn't mind going anywhere that is expensive as long as 1.) I go to CC first. and 2.) When I transfer, the school helps out in grants.

 

[WingedOx]

I just read a couple of articles on the 91% issue. That was the acceptance rate for 2013-2014. It was because they wanted to increase the size of their freshman class. It was 27% higher than the previous year. Not sure what the rate was for last year(2014-2015) but the articles expected it to go back to a more normal percent. They also said Loyola received over 20k apps last year-up 5k from the year before.

Loyola has always been a good school and not super selective*. They were recruiting people at my catholic high school hard when I was looking at colleges. If you read anything into that, it's because of their lack of marketing and name recognition rather than their educational quality. The place is a known quantity, especially in the Chicago area and has lots of resources.

*If you want an example, a Loyola undergrad student was arrested last week for being the getaway driver in an armed robbery in Bucktown where a guy got shot in the eye. Chances are she wouldn't have been taking Orgo with you.

 

[MrCow]

Also, I do have one more question and then I'll leave. 😀 Does anybody have an opinion on Valparaiso University? I haven't seen too much on them and was just a bit curious.

 

[WedgeDawg]

Also, I do have one more question and then I'll leave. 😀 Does anybody have an opinion on Valparaiso University? I haven't seen too much on them and was just a bit curious.

I've never heard of it, but i'm also not from the midwest, so it could just be a regional thing

 

[candbgirl]

Do not consider CSU! It is a terrible school. Valpo is a good school. I think It is well thought of in the Midwest. Loyola has been a sleeper for lots of years. I went to a Catholic HS and several of my classmates went to Loyola, mainly because of it being a Jesuit school. But you're right it was never very selective. My niece graduated from Loyola Law two years ago. The ceremony was held on the North Shore Campus. I hadn't been there in several years. I was shocked at the massive building campaign they have done. It is a totally different place.lol Hardly recognizable. And unfortunately lots of people get shot in Chicago everyday. Sad!

 

[Flashfan]

Since you don't have much money, your goal should be to look for schools that meet need. If you are in Indiana are you eligible for 21st Century Scholars? Why not do to a satellite campus of IU or Purdue? Or apply to a private school as a freshman in order to get the best financial aid. Colleges give the best money to freshman, not transfers. Valpo is a great regional college and they are pretty good for scholarships. I know a few people that go there from my high school. It isn't Ivy League but it is a solid school that doesn't scrape the bottom of the barrel.

 

[Flashfan]

Also, to help you understand medical school in Indiana. We have one MD school with multiple campuses. they are drastically changing their curriculum next year, but before South Bend campus was one of the better curriculums. You can even stay there 4 years now, though most do two years and then go to Indy for the final two.
As for the Chicago medical schools, Region residents don't seem to get any additional love.
I don't know what year you are in, but most of the colleges in Chicago don't give the best financial aid. If money if truly an issue, live at home and commute to Purdue Cal or Purdue North Central or one of the IU campuses. The community college in Indiana, Ivy Tech, is cheap, but not the most rigorous learning environment. Most importantly, look for the money as a freshman. Don't be afraid to leave home to attend a school with better opportunities.

 

[MrCow]

Since you don't have much money, your goal should be to look for schools that meet need. If you are in Indiana are you eligible for 21st Century Scholars? Why not do to a satellite campus of IU or Purdue? Or apply to a private school as a freshman in order to get the best financial aid. Colleges give the best money to freshman, not transfers. Valpo is a great regional college and they are pretty good for scholarships. I know a few people that go there from my high school. It isn't Ivy League but it is a solid school that doesn't scrape the bottom of the barrel.

I don't think I meet the requirements for 21st Century Scholars. I was thinking Purdue, IU South Bend, and Valpo. Most likely would transfer to Purdue, since I don't think I meet the HS requirements. Still have to look more into IU South Bend. Just found out about it. And Valpo doesn't seem too bad, I just worry about the ACT. Mostly the Math section.

Don't get mad, because I did say no more questions... 😀 Last one, I promise. I do fear the ACT. Horribly. My practice test scores are like English 29, Math 20, Science 26, Reading 25. Are these okay scores? I know I have to get that math up, but I am not that great at math.

 

[WingedOx]

Work on those tests. Hard.

If med school is going to be in your future, it's just not right thinking to believe that your test-taking skills are going to magically get better in college.

 

[Flashfan]

Yes, work on the math. You will need it later to understand physics. The local satellites are a great place, and you will find other premeds. Also, if you decide not to go premed, there are other alternatives. Good luck, but getting that math up is critical. Work with your teachers, watch Khan Academy. Also, try the SAT, since the math is easier.

 

[MrCow]

Work on those tests. Hard.

If med school is going to be in your future, it's just not right thinking to believe that your test-taking skills are going to magically get better in college.

I agree. I only worked on the ACT for about a month, but then I had some things come up and couldn't take my original date. Then I got a job and moved away from the idea of Uni and taking the ACT. I am only 17... should I volunteer until I take the ACT in Feb.?

 

[MrCow]

Yes, work on the math. You will need it later to understand physics. The local satellites are a great place, and you will find other premeds. Also, if you decide not to go premed, there are other alternatives. Good luck, but getting that math up is critical. Work with your teachers, watch Khan Academy. Also, try the SAT, since the math is easier.

Thanks! I am just scared. I fear that I won't get accepted, but not just for the ACT scores, but because I didn't take what I was supposed to take in HS and just worry about waiting 6 months to find out if I got accepted and then find out I didn't because of the HS requirements. I know if I get into school, I will apply myself hard. Much harder than I did. I opted out for the easiest courses I could in hs, because I thoroughly believed that I wouldn't be going to college. I HATED school. Turns out I love learning and now desperately want to go to school.

Edit: I graduated by the way. Forgot to make mention of that.

 

[Flashfan]

Oh, so start at Ivy Tech. Knock out all the general ed stuff, but wait to do the premed stuff until you get to Purdue or IU. It is cheap and you can get up to speed with math. I know that they will tell you that you don't need calculus, but take enough to feel like you understand it. You will need it for physics, even if you just take algebra-based physics.
The best thing about college is that it is nothing like high school. Yet, you need to make sure you are proactive and diligent in getting your **** done.

So why medicine?

 

[MrCow]

Oh, so start at Ivy Tech. Knock out all the general ed stuff, but wait to do the premed stuff until you get to Purdue or IU. It is cheap and you can get up to speed with math. I know that they will tell you that you don't need calculus, but take enough to feel like you understand it. You will need it for physics, even if you just take algebra-based physics.
The best thing about college is that it is nothing like high school. Yet, you need to make sure you are proactive and diligent in getting your **** done.

So why medicine?

I have been giving it more consideration and even though I would like the CC route, it would be a smarter to go to Valpo or a satellite college, etc., right? Even though I graduated, I still never went to college before, so I should still be able to get benefits like scholarships and what not, right (not just limited to seniors in hs, correct)? I was thinking maybe get some experience and study for the SAT (since someone pointed out it's less math intensive) while I wait to get accepted or declined. But I really like the idea of Valpo. Close to my grandparents and relatively close to my parents home.

It seems like a lot of people say they have wanted to be a doctor since they were a kid, and I am not different, but I was actually discouraged from that route. My mom always told me how I wouldn't want to become a doctor, because they are always on call and it takes a long time and what not. So I never really gave it much thought. I was always sick growing up, so seeing the doctor all the time wasn't abnormal. I got some different health issues when I got older, about freshman year of hs, and I started doing some research. I researched a good amount of information. Mostly in the area of Psychiatry, Neurology, and some Rheumatology (Even though if I went into residency my main interest is Family and General Medicine right now, but we all know that can change.). However, I wasn't fully convinced that I wanted to be a doctor. I had a great interest at the time in computer programming (hope to major in that in college) and wanted to do that as a career. But then that changed and then a few career ideas came and went, but then I really wanted to work with animals, since I love them. So I got a job working at a wonderful vet clinic. I started realizing that I loved helping animals and loved the science part of the job and I loved what I was learning, but I wanted to work on humans. I just didn't get that feeling from reading diseases and disorders about animals that I did from reading about humans (Like, "Wow! This is really amazing" type feeling). Something about human medicine seemed so much more interesting. Maybe because I am human and I find it more relatable? Not quite sure. But I also felt that not only would I like to work with humans more, but I was reading about what a med school day is like and would love to be a part of that. I know becoming a doctor DOES take a long time, but I know it will be all worth it in the end. Couldn't see myself waking up everyday doing something I didn't truly love and find fascinating.

Sorry if this long and redundant and has errors. I am on my phone, and don't have time to polish or being out more like I would like to.

Thanks again! 😀

 

[Flashfan]

Valpo can be tough, and an expensive place but if you can get the aid, then go for it. The next best is to try to get to IU or Purdue.
Also, you don't need to be a biology major for med school. I do psychology with chem minor. The chem minor was easy since all the requirements for the MCAT. I think you can get more support at one of the satellite campuses.
Good luck!

 

[MrCow]

Valpo can be tough, and an expensive place but if you can get the aid, then go for it. The next best is to try to get to IU or Purdue.
Also, you don't need to be a biology major for med school. I do psychology with chem minor. The chem minor was easy since all the requirements for the MCAT. I think you can get more support at one of the satellite campuses.
Good luck!

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your help. SDN is such an awesome place!

 

[lalex]

Really...? They inflate grades like crazy which is a plus.

Then again, I have several friends who have a good GPA (3.6+) but bombed the MCAT and can't get into a DO school to save their lives.

 

[Planes2Doc]

I did my post-bacc there and was very happy. If you want help picking professors for the pre-reqs, feel free to PM me!