Thoughts on Loyola Stritch part 01

[Flopotomist]

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i thought about you warm weather folks this morning when i was driving my wife to work. yeah...the snow takes some getting used to if you've never driven in it before. you definitely don't need spiked tires or chains...in fact, it's illegal to drive on the streets around here with them because it damages the pavement. invest in some good all weather tires though...personally, i would recommend good year regattas...i drive a 96 grand prix with front wheel drive, and since i put those tires on, i have never gotten stuck even in my unplowed alley.

as far as the bus stops, some do have little shelters to protect you from snow/rain/wind, but i don't think i've come across many that are heated. i would imagine, for gas costs alone, there will probably be some carpooling set up amongst our class, so on really bad days, i'm sure those of us more used to driving in the snow would be willing to pick up a few classmates.

I am moving next door to you. Hmm.. better yet, lets get a big giant house, fill it with cameras and students, and film what happens when we all "start getting real." REAL WORLD MEDICAL SCHOOL WOO HOO!

 

[ExtraAverage]

Do you address the letters to the admissions office and they pass them on to the interviewers? Because I'm not sure how to mail it to my interviewers directly. One of them was a professor, the other was a 2nd year student. And did you also send a thank you letter to the assistant dean Ms. Norstrom?

I sent thank you letters to my interviewers and Dean Norstrom. I addressed them to the admissions office to the attention (Attn) of each individual. According to Rosemary (office secretary), this is the preferred method of mailing; they will give the thank you letters to the interviewers. I hope you hear good things in a couple weeks. Good luck.

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

I have real wheel drive and I buy 200lbs of kitty litter and put it in my trunk, don’t worry though, I have 3 cats so it is not a wasted purchase . I have wider tires than the average car does to begin with so I do not buy different "winter" tires and the car has "second gear start" which helps with slippage control. BUT- you do need to leave earlier for whatever destination you are aiming for in the winter.... even though people in this area see snow, and lots of it, every year they still drive in it like it is their first time...jbrice, will you back me up on that 😉 ?

 

[Shishka]

I sent thank you letters to my interviewers and Dean Norstrom. I addressed them to the admissions office to the attention (Attn) of each individual. According to Rosemary (office secretary), this is the preferred method of mailing; they will give the thank you letters to the interviewers. I hope you hear good things in a couple weeks. Good luck.

Thanks, I'll do the same.

Is there a typical format and/or length for thank you letters?

By the way, Rosemary was mad nice, as was this lady Laurie. I'm not sure what her role in the admit office is exactly, but she told me about scholarships for Polish students (I'm Polish) and even called me friday morning to tell me she is gonna mail me some info. I think I'm gonna send her a thank you card as well.

 

[Flopotomist]

Thanks, I'll do the same.

Is there a typical format and/or length for thank you letters?

By the way, Rosemary was mad nice, as was this lady Laurie. I'm not sure what her role in the admit office is exactly, but she told me about scholarships for Polish students (I'm Polish) and even called me friday morning to tell me she is gonna mail me some info. I think I'm gonna send her a thank you card as well.

I usually just handwrite a brief thank you note on a store bought card. Thank them for their time, and include something unique to your interview so that they can remember who you were.

 

[Shishka]

I didn't send thank you cards... by the time I bought them, and got the stamps for them, I already received my acceptance letter. I am now wondering if I should still send them... hmm...

Hmmm well the committee is supposed to meet on the 19th and mail decisions the next day, so I'll make sure to send mine this weekend or monday at the latest. Although I feel kinda like I'm trying to suck up by sending thank yous before the decision, because I already thanked my interviewers at the end of my interviews and they are aware of my interest in the school. I'm not sure what to write exactly.

 

[Shishka]

I usually just handwrite a brief thank you note on a store bought card. Thank them for their time, and include something unique to your interview so that they can remember who you were.

So you think a card is the way to go? I thought I once read somewhere on these forums that letters are prefered to cards, but maybe I'm just imagining.

 

[jbrice1639]

I have real wheel drive and I buy 200lbs of kitty litter and put it in my trunk, don’t worry though, I have 3 cats so it is not a wasted purchase . I have wider tires than the average car does to begin with so I do not buy different "winter" tires and the car has "second gear start" which helps with slippage control. BUT- you do need to leave earlier for whatever destination you are aiming for in the winter.... even though people in this area see snow, and lots of it, every year they still drive in it like it is their first time...jbrice, will you back me up on that 😉 ?

haha, yeah...it's hilarious watching people drive around here in the snow. yesterday, i had to wait a good ten minutes to get out of my alley because two people had managed to get themselves stuck (one on either side of me, of course). One was an Audi AllRoad and the other was a Grand Cherokee...the looks on their faces were priceless as i pulled out with no problems in my old four-door sedan and drove by them after they finally dislodged themselves.

Second Gear start is definitely a nice thing to have, and i agree completely on not needing winter tires, just decent all-weathers and making sure they have a tread and good pressure and all. i have front-wheel drive, so i don't have to do any weighting, but i remember doing that in the past with other cars, and it makes a huge difference too.

I love snow driving though...it's good for laughs watching people from the southern states trying to figure out what to do

 

[Flopotomist]

haha, yeah...it's hilarious watching people drive around here in the snow. yesterday, i had to wait a good ten minutes to get out of my alley because two people had managed to get themselves stuck (one on either side of me, of course). One was an Audi AllRoad and the other was a Grand Cherokee...the looks on their faces were priceless as i pulled out with no problems in my old four-door sedan and drove by them after they finally dislodged themselves.

Second Gear start is definitely a nice thing to have, and i agree completely on not needing winter tires, just decent all-weathers and making sure they have a tread and good pressure and all. i have front-wheel drive, so i don't have to do any weighting, but i remember doing that in the past with other cars, and it makes a huge difference too.

I love snow driving though...it's good for laughs watching people from the southern states trying to figure out what to do

I am dooomed.. at least I have a beater honda, so can dent it up I guess.. I just hope I don't hit anything expensive!!

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

Still waiting for app's second review between now and February! 🙁
I will have an ulcer and a never-ending migraine (and hopefully at least 1 acceptance) by then!

Had a close call today, literally! The secretary called early this morning, and as I’m laying in bed I hear a voice, echoing up from the answering machine in the kitchen...my head is foggy and I am not really awake, but the woman's voice says sweetly....
"Hi, this is the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine office of admissions calling..."
😱
I fly out of bed, hitting the ceiling on my way out of the room, falling down a flight of stairs I reach the kitchen linoleum sliding, with hope in my heart, anticipating the use of the word "interview" in one of her sweet, soft utterances.... but I get to the answering machine just in time to hear her finish....
"In response to your question, your application is due to go under review again sometime between now and February. If you have any further questions please give me a call."

Here is my question...."why won't you give me an interview???? What is wrong with me???? Why am I not good enough????" 😕

Merry Christmas, Timmy! 😡

 

[SpeedRacer]

i wouldn't have gotten an interview (and subsequently gotten in) if i hadn't called and told them i was going to be in the chicago area during these certain dates.

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

i wouldn't have gotten an interview (and subsequently gotten in) if i hadn't called and told them i was going to be in the chicago area during these certain dates.

I live like 15 minutes away from the school, I couldn't really say, "Oh, well, I was going to be doing some shopping near your area, may I stop in for an interview?" 🙁

 

[SpeedRacer]

I live like 15 minutes away from the school, I couldn't really say, "Oh, well, I was going to be doing some shopping near your area, may I stop in for an interview?" 🙁

HAHHA i was thinking of doing that to GW! "hey, i'm always in the area...so whenever you're ready....i'm here"

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

HAHHA i was thinking of doing that to GW! "hey, i'm always in the area...so whenever you're ready....i'm here"

yea, no kidding, right?
"hey, i'll be right over! i'll jog there! in the snow and everything!"

 

[jrae]

i wouldn't have gotten an interview (and subsequently gotten in) if i hadn't called and told them i was going to be in the chicago area during these certain dates.

I tried that once.......I got a we have yet to have your application go under review. Maybe I'll try again next week. That and they did not have anything planned out as far as Jan. I tried this in Nov.

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

I tried that once.......I got a we have yet to have your application go under review. Maybe I'll try again next week. That and they did not have anything planned out as far as Jan. I tried this in Nov.

so if loyola does not come through for you Iowa it is? good luck to you!

i wish we could all just be one big happy Stritch class of 2010 already!

 

[jrae]

Nice Front wheel drive with good tires are the best. I drive a 2004 Grand Am with a nice set of all season tires and have yet to get stuck since I bought the car. A great change from driving my old ford escort when I had to carry a shovel in the back!

I dislike snow driving though as I find it too stressful in populated areas. I was at Oakbrook this weekend when it started to snow, and there are still too many people who do not know how to drive in it. I saw two cars go in the ditch on I-55. Country roads and abandoned parking lots are great fun though.

 

[jrae]

so if loyola does not come through for you Iowa it is? good luck to you!

i wish we could all just be one big happy Stritch class of 2010 already!

That's true. if I don't get in, it'll be Iowa for another four years. While Iowa City is a great town, I've lived in and around it my whole life. I'm begining to feel like I'll never get out. I keep getting sucked into this town and school.

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

tumbleweeds are blowing people.....


BUMP

 

[Flopotomist]

tumbleweeds are blowing people.....


BUMP

did you say "blowing people.... bump?" that was dirty...

 

[USArmyDoc]

did you say "blowing people.... bump?" that was dirty...

I am still here Flop....no worries 🙂

 

[gdbaby]

I feel naughty posting here since I have be relegated to "back-up ho'" status at Loyola. My thoughts on Loyola Stritch are that I wish they would think of ME. Hopefully I will have some good news after the holidays. I got the "don't they know that your mother and aunt are alumnae?" bit from my mom again yesterday. I try to explain that the connection between the Drama department and the Medical School is probably weak at best, but I appreciate the interest.

 

[Vizsla]

Hey guys,
I don't know if this has already been posted, but does Loyola have a day/time when they take application status inquiries? thanks

 

[jrae]

Hey guys,
I don't know if this has already been posted, but does Loyola have a day/time when they take application status inquiries? thanks

I like you avatar.....at home I have two Vizslas, one pure bread, one mixed with great dane.....they are such great dogs!!

In regards to you question, All day on Thurs.

GDbaby, congrats on the scholarship!!

 

[jbrice1639]

Nice Front wheel drive with good tires are the best. I drive a 2004 Grand Am with a nice set of all season tires and have yet to get stuck since I bought the car. A great change from driving my old ford escort when I had to carry a shovel in the back!

I dislike snow driving though as I find it too stressful in populated areas. I was at Oakbrook this weekend when it started to snow, and there are still too many people who do not know how to drive in it. I saw two cars go in the ditch on I-55. Country roads and abandoned parking lots are great fun though.

and, we should be getting 3-6 inches again tonight...

(sounds like something i should have posted on that virginity thread maybe...)

 

[Vizsla]

thanks

 

[drmota]

GIMME AN INTERVIEW OR I WILL KIDNAP JBRICE AND FLOP AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO'S BEEN ACCEPTED SO THERE IS NO CLASS OF 2006. have a nice day.
-mota

 

[jbrice1639]

GIMME AN INTERVIEW OR I WILL KIDNAP JBRICE AND FLOP AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO'S BEEN ACCEPTED SO THERE IS NO CLASS OF 2006. have a nice day.
-mota

kidnapping me and flop will get you a bonus trishaaa...she's still in my trunk i believe...

 

[jrae]

and, we should be getting 3-6 inches again tonight...

(sounds like something i should have posted on that virginity thread maybe...)

I think I can beat your project snowfall, for now......Currently it's a combination of freezing rain and snow in Iowa City. This is on top of the 3-6 inches we got last night. We're supposed to receive another 4-6 inches. Man if I was a kid I'd totally go and and build a snow fort for a snowball fight. It's the perfect heavy wet snow.

 

[jbrice1639]

I think I can beat your project snowfall, for now......Currently it's a combination of freezing rain and snow in Iowa City. This is on top of the 3-6 inches we got last night. We're supposed to receive another 4-6 inches. Man if I was a kid I'd totally go and and build a snow fort for a snowball fight. It's the perfect heavy wet snow.

yeah...i heard about that...i believe that's the storm we're supposed to be getting tonight because they said it would start with rain, turn into freezing rain, turn into sleet, then turn into snow and keep snowing overnight throughout tomorrow. i'm gonna keep hoping they're wrong...that or i'm buying a snowblower.

 

[jrae]

yeah...i heard about that...i believe that's the storm we're supposed to be getting tonight because they said it would start with rain, turn into freezing rain, turn into sleet, then turn into snow and keep snowing overnight throughout tomorrow. i'm gonna keep hoping they're wrong...that or i'm buying a snowblower.

Oh no, it's great fun. With any luck (for you) it will all fall on Iowa. BTW it's heavy wet snow so buy a heavy duty snowblower, otherwise you're still going to have to use a shovel.

 

[63768]

GIMME AN INTERVIEW OR I WILL KIDNAP JBRICE AND FLOP AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO'S BEEN ACCEPTED SO THERE IS NO CLASS OF 2006. have a nice day.
-mota

i will be mota's accomplice. i want an interview too.

 

[jbrice1639]

Oh no, it's great fun. With any luck (for you) it will all fall on Iowa. BTW it's heavy wet snow so buy a heavy duty snowblower, otherwise you're still going to have to use a shovel.

i live three quarters of a mile from lake michigan...i don't get anything BUT heavy wet snow....

 

[jrae]

i live three quarters of a mile from lake michigan...i don't get anything BUT heavy wet snow.... [/QUOTE
that sucks.....but hopefully you have some nice views from your window!!

 

[jbrice1639]

i live three quarters of a mile from lake michigan...i don't get anything BUT heavy wet snow.... [/QUOTE
that sucks.....but hopefully you have some nice views from your window!!

eh...i live on the second floor of a three-flat...facing west (away from the lake)...i do have a playground across the street though, so i can watch the kids beating the hell out of each other in the snow 🙂

 

[Flopotomist]

It is 56 degrees here, and I had to turn the heater on, and bundle up. I seriously don't know how I am going to ever get motivated to get out of bed when it like 30 degrees (or colder.. aack!).

Also, on a serious note. It costs like $190 per month for heating here in the winter, and it isn't that cold.. what on EARTH does it cost out there?

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

Also, on a serious note. It costs like $190 per month for heating here in the winter, and it isn't that cold.. what on EARTH does it cost out there?

well, two months ago before the snow and cold really set in my gas bill was already $90, but i have a house with a gas stove and a gas dryer in addition to the furnace. i have not received a new bill since we have been using the heat.... 😱

 

[cubs08]

Just about sold on Loyola!!! Starting to look for places to live etc!!

 

[Shishka]

So I heard from multiple people during my visit that Loyola is really generous with financial aid. 👍

 

[ambulancedriver]

i'm glad it's snowing. wiping the snow off gives you a chance to take off all the salt that the city throws on the streets. it's almost worthless getting a car wash b/c your car will be back in the same state in a couple of days when it snows again.

I swear, the city has probably taken six years off the body life of my poor civic.

 

[Flopotomist]

So I heard from multiple people during my visit that Loyola is really generous with financial aid. 👍

by financial aid, did you mean loans, or other goodies like grants, scholarships, and dollar bills in your g-string?

 

[Shishka]

by financial aid, did you mean loans, or other goodies like grants, scholarships, and dollar bills in your g-string?

I meant in terms of scholarships/grants. My student tour guide told me they give him $11,000 "free money", as he put it, per year. And he said that is a little less than the typical amount. Afterwards I asked the student I had lunch with and my student interviewer whether Loyola is indeed generous, and they both agreed although they did not give me numbers.

 

[trishaaa]

kidnapping me and flop will get you a bonus trishaaa...she's still in my trunk i believe...

I'm out of the trunk now! Yay!

So, I have some good news and bad news. Let's start with the good news: I have been accepted to Jefferson. And the bad news: I might not be your classmate next year 🙁 Don't cry, Flop.

I have a lot of thinking to do, and I'm going to have to take a second look at both schools. Anyone want to help me devise a pro and con list???

 

[jrae]

It is 56 degrees here, and I had to turn the heater on, and bundle up. I seriously don't know how I am going to ever get motivated to get out of bed when it like 30 degrees (or colder.. aack!).

Also, on a serious note. It costs like $190 per month for heating here in the winter, and it isn't that cold.. what on EARTH does it cost out there?

Weak.......Currently it's ont he boarder of freezing in Iowa and I think it feels like a heat wave. At least my nose no longer feels like it's going to turn blue!!

One hint, get a place to live where you can program your thermostat. That way you can set it to heat up the apt/house right before you wake up. Makes it soooo much easier to get out of bed and cuts back on the heating bill.

On an unrelated note, it's Thurs and after my chat with Matt, I'm still awaiting review. Apparently I've got anouther 3-4 weeks to wait. Lets hope I get a nice new year's present (as well as Timmy, GD, and anyone else awaiting a phone call).......Hopefully the "I'll be in town the end of Jan" will work.......

 

[jbrice1639]

Also, on a serious note. It costs like $190 per month for heating here in the winter, and it isn't that cold.. what on EARTH does it cost out there?

Honestly, I think it balances out because your energy costs are higher out west...so we use more gas but at a lower cost per unit. Plus, if you look for it, most chicago area landlords include gas/water in their rent...so it won't really affect you (other than maybe inflating rent prices a little after this winter)

 

[jbrice1639]

So, I have some good news and bad news. Let's start with the good news: I have been accepted to Jefferson. And the bad news: I might not be your classmate next year 🙁 Don't cry, Flop.

I have a lot of thinking to do, and I'm going to have to take a second look at both schools. Anyone want to help me devise a pro and con list???

First off, congrats! I don't know much about Jefferson, but certainly location is closer to where you are now, and I know that was a big part of my decision to go to Loyola - to stay in Chicago.

That said...i don't see any 20+ page threads from the jefferson accepted students talking about how great it is... just kidding

Hope you don't stress too much about the decision, and enjoy the holidays knowing you have a choice between multiple great schools!

 

[LaurieB]

My heat is included in my rent - you might want to look for a place like that to avoid surprises. In fact, the folks that live below me are probably moving out next year.

Laurie

 

[ExtraAverage]

I'm out of the trunk now! Yay!

So, I have some good news and bad news. Let's start with the good news: I have been accepted to Jefferson. And the bad news: I might not be your classmate next year 🙁 Don't cry, Flop.

I have a lot of thinking to do, and I'm going to have to take a second look at both schools. Anyone want to help me devise a pro and con list???

Hey Trishaaa (and others who care), I don't know if I can help you with a pro-con list for Jefferson but my list for Loyola goes as follows:

pros: perceived student happiness and cohesion, professor availability, "block" curriculum and class schedule, extensive support network (student mentors, student "communities", faculty mentors, etc.), affiliation with Loyola University Medical Center (good for residency match in certain cases), new/tech savvy facilities, early patient interaction, and, in my case, location (I love Chicago).

cons: expensive and lacking extensive research opportunities for students.

On a side note, I am just now realizing you interviewed on the same day as me. Don't know if you remember, but I was the guy you toured the Anatomy Lab with. Funny coincidence!

Regardless of where you choose to go, good luck in your future medical career.

 

[SpeedRacer]

Hey Trishaaa (and others who care), I don't know if I can help you with a pro-con list for Jefferson but my list for Loyola goes as follows:

pros: perceived student happiness and cohesion, professor availability, "block" curriculum and class schedule, extensive support network (student mentors, student "communities", faculty mentors, etc.), affiliation with Loyola University Medical Center (good for residency match in certain cases), new/tech savvy facilities, early patient interaction, and, in my case, location (I love Chicago).

cons: expensive and lacking extensive research opportunities for students.

On a side note, I am just now realizing you interviewed on the same day as me. Don't know if you remember, but I was the guy you toured the Anatomy Lab with. Funny coincidence!

Regardless of where you choose to go, good luck in your future medical career.

i'm adding to the cons: student diversity. man it's like the 16th worst in the nation. how does that happen?

i was wondering why you think block scheduling is a pro. i mean, i don't think it is a con...i just don't know what to think about block vs. no block. what makes one better than the other? i would love an explanation or just your point of view. i'm personally scared ****less about doing anatomy in 12 wks!

 

[SpeedRacer]

does anyone else think that loyola's match lists for 2003 and 2004 are a lot better than 2005? i feel like there are some more harvard, wash u, mayo and stanfords in the previous years. is that just something that differs from year to year?

and no i didn't do like a tally or anything so if i'm off, then sorry.