Thoughts on Loyola Stritch part 01

[ND2005]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I assume they are done calling for the day. Anyone have any information of the waitlist. It seems that if you interview in February, possibly even late January, you are shooting for a waitlist spot. I have heard lots of numbers thrown around about how many they take off their waiting list (40%,15%,10%).

My advisor at ND said Loyola is one of the few schools where taking the August MCAT genuinely hurts your chances for admission, to the extent that an August MCATer often at best ends up waitlisted.

 

[USArmyDoc]

I don't get it. I was just reading their handbook for probably the fifth time and did Loyola get a new dean? It now says Dean Lee, MD, PhD. I thought it was Dean Slogoff? Just want to make sure I am not going crazy.

Thats good news about the filling of the class. How do you know they are behind schedule?

 

[jrae]

This year it sounds like they are a little behind schedule. I would think if you interview anytime in January or early February it will be for a actual spot in the class.

As far as the % you threw out. According to Dean Norstrom, in the 2003 application year and every year previous they had taken approximately 30-40% of the class off the waitlist. For some reason in 2004 this number dropped to 10%, the number jumped up a little to 15% in 2005. I asked her about this during my interview and she didn't have any explanation for this significant drop and she had no idea if it would continue. Whatever the case, it doesn't appear to be anomalous, as she said other medical schools in the Chicago area had experienced the same phenomenon. Whatever the case USArmyDoc, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and others who sound like they really deserve an interview.

Let's hope so!! About the interviewing comment, not about the reduced #s comming off of the waitlist. Because I'm pretty sure if I get an interview, I'll be hanging out on the waitlist.....

 

[ExtraAverage]

Thats good news about the filling of the class. How do you know they are behind schedule?

I'm not quoting anyone so technically this is speculation on my part. However, I was told by a member of the staff that they had a problem with processing applications earlier in the application process due to something wrong with their mail system. This delayed everything by a couple weeks.

Also, you aren't going crazy. Dean Lee is brand new as of December. The former Dean, Dr. Slogoff had been planning on retiring for a while.

 

[USArmyDoc]

I'm not quoting anyone so technically this is speculation on my part. However, I was told by a member of the staff that they had a problem with processing applications earlier in the application process due to something wrong with their mail system. This delayed everything by a couple weeks.

Also, you aren't going crazy. Dean Lee is brand new as of December. The former Dean, Dr. Slogoff had been planning on retiring for a while.[/QUOTE]


Okay good. Ya know, if Dean Slogoff wants I could take over his responsibilities. Only if he REALLY wants me to. 😀

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

I'm not quoting anyone so technically this is speculation on my part. However, I was told by a member of the staff that they had a problem with processing applications earlier in the application process due to something wrong with their mail system. This delayed everything by a couple weeks.

Also, you aren't going crazy. Dean Lee is brand new as of December. The former Dean, Dr. Slogoff had been planning on retiring for a while.

i was told by an M1 friend that they are trying not to fill the class so fast this year as they were upset at having to waitlist so many great students....maybe that is why everything is so far behind! that would be good news then for later interviews like us!

 

[USArmyDoc]

i was told by an M1 friend that they are trying not to fill the class so fast this year as they were upset at having to waitlist so many great students....maybe that is why everything is so far behind! that would be good news then for later interviews like us!

Lets hope you are right!!! 🙂

 

[Little Rascal]

Lets hope you are right!!! 🙂

I agree!!!

 

[LaurieB]

FYI - The latest Loyola Medicine mag has a feature on Diversity at Loyola:
http://www.luhs.org/news/pubs/lm/fall05.pdf

Check it out to get an idea of the direction the place is going.

 

[LaurieB]

I don't get it. I was just reading their handbook for probably the fifth time and did Loyola get a new dean? It now says Dean Lee, MD, PhD. I thought it was Dean Slogoff? Just want to make sure I am not going crazy.

Thats good news about the filling of the class. How do you know they are behind schedule?

Dean Slogoff is in fact retiring and going on to get a PhD in History just for fun. Dean Lee was formerly the head of the Pathology department and he was also our course director for Path. He is a dynamic and thoughtful teacher and leader - it's hard to believe that he is a Pathologist. I think you will find that Dean Slogoff leaves a positive legacy and that Dean Lee is approachable and proactive.

I'm going to end here since I already sound too much like a brochure.

 

[Vizsla]

FYI - The latest Loyola Medicine mag has a feature on Diversity at Loyola:
http://www.luhs.org/news/pubs/lm/fall05.pdf

Check it out to get an idea of the direction the place is going.

I would be more than happy to add to their diversity if they would just interview me...

 

[johnny5]

I would be more than happy to add to their diversity if they would just interview me...

I second that ! ! ! Does anyone know when the next round of invites are likely to go out??

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

Dean Slogoff is in fact retiring and going on to get a PhD in History just for fun. Dean Lee was formerly the head of the Pathology department and he was also our course director for Path. He is a dynamic and thoughtful teacher and leader - it's hard to believe that he is a Pathologist. I think you will find that Dean Slogoff leaves a positive legacy and that Dean Lee is approachable and proactive.

I'm going to end here since I already sound too much like a brochure.

all of the loyola students/alums i have spoken with sound like brochures, but that is just because they love their school so much! nothing wrong with that!

I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL FRIDAY!!!!!! 😍

 

[USArmyDoc]

all of the loyola students/alums i have spoken with sound like brochures, but that is just because they love their school so much! nothing wrong with that!

I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL FRIDAY!!!!!! 😍

Good luck and PM me with details when you get a chance.

 

[dopaminophile]

I can't believe how huge this page is now! Looking at the thread on which schools impressed people the most as well as this thread, it seems like Loyola is getting plenty of good word-of-mouth through SDN. Thanks to all of you 2010ers and hopefuls for keeping it going!

We M1's are loving it still. Our class is the tightest group of people I've ever known, our education has been phenomenal, and I can't imagine being anywhere else. Good luck to those still waiting and for those who are coming, welcome and we'll see you in six months!

-dope-

Time shares available for discounted prices with a copy of this brochure. No warranties stated or implied are valid with this advertisement. All of the students you see are actually paid actors... nay... robots. Try to find the off button on your next visit. Actual poking is required.

 

[gdbaby]

Good luck tomorrow Timmy!!!! Drop by the admissions office and mention my name while you're there!

 

[USArmyDoc]

Crap thats right!! Good Luck!!

 

[drmota]

i just called again. i've been "under review" for probably about 11 weeks now. i can't help but think that by "under review" they mean "your application is being used to prop up one leg of chair that is very uneven. nobody likes wobbly chairs!" but why can't they just SAY that. i dont get offended easily. we'll all enjoy a good laugh and i can stop calling! geez.
-mota

 

[ND2005]

i just called again. i've been "under review" for probably about 11 weeks now. i can't help but think that by "under review" they mean "your application is being used to prop up one leg of chair that is very uneven. nobody likes wobbly chairs!" but why can't they just SAY that. i dont get offended easily. we'll all enjoy a good laugh and i can stop calling! geez.
-mota

I was thinking kindling...save them some money on heating bills...

 

[gdbaby]

Didn't even bother calling today. Couldn't handle it. The lack of love I am receiving from my hometown borders on embarassing. I am just going to lean up against a pole and let them throw their rejections at me like a firing line.

 

[Little Rascal]

Didn't even bother calling today. Couldn't handle it. The lack of love I am receiving from my hometown borders on embarassing. I am just going to lean up against a pole and let them throw their rejections at me like a firing line.

Over the break I was rejected from my state school, no interview...sometimes I wish I was a resident somewhere else.

 

[jrae]

Didn't even bother calling today. Couldn't handle it. The lack of love I am receiving from my hometown borders on embarassing. I am just going to lean up against a pole and let them throw their rejections at me like a firing line.

for you and your application!! I'm sure they are just behind as people have mentioned. 😀 you always have Iowa to fall back on!!

A person I know who was complete at the begining of Dec hasn't even gone under review yet (according to her last update). There's still hope!!

 

[USArmyDoc]

Actually, I think people are right when they say they are behind. I was told almost three weeks ago by someone on the phone I would be re-reviewed any day now. However, I called today and they said I wasn't re-reviewed yet. I would relax. In addition, Loyola seems to fill up interview slots every week. Therefore, I doubt they are even scheduled into the end of January yet. This is speculation on my part though.

 

[drmota]

does loyola not have an e-mail address??
-mota

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

Crap thats right!! Good Luck!!

thanks! i am starting to get some butterflies...strictly because this is THE school that i want to go to and i dread screwing something up!

all i can do is put the decision in God's hands and just go in there, be myself and do my best! i feel better now!

i hope you guys hear something soon!!!!!!

ps - for those who have interviewed, what is this "packet" they speak of....i did not get mine in advance, i will get it tomorrow....would it have been better to get it ahead of time? wish me luck!

 

[Flopotomist]

thanks! i am starting to get some butterflies...strictly because this is THE school that i want to go to and i dread screwing something up!

all i can do is put the decision in God's hands and just go in there, be myself and do my best! i feel better now!

i hope you guys hear something soon!!!!!!

ps - for those who have interviewed, what is this "packet" they speak of....i did not get mine in advance, i will get it tomorrow....would it have been better to get it ahead of time? wish me luck!

Good Luck Timmy!! The packet had some nice maps of Chicago, lists of stuff to do in Chicago, a newsletter of stuff that is happening at Loyola, a letter with an outline of your day, instructions on parking. There was nothing critical in the packet that you MUST have on the day of your interview. Remember to show up a bit early because there is some paperwork to fill out. Also, it is handy to have a copy of your AMCAS primary with you to answer some of the questions on the paperwork.

You are going to do great - you have the SDNers cheering you on! Let us know how it went! We are all crossing our fingers for you (except Jbrice, he doesn't have the ability to cross his fingers after that horrid chainsaw accident in 2003).

 

[southerncomfort]

Actually, I think people are right when they say they are behind. I was told almost three weeks ago by someone on the phone I would be re-reviewed any day now. However, I called today and they said I wasn't re-reviewed yet. I would relax. In addition, Loyola seems to fill up interview slots every week. Therefore, I doubt they are even scheduled into the end of January yet. This is speculation on my part though.

I called for a status check and was told that my file had been reviewed and was waiting to be "re-reviewed". Is this something specific, or is it 'no strong feelings either way on the first review, but we'll take another look'?
Not that I'm getting my hopes up, but it would be nice... 🙂

 

[ND2005]

I called for a status check and was told that my file had been reviewed and was waiting to be "re-reviewed". Is this something specific, or is it 'no strong feelings either way on the first review, but we'll take another look'?
Not that I'm getting my hopes up, but it would be nice... 🙂

"re-review" = "on-hold"

It's not really a good thing, but it sure beats a rejection

 

[gdbaby]

Everybody send Timmy some good interview vibes!!!!!

 

[USArmyDoc]

I called for a status check and was told that my file had been reviewed and was waiting to be "re-reviewed". Is this something specific, or is it 'no strong feelings either way on the first review, but we'll take another look'?
Not that I'm getting my hopes up, but it would be nice... 🙂

Timmy, whose on an interview today, was reviewed and re-reviewed. They take these re-reviews seriously.

 

[mln]

Hey, guys! I got an acceptance letter today from Loyola (interview 12/20)!!! 🙂

 

[gdbaby]

Alright Timmy. I saw you posted on Mota's thread. Tell us how the interview went!!!!

 

[jbrice1639]

Hey, guys! I got an acceptance letter today from Loyola (interview 12/20)!!! 🙂

congrats!

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

Alright Timmy. I saw you posted on Mota's thread. Tell us how the interview went!!!!

It was a very long, but enjoyable day (10:30 to 4:20)! The packet would have been useful ahead of time, as I did have difficulty parking. The entrance to the parking garage is squirreled away behind some buildings, and no visible entrances are functional! So I got there super early and was almost late just trying to park my car. It was pouring rain when I got there, too! My first interview lasted over an hour! It was fine, though, as we were having a very enjoyable conversation that was peppered with seeing patients and an informational session with two 3rd year students regarding the radiographic assessment of babies. The second was shorter (45 min) but just as enjoyable. I had to do a lot of walking to get to the interviews, and I was afraid I would get lost, but somehow I managed to find my way around on time. The pouring rain had turned into a blizzard by this time, too, so that made life interesting, as my coat and umbrella were both back in the admissions office closet! But hey, it was Friday the 13th, and if this is all that went wrong then fine by me! There were four interviewees total that day, and everyone was very nice. I have a good feeling about it, so let’s hope everything went as good as I think it did. The committee meets again on the 23rd…..will be waiting for a letter shortly after that! Going to be a nervous wreck for about 2 weeks, which sucks, but hey, at least I got this far!

KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED FOR ME!
AND I WILL KEEP MINE CROSSED FOR YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!

 

[hpm4]

Just wanted to let people who are on re-review know that there is still hope. I called just last thursday to be told I needed to be re-reviewed and I got the phone call today (Saturday) that I have an interview the 24th of Janurary!! So don't give up hope...even though I basically did 🙂

 

[Little Rascal]

Just wanted to let people who are on re-review know that there is still hope. I called just last thursday to be told I needed to be re-reviewed and I got the phone call today (Saturday) that I have an interview the 24th of Janurary!! So don't give up hope...even though I basically did 🙂

Congratulations...and thanks for the info!!! Good luck at your interview!

 

[USArmyDoc]

Just wanted to let people who are on re-review know that there is still hope. I called just last thursday to be told I needed to be re-reviewed and I got the phone call today (Saturday) that I have an interview the 24th of Janurary!! So don't give up hope...even though I basically did 🙂

Damn! I didn't know they work on Saturdays!! Great.....ANOTHER day to worry.

 

[USArmyDoc]

Does anyone know their method of calling? Times, days,etc?

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

Does anyone know their method of calling? Times, days,etc?

apparently the day varies a lot! i got the call around 3pm....i was trying to sleep (i had to work that night) and the phone woke me up.

good luck guys! interviewing there is actually a lot of fun! i had a blast!

now i get to sit and wait until 01/23, as i chew the ends of my fingers off while pulling all my hair out!!!! 😱

 

[trishaaa]

apparently the day varies a lot! i got the call around 3pm....i was trying to sleep (i had to work that night) and the phone woke me up.

good luck guys! interviewing there is actually a lot of fun! i had a blast!

now i get to sit and wait until 01/23, as i chew the ends of my fingers off while pulling all my hair out!!!! 😱

Yay Timmy, you interviewed! That's great! It's a shame that you had to struggle through a blizzard. It sounds like it went well, though. I'll keep everything crossed for you between now and 1/23! I hope you get in!

I hope everyone is doing well. Now that I have a new job I'm no longer on the computer all day. I'm glad I have this afternoon free to come on here and get caught up on everyone's news!

 

[PluckyDuk8]

Congrats to everyone again, and best of luck to those still in the process!

Just so you guys know, there are ways to get everywhere on campus indoors- you'll learn them as you go along. For those who know the campus, I just learned as an M3 this year how to get from the cancer center to McGuire underground!

 

[cubs08]

what would you guys do in my situation - northwestern, loyola, or uic?

 

[jbrice1639]

what would you guys do in my situation - northwestern, loyola, or uic?

depends on your style...for me, it would be loyola, nw, uic. for most people nw is probably first. you need to figure out what's most important to you. nw definitely has the name and a heavily pbl curriculum. loyola will be the most personal atmosphere. uic draws lots of research $ because of its huge size.

obviously, that's all very simplified. for me, loyola is a natural fit based on their philosophies and the fit of their medical center to my goals as a future doctor.

 

[USArmyDoc]

I don't know man. I would LOVE to go to Loyola. However, if I was given the shot to go to NW I would take it. Sorry 🙁

 

[NapeSpikes]

what would you guys do in my situation - northwestern, loyola, or uic?

So you're dropping Rush?

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

what would you guys do in my situation - northwestern, loyola, or uic?

you've been accepted to all 3? WOW! good for you!!!!! 😀

 

[mln]

I wanted to ask a few questions for those of you who live in Chicago... I'm trying to get an idea of cost of living. First off, my husband and I are going to sell our home in Arizona. I was looking at realtor.com for areas around Maywood - including Oak Park, Hinsdale, Elmhurst, and Addison. It appears that a decent condo costs between $250,000 - $300,000. Am I just looking in the wrong areas? If any of you own, can you give me an idea of condo prices? Renting is not an option for my husband, but that mortgage payment is pretty tight. Secondly, I noticed that most of Chicago was toll roads. How much does this cost, or is there some kind of pass that you can buy to drive on all of these roads? Thirdly, can you drive in the snow in a small car (Toyota Celica), or is an SUV with 4-wheel drive necessary so that you don't get snowed in? Any feedback is appreciated 🙂

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

I wanted to ask a few questions for those of you who live in Chicago... I'm trying to get an idea of cost of living. First off, my husband and I are going to sell our home in Arizona. I was looking at realtor.com for areas around Maywood - including Oak Park, Hinsdale, Elmhurst, and Addison. It appears that a decent condo costs between $250,000 - $300,000. Am I just looking in the wrong areas? If any of you own, can you give me an idea of condo prices? Renting is not an option for my husband, but that mortgage payment is pretty tight. Secondly, I noticed that most of Chicago was toll roads. How much does this cost, or is there some kind of pass that you can buy to drive on all of these roads? Thirdly, can you drive in the snow in a small car (Toyota Celica), or is an SUV with 4-wheel drive necessary so that you don't get snowed in? Any feedback is appreciated 🙂

Oak Park and Elmhurst can both be pretty pricey depending on the area you are looking in. Actually, so can parts of Hinsdale. Cost of living is more expensive out in this area, unfortunately. But pay is higher, too. I know, I lived in Rockford for a while and it was MUCH cheaper there, but you also did not get paid didly squat there, so I guess you only break even.

The toll roads do suck....they cost 0.80 if you pay cash-money as they just started this "open tolling" thing, with the I-Pass. If you get the I-Pass I believe the tolls are still 0.40....I don't know, I avoid the toll roads!

I have a rear-wheel drive vehicle and I get around just fine. I got stuck more out in Rockford as it was full of country roads that were not salted or plowed. But around here I do just fine. It does take longer to get where you are going but I don't think it is all that bad really.

Hope that helps! I own my home, which is near Elmhurst, and we have no mortgage payments (long story) so I consider myself very lucky in that respect. If I had to move I'd be screwed!!!!!!!!

 

[mln]

Oak Park and Elmhurst can both be pretty pricey depending on the area you are looking in. Actually, so can parts of Hinsdale. Cost of living is more expensive out in this area, unfortunately. But pay is higher, too. I know, I lived in Rockford for a while and it was MUCH cheaper there, but you also did not get paid didly squat there, so I guess you only break even.

The toll roads do suck....they cost 0.80 if you pay cash-money as they just started this "open tolling" thing, with the I-Pass. If you get the I-Pass I believe the tolls are still 0.40....I don't know, I avoid the toll roads!

I have a rear-wheel drive vehicle and I get around just fine. I got stuck more out in Rockford as it was full of country roads that were not salted or plowed. But around here I do just fine. It does take longer to get where you are going but I don't think it is all that bad really.

Hope that helps! I own my home, which is near Elmhurst, and we have no mortgage payments (long story) so I consider myself very lucky in that respect. If I had to move I'd be screwed!!!!!!!!

What other areas are safe and decent to live in? The most we're willing to spend is $250,000. I'm signing with the Air Force this week, and my husband works for a financial company that will transfer him to Chicago. However, if we go above this amount, I'd have to take out loans on top of my HPSP scholarship. Not an option. Also, does anyone own a horse? How much is room and board typically around these areas? Thanks for all of your help, Timmy!

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

What other areas are safe and decent to live in? The most we're willing to spend is $250,000. I'm signing with the Air Force this week, and my husband works for a financial company that will transfer him to Chicago. However, if we go above this amount, I'd have to take out loans on top of my HPSP scholarship. Not an option. Also, does anyone own a horse? How much is room and board typically around these areas? Thanks for all of your help, Timmy!

The only place I know for horses around my area is the Danada Equestrian Center over on Naperville and Butterfield in Wheaton.

http://www.danada.info/

Wheaton is a fairly expensive area, though.