Thoughts on Loyola Stritch part 01

[ambulancedriver]

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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 🙂

the city of chicago itself does not have any tolls for the most part. once you get to the suburbs, most of the freeways turn into tollways (40 cents with I-Pass which deducts from an account you deposit money into). also, getting around in snow is doable, especially in the city itself since they clear and salt the streets at the first sign of snow (a mayor in the 70s lost the election in part because of this, so it is a big deal). I get around just fine in my front wheel drive honda civic (similar to your celica). hope this helps.

 

[jrae]

Congrats on the interviiew Timmy! Glad to hear it went well......

Also I'm curious for the person who just got an invite on Sat, when were you complete?? I'm trying to gauge how long people who have been in the re-review pile have had to wait. I was complete in early Nov and was just placed in re-review when I called earlier this month. I'm glad to hear people are moving out of the stack, but I hope I get to move too!!

As for driving in winter, I don't think an SUV is necessary. I drive a front-wheel drive Grand Am that I love. I also learned the hard way and now keep a small shovel in the trunk in the winter. While front wheel is better for winter driving, just make sure to weigh down the back of your rear wheel drive car and maintain good tires. As long as you are not planning or driving out in the country you should be fine. The only time I've ever been stuck was when I was traveling on unplowed gravel roads.....

 

[cubs08]

So you're dropping Rush?

hey nape,
yeah, never got into rush - but got into those other three, go figure...

 

[spanbutterfly]

AAAAARGH... So, I just found out that tomorrow is a federal holiday which means NO MAIL SERVICE.

According to this website http://postcalc.usps.gov/

if Loyola sent out letters on Tuesday, then Friday the letter would get here.. IF IT WASN'T A FRIGGIN HOLIDAY... booo...

The same thing happened to me. We must have interviewed right around the same time. I about died that day when I went to check my mail and had to wait until Monday. Then again, just made Monday feel that much better 😉 And yes, for people who are on "hold" lists, I am on hold at a different school and I think it's crap, but it still means they think you are a very good candidate and from what I hear, many people get off the "hold" list. We'll all just have to hold on a little longer, we waited this long for MCAT scores, interview invites, letters of acceptance, etc. a few more months is nothing now. Good luck to all of you! As far as I'm concerned, anyone who is interested in Loyola will be a good doctor no matter where they go. Loyola doesn't attract people who are going into medicine for any other reasons than the best.

 

[NapeSpikes]

hey nape,
yeah, never got into rush - but got into those other three, go figure...

WTF?! Well, congrats on those three anyhow.

If you're instate, I'd have to go with UIC, NW if you're thinking about academic medicine, and Loyola otherwise. 👍

 

[USArmyDoc]

Anymore more calls?

 

[flippa7]

Anymore more calls?

I got one this morning...I was in the "re-review" pile so it looks like they are working their way through that list, good luck!

 

[gdbaby]

I got one this morning...I was in the "re-review" pile so it looks like they are working their way through that list, good luck!

Yeah Flippaaaaaaa!

 

[shaholin]

I got one this morning...I was in the "re-review" pile so it looks like they are working their way through that list, good luck!

hey did you send a letter of interest or an update letter .. im also in the re-review pile ...

thanks

 

[jrae]

I got one this morning...I was in the "re-review" pile so it looks like they are working their way through that list, good luck!

Congrats Flippa7...and good luck! However my normally good willed nature is starting to become streaked with jealousy...... Loyola please call me soon!!!

 

[USArmyDoc]

Congrats Flippa7...and good luck! However my normally good willed nature is starting to become streaked with jealousy...... Loyola please call me soon!!!

Agreed

 

[Little Rascal]

I got one this morning...I was in the "re-review" pile so it looks like they are working their way through that list, good luck!

not to be too neurotic, but do they call about a week before your interview is scheduled? thanks and congratulations on the interview!

don't worry everyone, i'm predicting we'll be receiving our calls within the next few weeks... 🙂

 

[jrae]

don't worry everyone, i'm predicting we'll be receiving our calls within the next few weeks... 🙂

I hope so!! I'm starting to get nervous.

 

[flippa7]

I hope so!! I'm starting to get nervous.

I'm totally with you guys on how frustrating this all is. To answer your questions: I got the call today for a January 27th interview and I did not send any update letter or letter of interest. I think they really do interview through April so there is still lots of time!

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

the committee is having another pow-wow on 1/23, so by the time you guys have your interviews i should have heard a decision 😱

i am picking up my letter as i do not want to wait for the postal service to lose it! (i still have not received the interview package rosemary sent out on 1/9 and i live 15 miles from the school 😡 )

WISHING ALL OF US TONS 'O LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[hpm4]

Does anyone know if Loyola is interviewing only for the waitlist now or is there still hope to get accepted off a Jan 24th interview???

Hope everyone who is waiting hears about their interviews soon!!!

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

Does anyone know if Loyola is interviewing only for the waitlist now or is there still hope to get accepted off a Jan 24th interview???

Hope everyone who is waiting hears about their interviews soon!!!

i was told there are still direct acceptances being made at this time and that if you do end up waitlisted not to worry! something like 33% of their class comes from the waitlist. my M1 friend there was pulled off the waitlist and an alum that i know was also pulled from the waitlist so i believe that!

 

[hpm4]

i was told there are still direct acceptances being made at this time and that if you do end up waitlisted not to worry! something like 33% of their class comes from the waitlist. my M1 friend there was pulled off the waitlist and an alum that i know was also pulled from the waitlist so i believe that!

Thanks so much! That's great news!! Good luck on the 23rd!!!

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

😱 Only 4 more days 😱

😍 😍 😍 Love me back, Loyola, PLEASE! 😍 😍 😍

 

[ND2005]

And it's Thursday...

The weekly decision: to call or not to call

It seems like Loyola is pretty good about contacting you when they've actually made a decision, so it seems like the phone call is just setting me up for more angst. And yet I still really want to call...

 

[gdbaby]

Well, I called. My application, which was once categorized as "under review between now and February" has been recategorized to "under further review between now and March." Bye, bye Loyola. I know I wasn't the best Catholic as a kid at St. Mary's of Buffalo Grove and now I am a Unitarian which probably really pisses you off, but geeze. March? So what I am hearing from you is that you will be looking at everyone's application before mine to see if there is any way someone else might come in my place. Well, forget it. I have other Jesuits who would love to have me at their school and I will now keep my focus there. No one today wants to REALLY know my "Thoughts on Loyola Stritch."

I'll be better tomorrow. I am going to go running now.

 

[ND2005]

I called too. Just couldn't resist. No new news. But no bad news, so at least that's something.

I'm sending them a letter of interest next week...we'll see if that helps...

 

[NapeSpikes]

Has anyone ever called and heard good news?? I'm not going to call if they're just going to tell me the same old-same old.

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

No one today wants to REALLY know my "Thoughts on Loyola Stritch."QUOTE]


🙁 🙁 🙁 I am very sad right (I am at work, so I can't cry and shout expletives outwardly like I would like to)! I want you to get an interview there REALLY BAD!!! Seriously!

I am still keeping my fingers crossed and I refuse to give up hope!

 

[DrKitty]

I called Loyola today and was told that my application is "going under review". What?????????? My secondary and LORs were submitted before my deadline of Oct. 31st. I am not on hold and only now going under review? It's been almost 3 months!

 

[gdbaby]

No one today wants to REALLY know my "Thoughts on Loyola Stritch."QUOTE]


🙁 🙁 🙁 I am very sad right (I am at work, so I can't cry and shout expletives outwardly like I would like to)! I want you to get an interview there REALLY BAD!!! Seriously!

I am still keeping my fingers crossed and I refuse to give up hope!

Fend for yourself Timmy...don't waste your hope on me, you have to use it for your own acceptance...I am a gone-er...I think I am seeing a light...Oh, it's soooo cold...I will only weigh you down if you try to save me...I think I see the faces of hundreds of other rejected applicants...wait for me, I'm coming...I'm at peace now.

 

[Little Rascal]

Fend for yourself Timmy...don't waste your hope on me, you have to use it for your own acceptance...I am a gone-er...I think I am seeing a light...Oh, it's soooo cold...I will only weigh you down if you try to save me...I think I see the faces of hundreds of other rejected applicants...wait for me, I'm coming...I'm at peace now.

I'll take Timmy's hope...I'm desperate, no interviews....yet (I hope).

 

[ChaChaDocta]

Sometimes I think I'd be better off if I just forgot about everything and stopped staring at my mailbox... Loyola, Rush, Creighton... I just want to KNOW!!! Waiting to hear after these lovely committees meet...

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

The 23rd has arrived! I am excited, but also nervous.

 

[USArmyDoc]

Good luck....I am still waiting for an interview. Although people who are hoping for a Loyola interview shouldn't fret yet, they interview all the way into April and the last person on here scheduled his/her interview for January 27. Therefore, there is plenty of time left!

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

just wondering....the Loyola letter....fat or thin envelope?

 

[owenmichael]

just wondering....the Loyola letter....fat or thin envelope?

its not fat, but I would assume the acceptance is a littel thicker beecause it has two extra pages that you sign and send back.

Rejection/acceptance look the same from the outside

 

[ND2005]

Good luck....I am still waiting for an interview. Although people who are hoping for a Loyola interview shouldn't fret yet, they interview all the way into April and the last person on here scheduled his/her interview for January 27. Therefore, there is plenty of time left!

This is the one thing I'm trying to hold out hope for...it seems like Loyola doesn't book ahead for interviews, so they still have a lot of slots to give out.

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

They said they used Monday to meet and Tuesday to prepare the letters.

yup! that seems to be the way they do it. committee meeting today...letters prepared tomorrow....sent out on wednesday!

 

[gdbaby]

yup! that seems to be the way they do it. committee meeting today...letters prepared tomorrow....sent out on wednesday!

I have this strange feeling that this will be the longest three days that you've experienced in quite a while.

 

[USArmyDoc]

For those still waiting, myself included, I think there are plenty of interview spots still open. Remember, they are now working their way through the "re-review pile." That makes me beleive they are done with their first review of all applicants and will be inviting the applicants in the re-review pile for interviews. If my theory is correct, their re-review pile is not a definite rejection as we can see via Timmy and the other posters.

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

i know it won't make you breathe a whole lot easier, but it IS still just the middle of the interview season for loyola. we only interview 1-3 people/day (5 days/week) so they don't get thru people super fast. i interviewed in january and was accepted straight to the accepted pool (no waitlist).

what time in january? and did you get a phone call from your interviewer like some people did letting you know you got in? i am so freaking right now - as you know i interviewed 1/13 and the committee is meeting today!

i worked last night and i do not think there is any way i could possibly sleep today!

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

I have this strange feeling that this will be the longest three days that you've experienced in quite a while.

Oh my goodness, you could not be more correct about that one! I am chewing off what is left of my fingers....my hair is now too short to pull out. AAAAHHHHH!!!! I now know EXACTLY how Flop felt! I just hope I end up with his results!

 

[gdbaby]

Oh my goodness, you could not be more correct about that one! I am chewing off what is left of my fingers....my hair is now too short to pull out. AAAAHHHHH!!!! I now know EXACTLY how Flop felt! I just hope I end up with his results!

WHEN you get in this week, send me a Stritch t-shirt.

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

WHEN you get in this week, send me a Stritch t-shirt.

that's right! i will bring it out to you when i visit my bro-in-law and nephew out in CO before school starts, as you will still be residing in CO because they are going to interview you, you are gonna rock their socks and they are going to BEG YOU TO GO THERE!!!!! 😀

heart beating erratically thinking about adcom discussions....having multiform PVCs.....going to kitchen to take some K+/Mg++!

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

For those of you who have interviewed/been accepted/are current Loyola students....what is up with that yellow paper you have to fill out on interview day? Did that freak any of you out? What do you think about what you said? My interview day was so busy that I barely had time to really focus on that and now it is scaring me!

 

[IDforMe]

What did they ask about???
Since my interview is on Thursday! Eek!

 

[ExtraAverage]

What did they ask about???
Since my interview is on Thursday! Eek!

I don't remember what the color of the paper was but I do know I was freaked out by a sheet asking if you had utilized any "commercial prep" for the MCAT (e.g. kaplan, princeton review) Why they want to know this pre-decision is beyond me. The only thing I could think of at the time was that they would factor something like this into a decision. In hindsight though, I was probably just suffering from some interview day jitters as I was accepted despite divulging my use of Kaplan test prep books.

Good luck on Thursday IDforme. Remember to bring your AMCAS as there are some other questions (perhaps on the yellow sheet) regarding your activities and your core classes that you will need it for.

 

[IDforMe]

Thanks for the heads-up ExtraAverage. I will definitely bring my AMCAS. I really hope they don't look poorly upon taking a prep course. It is encouraging that you were honest about how you prepared and still were accepted, though.

 

[USArmyDoc]

Thanks for the heads-up ExtraAverage. I will definitely bring my AMCAS. I really hope they don't look poorly upon taking a prep course. It is encouraging that you were honest about how you prepared and still were accepted, though.

I would venture to say that the majority of applicants take a prep course.

 

[brats800]

what time in january? and did you get a phone call from your interviewer like some people did letting you know you got in? i am so freaking right now - as you know i interviewed 1/13 and the committee is meeting today!

i worked last night and i do not think there is any way i could possibly sleep today!

i interviewed early january (like the first week probably)...as i said, i received an acceptance (no waitlist). i actually don't remember how i heard i was in...i think i got a call, but again, that week or so of waiting took both forever and went by in a blur. i'd think the 13th isn't too late. we see a couple people on tours/interviews each day. everyone looks so nervous. i'm sure i looked that way last year, but its just funny how once you are in you just aren't worried anymore. 😉 also, yes, i remember vaguely wondering what was up with the form we had to fill out. i'd guess its more for research so the school knows what everyone has done in the past, etc....rather than affecting your acceptance. once you interview here, they think you are good enough to be here. its an interview to see if they like you, not if you are smart enough. the question is if you'll fit in here. good luck. don't stress too much. 🙂 hopefully we'll see you all next year. pm me if you have any questions. sorry, i can't pull strings =P

 

[ambulancedriver]

A question for the current students:

do you think it is possible to commute to loyola if the drive will be 50 min. to an hour? if yes, how about during the clinical years?

also, what are some of the activities you enjoyed most during orientation? I'd like to get an idea of what to look forward to. thanks!

 

[Flopotomist]

Good Luck to all you guys being considered at the meeting today!!

 

[USArmyDoc]

 

[brats800]

A question for the current students:

do you think it is possible to commute to loyola if the drive will be 50 min. to an hour? if yes, how about during the clinical years?

also, what are some of the activities you enjoyed most during orientation? I'd like to get an idea of what to look forward to. thanks!

is it possible to commute 50 mins each way? yes. would i do it? no. i'd rather live 5 minutes from school and drive the 1/2 hour to chicago whenever i want to go downtown. with that said, i know that that is my opinion. there ARE a number of people in our class who live downtown. it can be done.

fun orientation activities....well its just a great opportunity to get to know your classmates and the 2nd years. those 2nd years who are back don't have anything to do that week but hang out with you (more or less). my favorite things to do were: 1) hitting the beach down in chicago and playing volleyball and 2) going bowling. the parties and baseball games and whatever are fun too. it really was just a pretty fun week. 🙂 look forward to it.