UIC vs Wisc-Madison?

[myska]

Should I go to UIC or Wisconsin-Madison for pharmacy school? The things is, they each cost about the same amount. Though tuition in Madison in $4k more, living in Chicago will pretty much close that gap. So money won't make a difference. They both share the same ranking number, and have been around for about the same amount of time.

Wisconsin-Madison:
Pro
- Safer area
- New building
- In all honesty, kind of my dream school (and they only take 15 out of state applicants so it's kind of a big deal to even have this choice)
Con
- 300 miles away
- I won't know anyone

UIC
Pro
- Close to friends and family
- I will know ~15 people there between the pharmacy and med school
- I'll probably room with a friend of mine
- I'll have rotation sites guaranteed in Illinois (I live in IL)
- More competitive (9.4 applicants per seat)
Con
- (technically, I haven't gotten in yet, but I feel like my chances are pretty good)
- I am TERRIFIED of the campus/Medical District.
- Illinois is bankrupt

I'm looking to go into clinical pharmacy, and want to be competitive for residency programs. Where will I get a better education? Which school has a better reputation? Is Chicago as scary as I think it is (and where would I live?)? I've spent the last month going over all this in my head and I can't decide- so I'm posting this here.

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[PA Reqired]

UIC would have been my top choice if I could have applied there (there were several reasons why I could not apply there).

I have yet to meet or work with anyone from UIC that has disappointed me. Two of the pharmacists I work with graduated from there and they are two of the most knowledgeable pharmacists.

Madison is a good school, and I shouldn't be knocking my home state, but I would go to UIC over Madison any day. The sheer clinical opportunities alone in Chicago vs. Madison is enough for me.

 

[HSbF6]

I agree with PA Req... I would definitely go to UIC no doubt

 

[Karmapharmer]

Overall UIC sounds like a good choice for you. I won't be worried about that general area - I used to live about a mile north of there. It's mostly hype. I lived alone, used the el at all hours, etc. Some more seasoned students can give you some general precautions and you'll be fine.

 

[luv2jump]

I'm in the same boat as you right now, choosing between Madison and UIC. While Madison is AWESOME, and the campus is obviously a bit nicer, I'm personally leaning towards UIC. I agree with karma regarding the area...most of my friends live down by UIC and have no problems whatsoever. It's more just talk, and the area has really shaped up in the last years; it's not nearly what it used to be. Granted, rent is a bit expensive....
Personally, going to UIC I have the same pros, with friends and family as well as knowing people, whereas with Madison I wouldn't know anyone. For me, being able to have that support network that close and to be able to go home for the weekend is HUGE. You don't know how intense the program will be for you or how you handle it, so at least for me, that's a huge plus to be able to get away for a little. (I currently go to school in Arizona, so I don't have that option...I'm stuck by campus and have nowhere else to go.)
I hope you make a good decision, but just know I'm in the same exact position! You'll make the decision that's right for you, I'm sure.

 

[genesis09]

The area directly surrounding UIC is a fairly safe area for the city. I never felt threatened in the 6 years I was there. The key is to not go west of Western. The between campus area is perfectly fine. UIC's crime statistics area exactly better than UIUC's statistics. UIC COP offers maybe 5-10 unique OOS rotation spots a year, and most of those are in NW Indiana.

 

[Monalyce]

UIC's crime statistics area exactly better than UIUC's statistics.

I think that is UIC's favorite thing to say It is true, though.

Go with your gut! I think it comes down to environment a bit: would you prefer A) the city or B) a college town?

 

[myska]

Thank you all for your input! It's hard when you need to make a decision between your favorite, and what is best for you. 🙂

 

[madsupport]

I'm the only one rootin' for Madison, but I think that it's a phenomenal program that really shines the spotlight on patient care and its quality. I'm in love with the campus and its values. Although UW Madison is a bit farther away, it's a wonderful place to live. Madison is amazing and the perfect mix between the city and college life.
The hospital is undeniable one of the best around. Their patient care is of the utmost quality and approached with great concern. I can only hope to get accepted, and it would be an honor to receive my education from them.

 

[Fishgirl]

I am in the same boat now.... What was your final decision? I am really stress out now🙁. Hope you can see this message.

Should I go to UIC or Wisconsin-Madison for pharmacy school? The things is, they each cost about the same amount. Though tuition in Madison in $4k more, living in Chicago will pretty much close that gap. So money won't make a difference. They both share the same ranking number, and have been around for about the same amount of time.

Wisconsin-Madison:
Pro
- Safer area
- New building
- In all honesty, kind of my dream school (and they only take 15 out of state applicants so it's kind of a big deal to even have this choice)
Con
- 300 miles away
- I won't know anyone

UIC
Pro
- Close to friends and family
- I will know ~15 people there between the pharmacy and med school
- I'll probably room with a friend of mine
- I'll have rotation sites guaranteed in Illinois (I live in IL)
- More competitive (9.4 applicants per seat)
Con
- (technically, I haven't gotten in yet, but I feel like my chances are pretty good)
- I am TERRIFIED of the campus/Medical District.
- Illinois is bankrupt

I'm looking to go into clinical pharmacy, and want to be competitive for residency programs. Where will I get a better education? Which school has a better reputation? Is Chicago as scary as I think it is (and where would I live?)? I've spent the last month going over all this in my head and I can't decide- so I'm posting this here.