Hey guys,
First off, let me start by telling everyone that I wish you the best of luck in these next few weeks...last year I was in your shoes and I know exactly how you feel.
Ok, so now Im gonna throw in my 2 cents. I am an Iliinois state resident, and interviewed at UIC last year. First off, let me tell you that the school could not be anymore disorganized if they tried. I had interviewed at 4 schools, and been accepted to them before I even recieved a phone call from UIC...they just kept telling me the exact same thing you are all hearing.
"Dont worry...no one has interviewed and were just getting started!" Thats the first bad call guys. Many of the students in our group actually informed Ann when she met with us that we had already had to put down a deposit somewhere to secure our spots since the DEC 1st deposite has to be in by the 15th.
Then, most schools really try to impress you and get you pumped for their school prior to the interview, whether they send you a packet of information, whatever it may be. UIC did as much as calling me at home and telling me, "We really like what we see, can you interview next week?"
Very professional...bad sign number 2.
On a positive note, let me tell you that Ann is awesome. She is completely accomodating and could not be a nicer lady. Unfortunately, after touring the school, UIC left an even worse taste in my mouth...the facilities are average at best, and the school is far far behind any other school in terms of technology. When I asked what they forsee in their future in terms of technology, they professor touring us told me "Nothing, the funding is not there." And i guess according to what I have heard, the governor is making even more cuts. Bad sign number 3.
Ok, Im sorry guys, but as an in-state resident, I felt it was my responsibility to let you guys know about all of this. If the school was somewhat reputable, I would have been more than happy attending UIC, trust me, I would have been much better off when I got out (instead I think I will be paying off loans for the next 30 years.) I hope they have gotten their act together and all of you have great experiences.
I am not sure what you may or may not have heard about the virutal reality programs, but they are worth every penny you will pay for the tuition at those universities. I'll even go as far as telling you that my entire freshman class absolutely hated doing them, because they are so precise and impressive that our class often had a really though time in terms of passing some of the projects. Regardless, I think should you put anyone in our class up against other dental students in the country, I feel like in one semester, we have all developed unbelieveable hand skills.
Lastly, Im gonna leave you again by telling you good luck...I just finished my first semester, and I look back now and honestly have no idea how we did it. It is rough guys, but it is worth every bit of time and energy you put into it. You are going into the best profession out there right now and it is going to pay off ten fold.
Good luck to all of you guys...feel free to write me if you have any further questions.