I interviewed on Friday. Even though UIC is well known, I was very unimpressed with the interview process. I felt like a number. They seemed to only care if they thought I would fit at UIC, not about if I thought I would fit there.
A major factor in my decision is their method of instruction. A P1 explained that you don't have 1 professor for each class. Different profs teach you each couple of days in their area of expertise. Although this may sound good on the surface, I cant imagine never getting to know my professors. What I love about my current institution is that the professors doors are always open and most love to talk to you about your career goals and help you to achieve them. At UIC it seems that they are seeking students to help them with UIC goals, not to help the students with their own. If I am going to put myself $150,000 in debt, I not only want a good education and strong institution, but I also want great experiences along the way. I dont want to be a number.
If they cared about attracting me to UIC, at least the associate Dean should have addressed the applicants in a formal manner and explained the program and answered our questions. Rushing me from the writing sample, to my interview, and then giving me a tour of the hallways isnt very impressive. Besides the great reputation of UIC and its location in the medical district, was there anything that impressed you?