UIUC vs Loyola Chicago for pre med

[Yadster101]

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So which school is better and which one would give me a better overall chance of getting into med school.

By the way, I got into both school, bio for Loyola and undecided for UIUC (i applied undecided cuz im still really not sure between bio and chem).

 

[schrizto]

UIUC for sure. You're probably an IL resident so UIUC is cheaper while Loyala Chicago is private and would be more expensive. Plus, there isn't even a conflict of perceived prestige here-- Loyala Chicago's reputation isn't far better than UIUC. Go UIUC.

 

[nzo]

I would choose where you think you can succeed. Granted I was offered a full ride to Loyola hence my #1 pick, it really depends on your own perspective on where you think you can succeed. Being in the city is great for numerous reasons such as being able to getting research, jobs, and volunteer opportunities less available to you in an a rural environment. Furthermore, reputation is subjective. UIUC is definitely a great school for IL residents for tuition and for the massive amounts of alums representing the school in our state. Nevertheless, I personally would have failed at UIUC knowing how influencing peers can be to go to drink/fratparty everday of the week. In the end its what you make of your college experience and your dedication to get into medical school.

 

[Yadster101]

Yea well I dont think there would be a huge price difference because I wouldnt dorm at Loyola and they are giving me $10k a year. Also about the parting/drinking thing, Im sure its a big thing at UIUC and eventhough I like to go out Im not sure i would want to be apart of that scene at UIUC but on the other hand if i went to LUC wouldnt I just be bored because the students probably just go home after classes for the most part and dont do much on the weekend right?

 

[nzo]

Social network is huge in Chicago because people can go and meet people at Northwestern, UIC, Depaul, Etc.. so no I would not say it is "boring" but rather different. Most people dorm or live somewhere on campus or within the vicinity (along with most of your professors). Granted you will have no huge frat/sorority parties like down in Champagne, but there are tons of bars/clubs/lounges just in Chicago alone (which you can get to easily via train or bus) as well as all the cultural diversity and museums that the city brings. On the other hand, both my brothers attended UIUC and they had great times down in Champagne. If I were you, I would go on a campus tour and ask the students what they truly feel about each school and their pros/cons then come to a conclusion.

 

[Yadster101]

Thanks for the info nzo. Also i was wondering about the extra curriculars at the two schools and since UIUC has more clubs (meaning i would also join more clubs at UIUC) would that affect me getting into graduate school since they look for extra currics? By the way im going to try to join clubs at Loyola if i decide to go there but they just dont have as many so Im not sure if I would join anything there.

 

[gymhaze58]

Social network is huge in Chicago because people can go and meet people at Northwestern, UIC, Depaul, Etc.. so no I would not say it is "boring" but rather different. Most people dorm or live somewhere on campus or within the vicinity (along with most of your professors). Granted you will have no huge frat/sorority parties like down in Champagne, but there are tons of bars/clubs/lounges just in Chicago alone (which you can get to easily via train or bus) as well as all the cultural diversity and museums that the city brings. On the other hand, both my brothers attended UIUC and they had great times down in Champagne. If I were you, I would go on a campus tour and ask the students what they truly feel about each school and their pros/cons then come to a conclusion.

i agree with nzo... im a freshman bio major going premed at loyola and it is definitely "different" but not at all boring. The city schools are not at all party schools but me and my friends still have fun. I too think i wud be more distracted at u of i due to all the parties/drinking scene etc. You can definitely still do well there if u do the work; My high school anatomy teacher did his undergrad at u of i and he now lectures biochem at northwestern. I visit u of i every other month to see my friends so i kind of use it as my vacation spot from loyola, its only 2 hours away. Really, it all comes down to what your looking for. Im not sure what clubs your looking for, but Loyola has a number of medical-based clubs including American Red Cross, AMSA, AED, Unite for Sight, and GlobeMed. Im sure U of I has a ton more though. Either way it all comes down to the work you put in, where you do the work doesnt factor in too much