Univ. of IL at Chicago or Rush Univ?

[md_2005]

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I'm trying to decide on which med school to attend next year--UIC vs. Rush. Is one school "better" than the other? I guess I'm talking about prestige and also any school factors that would contribute to the quality of education one would receive. I'd appreciate your advice and opinions.
Thanks.

 

[gower]

You are not that far from Chicago. I suggest you revisit both schools and do what I believe should have been done at the time you were there for the interview: speak with medical students and pick their brains about how they feel about the quality of the education, problems that may exist, morale, living arrangements, real costs beyond tuition, any other concern (other than "prestige" which is really a minor factor. UI is going to be less expensive than Rush which is private. How much debt do you already have from your undergrad ecucation and how much more are you willing or able to take on? If you are a happy camper at your medical school you are likely to perform at a higher level and achieve more than if you are unhappy but have "prestige."
It is well worth a return visit to speak with students, with whom you will share perceptions, than with faculty, who almost always see things from a very different perspective.

 

[boopie]

I'm at U of I, if you are accepted already wait until you get your site selection. Location, location, location. Do you really want to go to Rockford?

Second, U of I - Chicago has notetaking service but Urbana doesn't, does Rush? U of I is Pass/Fail Thank God! Medical school is brutal you don't want a grading system!!! Does Rush grade ABC?

Wait til you get your fin aid package, you don't want to be in massive debt, the less the better. U of I has prestigous med scholars program in Urbana MD/PH.d . 7 of my classmates are completing law school at the same time. I'm considering it myself. 2 extra years. an MBA is just 1 more year. As a doc, these lil extra degrees will distinguish you from your colleagues much more than Rush ever will. The ONLY time prestige matters is if your deep into research, do you plan to do academic medicine than be concerned with prestige. And if you were really into prestige than the top 25, Yale and Johns Hopkins etc should have been knocking down your door. If not, forget prestige, its insignificant and shallow. NO patient will ask you where you went. Or what you got in Medical Genetics. THEY don't care.

 

[Lt. Ub]

Rockford is my hometown - I resent your comment.

I was actually plagued with the same decision between Rush and U of I (2 years ago) - I ended up choosing Rush. It was difficult for me as well, but I ended up going on my gut feelings. Illinois students just didn't seem as happy or fulfilled. Luckily I received another acceptance and ended up there. Just though I'd give you my feelings...

Lt.

[This message has been edited by Lt. Ub (edited 12-10-2000).]