The tour was bad. It lasted literally about 10 minutes, maybe 15. We saw two lecture halls that are next to each other (and they are old but I don't care much about that honestly, just like you said), a "student lobby" (which we did not even go in, just peeked at it from the outside -it looks extremely small and cramped, could probably fit around 20 students comfortably), the computer lab (which is 30 computers or so) and the compounding lab (which is nice but no electronic scales). That was it. We didn't even walk around the building properly, I wish they had at least done that.
I am just sad that I traveled all the way from Texas just for that. The weather was not cold at all and all they did was point us where the library is. They also told us that the medical and nursing schools are "in the campus somewhere".
Can any current students give inputs about the school? ie quality of instruction, competitive nature of the students, campus life etc...
Note that guys, Interviews will occur during school year and there are students in library studying... I understand that you guys have traveled far for the interview and tour, they might have avoided the library because they might not want to bother those who are studying.
There are two different campuses
Rockford and Chicago.
1. Quality of instruction are really same.
For Chicago
-Most faculty that gives lecture will be giving their lecture from Chicago. However, you will be sitting in a lecture room with 160 people which means that the room is sometimes Extremely hot. Also with 160 people, some students don't even bother to show up for class and etc... Also, there are people in chicago classes that talk during the instruction.
For Rockford
-Unfortunately you will be receiving lectures through the live feed, but you do get to ask question, and instructors are extremely friendly and understanding about this. Luckily you will be in the be much nicer room and comfortable rooms. *unlike chicago there will be no talking*
*Instructors will be visiting often, but honestly, there aren't much difference...
However, it really depends on your preference.
Competitive Nature.
Chicago campus has 160 students of your fellow students... This brings up many issues, and beginning to see a formation of clicks... Also you will be mainly doing stuff together with friends you will be forming. Clubs will play a big role also in obtaining notes. You probably will not know everyone by the end of the year.
Rockford only has around 40-50 students which means you will be really close with your classmates. You will be doing more stuff as a class like "class outing to a bar, or parks or hockey games. There are some competitive, but it isnt as bad as chicago. P2 will share their notes with P1 and P1 wills share their notes with each other so that no one gets left behind. You will not see this in Chicago Campus.
Campus Life
Chicago
Honestly, There are more parties, but mainly from the group of friends you will make and clubs/frats you join. (Its the city, you will have alot of parties than Rockford which is really small town...)
Rockford: Mainly the life is really basically hanging out with your classes, etc..
I've answered to my best capability atm..
I can answer more about like
Research, Employment, clubes etc if you want! Let me know.