University of Illinois at Chicago

[PlayaHata]

Has anyone heard anything lately from UIC.. I have friends that interviewed in early January and have not heard anything yet. WHat's the deal? Is the class full? Is anyone still getting interview invites? Thanks!

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[Cure Finder]

I heard from someone in admissions that they will finish interviewing the final applicants by the end of this week.

 

[driven]

If your friend is from IL, then that school is good. If your friend has no other acceptances, then that school is great. But otherwise, let your friend know about cockroaches, rats, stinky bathrooms, unprofessional staff, delayed processing for "everything", profs/docs who speak very little english, some wear the same clothes for the entire week (1 broke the record by wearing the same outfit, pants and shirt, not sure about the underwear though for 2 wks straight!!!! - no exagerration), dodge bullets between the school and the hospital, maybe even your way home, and then there is literally 1 apt complex around that charges $1500 for 1 bedroom - no carpetting, no air conditioning, its just a project building bought out by some money hungry smart man, who knows he can get away with charging insane rent to desperate and poor med students and residents.

Sorry, didn't mean to offend anyone.. just an FYI.. if you want to know more, I have tons more...

 

[Epi]

sure, i would like to know more

did you have first hand experience with everything that you said?

 

[shorrin]

nice, driven.

but don't forget that there are 3 other campuses to attend than chicago. And if you know where to live (ie. lincoln park) and don't mind a 15 min CTA ride to campus then it's great.

about the profs though, I don't know, but their personal habits, but I figure that it's none of my biz.

Please share any other thoughts you have though. I'd like to be well-prepared.

 

[driven]

Well where should I start. The hospital building was recently built, but the people in there are ancient. The other buildings are really old and poorly maintained (asbestos screaming all over). A lot of foreign doctors who could care less about ethics and values, as long as there is $ attached. You will learn that very fast. You can smell the damp wet smell all the time, spring or winter. Roofs are constantly leaking. We even had a flood in a doc's office where all his patient records were ruined. Then they decided to get computerized (but half these people have never used email). So they ALL complained about computerized patient recording. They are in major debt, and could care less about med students because we don't bring in revenue. The dept heads dont' give 2 cents about u, most profs don't even show up to our graduation - talk about being supportive.

The patient population is 99% minorities, some barely speak English. Let me just say you will NOT have fun during your Ob/Gyn rotations - lets keep it at that. But a lot of sterility issues. There is minimal in the facility, sometimes you will feel like you are in a glass hospital in the middle of a poor village in Africa. The neighborhood is very deprived. Projects are across the street. Lots of violence, and gang related incidents. You have an awesome view of the Chicago skyline from the hospital which is the highlight and thus their logo <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> There is a tall apt building at the corner of Ashland, and the rent is really high. Lincoln park is nice, but as a med student, I'm not sure if you can afford it. Most yuppy corporate kids are out there... For housing, talk to the housing office on campus and they'll help. Also, there are some local real estate agents and I heard they do a decent job the minute they hear "doctor!!"

There are 3 other campuses, but you are primarily in the main campus. You are introduced to the other 2 during your rotations.. thats it. The Med Admissions office has pipes and un-finished roofing!! That says a lot right there. They have many classes in "mini dept libraries" because they are short of space. I can't tell you the last time they had new carpet.

But really, go take a tour and judge for yourself. Ask a lot of questions. Check out the food, but make sure you check the food for anything black <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> If you feel this is the place for you, then your're all set to go.

 

[SoCalM0]

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I interviewed on April 12 and just got accepted at UIC. Now I have to decide on the campus to attend. Since I Chicago is probably full by now, I will most likely go to Urbana. However, I was wondering if anyone knew which campus, Rockford or Peoria is better?

 

[agent]

wow i live in the chicago suburbs and i was seriously considering UIC..

but that testimonial which is believable was terrifying.