Which state would you choose: Illinois or Texas?

[GoJoeyMojo]

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I'll be attending a two year post-bacc starting this summer. I am currently a resident of Colorado. I have the option of establishing permanent residency in either Colorado, Illinois or Texas before applying to medical school. My question:Where would you prefer to be a resident during the application process? Which state has the most slots for in-state students? I think it'll be smartest for me to leave Colorado and choose between Texas and Illinois, considering the number of state schools they each have. Any advice helps.

 

[star22]

I'll be attending a two year post-bacc starting this summer. I am currently a resident of Colorado. I have the option of establishing permanent residency in either Colorado, Illinois or Texas before applying to medical school. My question:Where would you prefer to be a resident during the application process? Which state has the most slots for in-state students? I think it'll be smartest for me to leave Colorado and choose between Texas and Illinois, considering the number of state schools they each have. Any advice helps.

Texas has a lot of large public schools and the schools are required to take 90% TX residents. There are more applicants in TX, but I am sure the number of slots per applicant is better than IL or CO. Illinois has a lot of schools but most are private. You might also consider Florida. They have a couple of new schools that will be opening about when are applying (in addition to the public schools they already have).

 

[Flopotomist]

If you can stand living there - it seems like Texas has a better ratio of slots to applicants, but I would get an MSAR to check this.

 

[GoJoeyMojo]

I can put up with Texas. I hadn't thought to check the MSAR for stats on the number of in-state slots vs. number of in-state applicants; I'll definitely do that.

 

[slickb12]

I can put up with Texas-I spent about half of my childhood in Austin. However Austin is a little different than the rest of TX. I hadn't thought to check the MSAR for stats on the number of in-state slots vs. number of in-state applicants; I'll definitely do that.

texas kicks ass. 7 allo schools, 2 in the top 20 and 4 in the top 60, 90% (except baylor) goes to residents...

and texas, just in general, is incredible.

 

[riceman04]

I'll be attending a two year post-bacc starting this summer. I am currently a resident of Colorado. I have the option of establishing permanent residency in either Colorado, Illinois or Texas before applying to medical school. My question:Where would you prefer to be a resident during the application process? Which state has the most slots for in-state students? I think it'll be smartest for me to leave Colorado and choose between Texas and Illinois, considering the number of state schools they each have. Any advice helps.

Texas by far!!!

 

[jbrice1639]

i'm not necessarily making an argument for illinois over texas, but i will say illinois treated me pretty well as an applicant...so depending on where you really want to end up, you may want to base your decision more on where you'll be happiest/which schools you're most interested in.

 

[riceman04]

texas kicks ass. 7 allo schools, 2 in the top 20 and 4 in the top 60, 90% (except baylor) goes to residents...

and texas, just in general, is incredible.

ok so I was in agreeance with you until you said texas in general is incredible...damn you would be a good politician!!!!

Texas is a big piece of mainly flat, barren land, with little cities splotched in one place or another.

texas is not a state...or at least dont say that to tex residents. To them, it is a country!!!

"The stars at night are big and bright clap clap clap clap deep in the heart of Texas..."

That is only state I know of where people are required to take their home state history to graduate...how odd!!!

 

[tiredmom]

Texas tuition is also pretty cheap in comparison I think... my tuition is around $12,000 per year. So totally maxing my loans will get me about $100K in debt. Plus there's no state income tax in TX - not sure about the others, so unless you buy a house, you're not paying much in taxes either.

 

[sanford_w/o_son]

in terms of cost, illinois only has two state schools (really, 1 if you're in northeast illinois), but it accepts 250 people and is in chicago. still, the sucker's tuition is almost 25 k now! i believe texas state schools are cheaper and the cost of living is lower. if where you live isn't important, then the cheapest school will be in texas.

denver is not cheap either, but isn't the state school there really well-regarded? i'm pretty sure it has a great em program, at least. see what the acceptance rates are like before you leave. unless you're into big cities or warm climates, i wouldn't leave colorado if i thought i had a decent chance of getting into their state school.

 

[potato51]

Texas. The schools are terrific, lower cost, great chance to 'match' into a TMDSAS school if you are merely decent enough, especially since state funding is increasing to up the number of seats per school.

 

[femily]

i hate texas. i hate driving through it, visiting it, everything. it just doesn't do it for me.

 

[BaylorGuy]

Texas...good schools, cheap tuition, good acceptance rates and match lists

Cons...it's Texas, hot weather, mosquitos, lots of flat land that requires lots of driving.

 

[AggieJohn]

If you're applying for '07 admission, then Illinois.

Otherwise, Texas 🙂

 

[u_r_my_serenity]

You will have more fun in Texas, but both states have excellent schools.

 

[OSUdoc08]

I'll be attending a two year post-bacc starting this summer. I am currently a resident of Colorado. I have the option of establishing permanent residency in either Colorado, Illinois or Texas before applying to medical school. My question:Where would you prefer to be a resident during the application process? Which state has the most slots for in-state students? I think it'll be smartest for me to leave Colorado and choose between Texas and Illinois, considering the number of state schools they each have. Any advice helps.

1. Texas has 8 medical schools. None of the medical schools cost more than $8,000 a year for tuition. The case should be closed right here. The other states don't compare.

2. Texas has the largest medical center in the nation (Texas Medical Center,) which has 2 medical schools.

3. You won't freeze your behind off, and we have a beach.

 

[OSUdoc08]

i hate texas. i hate driving through it, visiting it, everything. it just doesn't do it for me.

What's to hate about Dallas, Austin, or San Antonio?

All fun towns!

 

[sanford_w/o_son]

You will have more fun in Texas,

yes, maybe if you put together the entire cultural amenities of the state of texas, there will be more to do in texas than in chicago. actually, maybe not. anyway, we're comparing med school locations here, and in terms of city life i think no city in texas except austin is worth even thinking about over chicago. austin doesn't have a med school. personally, i think it's hard to justify paying twice the tuition to live in a better city, and so i think texas wins of the two.

 

[OSUdoc08]

yes, maybe if you put together the entire cultural amenities of the state of texas, there will be more to do in texas than in chicago. actually, maybe not. anyway, we're comparing med school locations here, and in terms of city life i think no city in texas except austin is worth even thinking about over chicago. austin doesn't have a med school. personally, i think it's hard to justify paying twice the tuition to live in a better city, and so i think texas wins of the two.

Have you ever been to Dallas or San Antonio?

I'm sorry, but making my way through several feet of snow every day is not my idea of a fun time.

There is just as much to do in Dallas as there is in Chicago, by the way.

 

[riceman04]

There is just as much to do in Dallas as there is in Chicago, by the way

that's the biggest lie I've ever heard!!!

Dallas is worse than Houston! (but the weather is better)

 

[OSUdoc08]

that's the biggest lie I've ever heard!!!

Dallas is worse than Houston! (but the weather is better)

I'm not following. Please provide some examples of why Dallas is "worse."

 

[riceman04]

I'm not following. Please provide some examples of why Dallas is "worse."

1. smaller population
2. less to do
3. drive 5 min in any direction from downtown Dallas and you are in the boondocks
4. no real culture...well except for the twang and everything and the texas two step
5. very few outlets for arts and entertainment
6. I can go on and on

 

[OSUdoc08]

1. smaller population
2. less to do
3. drive 5 min in any direction from downtown Dallas and you are in the boondocks
4. no real culture...well except for the twang and everything and the texas two step
5. very few outlets for arts and entertainment
6. I can go on and on

1. less traffic
2. I disagree --> cite some examples
3. 5 minutes north of downtown Dallas is Addison, then Plano, then Frisco (so no, this is incorrect). Going south would be Oak Cliff, then Duncanville, then Cedar Hill. Frisco and Cedar Hill are at least 30-45 minutes away. You are way wrong on this one.
4. The twang and two-step is in Ft. Worth. You've obviously never been to Dallas or you were asleep when you were. There is a rock scene (Deep Ellum), an arts district, lots of museums.
5. Once again this is a completely false statement. You clearly don't know anything about Dallas.

 

[riceman04]

1. less traffic
2. I disagree --> cite some examples
3. 5 minutes north of downtown Dallas is Addison, then Plano, then Frisco (so no, this is incorrect). Going south would be Oak Cliff, then Duncanville, then Cedar Hill. Frisco and Cedar Hill are at least 30-45 minutes away. You are way wrong on this one.
4. The twang and two-step is in Ft. Worth. You've obviously never been to Dallas or you were asleep when you were. There is a rock scene (Deep Ellum), an arts district, lots of museums.
5. Once again this is a completely false statement. You clearly don't know anything about Dallas.

Wow: "you've obviously never been to Dallas".... ...I have too much damn family in Dallas! I was just there last month! Dallas sucks...point blank!
That little museum artsy scene you speak of is so small it might as well be considered nonexistent relative to larger cities such as Chi-Town and other larger cities.

Why do you think that lodging and entertainment is so much cheaper in Dallas than it is in Chicago....b/c there is barely anything to do!

My family was able to hold our bi-annual family reunion at the Omni Hotel in North Dallas (in 2001) with secured rates of $65/ night. I had to do a double take at the rate (you know how missy say's in her song..."make you do a double take" 😀 ) b/c that grp rate is less than one fourth of the cost that a grp rate would have been in NY, Los Angeles, or Chicago.

Face it...Dallas is trying to distinguish itself from its identical twin, Fort Worth. Unfortunately, they not enough has been done to change that distinction.

All I can say about Dallas is mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!

 

[OSUdoc08]

Wow: "you've obviously never been to Dallas".... ...I have too much damn family in Dallas! I was just there last month! Dallas sucks...point blank!
That little museum artsy scene you speak of is so small it might as well be considered nonexistent relative to larger cities such as Chi-Town and other larger cities.

Why do you think that lodging and entertainment is so much cheaper in Dallas than it is in Chicago....b/c there is barely anything to do!

My family was able to hold our bi-annual family reunion at the Omni Hotel in North Dallas (in 2001) with secured rates of $65/ night. I had to do a double take at the rate (you know how missy say's in her song..."make you do a double take" 😀 ) b/c that grp rate is less than one fourth of the cost that a grp rate would have been in NY, Los Angeles, or Chicago.

Face it...Dallas is trying to distinguish itself from its identical twin, Fort Worth. Unfortunately, they not enough has been done to change that distinction.

All I can say about Dallas is mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!

If you've been to Dallas, explain how you can get out of downtown into the "boondocks" in 5 minutes.

In addition, please tell me where you can find pastures with cows within the city limits.

If you truly have been to Dallas, don't make such blatantly misleading statements.

If you want to spend your entire time during residency hanging out at art museums, then maybe Dallas might not be the place for you. Maybe you don't belong in medicine either.

 

[jbrice1639]

having been to dallas and ft worth plenty of times, i have nothing against them, but i'd have to agree that neither (nor the combination of the two) can hold a candle to chicago in terms of things to do.

and the argument about feet of snow in chicago is fairly laughable as that rarely happens. in fact, this year we never had more than a few inches, and most years we only have one "big" snow and that still is rarely more than about 8-12 inches. the cold we definitely have in a big way...but a super cold winter is no less pleasant than summer days consistently over 100 degrees. so the climate thing is just a personal issue.

the dfw area is pretty cool, i enjoy my visits there. the bars in downtown fort worth are a lot of fun, and the art museum is pretty cool too...not exactly comparable to the art institute in chicago though.

in the end, picking a medical school based on the quality of the museums and social life in a city make about as much sense as claiming dallas is better than chicago though

 

[riceman04]

If you've been to Dallas, explain how you can get out of downtown into the "boondocks" in 5 minutes.

In addition, please tell me where you can find pastures with cows within the city limits.

If you truly have been to Dallas, don't make such blatantly misleading statements.

If you want to spend your entire time during residency hanging out at art museums, then maybe Dallas might not be the place for you. Maybe you don't belong in medicine either.

Why are you getting defensive (and dont lie and say you are not).
I was exagerrating about the 5 min thing. The point is that most large cities are large enough that it takes a while to get out of it. In Dallas that is not the case. I pretty sure that my roots are as deep as yours in Texas.

The point is that Dallas is not on the same level with Chicago. Stop taking things so personal.
And do go there with the whole who belongs in medicine BS.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Why are you getting defensive (and dont lie and say you are not).
I was exagerrating about the 5 min thing. The point is that most large cities are large enough that it takes a while to get out of it. In Dallas that is not the case. I pretty sure that my roots are as deep as yours in Texas.

The point is that Dallas is not on the same level with Chicago. Stop taking things so personal.
And do go there with the whole who belongs in medicine BS.

You should probably stop falsely exaggerating the difference between Chicago and Dallas. Your comments are likely misleading to others, whether they are said "in jest" or not. They are both major cities with very similar opportunities.

The culture and climate are different, but there is plenty to do in both towns.

 

[riceman04]

Then stop exaggerating the difference between Chicago and Dallas. They are both major cities with very similar opportunities.

The culture and climate are different, but they is plenty to do in both towns. Period.

Ok so I see this is not going anywhere.
Everyone knows they are not comparable cities.
Chicago, in many ways is like Los Angeles...there is a hell of alot to see and do. I am from Los Angeles.

Dallas is nothing like Los Angeles. I go to dallas at least twice a year.

one last thing: mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! 😀 😛

 

[OSUdoc08]

Ok so I see this is not going anywhere.
Everyone knows they are not comparable cities.
Chicago, in many ways is like Los Angeles...there is a hell of alot to see and do. I am from Los Angeles.

Dallas is nothing like Los Angeles. I go to dallas at least twice a year.

one last thing: mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! 😀 😛

I still haven't seen an example of things to do in Chicago, but not in Dallas other than maybe a few extra art museums.

I'm considering applying to residencies in Chicago, but the art museum thing does not entice me. Nor does the snow. I like beef, so the cow thing is a positive. Please tell me some other "benefits" of Chicago.

 

[cobalt31]

chicago population: 2.8 million
dallas population: 1.1 million

you can't compare a city to a large town

chicago is more than twice as large and thus are more things to do

chicago roolz 😛

 

[OSUdoc08]

chicago population: 2.8 million
dallas population: 1.1 million

you can't compare a city to a large town

chicago is more than twice as large and thus are more things to do

chicago roolz 😛

The metroplex is actually Dallas/Ft. Worth with all of its suburbs. If you count the D/FW area with the Chicago area, you will find it to be a bit closer.

As far as "more things to do" it seems as though you would have the same things to do in both locations, with simply more duplications of the exact same thing to accommodate more people.

 

[RxnMan]

Texas - In-state tuition is less than 9k. That's hard to beat. Dallas is a great town with great institutions. UT-SW is an awesome school, Texas Scottish Rite is a phenomenal hospital, and the Dallas Museum of Art has free admission. (go oil money!)

 

[jbrice1639]

I still haven't seen an example of things to do in Chicago, but not in Dallas other than maybe a few extra art museums.

I'm considering applying to residencies in Chicago, but the art museum thing does not entice me. Nor does the snow. I like beef, so the cow thing is a positive. Please tell me some other "benefits" of Chicago.

the cow thing was actually a benefit of texas since there isn't much cattle ranching in the midwest...

as for benefits of chicago:
multiple world-class museums - history and science, not just art
beaches and a waterfront
warm, but not brutally hot summers
relatively little snow
tons of theaters
ample public transit
lakeshore bike path and tons of parks with various sports leagues
taste of chicago in the summer
tons of concerts, many free in the parks in warm months
ice skating in the parks in the winters
consistently rated as one of the top cities for restaurants in the country
chicago pizza
goose island beer
actual seasons are a good thing
two baseball teams
being one of the "big three" major markets in the US
wgn is a broadcast channel instead of cable

i suppose this could go on for a while...but i'll just stop there

 

[jbrice1639]

The metroplex is actually Dallas/Ft. Worth with all of its suburbs. If you count the D/FW area with the Chicago area, you will find it to be a bit closer.

uh, the chicago metro area with all of its suburbs is over 8 million...so it would actually not be closer.

 

[OSUdoc08]

uh, the chicago metro area with all of its suburbs is over 8 million...so it would actually not be closer.

I'm not sure how sheer numbers of people = fun things to do

sounds like traffic to me

 

[MikeyLu2010]

as of July 2004, Chicago is ranked 3rd by population (2.8 million)...Houston is ranked 4th (2 million)....Dallas ranked 9th (1.2 million)...

Even though Houston is just slightly ranked below Chicago THere really is no comparison..Houston really has nothing to do except drink on Main st and eat until your a big fatty...there is also a theatre district and the Med center...Chicago on the other hand has tons to do...but the weather of it kind of makes it less appealing (im not a fan of wind cutting my face up)

From what ive seen (2-3 visits) Dallas is about the same as Houston...however given all the factors I would choose to live at Houston or Dallas..If you dont like fat people tho..i wouldnt recommend coming to houston or dallas...lol

(i grew up in Houston 23+ years)

 

[jbrice1639]

I'm not sure how sheer numbers of people = fun things to do

i'm not either, but i wasn't the one making the argument that they're the same size...

 

[NCF145]

Who gives a **** which city has the most to do? You will be in medical school while you are there, and most likely you will be too broke to afford to do a lot of the things that the city has to offer (if you are going be like me with tons of student loans). Anyways, back to the op's question. I would go to Texas b/c it has 8 schools which will give u in-state tuition (Baylor gives in-state tuition to state residents). Also, Baylor does save around 90% of its class for Texas residents. The pros of coming to Texas definitely outweigh the cons of coming to Texas and the pros of going to Illinois.

 

[riceman04]

Who gives a **** which city has the most to do? You will be in medical school while you are there, and most likely you will be too broke to afford to do a lot of the things that the city has to offer (if you are going be like me with tons of student loans). Anyways, back to the op's question. I would go to Texas b/c it has 8 schools which will give u in-state tuition (Baylor gives in-state tuition to state residents). Also, Baylor does save around 90% of its class for Texas residents. The pros of coming to Texas definitely outweigh the cons of coming to Texas and the pros of going to Illinois.

Baylor does not save 90% of its class for Tex residents!!!
The do save the majority though!

 

[riceman04]

I'm not sure how sheer numbers of people = fun things to do

sounds like traffic to me

Mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!

=

 

[txfisher]

.

 

[txfisher]

.

 

[Lorrayne]

Texas all the way! You cannot beat the price of our schools, and they offer a great education. I'm not going to get into the whole Dallas vs. Chicago debate. But I've grown up in the Dallas area and it's not so bad. And in med school, I think the lower cost of living is a big plus.

 

[latinfridley]

ok so I was in agreeance with you until you said texas in general is incredible...damn you would be a good politician!!!!

Texas is a big piece of mainly flat, barren land, with little cities splotched in one place or another.

texas is not a state...or at least dont say that to tex residents. To them, it is a country!!!

"The stars at night are big and bright clap clap clap clap deep in the heart of Texas..."

That is only state I know of where people are required to take their home state history to graduate...how odd!!!

Texas does kick ass. Hill country is a very pretty area (around Austin, S.Texas) and E. Texas is very wooded. So, Tx has a lot of geographic diversity. Even W. Texas has mountains.
There is no question...TX over IL.

 

[latinfridley]

Baylor does not save 90% of its class for Tex residents!!!
The do save the majority though!

Baylor in state is around 70% or so, not 90%. There are about 25-30% out of state students.

 

[OSUdoc08]

the cow thing was actually a benefit of texas since there isn't much cattle ranching in the midwest...

as for benefits of chicago:
multiple world-class museums - history and science, not just art
beaches and a waterfront
warm, but not brutally hot summers
relatively little snow
tons of theaters
ample public transit
lakeshore bike path and tons of parks with various sports leagues
taste of chicago in the summer
tons of concerts, many free in the parks in warm months
ice skating in the parks in the winters
consistently rated as one of the top cities for restaurants in the country
chicago pizza
goose island beer
actual seasons are a good thing
two baseball teams
being one of the "big three" major markets in the US
wgn is a broadcast channel instead of cable

i suppose this could go on for a while...but i'll just stop there

as for benefits of DALLAS:
plenty of museums (for anyone's taste)
plenty of lakes for recreation & sports
no brutal winters in dallas
relatively little snow (way less than Chicago)
tons of theaters
ample public transit
lakeshore bike path and tons of parks with various sports leagues
taste of Addison
tons of concerts, many free in the parks in ALL months
ice skating in the malls all year round
consistently rated as one of the top cities for restaurants in the country
STEAK (forget pizza)
MEXICAN FOOD
BBQ
SHINER BOCK beer
actual seasons are a BAD thing --> i like wearing as little clothing as possible
Pro Football, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Hockey, Golf, Auto Racing, et. al.
DEEP ELLUM

I too could go on and on.........

 

[latinfridley]

Wow: "you've obviously never been to Dallas".... ...I have too much damn family in Dallas! I was just there last month! Dallas sucks...point blank!
That little museum artsy scene you speak of is so small it might as well be considered nonexistent relative to larger cities such as Chi-Town and other larger cities.

Why do you think that lodging and entertainment is so much cheaper in Dallas than it is in Chicago....b/c there is barely anything to do!

My family was able to hold our bi-annual family reunion at the Omni Hotel in North Dallas (in 2001) with secured rates of $65/ night. I had to do a double take at the rate (you know how missy say's in her song..."make you do a double take" 😀 ) b/c that grp rate is less than one fourth of the cost that a grp rate would have been in NY, Los Angeles, or Chicago.

Face it...Dallas is trying to distinguish itself from its identical twin, Fort Worth. Unfortunately, they not enough has been done to change that distinction.

All I can say about Dallas is mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!

I lived in Dallas for a while, and have to disagree on the "there is not much to do thing." I'm not gonna cite all the things to do, you can look em up yourself.
Here is my big 3 preference of larger Tx cities:
1) Austin
2) Houston
3) Dallas

 

[riceman04]

Texas does kick ass. Hill country is a very pretty area (around Austin, S.Texas) and E. Texas is very wooded. So, Tx has a lot of geographic diversity. Even W. Texas has mountains.
There is no question...TX over IL.

After having to drive from Houston to Los Angeles during my junior year for school...I feel like I can say that the Texas Hill country was a welcomed changed to the flat land of Houston. However, it was nothing to gawk about!

Texas geographic diversity has nothing california geographic diversity

 

[OSUdoc08]

I lived in Dallas for a while, and have to disagree on the "there is not much to do thing." I'm not gonna cite all the things to do, you can look em up yourself.
Here is my big 3 preference of larger Tx cities:
1) Austin
2) Houston
3) Dallas

My preferences:

1) Dallas
2) San Antonio
3) Houston (too big & humid)
4) Austin (sorry, no pro sports, and I'm a Baylor grad, so not a Texas fan)