Interview

I believe that the interviews went well. Lee helped me assemble a show file, which is just a folder with transparencies that includes my CV, application information and publications. It is a quick, effective way to demonstrate what I have done. I also learned there is such a thing as resume paper.

Pros - UIC was terrific. The research facilities dwarf all the other medical schools I have seen. The location is awesome: 2nd largest medical district in the country, convenient public transportation. Because it is the largest medical school in the country, there are more research and specialization study opportunities than other medical school. Med Students seemed much happier there than average. License exam pass rates and residency match rates are far above average.
Cons - It can be easy to get lost in the shuffle, you have to make additional effort to stand out. You have to standout to improve your odds of getting into a top residency. The class rooms are rather old. There are 4 campuses and a lottery system determines where you go. I will probably have to file a petition to stay in Chicago.

Unfortunate news - I had always heard that you need to apply early. The due date for applications was 11/15. I submitted everything in late August/early September, which is the earliest possible date I could submit everything. (In a perfect world you make the decision to go to medical school AT LEAST two years before you attempted to go.) At this point, medical schools are required to have sent at least as many offer letters as they have spots available. What it means is that I cleared the GPA and MCAT score requirements for all the schools, but they might fill up all their available positions before even looking at my application. Passive rejection.

Due to schedule conflicts, I may not hear about whether or not I made it in until the beginning of April. This is such an incredulously long process.

I am going to call the schools to see if I cannot get some kind of feedback about whether or not I might be invited for an interview.

Please continue to pray for me. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support.

Love,
JohnMark