Loyola Chicago vs. UIUC?

Transfer Students
1

Hi guys,

I am a freshman at UIUC majoring in molecular and cellular biology. I am considering transferring because I wish to be closer to family, I do not feel “at home” on the campus, have begun to resent the large class sizes and inaccessible professors, and my school has very few resources for my career path (genetic counseling).

I have a 3.9 GPA, am on the Dean’s List, and am a part of the campus honors program.

UIUC:
Pros: a higher number of classes I’m interested in/would be beneficial for me, many opportunities, very diverse, large amounts of research, very rigorous courses
Cons: large class sizes and inaccessible professors, no genetic counselors in the area, don’t personally like the area, far from family

Loyola:
Pros: in Chicago (which I love), close to family, there are many genetic counselors in Chicago, right next to Northwestern (a genetic counseling school), opportunities for medical research
Cons: $10k more expensive than UIUC, catholic identity (I am an atheist), seems to have more focus on ecology rather than molecular biology, from speaking to students I am worried that the classes will not challenge me compared to UIUC classes

Does anyone have any input on these two schools? Thanks so much!

2

I would normally say to go with your gut and fit etc. I am not going to do that this time. I am from Chicago and familiar with both schools but not your program. You are basically home sick it seems. Talk to the counseling center with ways to manage that. This is also your first year. Classes tend to become smaller as you go up in your field. Go to professor office hours if you need to talk with professors. My son’s at Michigan and it’s never a problem.

When you do internships you can work at northwestern or where ever for genetic counseling. Maybe there is a professor doing some research in this field?

You are doing well in a rigorous honors program at a world class university. You will be bored at Loyola. You can move home or live in Chicago when you graduate. Plus not all your classes might transfer. You will be home soon. Once home for a bit your going to wish you were back at school. ?.

You are not comparing apples to apples here. Stay put.

3

I’m with Knowsstuff. Also from Chicago suburbs, 15 minutes from Loyola. Nothing wrong with the school, but you are better off with current program.