Transfer School in Illinois - Please Comment!

Transfer Students
1

<p>I am currently attending a community college in Illinois and will transfer with an A.S. degree in Fall 2010; I am also a pre-med/biology major.</p>

<p>With months of reserach behind me I have finally narrowed down my list of schools to apply to. These schools include:
1. Bradley University
2. Illinois State University
3. University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign
4. Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale
5. University of Illinois @ Springfield</p>

<p>I think these are all suitbale universities for me and I have found many pros and cons of each. I would dearly love to hear from other members with their opinion of these schools. I'm not an athlete, so I don't even consider that when considering schools. I would like the academics to be challenging enough, but also manageable for my personal level (I admit that I'm not a rocket scientist, but I'm not dumb either) so that I might maintain the highest possible gpa (to gain entrance into medical or graduate school).</p>

<p>I am particularly concerned about reputation. Does anyone know anything about these schools? Class size and teacher interaction are also very important to me. I have never been in a class (high school or community college) with more than 50 people and I prefer the smaller classes. I also have always enjoyed getting to know my professors.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Bradley University: I am visiting this school in a few days, so I can't so a whole lot about it. But, they have a very good success rate for their pre-med students getting into medical school. Also, they have smaller classes and opportunities for undergraduate research.</p></li>
<li><p>Illinois State University: I was impressed with the campus - very nice. They have a nice department and also opportunities for undergraduate research. The classes are a bit larger (60-120), but I think they would be manageable, and they rely less on TAs for teaching. However, this school is not as well known for their biology department.</p></li>
<li><p>University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign: Nice campus and academically rigorous. VERY large! The core classes for biology majors are very large (500+), and they rely on TAs extensively. Research is available for undergraduates, but I am told that positions are very competitive and that I am probably at a slight disadvantage as a transfer student. My main concerns with this school are the HUFE class sizes and whether or not I could keep up a high gpa because of this. I consider myself a very hard worker, but nonetheless I have the fear of the unknown in me. I simply am not sure how I could manage such large classes. The student body here I think is much more competitive than the other schools, so perhaps it would be much more challenging?</p></li>
<li><p>Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale: I am visiting this campus in a few days. I had never considered it because I thought it has a party school reputation, and I was told that that is where the dumb people go. However, after coming across some new data, I realized they have much smaller classes and excellent funding for their research. However, I am concernded about their image and how that might impact my chances at getting into medical or graduate school. Any comments on this???</p></li>
<li><p>University of Illinois @ Springfield: This is my back-up/safety school; I am more interested in the other schools I mentioned. They definately have small classes, but I am not as interested in their biology department and research, they are not as well funded, and the campus is nearly non-existent.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Please, anyone, comment!!! I am applying to all of these school, and I think that I have a very good chance at getting into any of them. I would like to make a decision regarding which one I would most prefer to attend. Your comments will definately help my decision! Please comment your heart out! Thank you!</p>

2

<p>I have heard the same thing about Carbondale.</p>

3

<p>UIUC is pretty far above the other Illinois schools for most things. But it is huge. Thats the reason I am personally trying to avoid it. I would rather have a school with 4,000-10,000 students than 25,000+. I am not sure if you can always assume small school=small class sizes, big school = large classes. But thats what it seems like.</p>

4

<p>Thanks everyone! </p>

<p>As I have said, I will be visiting SIUC in a few days. So far, I am really intrigued by it, and the people have been extremely friendly and nice. Theoretically . . . if I were to actually prefer SIUC, do you think their image would hurt me and my chances of getting into medical or graduate school?</p>

<p>My main concern is to go where I will do well. However, I am also trying to plan for the future and I want to go someplace that will allow me to go to medical school. As far as UIUC, I am concerned about class size as well as the rigor of their curriculum. Does anyone know more about these programs? Are they all about the same, or vastly different? I’m not dumb, but I’m not a genius either. I get good grades, but I always feel like I have to work harder than everyone else to get those good marks. I am also very competitive by nature, and UIUC scares me for that matter (the student body did seem to be a bit smarter). Does anyone know about the biology department at UIUC and how competitive it is? I would really like more insight on this school. I think it could also be a good fit, and perhaps I am simply scared for no valid reason!</p>

<p>Thanks Again!</p>

<p>Oh, and I hope I don’t sound unintelligent. Not to sound conceited, but I do think I am intelligent, but not very self-confident!</p>

5

<p>I have had a lot of interation with Illinois State and I can safely say that it qualifies for two of the criteria you mentioned: Class size and teacher interaction. It does lack in the prestige department, unlike its close nieghbor UIUC.</p>

<p>Upper level classes have smaller class sizes taught by professors with impressive credentials. Classes in the Biological Sciences are known for being the toughest in the College of Arts and Sciences, so expect to be pushed. However your peers (for better or worse) are not as competitve at other state school campuses (UIC, UIUC). This could be a benefit in that you can take advantage of the cooperative nature. Professos are easily avaliable outside of class and always willing to help. They don’t see as teaching undergrads beneath them, and they often recruit undergrads for research opportunities. </p>

<p>Despite being in the shadow of larger schools such as Northwestern, U of C, UIUC, and to some extent UIC regarding medical sciences, if you earn good grades, which def. sounds doable from what you say, you’ll be golden. Score good on the MCAT and getting into a decent medical school will not be a problem if thats what you wish to pursue.</p>

<p>ISU prides itself on that although its a large university, it has a feel of a small liberal arts college. All academic buildings are within a 10 min. walk and its not uncommon to see people you know between classes. ISU is also progressive when it comes to the matter of involving students in the governing process because of the philosophy of “shared governance.” As an incoming junior you would have no problem getting involved on campus and the greek scene is a lot smaller compared to the other state schools.</p>

6

<p>Thank you so much prankityclankity! I must say I was highly impressed with ISU when I visited! Unfortunatley, I have not had a chance to audit any classes or investigate in depth class size and student-student/student-professor interaction. ISU seems to lack “name recognition” (especially in comparison to UIUC), but on all other accounts seems to be a quality institution. I have often pondered whether I should be so concerned about where I finish my undergraduate degree. If I keep up a high gpa and do well on the MCAT I think I should be able to get into medical school (as you mentioned above). Thanks again! I anticipate more comments from other members!</p>

<p>Again, I think I am more anxious than I should be. I have attained “A” grades in every college course I have taken. Also, the community college I attend is respected (at least locally) as a quality institution. I understand having attended a CC may negatively affect me because medical colleges often look down on this. But, I had to attend this university first for financial purposes. I am certainly grateful for the opportunities it has provided me with so far! Anyway, my initial point regarding anxiety is the fear of the unknown. I have never experienced such large universities, and I have never been in a class with more than 50-60 people. Therefore, I think this lack of experience is creating anxiety and destroying my self-confidence. It is this fear of the unknown that makes me doubt my abilities to do well at very large universites. For this reason, I have often reconsidered going to UIUC. To me, 40,000+ students is nearly unimaginable! ISU and the other colleges are certainly much larger than my community college (about 3,000 students), but not as large as UIUC.</p>

<p>Any more thoughts or comments are greatly appreciated and welcomed!</p>

7

<p>On a side note:
If for some unfortunate reason I am unable to gain entrance into a medical college I plan on applying for graduate school. My back-up plan is to do research and teach at a university. In this case, I would probably still apply to Illinois schools (UIUC, Northwestern, U of Chicago, etc.). In this “Plan B” scenario, does where my undergraduate degree come from have more or less impact? Or, is it still more about gpa and graduate test scores? </p>

<p>I am fairly uneducated on how applying to graduate school works. At this point, my main goal is to get into medical school. I really love biology, but I’m not sure which area I would like to specialize in. If I chose to attend ISU, I could major in BMB (cellular and molecular biology), or just a general biological sciences track. If I went for the general biological sciences major, could I then apply for graduate school in either cellular-level biology or macro-biology (like zoological oriented sciences)? For example, the gradaute school of biology at UIUC has two divisions: MCB (molecular and cellular biology) and IB (integrative biology; this is more of the macro-level biology). Maybe someone could clear this up for me, and perhaps provide suggestions!</p>

8

<p>So, UIUC sounds like it is the most presigious. But, if I thought I could get a better gpa at ISU or SIU - which would be better?</p>

9

<p>Today, I visited Bradley University (which was one of the private universities I have considered). For the most part, I really liked it. They certainly are good at presenting themselves and marketing themselves. The campus and buildings were really nice - but the sorrounding city was not. It is located in dowtown Peoria, and the crowd hanging around in that part of the city didn’t look very “safe.”</p>

<p>But, here are some of the positives of this college:
-Small classes
-Faculty interaction and no TAs
-Research opportunites: because they are so much smaller undergrads can actually particpate in, and not just watch, research!
-Friendly people: they seemed like they were very available for help
-It is the only university really nearby Peoria. This city has about 350K people in it, and many industries. So, this presents many opportunities for undergrads to take advantage of. Because there are many more opportunities than students, you don’t necessarily have to be “the perfect best” to get an opportunity! Also, there are 3 major hospitals nearby and many opportunites for pre-medical (and other) students for volunteering or work.
-94% job/or graduate school placement rate (It was 96%, but has declined with the economy)
-97% medical school placement rate (this is what the transfer coordinator told me; the website says 85% for biology majors)</p>

<p>Does anyone think I should consider this school (more than I had previously)? Maybe it would be easier to stand out here (and therefore, increase chances of getting into medical school) in comparison to a larger university like UIUC? What do you think? Should I go for better opportunities (perhaps), or for more name recognition (like UIUC)? Has anyone even heard of Bradley, and do you think it is a good school?</p>

10

<p>

This is a cooked statistic. Take these with massive grains of salt. Even HYP and traditional pre-med hubs like Cornell, Hopkins, Northwestern, etc. don’t have a 97% placement rate. </p>

<p>Bradley (like most school of its size and caliber) likely has a pre-med faculty committee that arbitrates whether or not they will recommend (as a group) a pre-med student. These committees don’t endorse poor students so what ends up happening is that most years they’ll have 1/1 or 3/3 students going to medical school and hooray they have a 100% med school placement rate…yeah right. What you need to find out is (a) how many students apply, (b) how many pass through committee, and (c) how many get letters of acceptance from allopathic med schools.</p>

<p>

I disagree. Everything depends on your MCAT and GPA, those two are non-negotiable. ECs, prestige of undergrad (which does matter), LORs, etc. are all ancillary. I’d argue that since UIUC would be more challanging, it would prepare you much much better for the MCAT and the rigors of medical school in general. Plus, if you decide on grad school, things like where you went to undergrad matter a lot more. I’d pick UIUC if I were in your place.</p>

11

<p>So, even if I would have more opportunities at Bradley, UIUC is still the better choice? UIUC does seem to be the most rigorous of the institutions, and therefore my gpa may not be a 4.0. So would it still be better to go to UIUC if it meant a slightly lower gpa? I am not saying that any of these colleges are not challeging - they will be (molecular biology isn’t a super easy subject) - but, UIUC seems to ask the most of their students.</p>

<p>UIUC was much more impersonal and the people there (adminstration, faculty, even students) were not as available or friendly. Maybe this was just the day I visited, but I have been told my impressions are accurate. </p>

<p>One thing that surprised me in particular was the differences in the aesthetic nature of the campuses. Please keep in mind that academics and my personal ability to do well at the school are my top priorities. Nonetheless, there is something to be said about the environment that I wil lbe living and studying in for the next few years. UIUC had the worst campus. Bradley and ISU had very nice campuses, that appeared clean and modern. UIUC was not as clean, and not as modern looking. I am sure they have wonderful laboratory equiptment, and I know they use technology in the classrooms. But, Bradley and ISU still appeared more modern and clean. </p>

<p>I just want to make the right decision, and I didn’t think it would be quite this hard! So, what do you think basedon what I have read? Do you still suggest UIUC, or Bradley, or ISU?</p>

<p>I think that at UIUC I will become more of “just another student,” and I don’t see myself being as involved in things there (the rigor of their coursework would keep me fretting and studying nonstop). Bradley lacks the name recognition and prestige (beyond regionally at least). It seems the last post indicated that UIUC would prepare me better for the MCAT, and that it still is the best option.</p>

<p>Please let me know your opinions and what you think! Thank you so much!!!</p>

12

<p>Do you think UIUC would prepare me better? Why?
Do you think it is better to go to a larger university like UIUC where positinos, grades, individual attention, etc. are more competitive - or - do you think it would be better go to a smaller university where it is less competitive?</p>

13

<p>I don’t get why you’ve resigned yourself to the fact that you wont be able to find undergrad research at U of I. The upside to being at a large research institution is that there are like 573893 scientists working on active projects. If you ask around and do a bit of homework on your intended professors’ research interests, you’ll easily find a position. (I’m serious, it’s easy. I’m from IL and familiar with UIUC; I have many friends doing research there currently.)</p>

<p>If you feel U of I is too impersonal, then that’s a subjective call but imo, UIUC’s bigness means more resources at your disposal. I think a school like Bradley would be stifling and boring. You can always find a specific niche at a big school that has everything but you’re out of luck if you find that a smaller school is lacking.</p>

<p>As far as academic rigor, I would be up for the challenge. Why settle? I can’t speak for med schools but IMO a 3.5 from U of I MCB is worth more than a 3.9 from Bradley (not trying to dis Bradley).</p>

<p>I can’t defend U of I’s aesthetics because yeah you’re right, the campus isn’t the prettiest but then again most IL schools have hideous campuses with the expection of UChicago’s gothic vibe. </p>

<p>So anyway, go to U to I.</p>

14

<p>I certainly have not resigned myself or do I think that I would not be able to find undergraduate research at UIUC. I just am concerned that it will be so competitive there that I won’t be able to find any. Thank you for your comment; it certainly made me more confident that such opportunities abound around campus. Of the universities that I have looked at and considered, UIUC certainly is the strongest from the research viewpoint. I really am impressed by the amount of research they do, and I always love it when I read about studies conducted at the University of Illinois in magazines and books!</p>

<p>While UIUC is certainly more “impersonal” than smaller universities, I think perhaps I would feel more at-home after I had lived and studied there for some time. But, as a visitor, it just was not the most welcoming university (in comparison to the others). I think this may be partly due to the fact that they do not have to compete with many other schools to get good students. I think that I could find a “niche” at either a large or small university because I have lived in small towns for most of my life. I moved quite a bit for several years, and I lived in both small and large towns. I found both acceptable. I think I am quite adaptable in this regard. I only get concerned when it comes to class size, interaction, and competition for various opportunities.</p>

<p>The general impression I have gotten from other members agrees with Caillebotte:
Quote:
" As far as academic rigor, I would be up for the challenge. Why settle? I can’t speak for med schools but IMO a 3.5 from U of I MCB is worth more than a 3.9 from Bradley (not trying to dis Bradley)."
This is one of the main reasons I am more inclined to go to UIUC than some other university (even though I have pros and cons of each university).</p>

<p>So, does everyone still think UIUC is the better choice?</p>

15

<p>If UIUC is a better choice, why???</p>

16

<p>How much emphasis do you think graduate and medical schools place on where you went to school? I fully intend to go on either to graduate or medical school (hopefully, medical school!), so my education will not stop at undergraduate.</p>