I reviewed my AMCAS application and my Rush secondary, and I browsed through SDN.
What impressed you positively?
The students seemed really happy with their decision to attend Rush and said that the administration is really receptive/responsive to students' needs, there are only four students per cadaver (six is more common), the facilities are quite new and additional renovations and construction is pending, there are so many opportunities to network and take advantage of Rush's medical district location, and it's really close to Chicago's downtown area (great view from the ninth floor).
What impressed you negatively?
nothing
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Rush has a lot of institutional grant and loan monies available--it appears to help offset the REALLY high tuition. Also, Rush has migrated to a paperless admissions committee review process this year--and it's been LOADED with problems. As a result, they didn't interview anyone for nearly three months. I asked about the delay in my application (six months) and whether it corresponded to Rush's level of interest in me. My interviewer said that because of the computer glitches, it did not (although in any other year, it would). So--don't despair if you haven't heard from Rush yet.
What are your general comments?
The first one was open file and consisted of the standard questions. He kept glancing at the wall clock behind me, which was a bit disconcerting--but whatever. Some other applicants on my day said that their interviewers asked them to discuss what causes diabetes or cancer, but I didn't get any of that. Nor did I get any ethics questions, which surprised me. The closed file interview was VERY laid-back and conversational. He made it a point to really sell me on Rush so that I could make a fully informed decision based on the program and its future plans.
📍 On-Site Experience
Who was the tour given by?
Student
How did the tour guide seem?
Enthusiastic
What is your in-state status?
In state
What were your total hours spent traveling?
0-1 hour
What was your primary mode of travel?
Train or subway
About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?