slpchi

I ultimately made my decision off fit/opportunity. I thought of it as an investment in myself, and being that I really want the opportunity to work in a hospital setting, Rush was a great choice for me. I am taking out loans to pay for it, put I truly believe it will worth it in the end. I am also able to live at home and commute, which is a big help financially. I am from Illinois, in the Chicagoland area. I personally wanted to live closer to home, which is why those other state schools were not some of my choices. Also, I really wanted a program with plenty of opportunities in medical setting, and those were just not for me. Currently, my program is doing pretty awesome at everything. We are on the quarter system here, so if anything, there is a lot of information to learn and understand every single day, since we only have 10 weeks to learn. (The pros of this are more placements, and more in depth classes, which outweigh the stress for me). I would say Northern is moreso in the middle of the nowhere, but definitely the closest of ALL the state schools to Chicago, only being about a 45-60 min drive to city. You are more western Illinois, so it is definitely in the far suburbs that are pretty far spaced out.

I know how stressful this process is, and just want to help out in anyway I can!

How recent did your family member attend?

I do know Rush is 7 quarters and less expensive then Rush. Also, Rush has a much smaller class size (24-27), while Northwestern has about 50. Although, Northwestern is a name known across the country.

Another thing to think about is that quarter systems allow you to have a wider variety and greater number of practicum experiences, which did greatly affect my decision on where I will attend. I spoke to students who did not mind the pace, and really did love the practicum opportunities that came along with a quarter system.

What is the dress code for admitted students day?

I will be there that day too! I haven't heard either :/

Anyone going to the preview day?

Definitely number 2!

Not that I know off. If there is let me know, I will most likely be attending in the Fall

Honestly, mayaella, the connections and placements alone is why I will most likely choose Rush. If you plan on staying and living in the area of your more expensive school, I feel like it is a great investment for your future. I plan on staying in the Chicago area, and Rush has had great connections with every major hospital, and the public school district here. To everyone, we also have to remember that is an investment in ourselves. The final price tag should not be the only decision factor.

Thank you everyone so much for your insight! It is going to be a really difficult decision for me, but everyone brought up great pros and cons. $20,000 is a LOT of money to me, but Rush is also an amazing program, with a hospital based program, located downtown Chicago, so it may be worth the extra cost! Tricky tricky!

Help! So I got accepted to Rush (my dream program) which is 67,000 for the two years. I also got accepted to Elmhurst, with scholarship for a total of 46,000 for the two years. Both schools I can live at home for. Rush I can take public transportation to, while Elmhurst I will have to drive too. Also, it is only Elmhurts 2nd year of having a graduate program, so they are not accredited yet, while Rush has been around for a while and is attached to a hospital. But if I went to Elmhurst I would be saving like 20,000 dollars. Any advice??

I was accepted and I have no idea! I haven't seen on the results page that anyone got one. My acceptance email said noting either!

Okay, thanks anyways! Hoping I magically find someone who went to the program last year!