UIC / Illinois (UI COM)

University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago, IL · Public · MD

Average MCAT: 511
Average GPA: 3.82
Class size: 300 (11,310 applicants)
Tuition: $83,814 (per year, nonresident)
Out-of-state applicants: Welcome

Deadlines

AMCAS deadline: Nov. 1, 2026
Early Decision Program: Aug. 3, 2026
Secondary deadline: Dec. 1, 2026

Essays

Resilience and growth

What characteristics, qualities, or attributes do you possess that have helped you navigate conflict, change, or unfamiliar situations? In your response, reflect on how you demonstrate resiliency and a growth mindset in your approach to personal and professional development.

Why UI COM

Which characteristics, qualities, or attributes of UI COM attracted you to apply for medical school here?

Three campuses

An important part of UI COM’s identity is the concept of “one college, three campuses.” The curriculum is identical on each campus; however, each campus has unique characteristics. Please describe what you have learned about at least two of our three campuses.

Injustice

Injustice can take many forms and impact individuals and communities in profound ways. Reflect on some of the causes and consequences of injustice you have observed or learned about. What does an individual’s response to injustice reveal about their values and character? How do you see your role—as a future physician and member of society—in recognizing and addressing injustice when you encounter it?

Perspective and collaboration

UI COM thrives when students bring a variety of perspectives, values, and ways of thinking to the learning environment. Describe an aspect of your perspective, value system, or experience that is especially meaningful to you. How would this shape your contribution to a collaborative and enriching learning environment at our medical school?

Reapplicant

Have you applied for admission to medical school previously? Yes/No If you are reapplying this year please describe what you have done during the past year.

Unfinished program

Have you ever matriculated into and not completed a professional/graduate program? Yes/No Please describe the circumstances of why you did not complete the program of study.

Reapplicant

Have you applied for admission to medical school previously? Yes/No If you are reapplying this year please describe what you have done during the past year.

Unfinished program

Have you ever matriculated into and not completed a professional/graduate program? Yes/No Please describe the circumstances of why you did not complete the program of study.

Reapplicant

Have you applied for admission to medical school previously? Yes/No If you are reapplying this year please describe what you have done during the past year.

Unfinished program

Have you ever matriculated into and not completed a professional/graduate program? Yes/No Please describe the circumstances of why you did not complete the program of study.

Editor's notes

Take the campus question seriously before you apply. UI COM assigns Chicago, Peoria or Rockford after acceptance, the assignment is final, and one secondary essay asks what you've learned about at least two campuses. If you'd only be happy in Chicago, think hard.
This is a big, open school. The Class of 2029 drew 11,310 applications and 41% of students came from outside Illinois, and the FAQ spells out rules for DACA, Canadian and other international applicants. Out-of-state applicants have a real path, but international students get no aid.
The interview day pairs MMI stations with a one-on-one faculty interview. Prepare for both: short ethical and teamwork scenarios, and a conversation that knows your file.
Five secondary essays with themes that overlap (resilience, injustice, perspective). Map a different experience to each before drafting, so the committee sees five sides of you instead of one story told five ways.

UIC / Illinois (UI COM)

Deadlines

Essays

Resilience and growth

Why UI COM

Three campuses

Injustice

Perspective and collaboration

Reapplicant

Unfinished program

Reapplicant

Unfinished program

Reapplicant

Unfinished program

Editor's notes

Sources