Loyola University Chicago – Page 5 – College Admission at Loyola

Fast Delivery Food for Finals

By Stephanie Rodriguez | November 30, 2014

Who else gets super hungry when studying? The worst type of hungry is the 2-am-studying-for-finals hungry. Damen and Simpson are closed and so are the cafes around campus. Star Grill is a walk, and it’s probably not a good idea to be walking outside at that time anyway. Your only choice is to order food, but what can you order at two in the morning? You can Google places, but it will just take time, you’re starving, and if you’re like me, you’re probably in the worst mood ever because you’re SO hungry.

Grubhub, an online database for food (not really, but something like it), is a website in which you can search for any delivery restaurants that are open any time of the day. It is very convenient when you’re studying for finals because there are many restaurants that are open later than you think. All you have to do is search for open restaurants and the list pops out for you. I’m serious, one time my roommate and I ordered tacos at 3 in the morning just because.

Even though, this only works around the Chicago area, it is a life-changer! I, ALWAYS, use Grubhub because I like how convenient it is. Plus, it gives you an estimate on how long it will it take and after you’ve ordered from them a couple of times they may give you a free drink or meal! However, I do have to say that the only thing that I dislike about Grubhub is that when you put the tip in, it doesn’t always show up on the receipt, which means that the delivery man is not getting paid. So, I prefer to tip cash. This way, I am sure that the delivery person is getting paid…especially, since it’s so late at night! It’s only fair.

Anyway, I have to say that I LOVE Grubhub. It is so convenient and it gives me a great variety on food choices. Even though, I always order the same thing: pizza; I’m a total pizzaholic. Anyway, if you didn’t know…NOW you know! This is one of my great tips to you, especially because finals are QUICKLY approaching.

A great way to give back…

By Stephanie Rodriguez | November 26, 2014

In T-minus 3 hours, Thanksgiving Day will be here. This beautiful holiday is a great reminder for all of us. However, this shouldn’t be the only day that you should be thankful for everything you’ve done, accomplished, and/or seen. Every day should be Thanksgiving Day, but sometimes we get so caught in our “busy lives” that we forget to be thankful.

This is why I found it appropriate to talk to you guys about a soup kitchen that I’ve been attending to, on and off, for the past four years. The Church, St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, holds these soup kitchens every Tuesday and Friday. Volunteers, like myself, usually get there in between 4:30-5pm to set up the tables and chairs, prepare the meals, and pass out the food. Once the doors open at 5:30pm, other volunteers start passing the drinks (like juice, milk, water, or soda) to those that are already eating.

This is such a rewarding experience because you’re opening the doors to the homeless so they can eat a full dinner, even if it’s only twice a week. There are as many as 170 people who come every Tuesday and Friday! You can already imagine how many volunteers are needed for these soup kitchens to happen. It’s amazing that we are able to serve so many people; Thanks to all of those who donate because without the food donations these soup kitchens wouldn’t be possible!

As Thanksgiving is approaching, I want you to think about a recent experience in which you have felt live you’ve given back. If you can’t think of one, it is okay because maybe it’s time that you do; this volunteer opportunity can change that!

For more information: click the link.

Thankful Loyolans

By Lindsy Fagerstrom | November 25, 2014

In order to show their gratitude and thankfulness this year, Ramblers took hundreds of post-it notes to a chalkboard on-campus to share what they were thankful for:

Happy Thanksgiving from our Loyola family to yours!

GRE Greatness

By Stephanie Rodriguez | November 19, 2014

I am NOT trying to scare you. I know that many people detest talking about “the future plans.” Are you applying to medical school? Did you take the GRE? What about the subject GRE? What grad school are you going to? So, what are you doing after graduation? Did you ask for your recommendation letters? Did you take the MCAT? The DAT?

I know, I know. I hate it, too. We all had our future planned out, and then we got to college. It changed and that’s OK. With that being said, I do want to help out those who PLAN on taking the GRE (even if you don’t know why you’re taking it). I would give tips on the MCAT, but as of 2015 they are changing the format of the MCAT, so my tips would not pertain to anyone anymore…womp, womp.

The GRE is more laid back than the MCAT, however. It’s almost like an ACT/SAT on steroids. Here ya go:

REVIEW THE EASY STUFF. Yes, easy stuff like algebra and geometry from high school.
VOCABULARY. Do you remember all of those AP English vocabulary flashcards? Review that, too. The GRE likes to throw in big, adult words; you’ll thank me later!
PRACTICE. I’m just stating the obvious! Everyone knows this one, but it’s an important one.
WORK ON YOUR WEAKNESS. You know what it is, so work 10x harder. Own it.
STAY COOL. If you need to take it again, then do it. However, make it worth while.

You’ll be glad when it’s all over. Just remember: “If it was easy, then everyone would do it.”

Only 13 Days Left!

By Lindsy Fagerstrom | November 18, 2014

13 days or 312 hours or 18,720 minutes or 1,123,200 seconds… until our priority deadline: December 1st!

That means you better request your transcripts, test scores (ACT or SAT), and letters of recommendation right away so schools, counselors, teachers, and testing agencies have time to send it all over to Loyola before our postmark deadline. Also make sure you submit your application, your essay, and your optional resume. Meeting this deadline will allow you to be automatically considered for all of Loyola’s merit-based scholarships, which are based on high school GPA, test score, and class rank (if available).

Please be patient if you have requested materials be sent to Loyola in the past 3 weeks and they are still not showing up as received in your status page. It typically takes 3 weeks or so for us to upload or process a document and update your status page.

If you have already submitted all of your materials, be sure to check your applicant status page regularly for a decision! Click here for tips on what to do while waiting for a decision.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns!

Latin American Student Organization

By Stephanie Rodriguez | November 16, 2014

Did you know that Hispanics are the largest minority at Loyola University Chicago? Among Loyola’s diverse campus, the student body consists of so many cultures that you’d be surprised! Freshman year, I was lucky enough to live in the international floor (by luck), and I met so many students from all over the world. This encouraged me to search for more people of my culture, and so I decided to become part of an organization that reminded me a little bit more of home.

I joined the Latin American Student Organization (a.k.a. LASO) my freshman year. It was very relieving to joke around and listen to some music that made me feel more at home. My absolute favorite activity was and continues to be the Poetry Jam! It’s a great atmosphere and people from Northwestern, UIC, and other universities and colleges come to recite their poems. Also, I love how on certain occasions we would take trips to nearby Mexican Restaurants and order a bunch of tacos…yum!

I can ramble (no pun intended) about LASO FOREVER! However, actions speak louder than words, so you just have to check it out for yourself. Again, I owe LASO a lot for allowing me to meet some of my closest friends. If you’re of Hispanic decent, and even if you’re not, you have to check out this organization! If you’re interested check out the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/lasoluc.

They just had the annual Latin Ball which was SO much fun! For more pictures, click on the link above.

Intramural Soccer

By Stephanie Rodriguez | November 13, 2014

I’ve always played varsity soccer during my high school career. Even though, I would’ve loved to play for a D1, even a D2 school, I knew the time and dedication wouldn’t work out with the major I wanted to pursuit.

So, when I found out that there was an option to play intramural soccer without traveling (like club soccer), I knew I had to play. You only need a team captain and enough players! If you don’t have a team you can still sign up as a free lancer and they’ll make sure you have a team.

Even better, there’s flexibility about when and what time you want to play! Overall, I have had a great experience playing coed intramural soccer these past few years. I met great people and got to play the sport I’ve always loved! I became very close with my team players and although they have graduated, we still remain in contact.

Intramural soccer is very laid back, it lasts about 4 weeks with the possibility of going to playoffs. This is a great alternative if you want to stay fit and play for fun without wasting too much time traveling!

This semester’s intramural soccer sign up deadline has ended, but keep a look out for spring’s semester’s deadline! Click the link to stay up to date.

Loyola’s recent PhD graduate…

By Stephanie Rodriguez | October 26, 2014

Have you met Dr. Binaku?

Katrina Binaku, also known as Dr. Binaku, graduated last spring from Loyola University Chicago and received her PhD in Chemistry. She was my General Chemistry Teacher Assistant freshman year. She was always very helpful and nice, and I was lucky enough to bump into her last week. She told me about her dissertation and work experience at Loyola, but was very relieved to be done. A PhD, the highest degree awarded by a graduate school, is not an easy breeze. Through her experience and her research at Loyola, she had to spend endless evenings and nights running experiments that sometimes worked and sometimes didn’t. Chemistry is a lot of trial and error, and while it may be frustrating, Dr. Binaku expressed how rewarding it is!

As an undergraduate student she worked in industry, but decided on Loyola’s graduate program and worked alongside Dr. Shmeling, a Loyola professor. Therefore, it comes to no surprise that she joined the Loyola team and is now a laboratory instructor for all the freshman laboratories. Her smile and amazing personality make her an outstanding instructor, and I’m so glad to have witnessed her growth from a graduate student to a professional instructor. I am sure you will see more of Dr. Binaku and her future research. Keep an eye out…

Tips for First Generation Students

By Stephanie Rodriguez | October 25, 2014

You’re the first one to go to college and you’re clueless, but it’s OK. I, too, am a first generation student at Loyola University Chicago. I am also an only child and I did not have any close relatives attending college in 2010; it was difficult, but I did it! Here are some tips that worked for me!

REACH OUT EARLY. This is the most important and this is why it’s my first tip! Talk to your counselor/advisor asap. If you know you’re major advisor, talk to him or her as well. You need to make sure you’re on track so you don’t end up doing a fifth year. It’s a huge transition from high school, so make sure you’re aware of your options and you know what to do.
INVOLVE YOUR FAMILY. As a first year, I thought I could do it all myself. However, I still talked to my parents about their opinion(s) on which classes to take, even though I was the first one to go to college. Don’t try to do everything yourself, involve your parents and siblings and try to explain things to them so they understand and can help you out.
JOIN ORGANIZATIONS, INTRAMURAL SPORTS, GO WORK OUT, ETC. The goal here is to make friends. You did it in high school, do it again! You’ll meet many people and who knows, if you meet someone in your major they’ll be able to give you advice on professors, classes, homework, etc.
GO TO OFFICE HOURS. Meet with your professors if something doesn’t make sense, or if something does make sense! Let them know about your issues, or likings about the class and introduce yourself. They’re there to help; take advantage of it.
BE PATIENT. Sometimes it’s difficult for your family to understand that you have work to do, or that you can’t go home as often as you’d like because you’re swamp with papers/exams. Talk to them and explain what the classes entail and require from you. With time, they will understand and get the hang of it.
MAKE FRIENDS. Meet other people who are also first generation students. There will be days when you don’t know where to run and it’s always nice to have someone there.

These continue to work for me! MAKE THE BEST OUT OF YOUR UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCE.

Open House Recap

By Lindsy Fagerstrom | October 22, 2014

Open Houses are some of my favorite events of the year. They are simply fantastic, and I’m not just saying them because I coordinate them.

Here are my TOP 5 Reasons for LOVING Open House:

1. Reconnecting with prospective students – I absolutely love recognizing students from college fairs and high school visits and seeing them explore our beautiful campus for the first time. It’s even more exciting when they recognize me and stop by to chat for a few minutes about questions or to share their latest thoughts on Loyola. I was lucky to have several of these interactions throughout the day.

2. The Department Fair – where I get to catch up with some of our fantastic faculty members. As an alum, I have the pleasure of knowing many of the faculty on campus, but I don’t get too many opportunities to catch up with them. Fortunately, the department fair not only gives me an opportunity to say hi, it also gives all of our prospective students and guests the unique opportunity to meet with faculty from all 80+ majors and minors!

The department fair at Loyola's October Open House. — The department fair at Loyola’s October Open House.

3. The food – who doesn’t love free food?! And there is a TON of it at Open House. My personal favorite though is just being able to enjoy Loyola’s hot apple cider on crisp fall day.

4. Spending a Saturday morning on Campus – Rain or shine, there is no location I love more than the Lake Shore Campus early in the morning. It’s simply impossible to find a better view than the sun rising over Lake Michigan as we are getting ready for the thousands of guests at Open House.

5. The Undergraduate Admission Student Workers – they are the best. Seriously, how many people do you know that are willing to work overtime on Friday night and Saturday morning? They not only do this, but they do it with a smile on their faces because they genuinely love Loyola and having the opportunity to connect with our prospective students. It’s great to be able to spend time with current students who are loving their Loyola experiences. They also seem to have fun with the hundreds of balloons we had this past weekend.

Student Workers pose with balloons while prepping for Loyola's October Open House. — Student Workers pose with balloons while prepping for Loyola’s October Open House.

THANK YOU to the nearly 2,000 guests we had on-campus this past Saturday! We’re so thrilled you had the opportunity to join our Loyola community for the day.

For those of you who were unable to join us, it’s not too late! You can still register for the Saturday, November 8th Open House by clicking here or you can register for a traditional campus visit by clicking here.