u/Spiritual_Ad5212

Hi, I’m considering transferring to Loyola University Chicago as a chemistry major on the pre-med track because it’s one of the cheaper options for me besides Arizona State University. The cost difference is only around $3k, and I honestly really like Loyola and the idea of being in Chicago. I also think chemistry fits me better than biology since I’m stronger at math and feel like I’d enjoy it more.

But I’ve seen a lot of negative comments online about Loyola’s chemistry department and now I’m stressing out. I know GPA is super important for med school, and I’m worried about whether it would be hard to get good grades there or if the department would make pre-med unnecessarily difficult.

For anyone who went to Loyola for chemistry/pre-med (or knows people who did), was it actually that bad? Were professors supportive? Is it possible to maintain a strong GPA if you work hard? Did you feel prepared for the MCAT/med school applications? I’d really appreciate honest experiences because I’m feeling super conflicted right now.

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to decide between two schools for a Biology major on a pre-med or pre-CAA (certified anesthesiologist assistant) track and I could really use outside perspective, especially from people who’ve dealt with loans or pre-health paths.

My top choices right now are Loyola University Chicago and Arizona State University.
I already have an associate’s degree, actually two associate degrees, so I am transferring in with credits and I am estimating about 2 to 3 years left for my bachelor’s in Biology depending on how everything transfers and how the sequencing works out. I already have my CNA certification and I plan to work part-time while I am in school.

Taking a gap year or a gap semester is not an option for me and staying at community college is also not an option since I already completed my associate degrees. I am committed to going straight into university and staying on track.

In terms of cost, Loyola is about $20,000 per year after aid and scholarships and ASU is about $18,000 per year after grants, with no scholarships. So the difference is only around $2,000 per year. Once I factor in housing, Loyola being on-campus and ASU being off-campus, the total cost ends up being pretty similar.

Financially, I will likely need to take out loans in my name, possibly private loans if needed, although I would prefer federal loans. I have not talked to my parents about college because they are not very supportive of me going to school, so Parent PLUS loans are not something I can rely on or really want to depend on.

I am not really scared of debt because I am planning on going to medical school or CAA school afterward, so I understand debt is part of the path. My main concern is choosing the better environment for pre-health success, not getting delayed in prerequisites, and making sure I can realistically finish in about 2 to 3 years.

I am trying to figure out whether Loyola is worth it compared to ASU for pre-med or pre-CAA, whether location actually makes a big difference for clinical or shadowing opportunities, and if I am missing anything important about loans or cost of attendance. I would also really appreciate hearing from anyone who did a biology to med or CAA route, especially if you transferred in. My top choice right now is Loyola, and I would love to go because I believe that location does affect motivation and performance. A lot of my friends did end up going to ASU, and I don’t hear good things about the environment and I wouldn’t really want to go.
But thank you in advance for any advice.