Let's take a deep breath... FIFTH INTERVIEW! After conversing with many applicants by this point, I realize I'm a little bit of an anomaly. Can I say that?! This whole venture has been a huge confidence booster and I finally feel as though all my hard work has paid off. It's so many shades different from how it was before that sometimes I have to pinch myself to assure this is no dream.

But it is,  I am living a dream right now!

Like I said in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New Mexico... this is my first time visiting Chicago! Navigating the streets from the airport and driving another rental car has taught me that you can handle most things that are thrown at you as long as you have a working GPS. Also, always carry a lot of change (coins and cash!) for the tollways. Don't bother with prepaid fuel or purchasing tollway cards, it's just not worth it!

I had a pretty awesome hotel. I think the concept of the area had a trend towards 'extended stay' as opposed to the traditional hotel layout. I had a stove, dishwasher, and full-sized refrigerator. A huge desk along one side of the wall and one of the comfiest queen beds I've ever slept in. I didn't have to drive to RFUMS until 11 AM so I had a very nice time catching some rest from the very stressful day.

As for the interview day? I ran into another applicant from my Pennsylvania interview! Very nice to run into familiar faces :) I was very nervous about the interview styles but turns out, I LOVE IT! This is my fifth interview but I had yet to experience MMIs. Now I'm a huge fan and I think all schools would benefit from this interview style. I felt really strong about how mine went and I hope the opinion was shared by the other interviewers.

The school itself is massive, akin to the structure of Baylor or UT med school. Lots of other professions there (med students, nurse anesthetists, pharm, PT, etc.) which means a good amount of interprofesional classes. What an excellent idea! I cannot say enough about how amazing RFUMS treated us and how impressive the program is. Being one of the few applicants from out of state (most were from Illinois), I felt very honored to be considered.

I love the school. I love the people I met. I really, really fell in love with the program. Could the windy city accept a girl from the lone star state? Time will tell!