If I had a second chance I would definitely choose a different school. I feel Loyola provides a community college level of education at a Northwestern University price.Loyola's location in Chicago and campus aesthetics are by far the best characteristics. They have a beautiful yet compact campus with mostly new, or recently renovated buildings. The adjacent lake shore and cultural opportunities of Chicago saves an otherwise mediocre, at best, university.
My classes were anywhere from 10-80 people, but mostly in the 20-30 range. I have heard that most of the intro science classes are 100-200. As far as the rigor of the education. Attending class is the hardest part. The faculty regurgitate assigned readings unoriginally from powerpoint points. The class participation is next to nothing which leads me to believe they were as bored as I was, or aren't smart enough to handle the material. I hope to god it is the former not the latter.
The faculty: obviously every school has their strengths and weaknesses, but Loyola faculty would rate as a "meh." Most are fine people, and approachable, and even knowledgeable, but they aren't very good teachers. Poorly organized, unoriginal, uninformed, or pompous are words that can describe most of the faculty. In my time there I had, what could qualify as 2 good teachers.
The services: the advisors are overwhelmed, and not helpful. On several occasions, because they do require advisor visits, I had to explain to the advisors the courses I needed to graduate, and it seems they have only one women (the head of advising) who knows any and everything that would be helpful.
You may say well if it was so bad why did you go, or why did you stay? Well I went there because they offered me the most money, and it wouldve been much cheaper than a state school. However, "magically" during my junior year the financial aid disappeared. I was met not by sympathetic ears or problem solving from the support services, but by "tough luck." I have heard that I was not the first to have that problem and wouldn't be the last.
Chicago has so many opportunities, but it seems either no staff at Loyola knows about them or they just let the students know about it. You will have to take initiative to find your own opportunities, plan your education, and dot your "i's" and cross your "t's" with financial aid.
Loyola is all about the appearance. Most of the students appear to be image driven rich kids. Because of the building aestheitics Loyola appears to be well run and held to high standards, and Loyola may even appear to be a sound investment, but let me tell you looks are deceiving.
You do not get what you pay for.
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