2010-2011 University of Kansas Application Thread

[drak]

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Yes, really an optometrist. I am switching careers because I feel very unsatisfied with my current profession. I want to have a greater impact on the people I see and a greater part in their health care. Mid level practioner is not enough to make me happy for the next 30 years of my working life. I agree, EM has a strong draw for me; one of my closest friends is an ER doc and LOVES what he does. Has great stories and has a huge impact on the health of those he sees. Don't get me wrong, EM has its pitfalls as well, but the energy and level of involvement at work is much more than I will ever see as an optom.

Nice, it would be great to have an experienced individual in class....and it's always great to do things for the sake of people. Could you elaborate more on the pitfalls of EM if you don't mind =D? (dealing with drug seekers? Only see the patients once (hopefully just once)? Usually only 20% of all the cases are real emergency situations? 12-hour intense work shifts?)

 

[drak]

How's everyone doing? Practicing hard for your interviews? Any tips? Anyone else with interviews besides the ones posted? =)

 

[Pathologik]

I'm in the RD pool - no updates as of yet. It appears that the only people with interviews so far are ED applicants.

 

[jnmpc]

Yup! Interview on Tuesday, September 14th 🙂. Did anyone have an early interview time last year? My interview was in the afternoon last cycle, so finding a parking spot was pretty easy. Not too excited to fight for spots at 7:45 am this year

 

[drak]

Yup! Interview on Tuesday, September 14th 🙂. Did anyone have an early interview time last year? My interview was in the afternoon last cycle, so finding a parking spot was pretty easy. Not too excited to fight for spots at 7:45 am this year

Nice, best of luck to you and Pathologik! Feel like sharing what went wrong last cycle =)? Ready to get it done this cycle =)?

 

[jnmpc]

Nice, best of luck to you and Pathologik! Feel like sharing what went wrong last cycle =)? Ready to get it done this cycle =)?

I've been working for my family's business since I was young. The committee felt I posed a "potential risk" to my seat because they were sure my family would keep me employed while in medical school. During the interview I explained that my family would never consider doing that because we have a mutual agreement that I would stop working once school began. My explanation was insufficient, so here I am 😀 The full story to this is pretty long.


KU is still my #1 school, but I hope everyone applying this year applies to more than 4 schools. I was wait-listed at the other schools and everyone told me I should have applied to more.


Enough about me 😀


Good luck everyone!!

 

[drak]

I've been working for my family's business since I was young. The committee felt I posed a "potential risk" to my seat because they were sure my family would keep me employed while in medical school. During the interview I explained that my family would never consider doing that because we have a mutual agreement that I would stop working once school began. My explanation was insufficient, so here I am 😀 The full story to this is pretty long.


KU is still my #1 school, but I hope everyone applying this year applies to more than 4 schools. I was wait-listed at the other schools and everyone told me I should have applied to more.


Enough about me 😀


Good luck everyone!!

Ah I remember the story now lol, no wonder your name looked so familiar lol. Are you a girl or guy? I can't tell, but I think you are a guy =D

 

[Omzy]

Ah I remember the story now lol, no wonder your name looked so familiar lol. Are you a girl or guy? I can't tell, but I think you are a guy =D

I think the internet credo is to always assume everyone is a middle-aged guy until proven otherwise 😀

 

[maldini99]

I've been working for my family's business since I was young. The committee felt I posed a "potential risk" to my seat because they were sure my family would keep me employed while in medical school. During the interview I explained that my family would never consider doing that because we have a mutual agreement that I would stop working once school began. My explanation was insufficient, so here I am 😀 The full story to this is pretty long.


KU is still my #1 school, but I hope everyone applying this year applies to more than 4 schools. I was wait-listed at the other schools and everyone told me I should have applied to more.


Enough about me 😀


Good luck everyone!!

why would hey care if you work or not? that is just stupid, some people have no choice but work....

 

[drak]

I think the internet credo is to always assume everyone is a middle-aged guy until proven otherwise 😀

I'm a guy but definitely not middle-aged lol

 

[julies]

I got an ED interview on the 15th at 10:30🙂 Pretty nervous. I do have a weird question though. Last year I was the one female that interviewed on my day who had my hair down. Is it more professional to have it pulled back? I know that seems like a totally weird and dumb thing to worry about but I just do not know the etiquette on this one.

 

[Omzy]

I got an ED interview on the 15th at 10:30🙂 Pretty nervous. I do have a weird question though. Last year I was the one female that interviewed on my day who had my hair down. Is it more professional to have it pulled back? I know that seems like a totally weird and dumb thing to worry about but I just do not know the etiquette on this one.

See, she proved it. A guy would never think of asking that question.

 

[Genesea]

I got an ED interview on the 15th at 10:30🙂 Pretty nervous. I do have a weird question though. Last year I was the one female that interviewed on my day who had my hair down. Is it more professional to have it pulled back? I know that seems like a totally weird and dumb thing to worry about but I just do not know the etiquette on this one.

i don't think it's a weird question i bet there's a few threads on it already somewhere on this forum 😛
i'm sure it won't be the deciding factor but it might affect how they originally perceive you a bit.

i'd think if it's not in your face, and it's obviously neat and clean then down would be ok. you want to be yourself and be comfortable.
i think up or half up and half down is probably more professional though.

also you might think about when your interview is.. like if it's after your tour and it's a windy day it might mess up hair if it's down. or it might be easier to brush that out before your interview and harder to put it up again if it's up.
up to you gl either way 🙂


edit:
ps grats to those with ED interviews and gl to those still waiting to hear for RD

 

[drak]

Ah hah! Genesea is a girl too! Helloo =)

 

[BWSTW]

I agree with Genesea about your hair. As long as it looks nice it shouldn't matter, but updo is classier. I think its all up to the interviewer and how picky they want to get.

Yes, I'm a girl too. He he. What's that now? Three girls two guys?

 

[drak]

I agree with Genesa about your hair. As long as it looks nice it shouldn't matter, but updo is classier. I think its all up to the intervier and how picky they want to get.

Yes, I'm a girl too. He he. What's that now? Three girls two guys?

Party of Five =D....hope everyone still remember that it is a tv show lol

 

[Omzy]

I would say 'giggity' but this is supposed to be a professional forum

Well, I guess we're still pre-professionals, so its ok.

 

[julies]

Well thank you all for your advice. I think up is definitely the way to go. I hate all of this nonsense about what to wear and stuff. Why can't we just wear jeans? Shopping for a suit is awful!!!!

 

[jnmpc]

Ah I remember the story now lol, no wonder your name looked so familiar lol. Are you a girl or guy? I can't tell, but I think you are a guy =D

I'm a girl lol. I meant to have a username that can't be deciphered 😀

 

[jnmpc]

why would hey care if you work or not? that is just stupid, some people have no choice but work....

Very true! Unfortunately, it is absolutely forbidden to work in medical school so they weed out those "risks"

 

[BWSTW]

I'm a girl lol. I meant to have a username that can't be deciphered 😀

Funny, for some reason I thought you were a guy too. 🙂 Maybe it's because your story and how KU thought your family wanted you to work in their store during med school too.

With my username I get called "dude" alot. I don't mind, but it is funny.

 

[jnmpc]

Funny, for some reason I thought you were a guy too. 🙂 Maybe it's because your story and how KU thought your family wanted you to work in their store during med school too.

With my username I get called "dude" alot. I don't mind, but it is funny.

Hm.. why this forum is dominated by girls? 😛 I definitely don't fit the "middle-aged male" assumption. This is my 3rd time applying, and I'm 21. Age seemed to be the issue my first time applying lol... then the business. I hope they don't have another reason this cycle

 

[Omzy]

Hm.. why this forum is dominated by girls? 😛 I definitely don't fit the "middle-aged male" assumption. This is my 3rd time applying, and I'm 21. Age seemed to be the issue my first time applying lol... then the business. I hope they don't have another reason this cycle

21 and its the 3rd time 😱

Wow, so you finished college at 20 then?

 

[jnmpc]

21 and its the 3rd time 😱

Wow, so you finished college at 20 then?

Yup! But I'm no genius.. I skipped 1st grade because we moved to another state and I finished a year's worth of college credits in high school. 😀

 

[Genesea]

i know it's here somewhere (and will search it if there are not any immediate replies).. but if someone knows:

the interview format is 2 interviews each lasting 30 mins
the first with an adcom member that has all your info and the second interview is with two people that have what?.. just your personal statement? or is it personal statement + secondary essays

thanks for any response and gl to everyone interviewing tomorrow

 

[jnmpc]

i know it's here somewhere (and will search it if there are not any immediate replies).. but if someone knows:

the interview format is 2 interviews each lasting 30 mins
the first with an adcom member that has all your info and the second interview is with two people that have what?.. just your personal statement? or is it personal statement + secondary essays

thanks for any response and gl to everyone interviewing tomorrow

Yes, the interviews are 30 minutes each. The first is with a member of the committee who has your entire file including grades and MCAT score. The second interview is with 1-2 people who have everything but your grades and MCAT score. Both are important, but I believe the first interview has a greater impact since they will be speaking for you at the weekly meeting.

My second interview went very well last year. I was not convincing enough for my first interviewer 🙁

Has anyone taken their picture for your passport photo? Should I dress exactly like I will on the day of my interview and then take the photo?

 

[drak]

Genesea, I believe the interviewers in the second interview will have everything except for grades and MCAT scores =)
Omzy, good luck tomorrow bud! We all are rooting for you =)
jnmpc, if you were in the accelerated 6 year MD program, then you would be an MD by the time you are 22 or 23 years of age, like a lot of the guys at UMKC-SOM lol.....but not much time to enjoy life.......but who cares about enjoying life right? Getting an MD is much more important for some people =D....BTW, best of luck on Tuesday and let's get it done eh?! =D

 

[Genesea]

thank you for the responses.
jnmpc yes i would wear what you are planning to wear when you take your photo.
i think the photo is primarily there to aid the presenter in recognizing who you were, so looking as similar as possible would probably be good.
it is alsoprobably for others that did not meet you to associate a face with a name, but i think looking professional for them would only help.

 

[BWSTW]

Good luck in your interviews this week!

 

[jnmpc]

Genesea, I believe the interviewers in the second interview will have everything except for grades and MCAT scores =)
Omzy, good luck tomorrow bud! We all are rooting for you =)
jnmpc, if you were in the accelerated 6 year MD program, then you would be an MD by the time you are 22 or 23 years of age, like a lot of the guys at UMKC-SOM lol.....but not much time to enjoy life.......but who cares about enjoying life right? Getting an MD is much more important for some people =D....BTW, best of luck on Tuesday and let's get it done eh?! =D

Most definitely!!

 

[CougarMD]

BWSTW - I keep checking this thread with my fingers crossed for ya🙂 They're still crossed!🙂

 

[Genesea]

to clarify about the second "closed file" interviews i think they have only:
your personal statement from primary app
your work/activities from primary app
your short answers from the secondary app

so you guys were right except i don't think they have letters of recommendation.

gl for tomorrow jnmpc!
gl for wednesday to labs33 and julies, gl to drak and anyone else that didn't say when this week😛
and also gl again to those waiting on RD invites

 

[Omzy]

Thanks guys, and good luck to you as well! Mine is over now so the wait is on. Some info the deans gave us (from memory so might not be 100% accurate):

115 applied for EDP
60 interviewed

They said there is no 'cutoff' to how many they will accept from EDP--could be 100%, could be 25%. I'm not sure I totally believe that, because they also said that after each file is considered, it is given a composite score, which is compared to a threshold that they are allowed to choose. Any app above the line gets in and any app below does not. So I think they will probably choose a threshold that allows a reasonable percentage in, but who knows.

They indicated that the new campuses are almost a sure thing this year, so the class should expand 16 spots from 175 seats to 191 seats (almost 10%) for the new 4-yr campuses in Wichita and Salina. That should be finalized in early October. How it will affect EDP odds, I have no idea.

The committee meets Wednesday but they are not meeting this week because of some scheduling issue. They need 2 wednesdays to review all the apps, so we are looking at the 22nd and the 29th for committee meetings, which means they will notify us by email on the 29th or 30th of Sept. I'm not guessing around on this, they spelled it out pretty clearly.

Again, good luck to those of you who are interviewing tomorrow and on wednesday

 

[BWSTW]

BWSTW - I keep checking this thread with my fingers crossed for ya🙂 They're still crossed!🙂

Awww, thanks! I need all the help I can get! 😉

 

[BWSTW]

Thanks guys, and good luck to you as well! Mine is over now so the wait is on. Some info the deans gave us (from memory so might not be 100% accurate):

115 applied for EDP
60 interviewed

They said there is no 'cutoff' to how many they will accept from EDP--could be 100%, could be 25%. I'm not sure I totally believe that, because they also said that after each file is considered, it is given a composite score, which is compared to a threshold that they are allowed to choose. Any app above the line gets in and any app below does not. So I think they will probably choose a threshold that allows a reasonable percentage in, but who knows.

They indicated that the new campuses are almost a sure thing this year, so the class should expand 16 spots from 175 seats to 191 seats (almost 10%) for the new 4-yr campuses in Wichita and Salina. That should be finalized in early October. How it will affect EDP odds, I have no idea.

The committee meets Wednesday but they are not meeting this week because of some scheduling issue. They need 2 wednesdays to review all the apps, so we are looking at the 22nd and the 29th for committee meetings, which means they will notify us by email on the 29th or 30th of Sept. I'm not guessing around on this, they spelled it out pretty clearly.

Again, good luck to those of you who are interviewing tomorrow and on wednesday

How do you feel about your interview? Did they ask about health care reform? I hear a lot of schools are not asking much about it right now. Kinda curious if KU is or not.

 

[Omzy]

How do you feel about your interview? Did they ask about health care reform? I hear a lot of schools are not asking much about it right now. Kinda curious if KU is or not.

I think I did well, but I won't count my chickens until they hatch
I interviewed at 230, so I was one of the last people in the day. The first interviewer did ask me about healthcare reform, but did not seem to expect a detailed answer. The second interviewer did not ask me about it at all. What really shocked me was that neither interviewer directly asked me why I want to be a doctor.

 

[BWSTW]

Wow. That is kinda weird. I thought that was a standard question - but maybe they get tired of asking it. lol

Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

 

[Omzy]

I found this on the net:

The University of Kansas School of Medicine interviewed 52 percent of applicants for "early decision" to the 2010 class entering medical school, and accepted 73 percent of those it interviewed.
http://www.kansas.com/2009/12/08/1088330/private-colleges-can-be-a-bargain.html
Posted on Tue, Dec. 08, 2009

Not quite the 90% that has been thrown around, but not bad.

EDIT:
Looking at UTKD's posted numbers from page 1 of the thread:

Last year 115 applied EDP, 60 were interviewed for EDP...No idea how many were accepted.

115 applied, 60 interviewed = 52%
60 interviewed, 44 accepted = 73%

Now we know how many were accepted, yay!...Ahem.

But looking at the numbers I just said the deans gave us, could they have meant last cycle? 115/60 twice? Hmm...


​

 

[julies]

That is super weird they didn't ask you why you wanted to be a dr. Maybe your personal statement was so good that they didn't need to ask. I think that is the most stressful question because it is so important and the answer is usually complex. I am not looking forward to the tour. I have taken it twice and I have a really good memory of directions so I think I could navigate it now. 🙄

 

[Omzy]

That is super weird they didn't ask you why you wanted to be a dr. Maybe your personal statement was so good that they didn't need to ask. I think that is the most stressful question because it is so important and the answer is usually complex. I am not looking forward to the tour. I have taken it twice and I have a really good memory of directions so I think I could navigate it now. 🙄

Lol, I doubt that explanation is accurate, but they did get the information from a combination of other questions so maybe they didn't need to ask it outright. All I know is that if you are asked that question and you freeze up = game over .
And about the tour, my favorite part is the seamless integration of all the architecture

 

[drak]

Nice work for this thread Omzy =D. Best of luck to Labs33, Julies and everyone else tomorrow! Go get it done lol

 

[drak]

well guys, how did it go? Here is my experience:
I got all MDs as interviewers and they all introduced themselves. My first interviewer is a professor and chief of a division and also a vice-chair of education. My second interviewers: one is a medical director of a division and also an assitant dean of medical education, and the other interviewer is a professor of another division.

My explanation in the secondary didn't seem to be enough so all of my interviewers really digged into the question of "why do you want to be a physician?" My second interview asked me about the status of our health care system and a few questions about why people do what they do such as why some go into certain fields and what field I would want to go into.

Hmm I wanted to make sure that these interviews are the strongest part of my application process so I unleashed out everything in me lol. However, the interviews were relaxing and the interviewers all seemed wanting to know more about me as an individual....so nothing like drilling in the head lol. One thing that got me to chuckle a little bit on the inside was when my second interviewers escorted me to the waiting room, the medical director/assistant dean of medical education said, "it was nice meeting you, sir"...in my mind, I was like, "I should be the one that needs to say that lol"

Like Omzy said, we'll find out soon in a couple weeks, and the admission info is the same as the one that I got during the event =D.

 

[Omzy]

@drak - I find comfort in the minutia of statistics because they fog up what is really going on

So everyone for EDP is done interviewing now...I hope they do go with that 100% number they were tossing around. A friend of mine that just started his residency told me that, traditionally, if you are accepted they call you by phone the day after they discuss your app. If that is true, expect some notifications by next Thursday. My bet is against it, though.

 

[BWSTW]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for everyone!

 

[drak]

Thank you BWSTW and we all wish you the best!
Omzy, I hope they would call us as soon as possible lol, but I think we'll find out through email by thursday Sept 30th or friday oct. 1st at the lastest =D.

 

[Omzy]

You know, this may seem a bit of an odd post, but I can't help but think that there must be some 'lurkers' out there, as a friend of mine put it, that prowl this forum every once and a while, sticking to the shadows for fear of contributing potentially helpful information.

You'll feel better if you make your presence known. Otherwise, we'll just have to start using IP addresses as nicknames. 😉

 

[BWSTW]

You know, this may seem a bit of an odd post, but I can't help but think that there must be some 'lurkers' out there, as a friend of mine put it, that prowl this forum every once and a while, sticking to the shadows for fear of contributing potentially helpful information.

You'll feel better if you make your presence known. Otherwise, we'll just have to start using IP addresses as nicknames. 😉

 

[drak]

You know, this may seem a bit of an odd post, but I can't help but think that there must be some 'lurkers' out there, as a friend of mine put it, that prowl this forum every once and a while, sticking to the shadows for fear of contributing potentially helpful information.

You'll feel better if you make your presence known. Otherwise, we'll just have to start using IP addresses as nicknames. 😉

We should combine our MCAT powers to bring them out of the shadows lol....just kidding...they probably will post after being accepted or waitlisted or something wondering what will happen next lol.

 

[Redoxify]

hey guys,

I'm a RD applicant and still havent heard anything from KU (resident of Kansas, but go to college in North Carolina). I know they just finished EDP interviews, but have they started sending out interview inv to RD applicants???

Thanks!

 

[Omzy]

hey guys,

I'm a RD applicant and still havent heard anything from KU (resident of Kansas, but go to college in North Carolina). I know they just finished EDP interviews, but have they started sending out interview inv to RD applicants???

Thanks!

I don't believe so. They probably won't start sending RD invites out until they finish notifying EDP applicants. RD invites should begin in early October.