A.T. Still University Kirksville (KCOM) Discussion Thread 2012 - 2013

[dani042]

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May I recommend Pancake City?

Best food in town! Can't wait to come back for graduation! I may be looking forward to PC more than that nice piece of paper and floppy hat.....

Oh and, don't freak about the interviews. The 45 mins will go very fast and you will be surprised how easy it was! Just make sure you know whats on your application and be prepared to answer questions about ANYTHING in it: grades, MCAT, classes, hobbies, etc.

 

[dntke1518]

What do they have?

It is a city of pancakes. Lolz.

 

[angldrps]

I think it is actually two separate 30-45 minute interviews and then another 20-30 minute interview...so a total of three one-on-one interviews.

Also the two longer ones are with faculty professors and physicians I believe while the shorter one is with the admissions staff...not positive, but I am pretty sure that is correct

The only question I was asked from the interview feedback section was "why DO/osteopathic medicine". I would also have answers for the standard interview questions (e.g. why should we pick you). The rest of my interviews were about my application and conversations about fishing, hunting, my hometown, etc.

So, Just to clarify. This is how the interview process works:
there are 3 back to back interviews with the first two being 30-45minutes and the last one a bit shorter. All 3 of the interviews are one on one with 2-3 faculty members interviewers for each interviewee . Most interview questions are application specific.

Can someone please confirm this.

(( I am just thinking how are they going to ask me that many questions from my application to make up 3 interviews. Seems bit intimidating, honestly😳))

 

[babdk7]

So, Just to clarify. This is how the interview process works:
there are 3 back to back interviews with the first two being 30-45minutes and the last one a bit shorter. All 3 of the interviews are one on one with 2-3 faculty members interviewers for each interviewee . Most interview questions are application specific.

Can someone please confirm this.

(( I am just thinking how are they going to ask me that many questions from my application to make up 3 interviews. Seems bit intimidating, honestly😳))

Yeah that sounds right to me. You will do great! Don't stress!

 

[Mbeas]

Best food in town! Can't wait to come back for graduation! I may be looking forward to PC more than that nice piece of paper and floppy hat.....

Oh and, don't freak about the interviews. The 45 mins will go very fast and you will be surprised how easy it was! Just make sure you know whats on your application and be prepared to answer questions about ANYTHING in it: grades, MCAT, classes, hobbies, etc.

It is a city of pancakes. Lolz.

👍

So, Just to clarify. This is how the interview process works:
there are 3 back to back interviews with the first two being 30-45minutes and the last one a bit shorter. All 3 of the interviews are one on one with 2-3 faculty members interviewers for each interviewee . Most interview questions are application specific.

Can someone please confirm this.

Yes, that's the basic format.

Just a point of clarification: you will also get some "traditional" interview questions like I mentioned. Also, you will be expected to hold a normal conversation about less intimidating topics like your EC's. If you grew up in a rural area or if you like fishing/hiking/biking/etc., bring that up. They like people who stay physically active and have a life outside of school.

Thanks for the advice! Do you receive the interview packets the day of your interview or are they mailed to you?

You will receive it the day of your interview.

 

[jrporte3]

Just an FYI....

I just canceled my Interview (10/22), so if someone who has a later date, you might want to see if you can pick up this date.

Good luck to everyone!

 

[aburnet2]

I am going to cancel my interview here as well tomorrow. 10/11 is my date so if you want you can try to get it.

 

[bluepotato]

I just submitted my secondary today. Am I correct that it typically takes a while to get a response from KCOM?

 

[aburnet2]

I am going to cancel my interview here as well tomorrow. 10/11 is my date so if you want you can try to get it.

changed my mind, and now am excited to see what KCOM has to offer

 

[GopherMD]

changed my mind, and now am excited to see what KCOM has to offer

Haha what changed your mind? The awesomeness of KCOM perhaps?

 

[WildEMDoc]

Anyone going to be here with me on Friday? (10/5)

Maybe we can all get together the night before or the night after!

 

[dntke1518]

Anyone going to be here with me on Friday? (10/5)

Maybe we can all get together the night before or the night after!

Interview season 😍😍😍 saw some interviewees yesterday and it made me happy

 

[Mbeas]

Anyone going to be here with me on Friday? (10/5)

Maybe we can all get together the night before or the night after!

you will probably see quite a few first/second year students out Friday night, so it could be extra time to ask any questions you forgot (or didn't want to) to ask during your interview

 

[MooCowJoe]

Cancelled my interview for 10/4. Goodluck to all of you guys.

 

[felix2929]

Cancelled my interview for 10/4. Goodluck to all of you guys.

Just got the call from Kirksville and was offered your interview spot! Thanks!
A little nervous because it's Thursday and this unlike other schools I've interviewed at the tour is after the interviews. Oh well time to study up on Kirksville! Any hotel suggestions?

 

[CycloneDoctor]

.

 

[Dfro]

Canceled my interview for November 1st, if anyone was looking for a reschedule. Good luck!

 

[Syialb]

Just got the call from Kirksville and was offered your interview spot! Thanks!
A little nervous because it's Thursday and this unlike other schools I've interviewed at the tour is after the interviews. Oh well time to study up on Kirksville! Any hotel suggestions?

Congrats!

I just got an interview invite today, and it is scheduled for Monday 10/8! Anyone else interviewing on Monday??

Congrats!

If you guys don't mind, can you please tell us your stats and complete dates? Thanks.

 

[CycloneDoctor]

.

 

[GopherMD]

The downside of getting an interview invite over a month ago? Not having these canceled dates available to you (I already used my one reschedule)

 

[Syialb]

3.84C 3.79S 26P

Complete on September 26th..

A little shocked by the quick turn around, but definitely not complaining!

Nice stats. And wow, that definitely is a fast turnaround. Good luck!

 

[dntke1518]

you will probably see quite a few first/second year students out Friday night, so it could be extra time to ask any questions you forgot (or didn't want to) to ask during your interview

Yesh the Dukum is a safe bet to find us

 

[MedPR]

ii today. Strange considering I was rejected about a month ago.

3.28s/3.26c/33Q.

 

[A Nony Mouse]

ii today. Strange considering I was rejected about a month ago.

3.28s/3.26c/33Q.

Guess the rejection was a mistake? 👍

 

[GopherMD]

ii today. Strange considering I was rejected about a month ago.

3.28s/3.26c/33Q.

Maybe your application is like a fine wine, it gets better with age 😉

 

[bluepotato]

3.84C 3.79S 26P

Complete on September 26th..

A little shocked by the quick turn around, but definitely not complaining!

Wow, that was fast! Hoping I get a similar response

 

[MooCowJoe]

Just got the call from Kirksville and was offered your interview spot! Thanks!
A little nervous because it's Thursday and this unlike other schools I've interviewed at the tour is after the interviews. Oh well time to study up on Kirksville! Any hotel suggestions?

Wow haha that actually makes me happy to hear that. Congratulations and good luck!

 

[MedPR]

Guess the rejection was a mistake? 👍

Maybe your application is like a fine wine, it gets better with age 😉

Haha thanks guys. Idk what's going on.


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[angldrps]

just got to Kirksville. I am honestly feeling pretty exhausted from my KCUMB interview today so don't really know how the interview here is going to go. Will try to do my best. Also, driving here really explains what driving in the middle of nowhere means. 🙄

 

[aarastoo]

Okay, so I am a little behind everyone in the interview phase of the stage. I submitted my secondary on Sept 21 and just got an email from a woman in admissions. She asked specifically about my shadowing experience, basically a "Do you have more hours than what you did with Dr. BLAHBLAHBLAH?"

I had very little shadowing (10 with Dr. BLAHBLAHBLAH and maybe an additional 10 with SMDEP in Columbia). But I also added how I worked at a medical camp 80 hrs/week for 2 summers (24 weeks total) and how I observed doctors there. It wasn't in a hospital, but it was in an "infirmary" and I saw a lot of kids' checkups and swimmer's ear, rashes, etc being taken care of.

Basically, I know they're concerned about my shadowing so they asked me about it. Is this good? Bad? What does it mean? I am scared that the'll read my response and be like..."NOPE, not enough! Into the fiery abyss with you! Mwahahaha!"

 

[angldrps]

Okay, so I am a little behind everyone in the interview phase of the stage. I submitted my secondary on Sept 21 and just got an email from a woman in admissions. She asked specifically about my shadowing experience, basically a "Do you have more hours than what you did with Dr. BLAHBLAHBLAH?"

I had very little shadowing (10 with Dr. BLAHBLAHBLAH and maybe an additional 10 with SMDEP in Columbia). But I also added how I worked at a medical camp 80 hrs/week for 2 summers (24 weeks total) and how I observed doctors there. It wasn't in a hospital, but it was in an "infirmary" and I saw a lot of kids' checkups and swimmer's ear, rashes, etc being taken care of.

Basically, I know they're concerned about my shadowing so they asked me about it. Is this good? Bad? What does it mean? I am scared that the'll read my response and be like..."NOPE, not enough! Into the fiery abyss with you! Mwahahaha!"

just answer as honestly as possible. That is really all you can do. Nobody here can tell you what this means.

 

[aarastoo]

just answer as honestly as possible. That is really all you can do. Nobody here can tell you what this means.

Thanks, just wasn't sure if anyone else had this type of interaction or if they knew that this school would laugh at me with only 20 hours of "real" shadowing or not. But yeah, after reading through 14 thread pages and no one talking about a follow-up question, I should have guessed that it wasn't common.

 

[babdk7]

Thanks, just wasn't sure if anyone else had this type of interaction or if they knew that this school would laugh at me with only 20 hours of "real" shadowing or not. But yeah, after reading through 14 thread pages and no one talking about a follow-up question, I should have guessed that it wasn't common.

Look at the glass half full...if they weren't interested in you they would not have followed up at all.

 

[Raisenbran]

Thanks, just wasn't sure if anyone else had this type of interaction or if they knew that this school would laugh at me with only 20 hours of "real" shadowing or not. But yeah, after reading through 14 thread pages and no one talking about a follow-up question, I should have guessed that it wasn't common.

I've never heard of them asking a follow up question but the mere fact that they are taking the time to send you an email and wait for a response means that they are definitely interested. If they weren't they would skip the email question and just reject you flat out I would think.

 

[aarastoo]

Got the ii this morning. My first! Man, that was fast!

 

[IUagd12]

II two days ago...conveniently while I was at my KCUMB interview. Now I get to go back to Missouri in two months. Scheduled for Dec. 3th...dates fill up quick!

 

[MedPR]

II two days ago...conveniently while I was at my KCUMB interview. Now I get to go back to Missouri in two months. Scheduled for Dec. 3th...dates fill up quick!

Ii two days ago too and there were several orpem dates in oct and nov. I elected for a december date since KCOM isnt very high on my list.

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[Mbeas]

Well, after seeing a few groups of interviewees roll through, what's everyone thinking?

 

[babdk7]

Well, after seeing a few groups of interviewees roll through, what's everyone thinking?

It is the only school I applied at and I don't regret that at all. Loved the school, town, and everyone I met. Really hoping to get accepted...you just never know how the interviewers felt about your answers or what they are looking for

 

[Mbeas]

It is the only school I applied at and I don't regret that at all. Loved the school, town, and everyone I met. Really hoping to get accepted...you just never know how the interviewers felt about your answers or what they are looking for

👍

Excellent. Glad you had a good experience. I've yet to meet anyone that goes to school here that is unhappy. You see people complain about their schools all the time, but I haven't found that at KCOM. It's really a great group of people and a positive environment.

Best of luck!

 

[2013medapp]

It is the only school I applied at and I don't regret that at all. Loved the school, town, and everyone I met. Really hoping to get accepted...you just never know how the interviewers felt about your answers or what they are looking for

WOW. You're brave. But if you get accepted, I guess you can laugh at the rest of us for spending thousands of dollars more than you hopping around for interviews 😉 Good luck!

 

[babdk7]

WOW. You're brave. But if you get accepted, I guess you can laugh at the rest of us for spending thousands of dollars more than you hopping around for interviews 😉 Good luck!

Haha no I just thought I really wanted to go there and now that I have interviewed, I know I really want to go there! Just hoping they like me as much as I like them!

 

[bluepotato]

Woot, got my confirmation email! Things are moving along 😀

 

[angldrps]

here is how my interview day went:
There were 3 back to back 1 on 1 interviews.Each one of mine lasted about 40-45 minutes. What I really appreciated was that each one of my interviewers had reviewed all aspects of my file thoroughly before interviewing me. All of the interviews were very conversational and I felt very relaxed, but this maybe because this was my 4th interview. To be honest, I thought that 3 separate interviews was really unnecessary because I was asked some of the exact same questions in all 3 of my interviews and when I was answering "what leadership experience have you had?" for the third time in a row, it got bit annoying. I was asked mostly application specific questions. Some standard ones were: Why medicine?Why DO? What would my best friend say my strength is? what are my weaknesses? Leadership experience?, why kirksville? what would I be doing in 10 years?My favorite subject in undergrad? My least favorite subject?
I wasn't very impressed with the campus tour. The building could definitely use some updating. They made us walk over to the anatomy lab which was about a 5 minute walk away (Ladies, wear comfortable shoes!). My favorite part of the day was that the first years were doing dissection in the anatomy lab when we were taken to the lab so we got to see what that looked like. I think this would definitely take away the "shock" factor for me when I step into my first day of anatomy lab. As for Kirksville, it really is a rural town and being from CA,It was very, very different from what I am used to. When I asked the students there what they do for fun in Kirksville, they really were at a lost for words because there really isn't much to do there at all. The next big city is about a 4 hour drive away.

 

[IUagd12]

Ii two days ago too and there were several orpem dates in oct and nov. I elected for a december date since KCOM isnt very high on my list.

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I waited one day to schedule and those dates were gone 🙁

 

[Mbeas]

My favorite part of the day was that the first years were doing dissection in the anatomy lab when we were taken to the lab so we got to see what that looked like. I think this would definitely take away the "shock" factor for me when I step into my first day of anatomy lab.

You picked a good day since we had the saws out 👍

When I asked the students there what they do for fun in Kirksville, they really were at a lost for words because there really isn't much to do there at all. The next big city is about a 4 hour drive away.

It's actually kinda disappointing that they didn't point much out to you. There is plenty to do in Kirksville to keep you busy, when you actually have down time. I guess it depends on your hobbies though. If you like hiking, fishing, boating, etc. then Kirksville is a great place. If you like shopping for fun (I don't) and you don't want to drive, yes you are very limited. Truman State has concerts and stuff that you can attend with popular artists (e.g. B.o.B. in October). There are several bars you can go to on the weekends (or even weeknights). I will admit that Kirksville doesn't really shine when it comes to restaurants. They are OK, but if you are looking for fine dining then you will have to drive elsewhere. Also, there are festivals/fairs/etc. that occur during certain weekends on the square. Plus, if you get involved with clubs, you have the opportunity to host your own events so that could be another thing to do. Also, if you're into wineries, there is a relatively nice one about 5 minutes away. One of the great things about a small town is that you can walk most places (hair cut, movie theatre, bar, restaurants, etc.)

I won't say that Kirksville is for everyone, but to say there isn't much to do here is dishonest (blaming the students, not you). I was here 2 weeks before classes started and kept busy everyday.

As for big cities, Kansas City/STL/Des Moines are all ~3 hours away and obviously there is plenty to do there. Columbia is only a little over an hour away and there is a lot to do there as well. Anyways, I just wanted to shed some further light on this subject because I don't think the students you talked to were fair about their assessment

 

[felix2929]

My only disappointment with the interview day was that we didn't get a financial aid talk at all nor did the morning talk discuss enough specifics about the clinical rotations. This is actually not specific to KCOM though and more a problem with all DO programs (at least that I've interviewed at). I guess because students are split up and not everyone has the same experience it is hard to go into detail about the clinicals. This is my only concern though since everyone stresses that clinicals are the most important part of your education. I enjoyed the day though and the drive was not as bad as I expected. I too enjoyed seeing the anatomy lab and all of the students I met seemed happy to be there and more than willing to answer questions.

 

[MedicineBound]

can anyone recommend a nice and cheap hotel to stay at? thanks

 

[dntke1518]

can anyone recommend a nice and cheap hotel to stay at? thanks

Any of the chain hotels will do just fine.

Saw some of the Oct 4th group today, to bad you didn't get to see us in the anatomy lab with our saws and chisels out like MBeas said.

 

[Cortez]

Non-trad applicant. 33 MCAT with 9 1/2 years direct patient care experience. 3.75 GPA, 2 bachelor's degrees. LOR from graduate of KCOM that I have worked with for 7 years. Denied interview.