Kansas City University (KCU-COM) Discussion Thread 2015 - 2016

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This is what they list as their minimum requirements: (link has more info)
  • 24 MCAT (no less than a 7 in any one subject)
  • 3.25 Science GPA
  • 3.25 Overall/Cumulative GPA
As long as you have other strong parts of your application and you apply the first day the application opens, I would say you at least have a shot.

Does anyone know if this 3.25 GPA minimum includes retakes (AACOMAS GPA) or instead includes all graded attempts?
 
Does anyone know if this 3.25 GPA minimum includes retakes (AACOMAS GPA) or instead includes all graded attempts?

It's based on your GPA as calculated after replacements. So, whatever AACOMAS calculated your GPA as on your verified application.
 
Thank you so much, I have only received this e-mail.
"KCU-COM has received your secondary application. Once your file is complete, we will review your application to determine your eligibility for an interview.
If you have not already done so, please submit 2 letters of recommendation to the Office of Admissions. Questions about the required letters can be emailed to [email protected]. "
If you're sure you sent everything in, you should definitely give them a call.
 
2500 characters for each secondary question..
That is A LOT more than every other osteopathic school I've applied to so far.
How did you guys go about writing you answers, I am thinking of keeping mine short and concise.
 
2500 characters for each secondary question..
That is A LOT more than every other osteopathic school I've applied to so far.
How did you guys go about writing you answers, I am thinking of keeping mine short and concise.
My longest answer was bout 1500 char and my shortest was about 750. I wouldn't worry about length.
 
Current students: How do you all deal with classes being graded?--I know there's a nice curve, but I've had friends tell me they're so glad to have P/F classes because there are a lot of exams they barely pass, and the P/F system helps them out a lot. Is it even possible to get A's and B's with the rigor of the new curriculum?
 
Nice curve meaning 3-5% max. Some people really care about grades some just want to pass. B's aren't that difficult to obtain but consistent A's are.
 
Can anyone confirm that students here actually get 8 weeks plus a Kaplan course for boards? I'm deciding between here and a school that gives 1 month for boards. If KCU actually gives 2 months solely to studying for boards, I think my decision is made.
 
Can anyone confirm that students here actually get 8 weeks plus a Kaplan course for boards? I'm deciding between here and a school that gives 1 month for boards. If KCU actually gives 2 months solely to studying for boards, I think my decision is made.

+1, I'd like to know this too. I heard 6 weeks but can't be sure.

Even if KCU only gave 1 month for board studying, have you considered that the KCU curriculum is built so that you are repeating all of the first year systems with an emphasis on pathology? On the interview day the students consistently said that class studying was essentially board studying because of this curriculum.

That being said, we have yet to see what that means practically until the currents second years take their boards.... Looking at RVU's scores with a very similar curriculum, I would guess there is ample board review.

Also the fact that class attendance isn't strictly mandatory would, for all intents and purposes, give you all the board studying time you could want.
 
Yes it is, which means that our class has only experienced a curve of 3-5% max. When you go to med school everyone is pretty intelligent which means that depending on a curve will get you nowhere.
 
Yes it is, which means that our class has only experienced a curve of 3-5% max. When you go to med school everyone is pretty intelligent which means that depending on a curve will get you nowhere.
Ouch, that's tough. Ok, thanks for the info!
 
At my interview, I was told it was 9 weeks prep time total. 3 Weeks Review Course + 6 weeks independent study. This was from one of the ambassadors, not from admissions or faculty. Regardless of the exact length - I think it's safe to say KCU gives more than the avg amount of time for board prep.
 
At my interview, I was told it was 9 weeks prep time total. 3 Weeks Review Course + 6 weeks independent study. This was from one of the ambassadors, not from admissions or faculty. Regardless of the exact length - I think it's safe to say KCU gives more than the avg amount of time for board prep.

Dam 9 weeks is quite a bit.
 
I don't attend KCU but I just popped in to say... don't pick a school based on length of board prep time. I only say this because you don't know what will change by the time you're in your second year. It's important info to gather, but nothing is guaranteed. That being said, 9 weeks sounds awesome. And KCU is pretty cool, I guess 😉
 
Current students: How do you all deal with classes being graded?--I know there's a nice curve, but I've had friends tell me they're so glad to have P/F classes because there are a lot of exams they barely pass, and the P/F system helps them out a lot. Is it even possible to get A's and B's with the rigor of the new curriculum?
I like having the A-F style grading- it makes me push myself harder than I think a pass/fail system would because you get to see your extra effort reflected in your grades (usually). Pass/fail may 'feel' good for students because it's less stressful, but I think in the long run it's not as helpful because there's less incentive to learn those little details that get you the extra points on boards. If you study well and study consistently, it's totally possible to get A's and B's.
 
I don't attend KCU but I just popped in to say... don't pick a school based on length of board prep time. I only say this because you don't know what will change by the time you're in your second year. It's important info to gather, but nothing is guaranteed. That being said, 9 weeks sounds awesome. And KCU is pretty cool, I guess 😉
Best watch yoself
 
Got an email on 10/29 saying my application was submitted to the sub-committee for further review and the process would take up to 2 weeks. Which would mean yesterday. So I am really hoping for some good news on the interview front today.
 
Also another question: does KCU have a lot of opportunities to do ward based/inpatient clinical rotations? I see a variety of hospitals on the rotation list, but I'm wondering how students find OMS3--are you basically treated like an intern with a team of residents, or do the majority of rotations consist of shadowing a preceptor?
 
Also another question: does KCU have a lot of opportunities to do ward based/inpatient clinical rotations? I see a variety of hospitals on the rotation list, but I'm wondering how students find OMS3--are you basically treated like an intern with a team of residents, or do the majority of rotations consist of shadowing a preceptor?

+1, Although I don't think there's an MS3 on this thread...
 
Also another question: does KCU have a lot of opportunities to do ward based/inpatient clinical rotations? I see a variety of hospitals on the rotation list, but I'm wondering how students find OMS3--are you basically treated like an intern with a team of residents, or do the majority of rotations consist of shadowing a preceptor?

The majority are wards based. Staying in KC will be a mixture of preceptor based and ward based. Other sites are more ward based!
 
The majority are wards based. Staying in KC will be a mixture of preceptor based and ward based. Other sites are more ward based!
If you don't mind me asking, what are ward based vs preceptor?


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For those who have already interviewed: What has been the typical clothing choices for interviewees?

I have a suit, but I am interested as to whether interviewees have worn only straight colors (black, navy, grey) or has anyone gone outside the box and worn some more vibrant colors in their suit.

Thank you in advance!
 
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For those who have already interviewed: What has been the typical clothing choices for interviewees?

I have a suit, but I am interested as to whether interviewees have worn only straight colors (black, navy, grey) or has anyone gone outside the box and worn some more vibrant colors in their suit.

Thanks you in advance!
I wouldn't wear anything outside of black/grey/navy suit....I have not seen anyone do that across like 6 interviews.
 
For those who have already interviewed: What has been the typical clothing choices for interviewees?

I have a suit, but I am interested as to whether interviewees have worn only straight colors (black, navy, grey) or has anyone gone outside the box and worn some more vibrant colors in their suit.

Thank you in advance!
Depends what gender you identify with. For women, you can spice things up with a vibrant shell. For men, you can wear a printed tie as long as it isn't too distracting.
 
Thanks! The suit I have is charcoal grey and I wear a royal blue shell underneath it. May still go grab a new set up for Wednesday though.
 
Thanks! The suit I have is charcoal grey and I wear a royal blue shell underneath it. May still go grab a new set up for Wednesday though.

I would say that's totally fine, especially considering the whole city is still blue for the Royals

And since I sit in the coffee shop most days and see a lot of interviewees, I've seen a good mix of outfits haha. Always professional for the most part but any sort of suit and nice shirt should be fine. Good luck!
 
For those who have already interviewed: What has been the typical clothing choices for interviewees?

I have a suit, but I am interested as to whether interviewees have worn only straight colors (black, navy, grey) or has anyone gone outside the box and worn some more vibrant colors in their suit.

Thank you in advance!
I wore a navy blazer, light blue shirt, and khaki pants and was accepted.
 
Dang! I don't think I saw you 🙁 well if you decide to come to acceptance day next year I'll be around. Come say hi.

Yea, I will! There is a good chance I'll end up going to KCU, but cycle is still in the air. I've decided against DMU even if I'm accepted off their waitlist.
 
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