Kansas City University (KCU-COM) Discussion Thread 2016-2017

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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kcuanon said:
I'm going to have to call out AlteredScale on this.
Please do not lie to the prospective students.. I always want to stop the student ambassadors leading the nervous looking pack of prospies and tell them to stop and leave.

Sorry, but not everyone survives. There have been much over a dozen students from the second year class who have either dropped or are repeating or are taking a leave of absence. AKA, NOT EVERYONE SURVIVES.
Almost 10% of the class did not continue on to the second year, this year.

The student affairs department is worried about the second year's mental health so much as to send out a Burnout Survey to the students..yes, our curriculum is difficult, and it is actually putting a toll on our mental wellness.

The pathology professors do an absolute horrible job lecturing the material. They do not ask questions on the exam that were covered in lecture. So yes, AlteredScale is right that Robbins is your textbook. And so is self-learning. If you interviewed here and ever took a peek at the second year's lectures, you would notice that less than 30 students attend the lectures. Maybe contemplate on why only 30 students out of a class of 250 are attending lectures.

Also, be advised y'all.... the Administration reads these threads. So be careful what is posted and take everything with a grain of salt. Read between the lines. If people are saying it's a difficult curriculum, they probably want to say more, but they're getting paid to not.

Let's just not lie to the prospies. Thanks.
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Those of us in the military would instead say this: "embrace the suck"
 
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Higherprimate said:
You want to tell the prospective students to stop and leave based on what grounds? What is so horrendous about this school, is it too difficult, is it too demanding, not everyone survives? It is med school, it is meant to be difficult and rigorous, not everyone is going to survive. Just because you did great in undergrad does not guarantee that you are going to be a competent physician or that you should even be a physician. You are going to be responsible for peoples health and ultimately their lives, therefore only those mentally tough and mentally acute enough will/should become physicians.
The issue with the mental health survey, in my opinion, was less about the "mental health" of our class and more about the mental health of physicians and student doctors nationwide.
Like Alteredscale said, if you feel so strongly by all means go tell the prospective students to leave ASAP but I would hope that you could provide a legitimate explanation on why and maybe even a suggestion on where to go. No, KCU does not have "safe spaces" or "trigger warnings" nor do they coddle you and hold your hand every step of the way. What they do have is a class wide comlex avg 30 points higher than the national average, our residency match every year is stronger and more competitive than most DO schools(if not all of them), and they don't push or expect you to become a primary care physician.
If you don't want be a competitive applicant, don't want to practice outside of primary care, don't want to be mentally and physically challenged and prepared for residency, then by all means please go somewhere else.
Every school will have those that are happy and those that are miserable, it has less to do with the actual school and more to do with the individual. Those that complain about our curriculum are usually those that complain about life in general.
By the way My Mental Health is just fine and I'm in the exact same curriculum. I choose not to complain about life and find ways, such as exercise, to decrease my stress level everyday and I surround myself with positive individuals. Simple formula.
Wherever you guys and girls decide to go to school please approach it with positivity, hard work, and a yearning for knowledge. One day many years down the road you will be a better physician and a better person because of it.
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I think you're missing what kcuanom was trying to say. The problem isn't pushing yourself... the problem is that some people literally cannot pass their classss, leading to a high attrition rate. I don't think anyone enters medical school thinking it's easy, but we at least want to know it's doable. Although it's doable for you, it may not be doable for everyone. MOREOVER, if some of those bottom barrel students had chosen another medical school with an easier curriculum, they may have still been in medical school as opposed to taking LOA's or dropping out.

I think both sides of the argument are good to show and are appropriate because, even as AlteredScale has said, he has seen many normal students with no history of depression or anxiety crack under the pressure. If someone has a history of being anxiety prone, this school isn't the right fit. If a student feels they need to be surrounded by high performing students and anxiety gives them motivation to succeed, this school sounds like a much better fit. Both of you are right in a sense, because really at the end it comes down to personal fit.

I personally don't think I would make it through KCU's curriculum, but I think it's a PHENOMENAL school that produces kick-ass physicians and prepares them very well for boards. I think if you go to a DO school and want to compete against MD's for tough residency spots, KCU is one of the few DO schools that can get you there as long as you do your part.
 
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And the Joplin campus will have the same curriculum right? Will they have a dress code or mandatory attendance?
 
dr_of_rock said:
And the Joplin campus will have the same curriculum right? Will they have a dress code or mandatory attendance?
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Same curriculum. No dress code beyond certain things you have to dress up or scrub up for.

Attendance will probably be the same as here. So not mandatory.


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MADD!!! said:
I think you're missing what kcuanom was trying to say. The problem isn't pushing yourself... the problem is that some people literally cannot pass their classss, leading to a high attrition rate. I don't think anyone enters medical school thinking it's easy, but we at least want to know it's doable. Although it's doable for you, it may not be doable for everyone. MOREOVER, if some of those bottom barrel students had chosen another medical school with an easier curriculum, they may have still been in medical school as opposed to taking LOA's or dropping out.

I think both sides of the argument are good to show and are appropriate because, even as AlteredScale has said, he has seen many normal students with no history of depression or anxiety crack under the pressure. If someone has a history of being anxiety prone, this school isn't the right fit. If a student feels they need to be surrounded by high performing students and anxiety gives them motivation to succeed, this school sounds like a much better fit. Both of you are right in a sense, because really at the end it comes down to personal fit.

I personally don't think I would make it through KCU's curriculum, but I think it's a PHENOMENAL school that produces kick-ass physicians and prepares them very well for boards. I think if you go to a DO school and want to compete against MD's for tough residency spots, KCU is one of the few DO schools that can get you there as long as you do your part.
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The attrition rate right now for our class is higher but it's not at an alarming level. Many schools have 6-8% attrition rate. Tcom at one time was 10%.

However I do agree with you on the fact that yes if you think this curriculum is too intense, don't go to this school because they will work you and work you hard. The thing I tell all interviewees is that they would not be interviewing if the school did no believe they could academically cut it and do well in the curriculum.

Also we (the school) do not want anyone to think that just because you're anxiety prone that this school isn't the right fit. There are resources (learning specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors) who will be with every step of the way and if you have anxiety, the school does their best to accommodate you. :)


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AlteredScale said:
Same curriculum. No dress code beyond certain things you have to dress up or scrub up for.

Attendance will probably be the same as here. So not mandatory.


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Click to expand...
This may have been asked before, but are you guys pass/fail?
 
not sure if this was asked before, but do any hotels provide shuttle to/from the airport, MCI? Thanks!
 
td2016 said:
not sure if this was asked before, but do any hotels provide shuttle to/from the airport, MCI? Thanks!
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There is a city bus. Rt 129? That takes you from KCI to downtown for 1.50 fyi. I stayed at philips so it was super close to the bus stop. Ride is about an hour
 
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MCI is kind of far away from downtown KC or the school. I'd recommend either using Uber, which was like 20-25 bucks from where I was (hotel philips), or you can use Supershuttle for a flat $18 or $20.
 
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I took the bus! Route 129 and they also provide a transfer pass for a second bus if necessary. For Supershuttles, make sure to buy it online in advance! I went in the airport and they wanted to charge me $39!!!

The 129 bus is chill if you land early and have time to kill. The 29 bus to get to campus is much more sketchy.... I'd recommend taking an Uber once you get to downtown to get to your hotel/wherever you're sleeping.

Super shuttle online costs 20 but I heard you can also find like 2 or 3 dollar off coupons.
 
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angeloflogic said:
Also got the additional email info! Did anyone else also not get their Student ID Number? It says on mine "Your KCU student ID number is." and no actual number.
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Same!!! What are you planning on doing about this?
 
hawthorn9797 said:
Same!!! What are you planning on doing about this?
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I just emailed them twice about it, and in the third response the ID number finally showed up. Just be a little persistent once it's a business day again.
 
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For those who live in Century Tower, are the basic furniture (eg. bed, fridge, microwave, chairs, etc.) included with the apartment and how is the wifi at the apartment?
 
owlsfordays said:
For those who live in Century Tower, are the basic furniture (eg. bed, fridge, microwave, chairs, etc.) included with the apartment and how is the wifi at the apartment?
Click to expand...


The only things included in the apartment are the kitchen appliances, no furniture. But people who are moving out will happily sell everything and there's storage on site in case they move out before you move in. I bought everything from previous students and it worked out really well!

Wifi is provided by Time Warner and that's the one extra cost associated with CT. It'll be about $30/month for 50Mbps which was enough for me to use my computer, iPad, iPhone and smart TV at once with no problems. :)


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MADD!!! said:
I think you're missing what kcuanom was trying to say. The problem isn't pushing yourself... the problem is that some people literally cannot pass their classss, leading to a high attrition rate. I don't think anyone enters medical school thinking it's easy, but we at least want to know it's doable. Although it's doable for you, it may not be doable for everyone. MOREOVER, if some of those bottom barrel students had chosen another medical school with an easier curriculum, they may have still been in medical school as opposed to taking LOA's or dropping out.

I think both sides of the argument are good to show and are appropriate because, even as AlteredScale has said, he has seen many normal students with no history of depression or anxiety crack under the pressure. If someone has a history of being anxiety prone, this school isn't the right fit. If a student feels they need to be surrounded by high performing students and anxiety gives them motivation to succeed, this school sounds like a much better fit. Both of you are right in a sense, because really at the end it comes down to personal fit.

I personally don't think I would make it through KCU's curriculum, but I think it's a PHENOMENAL school that produces kick-ass physicians and prepares them very well for boards. I think if you go to a DO school and want to compete against MD's for tough residency spots, KCU is one of the few DO schools that can get you there as long as you do your part.
Click to expand...


Just offering my two cents: I have a special disdain for learning institutions that make things hard for the sake of making them hard. I started at a semi-prestigious 4 year uni, hated it, transferred to a smaller place (Still respectable but no name recognition) and had a FAR better experience and was much happier. At my original place I heard professors openly brag about how low their test scores were, whereas the place I transferred to made sure we knew the material and tests were firm but fair, i.e. not a focus on microdetail and left field questions.
It's possible to produce excellent doctors without having a ridiculous curriculum that makes you hate everything. Schools that have gone overboard like KCU act like you can't have on without the other but that's simply not the case.
 
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I feel like they give us fair warning. We spent a 1/3 of my time in the interview talking about the rigors of the curriculum and if I could handle it... It's not really a big shock that med school is hard and the baptism by fire that occurs leaves some students burnt.

Bottom line: kcuanom I heard you and yes I know KCU curriculum is difficult. I'm sure my future patients will appreciate it too.
 
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latinclubimperatus said:
Just offering my two cents: I have a special disdain for learning institutions that make things hard for the sake of making them hard. I started at a semi-prestigious 4 year uni, hated it, transferred to a smaller place (Still respectable but no name recognition) and had a FAR better experience and was much happier. At my original place I heard professors openly brag about how low their test scores were, whereas the place I transferred to made sure we knew the material and tests were firm but fair, i.e. not a focus on microdetail and left field questions.
It's possible to produce excellent doctors without having a ridiculous curriculum that makes you hate everything. Schools that have gone overboard like KCU act like you can't have on without the other but that's simply not the case.
Click to expand...

I don't think kcu ever said it's impossible to have produce good doctors without having a "overboard" curriculum. The curriculum, especially the preclinical is tried and proven way to increase board scores of the class. With that, comes extra work. It's not a curriculum that was made To be hard for the sake of being hard. There was a goal in mind.

There are numerous DO schools that have student score strongly on both the comlex and USMLE. But when it comes down to it, so far the curriculum here has show itself to work out well for succeeding on boards. The numbers speak for themselves.



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latinclubimperatus said:
Just offering my two cents: I have a special disdain for learning institutions that make things hard for the sake of making them hard. I started at a semi-prestigious 4 year uni, hated it, transferred to a smaller place (Still respectable but no name recognition) and had a FAR better experience and was much happier. At my original place I heard professors openly brag about how low their test scores were, whereas the place I transferred to made sure we knew the material and tests were firm but fair, i.e. not a focus on microdetail and left field questions.
It's possible to produce excellent doctors without having a ridiculous curriculum that makes you hate everything. Schools that have gone overboard like KCU act like you can't have on without the other but that's simply not the case.
Click to expand...

That's not the case with KCU and not what I was implying. KCU does everything in their power to accommodate you and make sure you feel comfortable. All of their amenities are modern and updated, which is surprising for a school that's 100 years old. Nothing looked old inside. No mandatory attendance, no dress codes, and open door faculty.

My point is, again, about fit. This is a great place for students who like to be driven to push themselves past their limits and to be in an environment where everyone else is very driven as well. It's not good if you're already pre-disposed to anxiety from small things. And yes, I do think if you want to compete with MD's for competitive residencies this is the rigor you need to undergo to compete against them.

Seeing this school made me realize how they have students match in an ACGME Derm position, ENT at Tulane, and IM at Olive View UCLA. They see results.
 
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latinclubimperatus said:
Just offering my two cents: I have a special disdain for learning institutions that make things hard for the sake of making them hard. I started at a semi-prestigious 4 year uni, hated it, transferred to a smaller place (Still respectable but no name recognition) and had a FAR better experience and was much happier. At my original place I heard professors openly brag about how low their test scores were, whereas the place I transferred to made sure we knew the material and tests were firm but fair, i.e. not a focus on microdetail and left field questions.
It's possible to produce excellent doctors without having a ridiculous curriculum that makes you hate everything. Schools that have gone overboard like KCU act like you can't have on without the other but that's simply not the case.
Click to expand...
I see your point but have to disagree somewhat. "Overboard" would mean that KCU has gone extreme about something and not done statistically better than their competition. That's obviously not the case. What they do may be difficult, but it doesn't fail at producing results. When we all pile into our rooms on doomsday (COMLEX/USMLE test day), I want to have gone through a program that makes that test seem normal. Nothing about that test is easy and you will, whether you think it's fair or not (and I don't disagree that it's an unfair way to test honestly), have questions that test the 'microdetails' that have come up in our first two years of school. Personally, I want to go through a program/curriculum that prepares me for those moments where I have to rack my brain and not panic. I will most likely (if I'm lucky enough to land a spot) fail to be prepared for those questions at first at KCU, but it'll be worth it if it prepares me for those questions when it truly counts (which has obviously worked for the students there). There are other schools that do great and may or may not do them differently, but you can't say the curriculum at KCU doesn't work. It's not convenient that the curriculum kicks your a**, but at the end of the day it's going to pay off. I can live with that.
 
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tskiihii said:
Heard about how difficult this curriculum is during interview day and was fine with it, I mean medical school is meant to be challenging but the fact that its difficulty keeps coming up and is such a hot button issue now has me feeling some type of way. May the force be with us lol
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Yea I don't know why, I really hope I didn't stir this up. I think it's important to just know about it in the sense to know what you're getting yourself into, but not to deter well qualified applicants from this school.
 
I'm down to get dinner with people tomorrow if anyone is interested! :)
 
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tskiihii said:
No worries, nothing on this site will affect my decision to attend this school if I decide to. I just want to know what the objective truth is about the curriculum.
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If you want the objective truth, from a first year perspective, there is only 1 test that seems unfair: the biochem midterm 1 week into school. Honestly, I'm not sure anything can prepare you for your first med school exam.

Yes, the curriculum is difficult, but not because of the prof writing an exam that is "unfair". All of the tests are manageable, thus far, and I am nowhere near a top line student. Maybe my perspective will change when path starts, but I have a few months to worry about that.

To me, what makes the curriculum extra challenging is the lack of time off. If I could change anything about KCU, it would be that we could have a couple days off after every 3rd block. At this point, we have had only 1 day off since August 1 and won't have a break until thanksgiving. It's a tough first 4 months. What @Higherprimate said, being able to focus on the positive and blocking out the BS, are words to live by, not just at KCU.




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I've heard many current students say the faculty is very receptive to hearing students' opinions and are willing to work with them at times on certain things. Is the whole lack of time off something that can be addressed to the faculty or has it already? I'm curious as to how they would respond to something like this.
 
tskiihii said:
Perfect, thank you. Not sure how much you know about how others are doing but what percentage of the class is "average"?I know there will always be exceptional students but I want to know how everyone else is fairing, if possible.
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Grades at KCU are curved to an average of 85%. That being said, the average student has about a 3.0 GPA.

The 2019 class started with 270 students at the beginning of last year. We now have a little over 250. Some people took a leave of absence and are now in the first year class again, others were dismissed, and some decided medical school wasn't for them.


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cjcarter said:
I've heard many current students say the faculty is very receptive to hearing students' opinions and are willing to work with them at times on certain things. Is the whole lack of time off something that can be addressed to the faculty or has it already? I'm curious as to how they would respond to something like this.
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They are, but once a schedule is complete, it takes an act of congress to change it. They have other stuff going on, like running a country or some other bs, so we have what we have. Without giving up too much of my anonymity, I have a few circumstances in my life that having time off takes on extra importance. Is it a huge deal, nope. I knew what I was getting into, but didn't realize the importance of mental recharge until about 8 weeks in.


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tskiihii said:
That actually doesn't sound so bad. So the issue is more the pace than the material, it seems. Also are the courses taught such that even non-science majors can still do very well, or do they struggle more- do you know? Probably should have asked faculty this during the interview.
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Non science majors do just as well as our science majors. The course sequencing does not seem to be trouble for non science majors. First year gives eveyone a very solid foundation for second year


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shout out to that salmon lunch on friday <3
 
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I am having trouble finding details about the curriculum (beyond the overview on KCU website which keeps taking me in cirlces). I am wondering about order of classes first and second year/test schedule/breaks/etc as well as how many elective we get during 3rd and 4th year. Is there an academic catalog or something someone could post the link to?
 
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Hey everyone! I'm a little late to the party here. Just submitted my AACOMAS a few days ago (I was early decision at another school). Does KCU do a "conservative rolling admissions" process where they try to leave spots open through the new year, or is the class already filling up quickly? Wondering if I shot myself in the foot by doing early decision elsewhere...
 
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On my way to 816 now! Got four more hours I'm ready for tomorrow!
 
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This marks the 4 week mark since I went under review...chances I get an II this week or are they taking the full 6 weeks right now?
 
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Nkinder said:
This marks the 4 week mark since I went under review...chances I get an II this week or are they taking the full 6 weeks right now?
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Good luck man, week 7 over here.
 
Nkinder said:
Have you given the school a call or emailed them? The under review email explicitly states up to 6 weeks so I'd imagine you'd be more than justified in contacting them.
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Will probably do that. I'm just too patient for my own good!
 
II just now. Dates available are 12/6 and 12/7
 
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