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

[Asiago]

Anyone from the 3/7 interview group hear back? I'm so anxious now

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[Asiago]

mfw I anxiously refresh my email hoping for an acceptance but instead receive a $800 bill for hail damage to the rental car I got for my interview

 

[thebornangel]

mfw I anxiously refresh my email hoping for an acceptance but instead receive a $800 bill for hail damage to the rental car I got for my interview

Sorry to hear about that!

 

[thebornangel]

Wow, so there were 2/28, 3/2, 3/7, 3/14, 3/15, 3/24 interview days.... Seems like they are lacking of matriculants since they have been providing so many interviews and many people withdrew from Joplin... and I still got rejected...

 

[DOCzilla15]

Wow, so there were 2/28, 3/2, 3/7, 3/14, 3/15, 3/24 interview days.... Seems like they are lacking of matriculants since they have been providing so many interviews and many people withdrew from Joplin... and I still got rejected...

I'm sorry to be this person, however I think what ultimately hurt you was your mcat. at accepted students day they said the average mcat for matriculants this year was a 29 which I believe is around a 507 on the new scale (could be wrong on that though) if you were below a 500 that would greatly set you back I'd imagine. The best thing to do is kill that mcat

 

[thesportsdoc]

Has anyone who interviewed on 03/24 heard back from admissions ???

 

[aspiringdoctoruiuc]

The degree will be conferred as KCU and not KCU Joplin. IMO institutional name doesn't carry much weight compared to letters and your performance academically. Those letters come from where you rotate and Joplin has some of the strongest rotations in comparison to KC. So you'll be fine on that respect.

@AlteredScale thank you for the reply! You are 100% certain about the degree conferred? Not that I dont believe you haha.. I just wanna be certain about everything as I make final decisions about what school to attend. I also see what you mean about institution name not carrying a ton of weight compared to letters/academics, but I just want to have all the information I can about each school I'm considering - no matter how minuscule the detail may seem.

 

[AlteredScale]

@AlteredScale thank you for the reply! You are 100% certain about the degree conferred? Not that I dont believe you haha.. I just wanna be certain about everything as I make final decisions about what school to attend. I also see what you mean about institution name not carrying a ton of weight compared to letters/academics, but I just want to have all the information I can about each school I'm considering - no matter how minuscule the detail may seem.

I am 99.8% sure that you will receive a degree conferred by KCU and not KCU-Joplin. I would confirm by calling admissions and asking them.

 

[Patel2015]

I'm sorry to be this person, however I think what ultimately hurt you was your mcat. at accepted students day they said the average mcat for matriculants this year was a 29 which I believe is around a 507 on the new scale (could be wrong on that though) if you were below a 500 that would greatly set you back I'd imagine. The best thing to do is kill that mcat

Wow, so there were 2/28, 3/2, 3/7, 3/14, 3/15, 3/24 interview days.... Seems like they are lacking of matriculants since they have been providing so many interviews and many people withdrew from Joplin... and I still got rejected...

I'm sorry to hear that you were rejected, i've been in the position that you are in now (did a biomed program at a different school and those guys pulled the rug out under me). I'm sure the MCAT hurt you but even if KCU's new mcat average is closer to a 507 now with a class of 270 it is reasonable to assume that they accept a wide range of mcat scores, so I definitely feel for you. At this point if you have no other acceptances, you can only ask yourself one thing do you still want to be a physician? if the answer is yes like mine was start game planning how you are going to study for the mcat and when you are going to retake it (obviously the earlier the better so that you can get your score sent out as soon as AACOMAS/AMCAS opens). However, don't just count on a updated MCAT to help, try to strengthen your application as a whole. Some of the things that helped me out were having someone else read all the essays that I submitted, you'd be surprised how the phrasing of a couple of sentences changes the tone and quality of an essay, especially a personal statement. Additionally, I'm not sure what extracurriculars you stated that you were involved with on AACOMAS/AMCAS but I think having a good mix of both clinical and non clinical experiences (one of the things I did was start volunteering at a food pantry which in addition to strengthening my application probably also helped me get rid of some of my social awkwardness and ultimately helped me matriculate). If you need any help/someone to chat with feel free to reach out, if you are like me you probably feel depressed as all hell right now but know that you'll get through it if you still want to pursue this career.

 

[kkpalli]

Congrats on everyone who was accepted. I was interviewed on March 3rd and waitlisted. I wrote letter of intent to the school. Does anyone know when and if waitlist moves, should I call the school? is there anything I can do? please advise.

@cute_turtle Are you a COB student as well? I'm guessing they're processing COB students faster but I'm wondering if you're not a COB student then I should be hearing back really soon since I interviewed on 3/7.

@Asiago I know the feeling man. I've been refreshing my email anxiously as well. I interviewed on 3/7 too and haven't heard back yet.

 

[DrRedstone]

Wow, so there were 2/28, 3/2, 3/7, 3/14, 3/15, 3/24 interview days.... Seems like they are lacking of matriculants since they have been providing so many interviews and many people withdrew from Joplin... and I still got rejected...

I know it stinks to be rejected. This is my fourth year applying, so don't lose hope! Just regroup and find out what you can change, and don't worry about what you can't.

 

[futdoc251989]

COB student here. Interviewed on the 15th. Waitlisted. Meh. Better than rejection I suppose.

 

[futdoc251989]

Got rejected today... Went to 3/15 COB interview.

I thought that I'd at least be waitlisted cuz my COB GPA is >3.5 and MCAT is only few points below a 501... However, that was my first and only admissions interview in my life so far, so I possibly appeared unprepared...*sigh*

May I ask what your GOB GPA and MCAT scores are exactly? I think we have similar stats. My COB GPA is 3.72 and MCAT is 498 and I was waitlisted. So I am pretty shocked that they just outright rejected you.

 

[cute_turtle]

@cute_turtle Are you a COB student as well? I'm guessing they're processing COB students faster but I'm wondering if you're not a COB student then I should be hearing back really soon since I interviewed on 3/7.

@Asiago I know the feeling man. I've been refreshing my email anxiously as well. I interviewed on 3/7 too and haven't heard back yet.

No, I am not COM student. I was accepted to another medical school, but KCU-COM was my first choice. Oh well, Best of luck to everyone starting class of 2021!!!!

 

[Jacks14]

COB student here. Interviewed on the 15th. Waitlisted. Meh. Better than rejection I suppose.

@thebornangel @futdoc251989 I don't think they're lacking matriculants. They have plenty of people at the interviews (more than they need, imo). I'm a former COB student, waitlisted recently as well, and know of another former COB student who was rejected post interview, so you aren't alone. It sounds like the majority of students who interviewed later are either being rejected or waitlisted; maybe that's interview skills, mcat, or just being the end of the cycle now and there aren't many places left. I know many were frustrated at receiving their II back in mid November or earlier, and the soonest date available was March. Then KCU allowed some people to move to an earlier interview day, and told others that they weren't letting anyone move dates... Yes, it's a business, but still frustrating. And from how little movement occurred last summer off the waitlist, it'll be interesting to see what happens this time around.

I'm not sure how they're treating you guys this year in COB, but it's just unfortunate (especially with all the money you pay) that they don't treat COB better. Despite the bitter taste I was left with for how they treated many in my class, the education will be helpful in medical school, which is what's most important

 

[Mr. D.O.five]

They are definitely being a lot more selective from what I have seen. I mean, it is April and the cycle is pretty much done by the end of the month. I would agree that it's a combination of the MCAT and interviewing skills that may have gotten people a rejection or waitlist.

 

[futdoc251989]

@thebornangel @futdoc251989 I don't think they're lacking matriculants. They have plenty of people at the interviews (more than they need, imo). I'm a former COB student, waitlisted recently as well, and know of another former COB student who was rejected post interview, so you aren't alone. It sounds like the majority of students who interviewed later are either being rejected or waitlisted; maybe that's interview skills, mcat, or just being the end of the cycle now and there aren't many places left. I know many were frustrated at receiving their II back in mid November or earlier, and the soonest date available was March. Then KCU allowed some people to move to an earlier interview day, and told others that they weren't letting anyone move dates... Yes, it's a business, but still frustrating. And from how little movement occurred last summer off the waitlist, it'll be interesting to see what happens this time around.

I'm not sure how they're treating you guys this year in COB, but it's just unfortunate (especially with all the money you pay) that they don't treat COB better. Despite the bitter taste I was left with for how they treated many in my class, the education will be helpful in medical school, which is what's most important

I think there will be more waitlist movement this year because of the new campus they opened (Joplin). For me, I think it was my MCAT score (498). I'm retaking on the 22nd. My last FL practice score was 504 so I think/hope that is more indicative of my ability than the 498.

 

[Jacks14]

I think there will be more waitlist movement this year because of the new campus they opened (Joplin). For me, I think it was my MCAT score (498). I'm retaking on the 22nd. My last FL practice score was 504 so I think/hope that is more indicative of my ability than the 498.

I'm sure there will be for the Joplin campus, especially because most people would still like KC and some have/may choose other schools over Joplin. But good luck! Props to you for retaking at this point in the game.

 

[kc52]

Does anyone know what the admission requirements are for the MBA program? Is it an automatic acceptance if you have above a certain GPA, or do you just apply to Rockhurst after first semester?

 

[Patel2015]

Do all of the professors at KCU record their lectures or at least post the lecture slides?

 

[cute_turtle]

I called the admissions today and they said they dont rank waitlist. they also said, they cant really predict how many or if any movement will occur since there is no historical trend. Just FYI

 

[AlteredScale]

Do all of the professors at KCU record their lectures or at least post the lecture slides?

Yes. There are certain lectures that aren't recorded but that is far between.


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[AlteredScale]

Does anyone know what the admission requirements are for the MBA program? Is it an automatic acceptance if you have above a certain GPA, or do you just apply to Rockhurst after first semester?

You apply after first semester of M1 and there is a GPA cutoff for it.


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[AlteredScale]

They are definitely being a lot more selective from what I have seen. I mean, it is April and the cycle is pretty much done by the end of the month. I would agree that it's a combination of the MCAT and interviewing skills that may have gotten people a rejection or waitlist.

This is true. Most of the people who interviewed today had very very strong academic records with KCU being almost exclusively the DO school they applied to. There was one who had interviews to multiple MD schools in Philly and the rest of the east coast.


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[thebornangel]

They are definitely being a lot more selective from what I have seen. I mean, it is April and the cycle is pretty much done by the end of the month. I would agree that it's a combination of the MCAT and interviewing skills that may have gotten people a rejection or waitlist.

I'm sorry to be this person, however I think what ultimately hurt you was your mcat. at accepted students day they said the average mcat for matriculants this year was a 29 which I believe is around a 507 on the new scale (could be wrong on that though) if you were below a 500 that would greatly set you back I'd imagine. The best thing to do is kill that mcat

I'm sorry to hear that you were rejected, i've been in the position that you are in now (did a biomed program at a different school and those guys pulled the rug out under me). I'm sure the MCAT hurt you but even if KCU's new mcat average is closer to a 507 now with a class of 270 it is reasonable to assume that they accept a wide range of mcat scores, so I definitely feel for you. At this point if you have no other acceptances, you can only ask yourself one thing do you still want to be a physician? if the answer is yes like mine was start game planning how you are going to study for the mcat and when you are going to retake it (obviously the earlier the better so that you can get your score sent out as soon as AACOMAS/AMCAS opens). However, don't just count on a updated MCAT to help, try to strengthen your application as a whole. Some of the things that helped me out were having someone else read all the essays that I submitted, you'd be surprised how the phrasing of a couple of sentences changes the tone and quality of an essay, especially a personal statement. Additionally, I'm not sure what extracurriculars you stated that you were involved with on AACOMAS/AMCAS but I think having a good mix of both clinical and non clinical experiences (one of the things I did was start volunteering at a food pantry which in addition to strengthening my application probably also helped me get rid of some of my social awkwardness and ultimately helped me matriculate). If you need any help/someone to chat with feel free to reach out, if you are like me you probably feel depressed as all hell right now but know that you'll get through it if you still want to pursue this career.

I know it stinks to be rejected. This is my fourth year applying, so don't lose hope! Just regroup and find out what you can change, and don't worry about what you can't.

@thebornangel @futdoc251989 I don't think they're lacking matriculants. They have plenty of people at the interviews (more than they need, imo). I'm a former COB student, waitlisted recently as well, and know of another former COB student who was rejected post interview, so you aren't alone. It sounds like the majority of students who interviewed later are either being rejected or waitlisted; maybe that's interview skills, mcat, or just being the end of the cycle now and there aren't many places left. I know many were frustrated at receiving their II back in mid November or earlier, and the soonest date available was March. Then KCU allowed some people to move to an earlier interview day, and told others that they weren't letting anyone move dates... Yes, it's a business, but still frustrating. And from how little movement occurred last summer off the waitlist, it'll be interesting to see what happens this time around.

I'm not sure how they're treating you guys this year in COB, but it's just unfortunate (especially with all the money you pay) that they don't treat COB better. Despite the bitter taste I was left with for how they treated many in my class, the education will be helpful in medical school, which is what's most important

They are definitely being a lot more selective from what I have seen. I mean, it is April and the cycle is pretty much done by the end of the month. I would agree that it's a combination of the MCAT and interviewing skills that may have gotten people a rejection or waitlist.

Thank you all for providing me & those in similar situations such thoughtful responses. Right now I have started planning next course of actions even though I am still waiting to hear back from some of the schools that I applied.

Would any of you be available/willing to answer my questions through private messages? Please private message me if you think you would. I got some questions after reading your responses. Thanks in advance!

 

[thebornangel]

May I ask what your GOB GPA and MCAT scores are exactly? I think we have similar stats. My COB GPA is 3.72 and MCAT is 498 and I was waitlisted. So I am pretty shocked that they just outright rejected you.

Private messaged you.

 

[thebornangel]

This is true. Most of the people who interviewed today had very very strong academic records with KCU being almost exclusively the DO school they applied to. There was one who had interviews to multiple MD schools in Philly and the rest of the east coast.


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Just curious- student ambassadors have access to interviewee's applications?

 

[AlteredScale]

Just curious- student ambassadors have access to interviewee's applications?

No we don't. This was based of discussion with interviewees


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[ChosenBrotherRaoh]

I'm so happy I got into KCU. I do believe it is the best DO school and we are all fortunate to be accepted here

 

[thebornangel]

So I asked one of the admissions staff (not the admissions coordinator who sent out the decisions) about how I can improve my application. Surprisingly, that person provided me with paragraphs-long responses and did not provide "terrible advices".

Below is a summary of the responses that I got. Hopefully it helps those who have the same/similar situation as mine. (Only words in [ ] are my words. I simply rearranged and condensed the emails.)

Comments that I think applicable to current COB students specifically:
- Involve with the KC community. The student affairs office might be able to give you some ideas or ways to get involved.
- Highly recommend applying early in the cycle for next year. Recommend to apply prior to September 15; to at least hit the submit button on AACOMAS by then. That gives you some time to add experiences, finish the master’s program here at KCU, and look to retake your MCAT.
- Reach out to the 2 learning specialists at KCU. They can help with some areas of your application and your re-application. One area to talk with them about is your interview skills. They can certainly provide some tips and maybe mock interview situations to help you feel more comfortable.
- You can reach out to those learning specialists after graduation. Your email account access will be deleted after graduation, but you are welcome to still contact them.
- As for retaking the MCAT, highly recommended speak with the 2 learning specialists about a schedule of study for the test. Taking more than [3 times] is something KCU looks at when reviewing applications.
- Recommend to have a good 6 months of study before taking the MCAT again. The last time it is offered is September so that leaves you with very little wiggle room for study.
- Do not give up hope and start to let your grades slide in the biosciences program.
- Once you graduate from the program, ***the guarantee of an interview is not offered. ***
- KCU does offer preference in the process for graduates of KCU programs. If you apply again, ***please let [the admissions] know and keep an eye out for communications.*** You are always welcome to email [them] with any questions through the process.


Comments that I think applicable to general applicants:
- Check in your daily life and the things you enjoy doing to see if there are any opportunities to get involved.
- My question: Suppose that I spend 6 months to prepare for the MCAT as you suggested, and do not do any ECs during this time frame so that I can completely focus on studying. Would this appear negative for the admissions? In the secondary there was a question about multitasking, so I'm wondering if the admissions may question my ability to handle multiple obligations.
The answer I got: You are right about the multi-tasking but you do need to concentrate on the mcat prep. You can possibly combine the two and take a time on a “day off” study time to do community service.

 

[Non-donor Troll]

Random question: does anyone know the last date of interviews at KCU? Are they done or do they have some in April?

Thanks in advance.

 

[GameOfLoans]

Is the accepted student day worth going to for anything other then the free lunch? Haha. I'm out of state but it seems most things would be gone over in orientation week. I mostly have questions on loans since I made it through undergrad without any but I was wondering if I could just call financial aid for help with that?

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

Is the accepted student day worth going to for anything other then the free lunch? Haha. I'm out of state but it seems most things would be gone over in orientation week. I mostly have questions on loans since I made it through undergrad without any but I was wondering if I could just call financial aid for help with that?

I'm OOS as well and went mainly to meet future classmates and hangout in KC. Accepted students day had amazing BBQ (as you said) and they gave out other free things. They also thoroughly go over the curriculum, financial aid, boards, matching, and whatever else comes up when people ask questions. We also got to meet the new dean and a handful of the professors and faculty.

If you would only be going for financial aid info and no reasons outside of that I think a phone call would do it. They've been super helpful and receptive with me via e-mail and phone call.

That being said, if you have the time and money you should totally go! Meet up with people afterwards and explore KC a bit; super fun.

Either way, congrats on your acceptance. See you at orientation fam.


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[AlteredScale]

Random question: does anyone know the last date of interviews at KCU? Are they done or do they have some in April?

Thanks in advance.

They are done with interviews for now.


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[Mr. D.O.five]

Random question, but how is the asian population in the school? Or diversity in general? Also, how is it around KC and neighboring cities?

 

[AlteredScale]

Random question, but how is the asian population in the school? Or diversity in general? Also, how is it around KC and neighboring cities?

KC is actually pretty diverse. There's a Spanish/Mexican population as well as a pretty large European population.

The class of 2020 has a pretty decently sized Asian percentage. Idk if that's what you were asking haha


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[Mr. D.O.five]

KC is actually pretty diverse. There's a Spanish/Mexican population as well as a pretty large European population.

The class of 2020 has a pretty decently sized Asian percentage. Idk if that's what you were asking haha


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Kinda haha, well being asian, I do tend to get along/click better with the asian and minority (hispanic/black/mixed) population. I did go to a high school that was majority white and I encountered quite a bit of discrimination. Went to a diverse undergrad and I never had any discrimination whatsoever so I was just wondering.

 

[AlteredScale]

Kinda haha, well being asian, I do tend to get along/click better with the asian and minority (hispanic/black/mixed) population. I did go to a high school that was majority white and I encountered quite a bit of discrimination. Went to a diverse undergrad and I never had any discrimination whatsoever so I was just wondering.

I understand! I am asian if that helps comfort you! lol.

 

[drplzz]

I understand! I am asian if that helps comfort you! lol.

I had a hunch when I interviewed and you just confirmed it


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[AlteredScale]

I had a hunch when I interviewed and you just confirmed it


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LOL I cannot confirm nor deny who you think I am

Is that a dog or cat in your avatar?? :O

 

[DrRedstone]

@AlteredScale , what day(s) were you an ambassador?

 

[drplzz]

LOL I cannot confirm nor deny who you think I am

Is that a dog or cat in your avatar?? :O

lol that's my dog.


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[Asiago]

Geez this wait is awful... definitely the longest wait I've had all cycle, officially hit the 1 month mark.

 

[SurgDoc95]

Geez this wait is awful... definitely the longest wait I've had all cycle, officially hit the 1 month mark.

Have you given the admissions office a call? They have gotten back to almost every group quicker than that so might not be a bad idea to call and inquire.

 

[Asiago]

They have gotten back to almost every group quicker than that so might not be a bad idea to call and inquire.

Yeah, that's part of what has made the wait difficult. I'll try giving them a call on Monday, it appears that they're closed right now. I haven't seen anyone else from my group post tho so I think there is a slowdown on their end.

 

[You shall know the Truth]

Is there any advice for those who may want to pursue surgery when we get to KCU this summer (People to introduce ourselves, activities to be involved in, or doctors to shadow/help out)?

Thank you for your help.

Respectfully,
JT

 

[AlteredScale]

@AlteredScale , what day(s) were you an ambassador?

Honestly I can't remember all of them but I did the one this past week.

lol that's my dog.


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It's so floofy OMG.

Is there any advice for those who may want to pursue surgery when we get to KCU this summer (People to introduce ourselves, activities to be involved in, or doctors to shadow/help out)?

Thank you for your help.

Respectfully,
JT

Dear JT,

I hope this message finds you well. Thanks so much for your inquiry. There are a few things I would do in order to help your prospects into general surgery.

Firstly, I would make sure you do well in your courses. Focus on doing that your first semester here. Show that you have the mental game first before you go out and network.

Secondly, I would do my best to reach out to KU Med or UMKC and find a mentor in surgery. Having the guidance and wisdom of an attending there who at the end of the day can even vouch to your dedication via an LOR is important and unfortunately, KCU does not do a good job in this aspect so you have to do the dirty work.

Thirdly, I would do my best to get involved in surgical research. ACGME takes research seriously and therefore, previous AOA programs will be needed as much high quality scholarly activity put out in order to obtain or maintain ACGME accreditation standards. It would be in your best interest to reach out to these residences that continuously accept DO applicants (Eg. Blue Springs Medical Center general surgery residency) and offer your assistance on projects for their residents.

Hopefully these are good tips for you.

Sincerely,

AS

 

[You shall know the Truth]

Honestly I can't remember all of them but I did the one this past week.

It's so floofy OMG.

Dear JT,

I hope this message finds you well. Thanks so much for your inquiry. There are a few things I would do in order to help your prospects into general surgery.

Firstly, I would make sure you do well in your courses. Focus on doing that your first semester here. Show that you have the mental game first before you go out and network.

Secondly, I would do my best to reach out to KU Med or UMKC and find a mentor in surgery. Having the guidance and wisdom of an attending there who at the end of the day can even vouch to your dedication via an LOR is important and unfortunately, KCU does not do a good job in this aspect so you have to do the dirty work.

Thirdly, I would do my best to get involved in surgical research. ACGME takes research seriously and therefore, previous AOA programs will be needed as much high quality scholarly activity put out in order to obtain or maintain ACGME accreditation standards. It would be in your best interest to reach out to these residences that continuously accept DO applicants (Eg. Blue Springs Medical Center general surgery residency) and offer your assistance on projects for their residents.

Hopefully these are good tips for you.

Sincerely,

AS

AS,

Thank you for the wisdom. It is much appreciated and I will try my best. I hope you have a nice end to your semester.

Respectfully,
JT

 

[sc7dr]

Kinda haha, well being asian, I do tend to get along/click better with the asian and minority (hispanic/black/mixed) population. I did go to a high school that was majority white and I encountered quite a bit of discrimination. Went to a diverse undergrad and I never had any discrimination whatsoever so I was just wondering.

Just from looking at our facebook group it seems like there is a good number of asians in our class so I wouldn't worry about it too much! I'm also asian too if that helps

 

[Halcyon45]

Is the accepted student day worth going to for anything other then the free lunch? Haha. I'm out of state but it seems most things would be gone over in orientation week. I mostly have questions on loans since I made it through undergrad without any but I was wondering if I could just call financial aid for help with that?

meet your classmates, make friends, bring your family and show them the campus or just go by yourself and see the school again, get free stuff and free food, meet faculty and just be on the amazing campus again. that feeling of being at a medical school you are accepted to and are committed to is an incredible feeling. that should MORE than enough reason