KCOM interview--best way there?

[OldManDave]

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OK...just got the call, I have an interview on March 26 [exuberantly patting self on back]at KCOM. I have the option of flying into either KC or St. Louis, which is better? Also, any recommendations or warnings on Red Wing airlines and hotels in Kirksville? In fact, any morsels of wisdom on the place and the interview would be most welcome. Please feel free to leave your contributions here or e-mail them to me directly.

Thanks in advance!

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'Old Man Dave'

 

[justwannabadoc]

I take it you can't fly into Columbia. Only reason I ask is that it's only 1.5 hours away from Kville. Red Wing Airlines is what you would expect from a small commuter airlines. Some people that I interviewed with said, "never again." I wouldn't use it because of the greater risk associated with flying on small commuter planes. A couple of people flew into KC and drove a rental car to Kville. St. Louis is 3 hours away and KC is 2.5. As far as interview day is concerned, it was nice. You start off in the admissions office with coffee and donuts. Then, you are escorted by someone in admissions to your 1st interviewer's office. Afterwards, your interviewer escorts you back to the office and you wait till the next one. Oh, everyone interviews in the morning. After everyone is done, 2 student reps come and take you to lunch in the cafeteria. Great chance to ask questions. After that, you go back to the admissions office where someone in admissions takes you on a tour of the facilities. You should get done around 4:00. Congrats and good luck!

 

[Philbert]

Oldmandave-

I flew into Kansas City, and rented a car (alamo) for the drive out to kirksville (2.5-3hrs or thereabouts). It really isn't a bad way to go. In K-ville, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, who put me up in their best room for the same price as a budget room (not many guests, and they wanted everyone on the same floor.

All in all, a decent trip. If kirksville itself doesn't excite you (it didn;t thrill me) the school will impress you, so give it a chance. being from New York, I was a little...worried...until I got to the interview and saw the school, met some students, and got a feel for the place. I think you'll dig it.

if there is anything i can help you with, feel free to email me at [email protected]!

take it easy,
Philbert

 

[justwannabadoc]

Better yet. stay with a student. Call up the admissions office and tell them that you want to stay with a student. Not only do you get free boarding for the night but it's a great opportunity to find out more about the school and other stuff.

 

[summerb]

I also rented a car and drove from Kansas City to Kirksville. I really enjoyed doing that because of the scenery, and I was especially thankful I had chosen that route when I found out that Red Wing is very unreliable (ok, to be fair they make most of the flights, but the occasional 1 day delay can make all the difference for a med school interviewer). A couple of people who were supposed to be there on the day I interviewed missed it because Red Wing cancelled their flight. Of course KCOM will reschedule with you, but will the airline back home be as understanding? And if you have a job or school to get back to, it can more than just a minor incident. So I recommend driving. It's a nice drive, not too long, and you don't get sweaty palms wondering if you'll get to your interview. Just my opinion though.

 

[Geoff Gruenewalt]

Rest assured that driving from KC or St Louis is the way to go. I'm an MU (Columbia) alumnus, and live in nearby Jefferson City. Flying into Columbia would be a pain. The planes are small and layovers are long. Good Luck!

 

[Jack DOe]

OldManDave,

Did you enjoy your interview at KCOM?

 

[OldManDave]

It was AWESOME!! I loved the school and the town!! After five years in the D/FW metroplex, I am FAR beyond ready for something smaller. I know Kirksville is the total opposite, to the extreme!! But, hey...I think it would be great for a couple of years.

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'Old Man Dave'
Senior, Neurosciences
Univ of Texas at Dallas
Class of 1999