KCUMB Discussion thread 2007-2008

[LSU Alex]

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Hey guys! I guess that not too many people who had received rejection letters would still comb through this thread, however I'm hoping someone will see it and be curious... is there anyone out there who interviewed at KCUMB and DIDN'T get accepted? I've read on here and heard from students at KCUMB that somewhere between 80 and 90 percent of interviewees get accepted.

I am my own worst critic but I wasn't very good at reading my interviewers. They were completely friendly and didn't seem skeptical or ill-receptive of me, however the "conversational" interview that many had raved about didn't happen for me. It was more of a polite Q and A session....only remotely conversational when I was asked the question "Do you have any questions for us?" which felt like it happened after only 15 minutes into the interview (I would consider this kind of question a wrap-up question).

I am now nervous that I asked too many questions, or didn't show enough interest in osteopathic medicine specifically. My interview lasted about 45 minutes, but that's because I ALWAYS have questions....good questions, I hope.....

Anyone have a similar experience....when you interviewed how did you think it went? If you interviewed at KCUMB and didn't get accepted, were you expecting this? I think this school is fantastic, and I am now nervous that I didn't make the impression that I wanted to. Advice requested😕

Quick response to this: my KCUMB interview was my worst performance in any interview I've ever had. I had like a million little annoying things happen on my way to the interview that pretty much took me out of my game. What really bothered me is that I kept joking the whole time... this was because the student who walked me over to my interview didn't laugh at a thing I said. I was like, "Dang... everyone thinks I'm funny. What's the deal?" So I during the interview I was trying to get them to laugh as much as possible (they did laugh thankfully) but halfway through I realized what I was doing and thought, "This is bad." So when I left that afternoon, I was cursing myself something fierce... two weeks later I got my acceptance letter. So, you just never know. It may have felt a little off, but try to relax. You may have done way better than you think. Good luck!

 

[DiverDoc]

Quick response to this: my KCUMB interview was my worst performance in any interview I've ever had. I had like a million like annoying things happen on my way to the interview that pretty much took me out of my game. What really bothered me is that I kept joking the whole time... this was because the student who walked me over to my interview didn't laugh at a thing I said. I was like, "Dang... everyone thinks I'm funny. What's the deal?" So I during the interview I was trying to get them to laugh as much as possible (they did laugh thankfully) but halfway through I realized what I was doing and thought, "This is bad." So when I left that afternoon, I was cursing myself something fierce... two weeks later I got my acceptance letter. So, you just never know. It may have felt a little off, but try to relax. You may have done way better than you think. Good luck!

Ditto. My interview day at KCUMB started off bad, right from the point of my alarm going off that morning. Got lost in downtown KC, the sun angle was just right to mess up my GPS and to give me a migrane. It was KCUMBs first interview day and seemed a little disorganized. I was cranky etc....lunch didnt sit well and my interview was tough. Accepted about 10 days later 👍

 

[axebjc]

I was reading through the old posts to get an idea of the questions they asked at the interview. I didn't come across too many. If you did interview, would you mind posting some of the questions that were asked. Also do you have two separate interviews with one interviewer in each or is it one interview with 2 interviewers? I did see that someone said about 80-90% of the students who interview are accepted. Is this true? That seems really high.

 

[missmarymac8]

I was reading through the old posts to get an idea of the questions they asked at the interview. I didn't come across too many. If you did interview, would you mind posting some of the questions that were asked. Also do you have two separate interviews with one interviewer in each or is it one interview with 2 interviewers? I did see that someone said about 80-90% of the students who interview are accepted. Is this true? That seems really high.

Hi axebjc....I finally get to help someone on SDN! Yay! Anywho, back to your questions:

For the list of commonly asked questions, refer to the Database tab here at SDN (at the top of the screen) and then click on Medical Schools under "interview feedback" - this is how I prepared for my interview, and every single question they asked me came from these (I studied those from the past calender year). it was in this section of SDN that I found that many students who had interviewed had heard the 90% statistic....I don't know how helpful it is.....but it was one of the studnet ambassadors that told me that number in person. All the current students seem to emphasize that GETTING the interview is the biggest step. (only ~600 of ~3000 applications!)

There is one interview with two interviewers in the room. I think it made it less intimidating somehow. hope this helps!

 

[axebjc]

Thanks Missmarymac. I remember reading about the interview database, but couldn't remember where it was. I will look at that today. WOOHOO!! All of this 90% is very encouraging. 😀

 

[axebjc]

Ok I have a HUGE decision to make TODAY! I was rejected at CCOM, but they transfered my app over to their graduate school. I have been accepted into their Biomedical Sciences program. It is a 2 year program and then 12 our of the 14 graduates are now in med school. Great right if you don't get in anywhere. I didn't think I would even get an interview when I was accepted to this program. Well I have to submit a $750 deposit today.

Well two days after that acceptance, I got my first interview at LECOM for March 28th. Yesterday I got an interview invite for KCUMB on April 14th. Just because I got an interview, does not mean I am accepted. My parents don't seem to understand that. If I decline my spot at CCOM later I only get $100 back. I don't want to put down the deposit and then get in somewhere and lose $650. Yet I don't want to decline this offer and not get in anywhere.

Sorry for the long post, but what would yall do? My stats are 3.61 overall and 3.52 science with a 8p 8v 9b. I have 150 shadowing hours, vp of a big brother big sister organization, president of AED, counselor at a burn camp for kids, and cheered my first year in college. 650 is a lot of money to lose.

 

[PokerDoc]

I could decline the offer either way.. I think those masters programs are a total waste of money and are NO guarentee. If you do it and happen to slip up at any point for any reason (even a death in the family) it will reflect really badly on you. Secondly, your GPA is obviously not the problem here, all those programs are good for is helping people with bad GPAs.

IF I WERE YOU (obviously you have to make your own decisions here)

1) dont bother with the grad prog, that its a 2 year program makes it even more garbage cuz thats even more money you have to spend on school thats not medical school and then you will be 2 years older instead of 1 year older when you apply next time (actually you'll be 3 years older if they dont let u apply until youre all done).

2) Go to your interviews prepared and really try to ace them

3) See what happens, I hvae a feeling you'll get into at least one school. DO schools have a high acceptance rate after granting interviews.

IF you dont get in

4) Retake the MCAT and work or gain more experience.. the MCAT is ur only major weakness, if you get a 27 or better next time things will be looking really good for you.


but in conclusion, i think the grad program is a bad bad idea, especially considering your strong GPA>

 

[DiverDoc]

I could decline the offer either way.. I think those masters programs are a total waste of money and are NO guarentee. If you do it and happen to slip up at any point for any reason (even a death in the family) it will reflect really badly on you. Secondly, your GPA is obviously not the problem here, all those programs are good for is helping people with bad GPAs.

IF I WERE YOU (obviously you have to make your own decisions here)

1) dont bother with the grad prog, that its a 2 year program makes it even more garbage cuz thats even more money you have to spend on school thats not medical school and then you will be 2 years older instead of 1 year older when you apply next time (actually you'll be 3 years older if they dont let u apply until youre all done).

2) Go to your interviews prepared and really try to ace them

3) See what happens, I hvae a feeling you'll get into at least one school. DO schools have a high acceptance rate after granting interviews.

IF you dont get in

4) Retake the MCAT and work or gain more experience.. the MCAT is ur only major weakness, if you get a 27 or better next time things will be looking really good for you.


but in conclusion, i think the grad program is a bad bad idea, especially considering your strong GPA>

I agree. I would be very hesitant to do the 2 yr. grad program. That will be a headache and youll regret it every day.
KCUMB has a very high percentage of interviewees getting an acceptance. How this changes as the cycle progresses I do not know. But I can only assume that there looking to fill their class and thus grant acceptances until this is done. If I were you, I would research the school extensivley and go into the interview confident and see what happens.

 

[PokerDoc]

a little side story.. last year both my friend and i got into the georgetown SMP. We basically had identical grades in college, she went to the program i did not, eventually deciding these things were stupid.

She finished in the top30% of the class (which includes med students i might add). Which obviously isnt top 10 or top 20, but still pretty good.

Shes still not into an MD school (she only applied MD) yet. It didnt help her as of yet and we're getting pretty late here.

 

[HopefulDoc2007]

Does anyone know how many open spots there are at KCUMB? Or does anyone know how many interviews they do in a month? My interview is in about a month and I am worried that the class may be filled by then. I am so excited about this interview and I am worried I may be getting my hopes up a little early. My numbers are 3.55 GPA 3.4 Science and a 12 verbal 10 bio and 10 physical on the MCAT. I just got my interview invite yesterday. It is a little intense because my plans for the next 4 years have dramatically changed since I got my interview invite two days ago. At first I was just really excited and now I am trying to stabilize my emotions. Thanks everyone. Hopefully we will all be starting in the Fall!

 

[DiverDoc]

Does anyone know how many open spots there are at KCUMB? Or does anyone know how many interviews they do in a month? My interview is in about a month and I am worried that the class may be filled by then. I am so excited about this interview and I am worried I may be getting my hopes up a little early. My numbers are 3.55 GPA 3.4 Science and a 12 verbal 10 bio and 10 physical on the MCAT. I just got my interview invite yesterday. It is a little intense because my plans for the next 4 years have dramatically changed since I got my interview invite two days ago. At first I was just really excited and now I am trying to stabilize my emotions. Thanks everyone. Hopefully we will all be starting in the Fall!

I heard as of last week, 170 ish had paid their deposits.

 

[DiverDoc]

My acceptance to KCUMB letter stated that I must "satisfactorally Pass" at least 3 units of Genetics and 3 units of Biochemistry.
Well, last semester I got an A in genetics, so thats off my worry list. This semester Im lookin at 1 A, 1 A or B, 1 B, and the purpose of this post is WHAT IF, I get a C in Biochemistry? With other As and Bs, will this qualify as "satisfactory" ? Im looking at getting a B, first exam 86, second exam 90. But matarial is gettin pretty nasty. Can anyone comment on this? IMO I would be shell shocked if they took away my acceptance because of a C. Especially since last semester was a 4.0. 😱

 

[HopefulDoc2007]

Does anyone know how many interviews they do in a month? Has anyone heard a different number that 170? How long do you have to pay your matriculation fees after your acceptance?

 

[DtotheIzzo]

at this point they want a lump sum of both the acceptance and matriculation fees. i sent mine in today. that 170 number could be much higher monday since the deposit deadline is tomorrow.

 

[HopefulDoc2007]

Your deposit deadline is tomorrow? When did you interview?

 

[DtotheIzzo]

I interviewed Jan 31, and was accepted Feb 7. Since the class is so big, there's probably a good amount of waitlist movement too. I don't think you should worry so much about the class size and how many people they interview. Just prepare yourself for your interview. Mine really wasn't so bad, and everyone else had even more positive things to say about it. The school is definitely worth going to for an interview, even if there are a limited number of seats available. Knock 'em dead

 

[kimmi]

I think the 15th of March is a some sort of deadline on fees being due. I know that I had to send in both my acceptance and matriculation fees ($2000) by this date, so the class numbers will probably go up a little after that date, if 170 had paid their deposits before that date. These fees are non-refundable so it was pretty much me committing to KCUMB (yea!! the process is over!!!) and declining all other schools that I had acceptances at and any other interviews left. I do not know specific numbers, however.

 

[HopefulDoc2007]

I interviewed Jan 31, and was accepted Feb 7. Since the class is so big, there's probably a good amount of waitlist movement too. I don't think you should worry so much about the class size and how many people they interview. Just prepare yourself for your interview. Mine really wasn't so bad, and everyone else had even more positive things to say about it. The school is definitely worth going to for an interview, even if there are a limited number of seats available. Knock 'em dead

Thanks for the encouragement. I don't know why I am worrying about it now, yesterday I was fine. This next month can't go fast enough!

 

[missmarymac8]

My acceptance to KCUMB letter stated that I must "satisfactorally Pass" at least 3 units of Genetics and 3 units of Biochemistry.
Well, last semester I got an A in genetics, so thats off my worry list. This semester Im lookin at 1 A, 1 A or B, 1 B, and the purpose of this post is WHAT IF, I get a C in Biochemistry? With other As and Bs, will this qualify as "satisfactory" ? Im looking at getting a B, first exam 86, second exam 90. But matarial is gettin pretty nasty. Can anyone comment on this? IMO I would be shell shocked if they took away my acceptance because of a C. Especially since last semester was a 4.0. 😱

I would assume that simply means "pass"....I don't think they are going to care about one C. If you got a D....well maybe there would be some concern, but even then, isn't biochem a 400 level class? At my school, if you make a D in a 400 level class, you still pass and get credit since it is not a pre-req for other undergrad classes. Maybe that's what they mean by "satisfactorally"? For example, if you got a D in o-chem, although it's not an F, it's not satisfactorally passing; you have get at least a C in o-chem to take biochem.

The admissions office is super friendly; I'd just give them a call (anonymously) asking what the term satisfactorally meant here. Good luck in biochem, it was quite a toughie!

 

[LSU Alex]

Thanks for the encouragement. I don't know why I am worrying about it now, yesterday I was fine. This next month can't go fast enough!

Those accepted after March 15 but before June have 2 weeks from the acceptance date to send in the acceptance and matriculation fees ($2K). I think those accepted after June have to pay immediately. 99% sure this is correct.

Yes, I would agree that it's best to check sometime next week to find out about the numbers. The fees had to be "postmarked" by March 15th. So maybe even wait til the following week to find out how many are in the class.

Good luck on your interview. I'm sure you'll do fine. You stats look fine. Don't worry.

 

[axebjc]

Hopefuldoc- When is your interview? I got my interview invite yesterday and I interview on April 14th.

 

[deadeyedk]

My acceptance to KCUMB letter stated that I must "satisfactorally Pass" at least 3 units of Genetics and 3 units of Biochemistry.
Well, last semester I got an A in genetics, so thats off my worry list. This semester Im lookin at 1 A, 1 A or B, 1 B, and the purpose of this post is WHAT IF, I get a C in Biochemistry? With other As and Bs, will this qualify as "satisfactory" ? Im looking at getting a B, first exam 86, second exam 90. But matarial is gettin pretty nasty. Can anyone comment on this? IMO I would be shell shocked if they took away my acceptance because of a C. Especially since last semester was a 4.0. 😱

in general, pre-requisite coursework for medical school requires a grade of C or higher. if you're already accepted, then i'm assuming "satisfactory" means C or above. if you weren't already accepted, then i'd definitely worry about C's.

 

[HopefulDoc2007]

Hopefuldoc- When is your interview? I got my interview invite yesterday and I interview on April 14th.

My interview is the 14th as well. Congrats! Are you excited? 😀

 

[Iowa08]

I interviewed March 6th, and the VP of Admissions told us the class was almost full (I can't remember exact numbers but I think it was like, 170 deposits paid and 80-90 that had theirs due in the past week). But they're still accepting people, because I found out I got accepted today!

P.S. Is anyone living in CT next year?

 

[Tachymeter]

Well my deposit for KCUMB was due tomorrow but I declined so that's one more seat opened up for the rest of you still trying to get in. Good luck.

 

[HopefulDoc2007]

Did anyone else hear that Phil Byrne is no longer the Admissions director? That's too bad. He seemed nice. Wonder what happened?

 

[spicedmanna]

My acceptance to KCUMB letter stated that I must "satisfactorally Pass" at least 3 units of Genetics and 3 units of Biochemistry.
Well, last semester I got an A in genetics, so thats off my worry list. This semester Im lookin at 1 A, 1 A or B, 1 B, and the purpose of this post is WHAT IF, I get a C in Biochemistry? With other As and Bs, will this qualify as "satisfactory" ? Im looking at getting a B, first exam 86, second exam 90. But matarial is gettin pretty nasty. Can anyone comment on this? IMO I would be shell shocked if they took away my acceptance because of a C. Especially since last semester was a 4.0. 😱

Just don't get below a C.

 

[HopefulDoc2007]

Anyone else with an interview in April that isn't on the 14th?

 

[deadeyedk]

For any current KCUMB students...

I'm trying to think ahead concerning my financial aid stuff. There's a ton of info out there, and so much of it seems contradictory or inconsistent. Anyway, I seem to remember being told on interview day that the Stafford loans (sub and unsub combined) would not be enough to cover tuition and living expenses at KCUMB. I could be totally wrong about this. I've also been told that FAFSA determines how much you can borrow based on your ETC (mine is ~$16,000 which is ludicrous) and the school that you will be attending, and that basically everyone gets enough Stafford loans (sub and unsub) to cover their medical education. These can't both be right, but I have a feeling that the answer lies somewhere in the middle.

Like everyone else, I'd love to be able to make it through med school without taking out private loans (or even the Grad Plus loans). Can this be done at KCUMB? Current students: how is this shaking out for you at the moment?

On a related note, I know that you're ideally supposed to include your parents' info on the FAFSA to be eligible for certain loans and scholarships. This hasn't been possible for me, because my parents won't have their taxes done for quite some time. Anybody had any issues with this?

Also, can I expect some info from KCUMB on this subject? I've been accepted and sent in my fees, but all I've received from them is a packet with scholarship information (most of which is useless to me). I'm guessing that FAFSA tells them what they need to know, and they tell me what I get, just like undergrad... I just need to get clued in pretty quick so I can get this stuff straight.

Thanks again, in advance, for all your help.

 

[deadeyedk]

eek

me = thread killer

 

[kimmi]

Has anybody received any info from KCUMB regarding academic calendar, orientation, vaccination requirements, etc...?? I got the financial aid/scholarship packet but so far that's it.😕

 

[spicedmanna]

Has anybody received any info from KCUMB regarding academic calendar, orientation, vaccination requirements, etc...?? I got the financial aid/scholarship packet but so far that's it.😕

Patience, young Jedi Knight. 😉

If I recall correctly, I got my FA packet in April and then my award letter came sometime in July. There should be a matriculation packet coming at some point. I forgot when it came. This should have a whole bunch of forms to fill out and return. Also, I seem to recall getting the Vaccination requirements and medical clearance type forms before the financial stuff. If you haven't gotten that yet, you can check with admissions. I don't know how they are doing it this year.

 

[spicedmanna]

For any current KCUMB students...

I'm trying to think ahead concerning my financial aid stuff. There's a ton of info out there, and so much of it seems contradictory or inconsistent. Anyway, I seem to remember being told on interview day that the Stafford loans (sub and unsub combined) would not be enough to cover tuition and living expenses at KCUMB. I could be totally wrong about this. I've also been told that FAFSA determines how much you can borrow based on your ETC (mine is ~$16,000 which is ludicrous) and the school that you will be attending, and that basically everyone gets enough Stafford loans (sub and unsub) to cover their medical education. These can't both be right, but I have a feeling that the answer lies somewhere in the middle.

It's true, Stafford loans are insufficient to cover the COA. The COA, when I applied for FA, was around $56K. The maximum you can take out in Federal Stafford Loans is $40.5K per year. Therefore, you need to come up with around $15-16K on your own. Most folks will apply for the Federal Grad PLUS loans, in addition to the Staffords, which fills in the gap.

Like everyone else, I'd love to be able to make it through med school without taking out private loans (or even the Grad Plus loans). Can this be done at KCUMB? Current students: how is this shaking out for you at the moment?

It can't be done unless you have an outside source, such as parental or spousal support, or you have some money saved up. I took out the maximal amount in Federal Stafford Loans and then my parents are helping me out with the rest of the COA. It's not a grand life, but I am making ends meet pretty comfortably.

On a related note, I know that you're ideally supposed to include your parents' info on the FAFSA to be eligible for certain loans and scholarships. This hasn't been possible for me, because my parents won't have their taxes done for quite some time. Anybody had any issues with this?

I don't believe I ever filled out the parental section. I don't think it's necessary. You can call the FA office and ask.

Also, can I expect some info from KCUMB on this subject? I've been accepted and sent in my fees, but all I've received from them is a packet with scholarship information (most of which is useless to me). I'm guessing that FAFSA tells them what they need to know, and they tell me what I get, just like undergrad... I just need to get clued in pretty quick so I can get this stuff straight.

Stuff should be forthcoming.

Thanks again, in advance, for all your help.

No problem.

 

[alicat318]

hi everyone. I just got an invite for an interview for April 17th. Both doctors that I shadowed graduated form kcumb (but quite a few years ago)
i am confused about the class size.....do they continue to interview after the class is full?

 

[PokerDoc]

is the 2008 match list for KCUMB posted anywhere yet?

 

[missmarymac8]

....so if I got accepted on March 14 (the dat on my letter), then I don't have to have my deposit turned in by tomorrow? The letter says that I had to have it mailed by April 22.... Where did the March 15 deadline come from?

 

[LSU Alex]

....so if I got accepted on March 14 (the dat on my letter), then I don't have to have my deposit turned in by tomorrow? The letter says that I had to have it mailed by April 22.... Where did the March 15 deadline come from?

March 15th is for those who were accepted before (within a reasonable time) before March 15th. It is interesting that you have till April 22th. I thought the deadline was two weeks after the acceptance date for all those accepted after March 15th... anyway, congrats!!! 👍

 

[PokerDoc]

....so if I got accepted on March 14 (the dat on my letter), then I don't have to have my deposit turned in by tomorrow? The letter says that I had to have it mailed by April 22.... Where did the March 15 deadline come from?

dont forget to join our facebook group! and welcome aboard.

 

[HopefulDoc2007]

hi everyone. I just got an invite for an interview for April 17th. Both doctors that I shadowed graduated form kcumb (but quite a few years ago)
i am confused about the class size.....do they continue to interview after the class is full?

I am interested in this too. I've got my interview on the 14th. How many others have interviews in April?

 

[axebjc]

I interview April 14th as well.

 

[missmarymac8]

What is the first day that KCUMB requires us to be on campus? I'm thinking about taking a summer job that lasts until Aug 5. What do yall think?

 

[spicedmanna]

What is the first day that KCUMB requires us to be on campus? I'm thinking about taking a summer job that lasts until Aug 5. What do yall think?

Well, I have no idea what the schedule looks like for the class of 2012, but for our class, the week-long orientation began on Monday, August 6. We had to show up at 7:00am that day, in classroom B. I believe orientation ended on August 9, with the White Coating Ceremony that evening. My understanding is that orientation is mandatory.

Class officially began for the Class of 2011, on August 13th.

Anyway, that's what the scheduled looked like last year. You will need to find out what the schedule looks like for your class. I wouldn't cut it too close, though. Give yourself at least a few days before orientation to move and settle in.

 

[LSU Alex]

What is the first day that KCUMB requires us to be on campus? I'm thinking about taking a summer job that lasts until Aug 5. What do yall think?

If all of orientation is mandatory, then it's all "go" on Aug. 4th.

 

[PokerDoc]

spiced any way you can get us the new match list?

 

[missmarymac8]

thanks guys....guess i won't be a coca-cola camp counselor.....bartending school it is.

 

[LSU Alex]

thanks guys....guess i won't be a coca-cola camp counselor.....bartending school it is.

So now we know who to find when some alcohol expertise is needed... You're gonna be pretty popular!!!

 

[bcl2life]

What exactly is a southern belle?

 

[cmgifford1]

I have an interview coming up for the bioscience program, so I have a few questions. Has anyone been through that program, if so what did you think about it? Did you get into the DO program the next year? What percentage of the students in the one-year track get into the DO program?

 

[cmgifford1]

A couple more questions: How long is the interview, generally speaking? Is the interview going to be the same as it would be for the DO program?

 

[missmarymac8]

So now we know who to find when some alcohol expertise is needed... You're gonna be pretty popular!!!

Well, we'll have to see. I haven't decided exactly what I'm doing this summer, but my mom has decided I need a job. Regardless, I do make a few good drinks, here's one: 1 part tequila...1 part watermelon rum...four parts strawberry margarita mix.....blend it with ice. I call it Dulcinea.