KCUMB Discussion thread 2007-2008

[axebjc]

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So when is everyone moving to Kansas City? I was thinking about moving atleast a week before orientation, so I can get unpacked before school starts. I received the official letter today! I will be calling Monday morning to pay my $2,000 acceptance/matriculation fee by credit card over the phone. I don't feel all that safe putting my credit card number in the mail haha. I'm trying to build up my miles to fly home for free at Christmas time.

 

[MedicalScrubs]

Is anyone living somewhere other than CT? And if so where??? I don't know where other safe areas are... Thanks!

 

[PokerDoc]

well im living in CT and im pretty sure they wont even allow you to move in until 8/1 so i guess thats when im moving in

 

[DiverDoc]

Im looking at houses in these parts of Kansas City : Fairway, Brookside, Gladstone and Roeland Park.

 

[HopefulDoc2007]

Im looking at houses in these parts of Kansas City : Fairway, Brookside, Gladstone and Roeland Park.

I live in mission, near Roe and Foxridge. Safe. nice. and much more affordable than midtown.

 

[lyric]

For those of you who are current students at KCUMB, how useful would a tablet pc be during lecture? Are the notes generally available in electronic format before classes? I am in the market for a new computer.

Thanks.

 

[LSU Alex]

well im living in CT and im pretty sure they wont even allow you to move in until 8/1 so i guess thats when im moving in

You think it will be that late? Hmmm... wonder if they know that a lot of people want to get into town early. 3 days before orientation isn't really "early".

 

[PokerDoc]

You think it will be that late? Hmmm... wonder if they know that a lot of people want to get into town early. 3 days before orientation isn't really "early".

unfortunately thats the date i remember seeing.

 

[axebjc]

I paid my $2,000 today. WOOHOO it's official. 🙂

 

[sctymick]

I paid my $2,000 today. WOOHOO it's official. 🙂

Hey everyone, just got the acceptance yesterday and put down my deposit this morning! This is my first ever post on this site, so I look forward to getting to know ya'll.

 

[PokerDoc]

good luck dude, make sure t join up on facebook.. there are two groups.. one that me and scott started up early in the year and the fanclub started by the school, which is good but not as good cuz its full of mostly upper classmen and not our class

 

[RingJ7303]

Hey, RingJ7303,

I know you weren't addressing me, but I definitely see MS4C listed in the list of official clubs in my student handbook. However, I have never gotten any email from them or heard them make an announcement that I remember. Perhaps they were a club here at KCUMB but then disbanded for some reason? I don't know. I'll ask around and see what I can find out.

Thanks for your help Spiced. I got a PM from endocardium with the email of what may be the current president. Let me know if you find out anything. I appreciate your help. 🙂

 

[RingJ7303]

Congratulations axe, scrubs, hopeful, computer and mick (and anyone else I've left out)!!

 

[RingJ7303]

i still vote that my bday this year needs to be celebrated haha

1) its a friday night, our last b4 med school begins
2) a hangover is not an excuse
3) its 08/08/08

I must admit, PokerDoc, you present a persuasive argument. Does this time not work for anyone? The facebook group has mentioned the Plaza. Any preferences on where? Out? BYOEtOH at CT?

BTW t-funk, regarding your reluctance to leave the 20's, I thought I'd share my optimistic perspective. I think the 30's will be a fabulous decade because (most) 30-somethings are centered in life but are still young enough to enjoy it. I.e. Angelina Jolie in recent years, Sex and the City, ... & YOU!

 

[WDeagle]

What books should i already buy for school? I figure if i buy them early i might get a better deal on them. Ive heard that there are some pretty essential books, such as netters anatomy and brs physiology, that i should buy. Any suggestions?

 

[PokerDoc]

i really wouldnt worry about books right now.. if you save anything itll prob be a couple bucks.. just enjoy your summer and dont worry about books lol

 

[t-funk]

I must admit, PokerDoc, you present a persuasive argument. Does this time not work for anyone? The facebook group has mentioned the Plaza. Any preferences on where? Out? BYOEtOH at CT?

BTW t-funk, regarding your reluctance to leave the 20's, I thought I'd share my optimistic perspective. I think the 30's will be a fabulous decade because (most) 30-somethings are centered in life but are still young enough to enjoy it. I.e. Angelina Jolie in recent years, Sex and the City, ... & YOU!

Thanks. I hope the 30s will be fabulous. The decade is sure starting out good! August 8th works for me, as of today. I'm in! 😀

 

[DiverDoc]

Growing up in Kansas I have seen my fair share of severe weather. Last night was one of the few nights in my life where I was moderatley afraid. It was a beast of a storm with a constant ROAR to it all night long with the power out. Note, I dont have a basement. I spent the night in the hallway of my apt.

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/deadly...09990001?icid=100214839x1201252660x1200047696

 

[LSU Alex]

Ok, this may be stupid... and I've been know to be that, but I stumbled across some info on Missouri's sales tax holiday. It mentions that computers up to $3500 are exempt from tax from August 1st - 3rd. I know some folks have mentioned looking at buying computers right before they get to school. Seems like August 1st - 3rd is a good time to vist the Apple Store in KC.

 

[deadeyedk]

not a stupid idea at all.

however, the discount you can get through the apple "education" store online will probably save you more money. it's actually better than an employee discount.

go to apple.com, go to the store, and scroll to the very bottom. there will be an "education" link. go there, select the state and school, and it will take you to the online apple store with discounted prices.

this is what i'm doing for sure.

hope that helps.

 

[LSU Alex]

not a stupid idea at all.

however, the discount you can get through the apple "education" store online will probably save you more money. it's actually better than an employee discount.

go to apple.com, go to the store, and scroll to the very bottom. there will be an "education" link. go there, select the state and school, and it will take you to the online apple store with discounted prices.

this is what i'm doing for sure.

hope that helps.

Yeah, I figured you'd be able to stack it on top of the sale tax thing. I mean everything I've bought through Apple has been through the education discount cause the crime lab employees here are considered medschool faulty. But in Texas, at least in the past, computers weren't a part of the sales tax holiday. So I'm saying if you can hold out and don't want too many modifications, it might pay to wait till August to get your computer equipment. As long as you walk into any Apple store with some proof of being a student/faculty, they will give you the discount. As expensive as Macs are, taking another $150 off combined with the education discount seems like the way to go... 👍

 

[PokerDoc]

yaeh i got like 600 off my macbook pro by saying i was a student even though i graduated last spring lol.. they didnt ask for any confirmation

 

[axebjc]

How did you get the discount? When I looked online this morning, it said $100 off a macbook. Did you go to an apple store?

 

[PokerDoc]

How did you get the discount? When I looked online this morning, it said $100 off a macbook. Did you go to an apple store?

i placed the order then icalled them up and they changed it for me

 

[axebjc]

KCUMB is not on the list of schools. Did you just say you were with Kansas City University?

 

[deadeyedk]

KCUMB is not on the list of schools. Did you just say you were with Kansas City University?

that's what i did.

 

[LSU Alex]

KCUMB is not on the list of schools. Did you just say you were with Kansas City University?

KCUMB is on the list. Zip Code search 64106 and both Kansas City University and University of Health Sciences (KCUMB's old name) shows up on Apple's list.

 

[docmac]

I am sooo frustrated right now! Was told over the phone on the 25th that I was accepted to KCUMB, but just received letter in the mail saying I am waitlisted! I have already set plans in motion to come there (since I was for sure accepted!). Turned in my 60 days notice to my landlord and secured housing in KC. I am calling first thing in the morning to figure out what is up...because until tonight, I was for sure coming!

 

[DtotheIzzo]

does anyone know if KCUMB has any kind of deals for computers... aside from the apple store that was already discussed?

 

[ThatGuy456]

So, I've just found out that I've been put on the waitlist for next fall's KCUMB med school class. Does anyone have any idea about how many people normally get in off the waitlist? Or even when they rank the students for the waitlist?

 

[PokerDoc]

id imagine there are alot of very late waitlist acceptances at the better DO schools when students get late MD acceptances theyve been holding out for.. So dont give up hope and keep the school updated

 

[docmac]

I was told on the phone today that KCUMB is still conducting interviews (even though the spots are full) and after the last interview which is on May 22, they will rank the waitlist.

 

[SwmrDoc]

Has anyone received info about computer specifications yet? I think I'll be needing a new one (PC), but have no idea what to be looking at. 😕 Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[Iowa08]

Has anyone finished filling out their financial aid stuff? I've tried applying online at two banks for the Stafford and on both sites it said something like "An online application for Kansas City University of Medical and Bio Sciences is not available at this time. Please contact your school for further information" ...Has anyone else gotten this sort of thing?

 

[LSU Alex]

Has anyone finished filling out their financial aid stuff? I've tried applying online at two banks for the Stafford and on both sites it said something like "An online application for Kansas City University of Medical and Bio Sciences is not available at this time. Please contact your school for further information" ...Has anyone else gotten this sort of thing?

Wells Fargo worked fine for me... try them, or call the school tomorrow.

 

[kimmi]

I went thru Sallie Mae and did not have any trouble. KCUBM fin aid office is wonderful to work with--very patient!! I have not dealt with fin aid stuff in a long time and much has changed, they were cool to work with if you have questions.

 

[Cale]

I heard that KCUMB has a one year Masters program where getting a 3.5 will automatically get you into the Osteopathic Program. I tried looking on the site for information on this, but couldn't find anything. Just wondering if there's any truth to this.

 

[ChristianDoc]

Does anyone know what the max we can take out in student loans is? The financial aid office told me that since I will be getting the Military stipend ($1900/mnth) I will not be able to take out any student loans. That amount may work for single students, but isnt quite enough for a large family. Anyone else in this situation or have other possible loan ideas? Thanks!

 

[DiverDoc]

I heard that KCUMB has a one year Masters program where getting a 3.5 will automatically get you into the Osteopathic Program. I tried looking on the site for information on this, but couldn't find anything. Just wondering if there's any truth to this.

Its actually 3.0

 

[lyric]

Has anyone finished filling out their financial aid stuff? I've tried applying online at two banks for the Stafford and on both sites it said something like "An online application for Kansas City University of Medical and Bio Sciences is not available at this time. Please contact your school for further information" ...Has anyone else gotten this sort of thing?

I also had this problem but was informed that I needed to go through another site, such as Sallie Mae or MOHELA, and then choose the appropriate bank as my lender. I was also told that the Great Lakes app should be up any day now and this is another site that you would go through and choose a bank.

Did the rest of you apply for the Grad PLUS loan already? Or do we wait until we find out how much we get in Stafford loans?

 

[deadeyedk]

anybody know the policy for deferring acceptance by one year? i know i read something about it before, i think on the kcumb website, but i can't find anything now.

 

[kimmi]

If I do not want to get a Grad Plus to fund my living expenses-do I have to show anything to KCUMB as long as my tuition and fees are paid via Stafford?? Do I have to show $$$ in the bank now or something??😕

 

[Iowa08]

anybody know the policy for deferring acceptance by one year? i know i read something about it before, i think on the kcumb website, but i can't find anything now.

I got this in an e-mail awhile ago....


The rigors of the matriculation process are in full swing and there are several parts to consider. For any of you who may be considering deferment to the class of 2009 for any reason, financial or additional academic preparation or just additional time to ready yourself for the endeavor, we need your request for this consideration by June 15th. After that date only extreme circumstances will be considered for deferment.

We are here to help you through this process so please feel free to call with any questions or concerns. Thank you and we look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,


Stephen J. Phipps
Vice President, Admissions

 

[surgeryguru]

I will preface by saying that I am getting ready to graduate from KCUMB, and if there is ANY way you can attend another institution, I would encourage you to do so.

Here are my reasons:
1) The President of KCUMB, Karen Pletz, is a J.D. and makes well over $1 million/year (among the top in the nation of ANY college/university/med school/whatever). All the while, there aren't enough faculty, and students get shorted on education. Their academic goals involve no more than mediocrity, while their goals for their personal finances are through the roof.
2) Student class size continues to increase, despite no new facilities and no ADDITIONAL faculty added to the current list. They may replace faculty when they leave, but that doesn't do a lot of good when they're short already.
3) Tuition continues to rise. Shocking, I know.
4) Karen Pletz, who I might add, is on the 'board of trustees' at several large companies in the KC area will occassionally and mysteriously donate large amounts of KCUMB money to various organizations. For instance, donated $300,000 to Starlight Theatre. Does that improve academics at KCUMB...probably not.
5) The new dean, Darin Haug, is only TWO years out of residency...okay, okay, it will be THREE years out of residency when he actually starts. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?! That is the most obsurd decision that's been made in quite a while, and guess who made that happen. Yes, Karen Pletz.

That's the kind of BS leadership you're going to get at KCUMB. It is not worth fighting if you can avoid even going there in the first place. Take my word for it.

 

[DiverDoc]

I will preface by saying that I am getting ready to graduate from KCUMB, and if there is ANY way you can attend another institution, I would encourage you to do so.

Here are my reasons:
1) The President of KCUMB, Karen Pletz, is a J.D. and makes well over $1 million/year (among the top in the nation of ANY college/university/med school/whatever). All the while, there aren't enough faculty, and students get shorted on education. Their academic goals involve no more than mediocrity, while their goals for their personal finances are through the roof.
2) Student class size continues to increase, despite no new facilities and no ADDITIONAL faculty added to the current list. They may replace faculty when they leave, but that doesn't do a lot of good when they're short already.
3) Tuition continues to rise. Shocking, I know.
4) Karen Pletz, who I might add, is on the 'board of trustees' at several large companies in the KC area will occassionally and mysteriously donate large amounts of KCUMB money to various organizations. For instance, donated $300,000 to Starlight Theatre. Does that improve academics at KCUMB...probably not.
5) The new dean, Darin Haug, is only TWO years out of residency...okay, okay, it will be THREE years out of residency when he actually starts. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?! That is the most obsurd decision that's been made in quite a while, and guess who made that happen. Yes, Karen Pletz.

That's the kind of BS leadership you're going to get at KCUMB. It is not worth fighting if you can avoid even going there in the first place. Take my word for it.

Well it sounds to me like your upset that Karen got her JD and makes more money than you do. Despite her making bank, which is irrelevant, KCUMB has impressive residency placements, a wide variety of rotation sites, 90 + % matching into first choice etc..... Bottom line is you pointed out that KCUMB is not a utopia.... I ask you to tell me which medical school is? I am not an alum (yet) but I do know there are students who are absolutely satisfied with their education at KCUMB. Its sad that your about to graduate, but you post on here to discourage others who are about to embark on this journey and are happy to get the opportunity to do so.

 

[Cale]

Well said!

 

[endocardium]

Well it sounds to me like your upset that Karen got her JD and makes more money than you do. Despite her making bank, which is irrelevant, KCUMB has impressive residency placements, a wide variety of rotation sites, 90 + % matching into first choice etc..... Bottom line is you pointed out that KCUMB is not a utopia.... I ask you to tell me which medical school is? I am not an alum (yet) but I do know there are students who are absolutely satisfied with their education at KCUMB. Its sad that your about to graduate, but you post on here to discourage others who are about to embark on this journey and are happy to get the opportunity to do so.

Well, doesn't it disturb you a bit that more than one person is now out here saying similar things? I mean, I guarantee you more aren't speaking because they are afraid to and don't have the balls to be straight up (in fact, I know this is true).

I'd say that the individual who spoke earlier, is being pretty accurate. No, KCUMB isn't perfect, but it does have very significant issues. I doubt anyone is trying to make you feel bad for your choice, but letting you know some of the craziness you are headed for. Does this mean you can't succeed? No, of course not. Like I mentioned before, I've done fine and most have, but we have also had to endure some stupid things that didn't have to happen. KCUMB became a business several years ago to stave off financial issues, when Pletz took over, and it worked really well for a while, but I think it's going off-track now and the academics are suffering. The truth is that Pletz has a monopoly on the university and things may not have been going in a good direction in the last few years (I would most certainly argue that it hasn't, at least with respect to academics). Heck, even some of the staff and faculty have some reservations about what has been going on lately. You have to ask yourself if this is the kind of thing you want to subject yourself to. If so, okay, no worries. But don't bite off the head of those trying to tell you something you don't want to hear. Sheesh.

 

[t-funk]

I will preface by saying that I am getting ready to graduate from KCUMB, and if there is ANY way you can attend another institution, I would encourage you to do so.

Here are my reasons:
1) The President of KCUMB, Karen Pletz, is a J.D. and makes well over $1 million/year (among the top in the nation of ANY college/university/med school/whatever). All the while, there aren't enough faculty, and students get shorted on education. Their academic goals involve no more than mediocrity, while their goals for their personal finances are through the roof.
2) Student class size continues to increase, despite no new facilities and no ADDITIONAL faculty added to the current list. They may replace faculty when they leave, but that doesn't do a lot of good when they're short already.
3) Tuition continues to rise. Shocking, I know.
4) Karen Pletz, who I might add, is on the 'board of trustees' at several large companies in the KC area will occassionally and mysteriously donate large amounts of KCUMB money to various organizations. For instance, donated $300,000 to Starlight Theatre. Does that improve academics at KCUMB...probably not.
5) The new dean, Darin Haug, is only TWO years out of residency...okay, okay, it will be THREE years out of residency when he actually starts. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?! That is the most obsurd decision that's been made in quite a while, and guess who made that happen. Yes, Karen Pletz.

That's the kind of BS leadership you're going to get at KCUMB. It is not worth fighting if you can avoid even going there in the first place. Take my word for it.

1) I don't understand why this should bother anyone.
2) For all I know, class size has stayed the same for many years at about 250. When did it increase and by how much?
3)Where doesn't it? I would like to add that the tuition is still a couple thousand dollars cheaper per year than the in-state private allopathic school in my state and the specialization rate is much higher at KCUMB.
4) Is this a donation from KCUMB or Pletz herself? How was it rationalized if it was actually a donation from KCUMB?
5) What are his other qualifications?

Thanks for the info. If you could provide the full details I would appreciate it.

 

[axebjc]

Does anyone have Michelle Sparks' phone number? They gave us a folder for relocation at the interview. All of my stuff is boxed up right now from moving back home, and I don't know where her number is. Thanks!

 

[PokerDoc]

the bottom line is that there will ALWAYS be unhappy students. Unhappy students with regards to their education and unhappy students with regards to school administration.

But there are also a ton of kcumb current students who absolutely love their school.. far more in fact, so even though there will be some negative aspects to the school.. and endocardium im not denying their existence.. i do strongly believe that the positives will heavily outweigh the negatives.

Im sure one of us who are responding here and fighting off the charges will turn bitter towards the school after 2 years.. but im also sure that the other 9 of us will love the place.

thats a fact of life and just the way it is.