UMKC Info

[UNMPDS]

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So I have an interview at UMKC and was wondering if anyone had info about where to stay and any other useful info that may help me in my travels. Also, what is the interview like, and what are the type of questions? Thanks

 

[futuredds08]

Not to make you nervous or anything, but I would not stay too near the dental school. The immediate area is not the safest part of town. There are quite a few nice hotels in the North Kansas City area (i.e. Embassy Suites) that will make it easy to get on I-35 or 169 to get there.

If you are not good with directions, be careful about getting there. If you are taking I-35, be careful near the interchange (you'll know what I am talking about once you get there). Just follow the signs to stay on 71 and get off at 22nd street (the d-school is at 25th street and Holmes, I believe).

Try to get a parking pass as there is very little parking, and the parking people are pretty good about ticketing anyone without a permit or pass. However, the tickets are very inexpensive compared to the tickets at my undergrad ($25 vs. $80).

I have not interviewed yet, but I have heard that the style is very laid back. Everyone at the school is super nice, and I would definitely get to know Annette Watson and Dianne Beard. They are pretty much able to answer any question you have or find someone that knows the answer.

When are you interviewing? Maybe I will see you there?

 

[futuredds08]

Also, visit this link to look up what some past interviewees had to say about the process. There is also some hotel info and specific questions posted here:
http://share.studentdoctor.net/interviewdent/interview_read.asp

 

[peridot12]

So I have an interview at UMKC and was wondering if anyone had info about where to stay and any other useful info that may help me in my travels. Also, what is the interview like, and what are the type of questions? Thanks

The Dental School is not in Class A prime real estate, but its not that bad. You can stay in Crown Center (very close), downtown (about 10 blocks), or the Plaza (a 10 minute drive). There is a Fairfield at Union Hill that is pretty close with a Residence Inn next door too.

Ditto Dianne Beard. John Killip (sp?) is technically the head of Admissions, but from what I hear, her influence is huge. From what I understand, the interview is conducted by someone other than the Admissions board (dentists from the community, faculty, etc.) and it not stressful. I've heard the interview is anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your interviewer, how you hit it off, your interview style...

I live here in KC and UMKC is my number one. I am older and non-trad, so it will be interesting. I wish they didn't admit so many for the pre-admission program! Half, if not more, of the seats are already taken!!

GL!!

 

[dark_horse]

So I have an interview at UMKC and was wondering if anyone had info about where to stay and any other useful info that may help me in my travels. Also, what is the interview like, and what are the type of questions? Thanks

if you contact Diane Beard, she can give you a list or two of places to stay. There are plenty of hotels downtown (just minutes/ blocks away) or on the plaza that you can stay at. The area of town isn't that bad...just at night...
Oh, BTW, everytime you call the admissions office you get a tally on your file. More tallys = more they will vote for you to attend the school...so call frequently. I had a classmate call every couple days to ask about the weather!

if you have any other questions, let me know. UMKC grad '07

 

[UNMPDS]

Hey thanks for the help. Good luck. By the way, my interview is September 10th. Wish me luck. Later

 

[futuredds08]

Good luck! Keep us posted on how it goes (especially since my interview is the 17th )!

 

[peridot12]

Ditto Dianne Beard. John Killip (sp?) is technically the head of Admissions, but from what I hear, her influence is huge.

FYI - Dianne Beard is outta there! They are hiring someone new. John Killip is still there.

 

[UNMPDS]

I didn't know Dianne wasn't there anymore. That is who I scheduled my interview with and she seemed really nice. No wonder I haven't been able to get a hold of her in like a week. I can't get a hold of anyone there at UMKC. Are they having some problems there or what? I've seriously tried calling like ten times and nobody answers. I tried calling the same number that I have programmed in my phone just a second ago and got some hotline. I am really confused about what is going on up there. Anyone else having this problem? If not then could you get me the contact info of who to contact. Thanks!

 

[UNMPDS]

The Dental School is not in Class A prime real estate, but its not that bad. You can stay in Crown Center (very close), downtown (about 10 blocks), or the Plaza (a 10 minute drive). There is a Fairfield at Union Hill that is pretty close with a Residence Inn next door too.

Ditto Dianne Beard. John Killip (sp?) is technically the head of Admissions, but from what I hear, her influence is huge. From what I understand, the interview is conducted by someone other than the Admissions board (dentists from the community, faculty, etc.) and it not stressful. I've heard the interview is anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your interviewer, how you hit it off, your interview style...

I live here in KC and UMKC is my number one. I am older and non-trad, so it will be interesting. I wish they didn't admit so many for the pre-admission program! Half, if not more, of the seats are already taken!!

GL!!

I went on google maps and found Crown Center and that area is a couple blocks from the dental school. Some of the hotels around there (Westin, Hyatt), are way to pricey though. I then found another one pretty close but not walking distance close. So my question is do they have a good bus system there? If so do you have any info on this? Thanks

 

[dark_horse]

yes, there is the metro system...it's ok, not sure about the ride times but there is a stop just down the street from the school on 25th st. If you stay at the downtown Hyatt or Crown ceter you can walk to the school, it's maybe a block away.

if diane is gone 🙁: there is always Annette who's a hoot!!

 

[futuredds08]

I was just up there last Thurday, and Diane was still there... is this a very recent thing?

 

[4honor]

Actually, Dianne is gone/retired/fired, and Annette is currently on sick leave/being fired... I got this from the inside news, could be rumors, but I don't know. Dr. Killip said Dianne retired, but there were not even any leaving parties for her. I think this is some politics involved, I just don't know what.

So yeah, for anyone who has buttered Dianne or Annette, all that work goes wasted... 🙁 Dianne left on 8/30, so futuredds08, you were probably the last one to see her...

On the lighter note, all the communication goes to the secretary, Vonda Strother:

[email protected]
816-235-2080

Hope that helps... (Now I am not going to get in since Dianne is gone...)

 

[REDSOX08]

did dianne pull that much weight with admissions? maybe she left a few good words for the people she knew? does any one know how many seats they save for the states they have contracts with?

 

[futuredds08]

LOL, I don't think any of us should go so far as to say that we won't get in now that Dianne is gone. However, I will say that she gave tons of good advice and was always super helpful.

Good luck everyone!

 

[4honor]

Well, maybe for you, but my credintials are not as good as yours, and I am not in the reserved program, so I better start filling out my application for the local McDonald's and Taco Bell... 🙁

As for the number of seatings, I can't remember the exact number, but I think only 2 or 3 at the most per out of state. I am a MO resident so I didn't care so much about it.

I am interviewing on the 24th, but I guess you guys have one less competition!

 

[REDSOX08]

does anyone have any interview feedback?

 

[4honor]

For information about interviews on each schools, go to http://share.studentdoctor.net/interviewdent/interview_read.asp and select the school you are interested in. They have interview reviews from previous students.

But basically what I have heard, is that they won't grill you with questions, they just want to get to know you, so the stress level is really low. I sure hope they are right...

 

[REDSOX08]

yeah i looked there but no one from this year has posted anything, but i hope you are right about the low stress level.

 

[futuredds08]

Hey thanks for the help. Good luck. By the way, my interview is September 10th. Wish me luck. Later

How was it? I hope it went well!