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Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Kansas City, MO

Osteopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 25% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.

What was the stress level of the interview?

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.

How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?

Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
💬 Interview Questions

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools revolved around topics such as empathy, resiliency, reasons for pursuing medicine and osteopathic medicine, ethical dilemmas, challenges faced in academics, stress management, support systems, research experiences, and future career goals. Several respondents mentioned being asked about specific details from their applications, experiences, and personal statements, while others were questioned about their knowledge of ethical issues in healthcare and their preparedness for the academic workload of medical school. Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) format and nondisclosure agreements were also mentioned by some respondents.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, from dealing with cultural hesitancy in patients to qualities of a good physician and personal interests like favorite mnemonics. The interview format may have included MMI as some respondents mentioned role-playing scenarios and ethical dilemmas, possibly under a nondisclosure agreement.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including creating a new health care system, the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare, ethical dilemmas in medicine, personal challenges, and views on healthcare policies like the Affordable Care Act. Some respondents mentioned facing ethical questions, while others found their interviews to be casual and conversational, with a focus on personal experiences and motivations for pursuing medicine.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 2 people.

What was the style of the interview?

Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.

What type of interview was it?

Most respondents had an open file interview.

Was this interview in-person or virtual?

Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.

Where did the interview take place?

Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
📍 On-Site Experience

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by a Student

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents rank the facilities as below average.

What were your total hours spent traveling?

Most respondents spent 4-6 hours traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by airplane to the interview.

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Most respondents spent between $301 and $400.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

How would you rate the hotel?

Most respondents rated their hotel as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

Would you recommend the hotel?

Most respondents would recommend their hotel.

What is your ranking of this school's location?

Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What are your comments on where you stayed?

No responses
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.

How did you prepare for the interview?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by utilizing resources such as SDN (Student Doctor Network), practicing mock interviews, reading their application materials, researching the school's website, and reviewing common interview questions. Suggestions include practicing answering questions out loud, researching healthcare and ethical issues, studying osteopathic medicine, and staying up-to-date on current medical topics.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and warmth of the staff, faculty, and students at the school. The positive and welcoming atmosphere, along with the state-of-the-art facilities and innovative curriculum, left a lasting impression on many applicants. Suggestions included the need for more information about the surrounding area and a more balanced representation of diversity among students.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the lack of a set timeline for hearing back after interviews, the lengthy and somewhat disorganized interview day, the challenging neighborhood surrounding the campus, and the limited facilities and resources available on campus, such as the small gym, outdated labs, and lack of wireless internet. Suggestions included improving communication with applicants regarding timelines, enhancing the interview experience, addressing safety and resources on campus, and potentially updating facilities.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly shared that they wished they had known ahead of time how relaxed and laid-back the interview process would be, with suggestions to just be themselves and be prepared for low stress. Other feedback included being aware of the interview schedule, the interviewers' varying styles, the school's neighborhood, and the need for familiarity with osteopathic history and ethics. Applicants also noted the ease of acceptance post-interview, the lottery system for rotations, and the importance of knowing the curriculum and dress code.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally had positive experiences during their interviews at KCUMB. They appreciated the relaxed and conversational nature of the interviews, the friendly staff and students, and the school's impressive facilities and curriculum. Some mentioned concerns about the school's urban location, but overall, many applicants left with a favorable impression and hoped for acceptance.
  • overall great experience, I loved this virtual set-up
  • Overall typical virtual style interview day.
  • Seems like a good school with impressive community
  • Easily my top choice DO school. I would honestly attend KCU over lower tier MDs if residency PDs would just get over the DO stigma.
  • I love the Joplin Campus, there is a lot more to do in the area when you have time. Also you have a free YMCA membership!

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office could benefit from more organization in scheduling, clearer communication about wait times and processes, and utilizing more modern methods like email for notifications and online resources for information sharing. Additionally, some applicants mentioned the need for more interactive presentations or opportunities to explore campus facilities during visits.