Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 42% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did okay.
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
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 as average compared to 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 include inquiries about diversity, failure and overcoming challenges, motivations for studying medicine, ethical dilemmas, strengths and weaknesses, as well as scenarios related to healthcare systems and patient care. Additionally, many respondents mentioned being interviewed in an MMI format, potentially subject to a nondisclosure agreement regarding specific questions asked during the Multiple Mini Interview.
Aside from your application what other factors do you think will help you be successful in dental school?
A woman is pregnant, estimated gestation of 24 weeks, you discuss with her what wishes she has if she was to go into labor today, she requests no life saving efforts for her unborn child, do you facilitate her wishes?
Are you a leader or a follower? (this one caught me off guard a bit, I actuallly asked him which organization he was talking about....but then I answered it fine)
Tell me about the leadership seminars/conferences you went to and mentioned in your personal statement. (I totally recommend going over ever detail of your application before you go in, hopefully you remembered photocopying it!)
If a classmate cheated on an exam what would you do?
What is a social problem you think exists, and how would you fix it?
What would ou change about your past?
Students said the most interesting question asked at University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine discussed a variety of topics including social justice, personal values, book preferences, dealing with group dynamics, and future career aspirations. While some responses mentioned specific interviewers trying to advocate for applicants, the interview format was not consistently identified as an MMI, and no mention of a nondisclosure agreement was made.
The student interview was with a 6 year medical student, who forgot about the interview, and came in late. He wore shorts and a large baggy shirt. He ran thru. a list of preprinted questions. None were interesting. Topics like what books I had read, what my hobbies were etc... He seened disinterested.
Suppose i were to give you admission into this program, and 2 years down the road, i were to tell you that you would "drop out". what would you think would be the main reason why you would drop out?
Students said the most difficult question asked at University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine discussed a range of topics including unfair critiques, motivation for studying medicine, biggest healthcare problems, going against authority, personal challenges, and ethical scenarios. Some responses hinted at an MMI format, possibly indicating a nondisclosure agreement regarding specific questions asked during the interview process.
Describe a time where you were critiqued and you thought it was unfair. How did you respond?
After asking about a book I've read recently (The Namesake), I explained that the character's lives closely paralleled my parent's life as immigrants. The interviewer told me that immigrant parents often push their children into certain careers and asked if that was my case. I said no. So he asked, if my parents didn't motivate me, what did motivate me to study medicine?
The second interview was with an older medical doctor. She was nice, but did not ask too many questions. She did review my file, and asked me questions about my classes. The "why did I want to attent medical school." Nothing too difficult.
Suppose you got into the program, and on your first test you really studied hard and were confident that you would do good. However, the teacher grades the test and you fail. what would you do differently next time.
This program is a combined degree program, it is a BA/MD program, so the incoming students are all 17 to 18 years old. Thus, my interviewer told me that one of the criticisms of such a program is that the students are less mature and ready to tackle medical school, and may not be adequately prepared for it. She asked me how I would try to overcome this, and what I would do so that I wouldn't be inadequately prepared for the rigorous 6 year curriculum.
Scenario:You are working in ER, a young patient comes in, he was in car accident -- needs to be put on a ventilator, the power goes off in the entire hospital, the only working ventilator is hooked up to an old terminal patient(whose family specifically intstructed to never take hime off of it). What do you do with the young trauma patient?
Most respondents rate the school location as average.
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?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by reviewing sample MMI questions, practicing with mock interviews, researching the school's website and curriculum, reading on current healthcare topics, and seeking guidance from online resources such as SDN forums and this website. Many also engaged in mock interviews with counselors, faculty, or friends, and practiced answering questions to feel more confident and prepared.
I looked over MMI-styled questions. I honestly didn't really practice.
Monitored CNN, NY Times, reviewed Obama administration health care reform proposal and speeches, reviewed my application and past research projects, researched UMKC's curriculum and student organizations, researched Kansas City sites and culture, etc.
Re-read my anwers from questions I copied from this website basically and re-watched the tapes I recorded for practice interviews I did with 2 friends of mine.
I've spoken at tournaments for years, so I didn't need much preparation. I honestly just thought about why I wanted to be a doctor and read some articles on medicine. I also browsed the forums for some sample questions.
I researched all the possibility of questions they can ask me from websites like this one. I also did my "homework" and researched on the school. I wrote down all my answers and practiced in front of a miror without my paper. I also did a mock interview with my counselor and my principal.
I basically set it as my number one priority.
I read interviews on this site; had my 12 year old brother ask me questions; and found sample questions in the book "How to get into Medical School."
Applicants were positively impressed by the friendliness and helpfulness of the students and staff, the organization of the interview process, the unique program structure with early clinical exposure, and the thorough information sessions provided about the school's curriculum. Suggestions included ensuring better organization during interviews, maintaining the positive and helpful attitude of staff and interviewers, and emphasizing the unique aspects of the program to prospective students.
Well, I am from KC so nothing really impressed me. However, there're lots of constructions going on, so I think it will be much better place after finished.
Before I begin, let me explain that this interview was for the 6 year BA/MD program.
The students seem very happy. More importantly, this is a very unique program. I say that because it isn't perhaps better, but different from any other program I've seen regarding medicine. You start off doing clinical rotations from year 1. If you want straight hands-on training, this is the place for you.
There's actually life in Missouri! There's an awesome shopping area called the Plaza which was very interesting! There is a lot of land, open space, and the air was a lot cleaner than California. haha
The people were also a lot friendlier than Californians. Everyone I met was very helpful, including the students. Besides from studying full time, they have fun, play sports and try to balance out their lives as best as they can. Some even have part time jobs their first 2 year.
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the interview process, including timed interviews, scripted questions, large group sizes, and disorganization. They also mentioned issues such as lack of familiarity with interview materials, long wait times, and concerns about residency placements. Suggestions for improvement included more personalized and natural interviews, better organization, and more thorough campus tours.
Our interviews were timed (we had 6 minutes), and some of the interviewers were late to the Zoom room by at least 1 minute.
This was a partially open-file interview. I believe the interviewers were only allowed to see the essay and resume. The first interviewer seemed very familiar with those items. However, it was clear that the second interviewer did not review those items at all before the interview and spent a lot of time asking me to reiterate my resume over and over. I was disappointed that I did not get to spend that time showcasing my knowledge and strengths that would not otherwise be seen just from the resume and essay.
I was on my second interview and a lady came in and asked us to leave; so we had to move another room. I'm like damn, they really need to organize this event and take it seriously. I mean I take it seriously.
Unfortunately, despite the great ideology (hands-on learning from year 1, there are some general problems with the school. The surrounding area is pretty boring. Weather varies dramatically from what I've heard. Facilities are not the best. The program can be hectic and should be only for people who know they want to be doctors. The biggest concern I had was residency placing. Even though I was told that UMKC graduates go around the country, I saw the graduating class placement and the majority stay in the midwest. Therefore, even though you might save a lot of time, you might end up in a less-than-ideal location for your residency.
My first interview with the professional seemed kind of short, only about 30 minutes. He was very enthusiastic, but he talked more than asked me questions!
The second interview with a MS6 was long - like more than an hour! He, however, didn't seem as enthusiastic as I expected, but he was really helpful in answering all my questions.
It was really frigid, but it didn't snow as I expected. :( (we don't get snow in Orange County)
The worst part of the day was when we finally started the interview process, right after the group was greeted by the women from admissions we were told we needed to take a test about our medical knowledge. This was stressful. The questions were on actual medical school test questions. The questions were on drugs, specific names for x-rays,and lab test etc... I graduated with a BS in Biology, and I did not know anything about medications and what they asked.I had to guess on most of the questions. Later I was told "We didn't expect you to know the answers, we just use them to compare you to the other medical students." I think I understand, but not too sure if the test was the best way to do it.
first interviewer was shooting out questions like a machine, seemed bored or uninterested, responded little, tried to turn what i thought were my strengths into weaknesses--and the med student says he was nice! at least other interviewees said he was like that to them too
We were not able to view the undergraduate campus, we only looked at the School of Medicine and part of one of the hospitals; the tour was not thorough enough.
Applicants commonly wished they had known about potential financial implications, such as high costs and limited financial aid, associated with attending the program. They also highlighted the importance of being prepared for specific admission processes, such as the impact of withdrawing from other schools and the nature of admission tests, while emphasizing the significance of professional attire and being mindful of the school's unique program structures.
Our AMCAs would be withdrawn from other schools if we decided to drop the program.
I was not sure if there would be events designed to allow candidates to mingle with current students aside from the student-run tour of the school. I scheduled an extra night in my travel just in case, but this was not necessary.
OK. There's no test at all that you have to take, so don't sweat it. I don't why some people previously posted that on here. Because I apply for the MD-only program, if I'm in, I will have to deal with whole bunch of high school kids. Oh god, can it get worse than this?
Be sure to bring a pencil and a calculator to the Toledo Chem Test. They would provide it for you, but it's always to use one that you are familiar with.
Pack some warm clothes and a suit! Remember, dress to impress.
The school has a 6 year program where you can get your BA and MD. I applied for an advanced standing spot, one vacated by a 6 year student. The cost of this school. it is almost 65K per year.
only 6 people total interviewed on my day
toledo chemistry test was not so bad ( i didnt take ap chem)
every interviewee except me was accompanied by a parent
im glad no current event or questions about abortion/euthanasia/HMO/ Medicare/etc were asked
theres a student lounge on the 5th floor thats nice and new, with big tv--watched gilmore girls the hour after my interview :-)
Your score Toledo Chemistry Exam, which is administered on site, does not count towards your admission criteria. It is only used to determine whether or not you have to take Chem 211 the summer prior to entering UMKC if you are accepted.
Applicants commonly mentioned that the interview process went smoothly, with a mix of positive and negative experiences. They highlighted aspects such as the importance of making connections with interviewers, the structure of the interview day, including the MMI process, and the need for preparation and confidence during interviews.
The interview overall went smoothly; however, I feel like interviewees did not have the chance to make connections with the interviewers.
A current student told me to go to another school if I get in somewhere else, because the student has not had the greatest experience with this school.
Both interviewers seemed concerned with the age gap in the class between the BA/MD students and the MD-Only students (especially in terms of how this would affect the learning environment and overall adjustment of the MD-Only students).
The interview day lasted from noon until approximately 4pm and consisted of a welcome/overview of the day, student tour of the school, pictures, information session about the curriculum, information session for financial aid, and then the interviews were last. Each candidate had two, 30-minute interviews. One interview was from an MD and the other was done by a non-MD faculty member/person associated with UMKC.
Since I only applied for MD-only program, this was how the day went. A student from MD-only program came and talked to us about the program; they only have 5 slots for this program, so good luck to ya. He informed us that the ana. lab is very small and sucks because they don't have cadavers for students, only pre-dissected parts are available; so if we want real cadavers, then we have to take an elective at somewhere else. They don't have any combined degree program except the BA/MD one for high school kids. After the talk, we each went to our one-on-one interview. I was first cuz I was the only guy there, I think. My first interview went smoothly but I thought I blew it until the doc. told me that he will try to get me in...hmm...but he was really cool though..my second interview was a lady from non-medical field. I thought our interview went really well until I asked her how I did; she said I need to be more specific and detailed. I guess I made her assume too much; but I'm like lady I told you everything I know, what else do you want. After that she said I'm done for the day so I went straight back to my work. At my computer desk, they sent me an email saying that I'm not really done yet cuz there's a tour of the building and my picture needs to be taken. Great, but I wonder if I should go back to do all that frivolous stuff since I already degraded this school so much heheh. That was how my interviewing day went. Pretty bleak heh! I know.
I'll go through the entire day really. First things first, get there on time! It's pretty hard to get to the right place, so I suggest going the day before to scope out the area. Even more so, the parking is horrible. Thankfully, you can get a parking pass if you go inside the school of medicine.
You watch a video (actually informative, not too much inane fluff)and get an information packet.
Then you take the Toledo Chemistry Test for an hour. To be honest, the chemistry test was the thing that scared me the most about this interview (even though it has no bearing on your admission. However, if you fail, you must take the course during summer, and if you don't pass this course, you won't join the ba/md program even if you are admitted.) I would say that if you took a chemistry course, you should be fine. It is separated into math (very very very easy math), chemistry and specific chemistry. A lot of it is just on the periodic table, pressure, volume etc. Basically, what you learned in high school chemistry. To be honest, the chemistry part was sort of challenging. I'd say it was a 7 out of 10 in terms of difficulty, but seriously, don't sweat it.
Then we have lunch...nothing too eventful. Following lunch was a tour of the school. I was a little underwhelmed by some of the facilities (one of the libraries is hideous, honestly), but it was sufficient. But for a program like this, you have to sacrifice the ornate packaging for the core emphasis on clinical training.
Finally...dun dun dun...the interviews.
A word of caution: I might be underestimating how intimidating the interviews actually are. I have been to many of these and I have spoken in almost every uncomfortable situation imaginable, so take my comments with a grain of salt.
I thought the interviews were easy. The first one is with a doctor who is very enthusiastic (btw, there are more than two doctors doing interviews, so you may get a different person) and just wanted to know basically who you are and why you want to be the doctor. P.S.: They will ask you about your medical-related extracurriculars and probably a question on health issues (read your current events.)
The second interview is a bit more intense. My interviewer was much more objective and asked some pretty scathing questions. In fact, the first thing he asked was my ACT score and my class rank. He would then ask questions about my leadership, conflict etc. all the way to the tie question. He basically challenged me to explain myself and how I would deal with problems. (Some person said they got a question about their stance on abortion from another interviewer, but I can't verify this...either way, make your answers clear and don't show weakness. Appear confident and don't waver. That's the only way to approach the questions.)
Overall, the interviews were fine. They WILL NOT ask you anything about your curriculum (ie: explain Photosynthesis in its entirety) which is a huge relief. The first interview is very laid-back and is a lot about you. The second is a bit more straightforward and has to deal with how competent you are and how you deal with problems/conflict. But heck, I even got a few chuckles out of the second interviewer, so anything's possible.
Best advice: DON'T GO OVER THE QUESTIONS LIKE A MORON. Seriously, if you go over the answers then you're trapped. Your interview becomes wholly synthetic and if you forget a part of your answer, your blank. My best advice is that before the interview, you start thinking to yourself about some things you've learned, why you like medicine etc. JUST THINK to yourself and by the time the questions come, you will have plenty to say.
So be confident and think beforehand.
Best of luck.
My mom and I got there the day before. We checked out the campus and talked to the security guards and he gave us our parking permits for the next day. Be sure to bring ID of some sort with you. I waited there in the lobby and was joined by about 5 other seniors with their parents. We took the Chem test after hearing a brief video about the docent system.
Then a one hour break for lunch on our own.
Afterwards, we were led by a MS6 for a school tour. We were supposed to go in for a Q&A session with some students, but we didn't have time for it because while we were touring the school, we talked and asked questions to some students that were already in their offices. We came back for our two interviews and that was basically it! Stressful, but well worth it.
This was the worst interview experience. Since then, I have had 2 others. Both better.After this interview I waited a full year before I sent out applications again. I was accepted at UMKC, but could not afford the cost.I was accepted this year at another MD school closer to home. I felt I should warn students about this school. If I knew about this school, and the poor ratings it gets nationally, I would never have accepted the interview or spent the money for the hotel and for gas, if I knew then what I know now. My advice. Avoid UMKC school of Medicine!
Everyone was very helpful and nice. I enjoyed the tour of the student's offices, hospital, etc. The interviews were not really that bad because I prepared ahead of time. The interviewers answered my questions throughly, and one helped me realize that getting a minor in Spanish during med school, and especially this program, is very difficult and I should think it over before making that decision.
Both interviews were not as bad as other sites, such as the Princeton Review, had made me believe they would be. Unlike most medical schools, there is no "bad guy" interviewer who puts you in an uncomfortable position to see how you react under pressure. The first interview with the Phd is mostly about your experiences and skills in the school and the community. The second interview, which is with an MD, asked me questions more geared towards being a doctor, such as handling controversial issues (abortion, etc.), and health insurance. By far, the second interview (the one with the MD) is much more relaxing and enjoyable.
Overall, I had a pretty good interview day. I interviewed on the second to last day which I liked because I figured my app would be fresh in their minds. I thought my first interview went really badly because I felt like my answers were very repetitive, but I guess not because I was accepted and told that my interviewers loved me.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office provide clearer directions for parking, offer more advance notice of interview dates, avoid sending unnecessary thank you cards, improve consistency in communication methods, and ensure a welcoming and respectful interaction with all applicants. Additionally, many applicants expressed a desire for more opportunities to interact with current students, particularly those pursuing an M.D. rather than other degrees.
Give people directions about parking, give people more advance notice of interview date, don't send a pointless thank you card to interviewees, AMCAS fee waiver yet still charged for secondary, specifically stated snail mail communication yet used email for final decisions, some of your admission staff is kind of rude.
We didn't get to meet with many current students or ANY M.D. only students which left a little to be desired as far as understanding what it is actually like to be a student there.