University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry
Kansas City, MO
Dental Schools | Public Non-Profit
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 18% 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?
Most respondents rated their interview as low 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 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 include inquiries about leadership qualities, personal experiences in dentistry, self-description using adjectives, significant life events, critical thinking examples, and reflections on ethical scenarios. While some respondents mentioned MMI format and nondisclosure agreements, the focus was primarily on assessing applicants' character, motivations for pursuing dentistry, academic preparedness, ethical considerations, and personal challenges faced.
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3 adjectives to describe yourself
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How do you know dentistry is for you?
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What does leadership mean to you?
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"tell me about yourself"
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What is the most difficult thing you've ever done?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting question asked at University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry discussed a range of topics including alternative career paths, ethical dilemmas in dentistry, personal character testing situations, and reasons for pursuing dentistry despite different academic backgrounds. Some responses hinted at an MMI format with personalized and specific questions, possibly under a nondisclosure agreement, while others highlighted the emphasis on individualized and thoughtful inquiries during the interview process.
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Lifelong lesson that I have learned
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90% of the questions were really specific and personal. It was obvious that my interviewer spent some time reading my file.
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If not dentistry, then what would you do?
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Would you practice in a rural setting?
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If you are unable to pursue dentistry as your career of choice, what would your likely alternative choice(s) be? Plan B?
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry discussed a range of topics such as personal ethics, accountability, reasons for pursuing dentistry, academic performance, and challenging scenarios involving ethical dilemmas with dentistry practice. Additionally, some respondents mentioned questions about strengths, reasons for choosing dentistry, and how they handle ethical issues, while others reported a more conversational interview style without particularly challenging questions.
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A time you had to change your opinion because of someone else’s.
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No hard ones
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None.
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No hard questions! This was hardly an interview, more of a conversation with one of the faculty!
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Please define "personal ethics" and "accountability."
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 minutes.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 1 person.
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.
No responses
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 Admissions staff personnel
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 0-1 hour traveling to the interview.
What was your primary mode of travel?
Most respondents traveled by automobile to the interview.
About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?
Most respondents spent between $101 and $200.
What airport did you fly into?
Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
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none
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MCI
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Kansas City Int. Airport
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KC
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
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they are all about the same
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Settle Inn - Overland Park
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Hilton President
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Comfort Inn
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Airbnb
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?
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 reviewing common interview questions from SDN, reading over their application materials, and conducting mock interviews. They also emphasized the importance of studying the school's website and mission, getting a good night's sleep, and being well-prepared to discuss their personal statement and supplemental application.
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One mock
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Read questions on SDN. I was asked a majority of the ones listed. I prepared answers in my head and practiced speaking to people in a formal interview setting.
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I wrote down answers for the most common questions and for questions about me that I knew they would ask.
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Read over my application
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Reading SDN and the school's website.
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were consistently impressed by the friendliness and welcoming nature of the faculty and students at the school, as well as the organized and informative interview day experience. They also highlighted the emphasis on team-based clinical learning, state-of-the-art facilities, and the positive interactions with faculty and staff as key factors that positively influenced their perception of the school.
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Friendliness and ease of interviewers.
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The faculty are eager and welcoming.
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My interviewer had prepared for my interview very well. She knew everything there was to know about me. She was excited and genuinely acted like she wanted to see me as a student at this school.
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The faculty looks like they really care.
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The directors were both very personable and kept the day light and entertaining
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions about the school presentations being overly focused on sales, tense interview environments, unfavorable locations or surroundings, and concerns about diversity. Suggestions included improving the presentation approach, creating a more welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, addressing safety concerns, and enhancing campus diversity initiatives.
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N/a
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Nothing
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Nothing at all!
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A presenter was very negative about other schools clinical curriculum.
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One presentation tried to hard sell the school to us... we're already interesting
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wish they had known ahead of time about the relaxed and low-stress interview atmosphere at UMKC, as well as specific details such as the presence of writing samples, the importance of knowing interviewers, and limited spots for out-of-state applicants. They also mention the need for awareness about reserved admission seats, the variety of clinical experiences, and the unique elements like group interviews and video submissions during the process.
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When you shadow, it gets extremely hot so take off your suit jacket!!
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Nothing. I was prepared.
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The laid back atmosphere was nothing to worry about!
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How low-stress and fun the interview would be. They asked us what our favorite book was and why, and did a short essay on a very basic ethics question (which we discussed as a group afterwards). This was before the presentation about the school/KC. We also had to do a one minute video that was sent directly to the adcom!
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How nice the interviewer was going to be.
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally found the interview process at UMKC to be low-stress, engaging, and conversational, with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. Some noted the importance of being well-prepared and knowing their application thoroughly, while others mentioned the varying interview experiences based on the interviewer. Additionally, there were comments about the duration of the interview day and the emphasis on extracurricular activities.
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Smooth process.
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It really is a low stress day. UMKC invites you to interview because they already like you.
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Excellent atmosphere! The interview felt like a conversation.
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The BEST KC BBQ LUNCH
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Good luck! Hope this info is useful!
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants generally expressed satisfaction and encouragement for the admissions office's work, with suggestions to continue their efforts and maintain a positive approach. Some applicants advised against negative comparisons with other schools and unrealistic advice in improving applications.
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Great work.
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None
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Keep the good work up!
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Keep doing what you're doing!
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Feed us barbecue for lunch!!!! :D
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