University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine

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)

Who interested you in medicine?

Why did you pursue the BA/MD program and why do you want to be a physician/doctor?

Describe why you chose to wear a _____ colored tie and what that says about you.

What is one of the greatest medical concerns for your generation?

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.

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.

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.

Nothing new really. I knew it was a clinical-based program and that the medical school was decent but not the greatest.

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.