Great point. It will be such a relief to go to the interview and not sweat bullets about needing to get in. I'll definitely use some of those questions. Could you kinda talk me through your decision of swaying to DMU over KCU though?
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I'm still heavily researching both schools, but from what I can tell they're really similar and the decision comes down to some personal preferences. Both schools have phenomenal match lists and faculty. Looking over each was a total wash in my opinion.
Curriculum wise, KCU is systems based and they do a second pass through of some 1st year material during the 2nd year which could be seen a positive or negative. DMU does more of a traditional block style classes with frequent exams during the first year and transitions into a systems based curriculum in the second year. DMU also has a heavier OMM focus as you will see at your interview (they'll prob have a OMM fellow do a live demo). Personally, I like the frequent exam style of DMU and have a strong interest in OMM. For those reasons, I give a tiny edge to DMU.
Facility wise, I strongly preferred DMU. They have an awesome surgical training area (Iowa Simulation Center), awesome OMM lab, a library more similar to the environment I'm used to studying in, and a killer gym. Minor note, DMU has some great outdoor running trails behind campus which would be a great stress reliever for me. KCU obviously isn't in the nicest area, I doubt I'd do any outdoor running there and their gym is weak af. KCU overall had a weaker surgical training area but a stronger patient simulation area. KCUs patient simulation rooms were so cool because they went more over the top in copying a real world doctor's office. Still, DMU wins the facilities match up for me.
For test prep, KCU definitely takes the cake. I've heard DMU students say they felt that some classes in their second year curriculum aren't too applicable to boards and test prep resources are minimal. KCU has a Kaplan course rolled into tuition along with several proctored practice exams. That being said, DMU continues to match very well so they must be doing something right.
Location wise, KCU wins for better night life as there is so much to do downtown but it loses for being so far away from home for me. DMU is a days drive home for me while KCU is in the flying-only territory. I also have a lot of fam in Chicago so being close to a strong support network I feel is a huge bonus.
Other minor things pushing me towards DMU: I'm a rugby player and Des Moine has a great men's team I'd love joining as a stress reliever and social group. DMU also has a highly active homeless outreach group that seems like a fun thing to join. Lastly, it seems like DMU really encourages building relationships with the faculty which I thought was cool. There's an elective where all you do is cook food and drink wine/beer with a different professor each class.
So yeah, definitely leaning DMU at the moment but I'm still looking for more reason to push me to KCU. Both are phenomenal schools so there really isn't a wrong decision.
