Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The University of Kansas School of Medicine (KUSOM) seeks to improve health care in Kansas by matriculating students likely to meet the state's needs. A decline in in-state applicants and increased national scrutiny of admissions policies prompted a review of the admissions process to ensure alignment with the school's mission. Authors of this study evaluated the implementation and outcomes of a mission-driven, holistic admissions approach. METHODS: For the 2024 admissions cycle, KUSOM adopted a structured process emphasizing mission alignment across four stages: (1) Pre-screening - prioritizing applicants with strong Kansas ties; (2) Screening - enhancing secondary application questions to assess mission-relevant attributes; (3) Interviewing - using structured evaluations to assess mission-driven qualities; and (4) Selection - integrating mission alignment into committee deliberations. Admissions data from 2021 to 2024 were analyzed to assess impact. RESULTS: The updated process resulted in notable improvements. Kansas resident matriculants increased from 74% in 2023 to 85% in 2024. Interview invitations and admission offers to Kansas residents also rose. Matriculants with Kansas ties increased from 11 in 2021 to 19 in 2024. CONCLUSIONS: A mission-driven, holistic admissions process successfully increased the number of students likely to practice in Kansas. These findings support the effectiveness of structured admissions strategies in meeting state health care workforce needs. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact on residency and practice locations.