Hey Sampson, I'm using Maya 2012 so I'm not sure if this tip still works in 2013 but give it a shot.

Select your model and shift>right mouse click and select split, then choose split polygon tool instead of interactive split tool. This has been hidden there for people like you (and I) who hate the interactive split tool. I've saved it to my shortcuts shelf and use it everyday.

Originally Posted by MrYeti