3 years or more?

[thetitans2k]

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For people who have been accepted to optometry school this year. Did you guys do three years of undergrad or 4? I'm in my second year and I'm thinking about applying next year. I was just wondering about my chances of getting in after just 3 years.

 

[mupreopt]

Optometry schools prefer that you have a bachelors degree.
If your grades are extremely good, then you can apply after 3 years of undergrad.
I'd say do it after you receive your bachelors degree. Two reasons. One, you will have a better chance of getting in. Two, if you don't succeed optometry school, you have your bachelors degree to fall back on or continue to receive your Masters.

 

[quad32]

thanks dad

 

[CarltonBanks]

I think it's best to apply the summer before your senior year. Some people prefer to take a year off after they graduate to study for the OATs, boost their GPA or to obtain more clinical experience before applying, but that is your call. I applied during the summer/fall of 2007 and was accepted. I'm currently completing my 4th year of undergrad to obtain my bachelors. Hope this helps.

 

[broncos24]

im actually a 3rd year and waiting for that decision letter. I only applied to 1-2 schools though because I wanted to try out the application cycle. I mean... doesn't hurt to try. If I don't get in.. i always have next year (and I won't ever feel I'm behind bc technically I"m pretty early). Anyway, I had some decent numbers, but not FANTASTIC. I guess we'll see within the next few days where I'm headed.. (or staying..)

 

[Monkey007]

I'm a 3rd yr, and have gotton into 3 schools IU, UAB, and ICO. If I were you go for it, sutdy your butt off. Also my school will give me a B.S after my first yr at optometry school. You get in earlier out earlier and start making $ earlier!

 

[thetitans2k]

what were your stats?

 

[broncos24]

I going into ICO!!! i had a 3.75 prereq, 3.64 cum, and TS 350 AA 340. best of luck! it's not that hard or bad. They see you pretty much at the same competitive level as those entering with a bachelors except the lack of upper level science courses. If you've taken those tough ones.. APPLY! then they should have a general idea of how well you do in those tough classes with a slight resemblance to opt classes. I know 5 optometrists who didn't have a bachelor's going in, and they felt as if they were just as qualified when applying. Challenge yourself and take those tough courses! get the experience too!

 

[jaguilar]

I've been accepted for this fall and I only have 3 years of undergrad.
Undergrad: Honors Chem. 3.45GPA. 350AA, 360 TS on my OAT. I have a years experience working as a dispenser and shadowing.
For me, it was great to get in this year so I didn't have to spend another year doing an undergrad that didn't interest me, spending tuititon for a few letters behind my name. The doctor that I work with told me hes never used any of his undergrad stuff for anything, so it was kinda a waste to finish it. Plus if I enter optometry school one year earlier, I gain a year of income rather than spend that money on a forth year of undergrad.
Both the schools I have considered will give me a Bsc in visual sciences after 1 or 2 years of optometry.

Ps even if you don't get in applying during your 3rd year, you can atleast get feedback from teh school and be better prepared to apply after graduation