Anyone from non-sci degree?

[euphaire]

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Hi guys,

I've yet to take the OAT next week and my stress meter is really building up. I'm an engineering student, and I never took the prerequisite courses like biology and chemistry (taking them now) so I think OAT will be a challenge. But that's not the worst part 🙁, I sometimes lose sleep thinking that a B.Sc in engineering will put me to great disadvantage no matter what I do, because at best I'll finish my prerequisite courses by graduation. I would not have any time for higher level bio/chem courses to show aptitude in science, as recommended by an ICO admission adviser.

I'm really really stressed out. In the case I didn't get in, what will I do for the one year before reapplying? Is anyone here also from a undergraduate program that has nothing to do with biology/chemistry/science in general? Any re-applicants who are successful this time? What did you do between your previous application and your re-application? One year is too short for a master's degree and when it comes to it I have no idea what I'd do.

Any suggestions would be nice! I had to post this because I'm so stressed. No one I know in my class is going through this. They're all engineering students aiming to get a job after graduation, which is much simpler than the path I've chosen.

Sorry about the rant. I'll probably regret this post later 🙂

 

[JMU07]

there are many optometry students who didn't major in science-related subjects. If you're so stressed, why don't you switch your major? It's important to major in something you like, but if you complete the pre-reqs and do well you shouldn't really have an issue.

If you end up needing to take a year off, spend it either taking classes or gaining experience in the field.

 

[Dhani]

I wouldn't sweat it. I am a secondary education major and applying to optometry school after I graduate. I would think an admissions board would want to admit candidates with unusual backgrounds because they probably see a lot of science majors.

 

[euphaire]

Thanks, that's nice to know. Also, I can't switch major because I'm in my final year already and switching to a science major will probably result in starting from year 2 again. I'd much rather complete the prereqs in time and apply for optometry school.

Thank you all for the replies. I'll try to relax more and pull myself together somehow 🙂

 

[kiwi5frog]

Hi Euphaire.

I graduated with a BA in Psychology 3 years ago. My program did not require any sciences so when I decided to go into optometry, I just took community college courses at night after my full time job (as just your run of the mill office worker) (this took me a few years because i could only take 2 night classes per semester with my full-time job)

So really, i don't have a major science background. However, did study hard for the OAT and got a 400 TS 370 AA. Additionally, SCCO has already invited me to interview in November.

So, although I'm not accepted yet, i think that at minimum, I can demonstrate that it's not necessary to have a science background to be successful.

And if you do take a year off, i recommend getting a full time job, either related to optometry or not related to optometry. it doesn't really matter. I think it's important to get a taste of "the real world" after so many years of schooling. (unless you have already done so). Whatever you do, DO NOT do nothing. Work hard, if not harder than you are now. if you can't find a job, volunteer. There are lots of people out there who need help. not only will you be doing a good thing, but you'll concretely demonstrate that you care about people.

good luck

 

[euphaire]

Hi Kiwi,

Your suggestion sounds great. If I couldn't get in, I will take some extra courses and volunteer/work/take night classes during the one year to come.

I wish you best of luck on your interview in November 🙂

Cherry

 

[neko82]

I have a B.A. in Econ and didn't take any science classes in college. I spent a few years after that working full time and taking prereq classes at community colleges. I was really stressed out too about the OAT, but it's all about studying hard on your own and working towards that passion and drive you have inside you. 🙂 I got accepted to SCCO recently and realized that hard work really will pay off in the end! So definitely don't feel discouraged! Good luck!

 

[300ZXNA]

I was in electrical engineering for 3 years before switching over to optometry. I am currently in my first year at PUCO, so they won't hold it against you IMO as long as you show you are strong through GPA/OAT. I was actually surprised at how well engineering translates over to medical concepts, physiology is bound by the same general physical and chemical constraints as engineering, the medium is simply biological tissues instead of silicon/concrete/metal; i.e. if you can understand how digital systems work, you will be able to understand how the brain processes visual signals, they are surprisingly analogous. Anyway, don't let it knock your confidence, there are others who have tread the same path and been accepted.

 

[al074755]

I graduated with a BBA in Finance in June 2010. Although I didn't get in for this fall, mostly because I did not have my pre-req finished, I was accepted for the Fall 2011. I am spending this year finishing micro and working for a year (saving some money too). I would not stress too much, if you show the school you are a very serious applicant, they will seriously consider you.

Also, it helps to make an advising appointment with an admissions counselor. It gets your foot in the door.

Best of luck!