application process timeline survey

I applied in September and October. Took the OAT in I think October (the Fall adminstration). I didn't get called for any interviews until my OAT scores got in. (late December) I applied to Berkeley, SCCO, and UHCO. I got interviews at all three starting in early january through mid-February. (had to schedule out different weekend to fly to the different schools.. hence the six week spread) I was also working a full time job and working around exam schedules with my night classes (Post-bacc requirements)

I got my SCCO acceptance two weeks after my interview.

Berkeley took forever!! and they said "no thank you" (but not that nicely)

UHCO took about a month after my February interview.

By this time last year I had put down deposits and made arrangements to start moving to Texas. (gong home for me) Hope this helps.. and if you have questions feel free to ask away!!

 

I sent in my applications as soon as the schools started accepting them (July-August). I took the OAT in February, so the schools already had my scores. That helped speed along the process. I was granted interviews in September. I went to 6 interviews ranging between Oct 1-Nov. 10th. Some of the schools called me a couple of days after the interview, some waited a week or so, and one waited a month.

 

I don't know if I qualify as an "esteemed optometry student," maybe just an average one.

*Took OAT Feb. 2000
*Received OAT scores April 2000 average score (definitely take the courses they recommend before taking the OAT, anatomy, physiology, biochem....)
*Reapplied for OAT test (took classes listed above. also, as a side note, if your school has quantitative analysis, an upperlevel chem course, I recommend it. It'll be difficult, but will help you ace the inorganic chem part. Also, when I took it, the class covered spectrometry big time, and I feel that it was a good background for the vision science courses we take)
*Applied to UHCO Aug. 15 2000 (started collecting letters of reference from profs and volunteering at a local opto office since January)
*Retook OAT October 2000 (a nice birthday present?)
*Received OAT scores December 13, 2000
*Granted an interview December 14, 2000
*Interviewed Jan 20, 2001
*Waiting and wondering
*Received acceptance letter March 16, 2001 <img border="0" alt="[Wowie]" title="" src="graemlins/wowie.gif" />
*Financial Aid offer July 20, 2001

There are a lot of gaps that don't seem like a big deal on paper, but in real life, three weeks seemed like an eternity. I only applied to the one school which is probably not a good idea. However, in the end, I think that everyone has a favorite school that they hold out for, and Houston is mine.

Hema

 

Began shadowing optometrists in May
Applied in August (SUNY, Berkeley, Pacific)
First interview (SUNY) mid-October
Took October OAT
Accepted (SUNY) December
Second Interview (Pacific U) early January
Accepted (Pacific U)immediately after interview
Third Interview (Berkeley) February - declined interview

 

-Applied in August/September 2001
-Granted interviews between October-December 2001
-Interviewed in October, November,& December 2001
-Received acceptances in November 2001, March 2002

I am so happy this long admissions process is finally over.

 

I got the 1000th post!! Yippee!!!! <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> Thanks for helping us make it this far guys!!!

 

So if I wanted to start optometry school, right after my senior year of undergrad, would applying and taking the OAT in the fall semester of my senior year be good enough?

 

I think that October of your senior year is the ideal time as long as you've already completed Organic Chemistry, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. If if have not completed these courses, you might want to wait until the February test. Even though you might not have completed all the requirements by then, you would at least have been exposed to them for one full semester.

You can send in your applications prior to taking the OAT. I was even offered an interview (SUNY) prior to taking the OAT and then was accepted once the scores were released a few months later.

 

Be careful of taking the February OAT though if you want to start right after undergrad. MANY schools have deadlines for complete apps of Feb 1st or March 1st (which means they won't have your score in time if you wait until February to take it) Some schools have posted that you HAVE TO take the Fall administration of the OAT if you want to be accepted for the next year. If you want room to take it again take is in Feb. of your Junior year (if you've taken all the classes: physics, organic, chem, and bio) You don't need physio or biochem for the OAT. Then you have room to retake in Fall of your senior year if you need to!!
Good luck!!