Berkeley Optometry Interview Day

[srwilson1]

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Hey guys, I'm new to the website and it seems like everyone is very knowledgeable about everything optometry. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me ANYthing at all about the berkeley interview day.

Most notably, does anyone have some stats about the berkeley interviewed to accepted ratio? I'm from florida and I would prefer to know my odds before traveling 3000 miles lol.

Thank you to anyone who can help!

Sarah

 

[optoapp2012]

Hey guys, I'm new to the website and it seems like everyone is very knowledgeable about everything optometry. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me ANYthing at all about the berkeley interview day.

Most notably, does anyone have some stats about the berkeley interviewed to accepted ratio? I'm from florida and I would prefer to know my odds before traveling 3000 miles lol.

Thank you to anyone who can help!

Sarah

Hey Sarah,

They interview about 120 people for 68 spots (they rarely do a waitlist - it might be only a couple students long). From the way I've heard it, they basically rank all 120 people based on their applications (GPA and OAT are the predominant factors). They seem to mostly accept the top students and that the interview isn't a *huge* factor. But all the admissions people have really stressed that people look at their OAT and GPA ranges, rather than the average (so they can't possibly just be taking the top 68 based on scores alone). I did hear a little anecdote about one student being their top ranked person going into the interview, and then getting rejected because he was completely rude to everyone.

I'm guessing you know the set-up of the day since you got an email. There is information in old posts about what the essay questions are like. It seems like in the past they have given you two essay prompts to choose from and you pick one to write. Sample past essay questions have been about how we would change the US election system and something about our thoughts on a particular sports star getting into the hall of fame. Know your current events!

Also, wear comfortable shoes, because you are going up and down stairs, walking a lot, and doing a team activity.

I found it really helpful to search "Berkeley" or "UCBSO" in the pre-opt boards and look through posts from the last few years. Don't get worried if you see posts about pre-accepting students before interview day...they did that years ago but no longer do. Those 68 spots will all go to people there on Feb 4.

 

[futureOD853]

Hi everyone,

I'm a current student at UCBSO, and last year they interviewed 105 people and 73 of those interviewees were offered a spot in the program. The size of the class of 2015 is 66 students. I can tell you first hand that once you are offered an interview, numbers no longer matter. Your written application (including your GPA/OAT) are what get you an interview, but after that, everybody is on an equal playing field. What counts is how well you perform during the interview. Basically, the interview is not completely open, but the interviewers have your essays in front of them, and the panel (one staff member + one 3rd or 4th year student) ask you questions about what you wrote in the essays, about your character, and about optometry. It's meant to feel conversational. There is also a team activity, basically assessing whether or not you can work well in groups. There is also an essay to make sure you can form an opinion and write coherent paragraphs (because the reality is that you could have had help writing your personal statement and supplementary essays).

I would say that if you're personable and passionate about optometry/going to UC Berkeley's program, then you have a great shot at being accepted. It's important to smile and be yourself! Also, do dress professionally (suits) and wear comfortable shoes. Bring an appetite because you will be treated to a yummy catered hot lunch! 🙂 Have fun and good luck! I hope to see you all around Minor Hall next year!