Canadian Applying to US Optometry Schools

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canadianODhopefully

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Hi there!
I am having a very difficult time managing the application process / transfer of my Canadian courses into the letter grades for applications and i am curious to what my chances to getting in would be.
I am currently a 3rd year Physiology student with a cumulative average of 73 (2.9) and going up as we speak! Do the american schools take your GPA of all your classes over the last 4 years, or the last 2 years or the science requirements?

I have worked at 2 clinics as a pretester, front desk, and have shadowed the optometrists doing different procedures. I will be working there again this summer. I have experience taking retinal photos, OCTs, visual fields, and Optos images. I also learned basic glasses repair techniques and sat in a few CL training sessions. I loved every minute of being in the clinic and i know that this is what i want to do. One of the optometrists also suggested I go on one of the mission trips with them if it works with my spring break week.

I am planning on writing my OAT in august as well as submitting my application for fall 2018 start in august 2017 as well. I will still be planning to shadow an optometrist where i go to school for my undergrad. I just need some guidance as i have no idea to what I'm doing or if i should apply at a different time, upgrade classes or anything i can do to aid my application.

Thank-you so much, I appreciate any advice 🙂
 
They will look at your overall GPA, as well as your science GPA. To be honest, a 2.9 won't look good in the eyes of an application committee. However, if you continue to bring it up, as well as do very well on the OAT, you may have a chance. Your work experiences and shadowing will definitely improve your chances. Good luck to you!


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Hi, I was just wondering what exactly is covered on the Canadian OAT. I know it says Natural Sciences, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physics and such. But would Microbiology and Biochemistry be covered on it ? Also since only one Organic chemistry (261) is needed, is that the only one on the exam?

PS: If you are from Canada, do you know if the OAT exams are available in the summer, or around which months? Thanks so much!!
 
They will look at your overall GPA, as well as your science GPA. To be honest, a 2.9 won't look good in the eyes of an application committee. However, if you continue to bring it up, as well as do very well on the OAT, you may have a chance. Your work experiences and shadowing will definitely improve your chances. Good luck to you!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile


Hi, I was just wondering what exactly is covered on the Canadian OAT. I know it says Natural Sciences, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physics and such. But would Microbiology and Biochemistry be covered on it ? Also since only one Organic chemistry (261) is needed, is that the only one on the exam?

PS: If you are from Canada, do you know if the OAT exams are available in the summer, or around which months? Thanks so much!!
 
Hi there!
I am having a very difficult time managing the application process / transfer of my Canadian courses into the letter grades for applications and i am curious to what my chances to getting in would be.
I am currently a 3rd year Physiology student with a cumulative average of 73 (2.9) and going up as we speak! Do the american schools take your GPA of all your classes over the last 4 years, or the last 2 years or the science requirements?

I have worked at 2 clinics as a pretester, front desk, and have shadowed the optometrists doing different procedures. I will be working there again this summer. I have experience taking retinal photos, OCTs, visual fields, and Optos images. I also learned basic glasses repair techniques and sat in a few CL training sessions. I loved every minute of being in the clinic and i know that this is what i want to do. One of the optometrists also suggested I go on one of the mission trips with them if it works with my spring break week.

I am planning on writing my OAT in august as well as submitting my application for fall 2018 start in august 2017 as well. I will still be planning to shadow an optometrist where i go to school for my undergrad. I just need some guidance as i have no idea to what I'm doing or if i should apply at a different time, upgrade classes or anything i can do to aid my application.

Thank-you so much, I appreciate any advice 🙂



Hi, I was just wondering what exactly is covered on the Canadian OAT. I know it says Natural Sciences, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physics and such. But would Microbiology and Biochemistry be covered on it ? Also since only one Organic chemistry (261) is needed, is that the only one on the exam?

PS: If you are from Canada, do you know if the OAT exams are available in the summer, or around which months? Thanks so much!!
 
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