Choosing a School

[Vagrant]

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Hi guys!
I'm a new pre-opt student and am still working on researching schools.
I was just wondering what made you guys choose to apply to the schools you're attending/applying to. So far, I've only visited SUNY which I liked but I can't really compare it to anything else yet. So, why'd you pick what you picked?

 

[eyestrain]

You should have one concern only, and that's going to be the amount of debt you're in after four years.

 

[Framecontrol]

Hey,

Choosing a school is definitely something to spend some time contemplating... Its a big decision, one that will change the next 4 years of your life but regardless you will most likely fall in love with the school you end up at.

Check out this article, it breaks down the entire process.

http://optometrystudents.com/how-to-pick-the-right-optometry-school/

-Matt

 

[optsuker]

I sponsor my local college's pre-opt club, and I usually tell them to consider several things:

• Location: How easy/costly will it be to go home for holidays? Can you handle inner city life? Want a new adventure or something familiar?
• Cost: You'll get a good education anywhere, so don't overextend. But don't use cost as the only factor, an extra $10K won't seem like that much when spread over a 20 yr repayment, $50K will. Don't forget to include cost of living and if your spouse needs to find employment. I spent about $12K more than I could have & have no regrets.
• 4th Year: To me, what happens during the first 3 years will be virtually identical. Don't be swayed by a school claiming a different educational system or getting you into the clinic during 2nd year. The meat of your clinical experience comes in the 4th year and you want a school with an established, diverse group of options (especially for pathology).
• Skip the New Schools: Way too many unknowns & your 4th year will be inferior to established programs. These programs will be the fall-back options for most & a lot of your classmates will be the "bottom of the barrel" of applicants.

 

[thecgrblue]

You should have one concern only, and that's going to be the amount of debt you're in after four years.

Amen.

I loved IU, but when I found out it would be $36k/year I said 'See ya!'

 

[thecgrblue]

• Skip the New Schools: Way too many unknowns & your 4th year will be inferior to established programs. These programs will be the fall-back options for most & a lot of your classmates will be the "bottom of the barrel" of applicants.

Amen amen amen amen. If you are itching to get in and you have terrible stats...this will be a good (although bad) option.