class of 2023!

[OPTOhopeful2019]

Anyone else waitlisted at ICO and know anything about when we might hear something?

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[Retinagirl]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 12/3/2019

Date verified: 12/15/2019

OAT Scores: 250 TS/270 AA

Major: Pre-Medical Studies
Minors: Biology & Spanish

GPA: 3.2

Extracurricular Activities: 1,000 hours as a volunteer EMT on campus EMS, Medical Brigade to Nicaragua, Research on Brain Cancer, Mission work to Appalachia, Tutoring, Over 2,000 hours at a Retina Specialist during undergrad, Over 2,000 hours at a Retina Specialist during gap year, 40 Hours of Optometry Shadowing

Schools applied: ICO, OSU, IUSO, PCO, SCO, CCO, KYCO, NOVA

Interviews extended/date extended: PCO (12/20/18), KYCO (3/7/19)
Interviews accepted & Date Interviewed: PCO (1/28/19), KYCO (4/8/19)

Interviews declined: N/A

Rejections/date: Was put on hold at PCO for OAT scores on (2/1/19) (Withdrew 4/10/19 - did not retake the OAT)

Acceptance/date: KYCO (4/10/19)

Going to KYCO!

As you can see, I had some severely low OAT scores, but in the end I got into my top choice. I know they are not yet accredited (it will be by next year), but their curriculum is unmatched. The brand new facilities and technology don't hurt either! Excited to use their iPad Pros!

 

[miranda_deaton]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 12/3/2019

Date verified: 12/15/2019

OAT Scores: 250 TS/270 AA

Major: Pre-Medical Studies
Minors: Biology & Spanish

GPA: 3.2

Extracurricular Activities: 1,000 hours as a volunteer EMT on campus EMS, Medical Brigade to Nicaragua, Research on Brain Cancer, Mission work to Appalachia, Tutoring, Over 2,000 hours at a Retina Specialist during undergrad, Over 2,000 hours at a Retina Specialist during gap year, 40 Hours of Optometry Shadowing

Schools applied: ICO, OSU, IUSO, PCO, SCO, CCO, KYCO, NOVA

Interviews extended/date extended: PCO (12/20/18), KYCO (3/7/19)
Interviews accepted & Date Interviewed: PCO (1/28/19), KYCO (4/8/19)

Interviews declined: N/A

Rejections/date: Was put on hold at PCO for OAT scores on (2/1/19) (Withdrew 4/10/19 - did not retake the OAT)

Acceptance/date: KYCO (4/10/19)

Going to KYCO!

As you can see, I had some severely low OAT scores, but in the end I got into my top choice. I know they are not yet accredited (it will be by next year), but their curriculum is unmatched. The brand new facilities and technology don't hurt either! Excited to use their iPad Pros!

Congrats!! I've applied late in the cycle to KYCO, and my OAT scores are low, but I hope with my retina experience too that it'll help. Never hurts to try!

 

[eyesee_ana]

Thanks! My school unfortunately does not have one.

Is there a pre optometry club we can join online? My school doesn't offer one.

 

[HopefulPremed.]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 7/20
Date verified: 7/26
OAT Scores: 370 AA / 400 TS
Major: Psychology
GPA: 3.4
Extracurricular Activities: Shadowing, RA, VP at pre-health club, Relay for Life team captain
Schools applied: NECO, SUNY, ICO, NOVA, UHCO, OSU, UCB
Interviews extended/date: NECO(7/31), ICO(8/17), NOVA(8/6), SUNY(8/6), UHCO(8/24), UCB (01/04)
Interviews accepted: NECO, NOVA, ICO, SUNY, UHCO, UCB
Interviews declined: OSU
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: NECO (8/21) NOVA (8/30) UHCO (9/19) ICO (9/20) SUNY (9/21)

@OptommyBoy I believe we met during our NECO interview I'm so glad you were accepted as well, tried to send you a private message but I think your profile settings doesn't allow for it - hope we can be future classmates next year!

Best of luck to everyone applying this cycle

Did you get into BERKELEY??

 

[HopefulPremed.]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 9/2/8
Date verified: 9/10/18
OAT Scores: 360 AA/ 340TS
Major: Public Health
GPA: 3.69
Extracurricular Activities: shadowing, work as optometry technician for ~7 months (15hrs a week), vision screenings outreach, service fraternity
Schools applied: SCCO, ICO, MCPHS, UCB, Western
Interviews extended/date: SCCO (9/15), MCPHS (9/17), Western (9/20), Berkeley (1/5/19)
Interviews accepted: SCCO (10/6), Western (11/16), Berkeley (2/2/19)
Interviews declined: MCPHS, ICO
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: SCCO (10/8), Western (11/29), Berkeley (2/07/19)

OMG CONGRATS! I'M FROM CALI AND THATS MY DREAM! GETTING INTO ALL THREE CALI SCHOOLS SO MY OPTIONS ARE OPEN! WHERE DO YOU PLAN ON GOING? I'M APPLYING THE NEXT CYCLE

 

[HopefulPremed.]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 10/28/18
Date verified: 11/02/18
OAT Scores: 360 AA/ 370 TS
Major: Environmental Science
Overall GPA: 3.02
Overall Science GPA: 2.91
Extracurricular Activities: 25+ hours shadowing, 1000+ hours working in an optometry clinic, volunteered at a vision therapy clinic, president/leadership experience at a optometry volunteer organization.
Schools applied: UCB, SCCO, SUNY, UHCO, ICO, NECO, PCO
Interviews extended/date: All except for UHCO
Interviews accepted: SUNY (11/26), SCCO (12/14)
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: SUNY (11/30)

Hey, Did you get into Berkeley? My app is gonna be similar to yours for the next cycle with low GPA and hoping for high OAT and Berkeley is my number one choice.

 

[HopefulPremed.]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 10/03/18
Date verified: 10/09/18
OAT Scores:
AA-340 TS-340
Major: Microbiology
GPA: 3.3
Extracurricular Activities: Pre optometry club president, pre health ambassador, hospital volunteer, optometry intern, vision screening volunteer, soup kitchen volunteer, berkeley opto-camp attendee, research assistant, and free eye clinic volunteer
Schools applied: Western, SCCO, Berkeley
Interviews extended/date: SCCO-10/16, Western-10/22, Berkeley-01/05
Interviews accepted: SCCO, Berkeley
Interviews declined: Western
Rejections/date: N/A
Acceptance/date: SCCO (11/05), Berkeley (02/07)

Where are you going to go? I am gonna be applying next cycle and hoping for Berkeley!!

 

[xaliax9]

I'm going to Berkeley! Best of luck to you

 

[deleted941344]

Did you get into BERKELEY??

Hi I did and chose to attend, best of luck to you on applications!

 

[deleted936320]

Anyone here going to CCO?

 

[Armyhealth]

We are starting to work packets for those interested in the 3 year Army scholarship for optometry. Let me know if anyone is interested!

 

[helpmeout382100]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 12/20/2019
OAT Scores: 340 AA / 340 TS
Major: Biopsychology, B.S.
GPA: 2.90 Overall / 2.61 Science (struggled AF, which is why I applied to so many schools)
Extracurricular Activities: Two community service organizations for three years + leadership positions in both organizations; 21 hours of shadowing; worked at LensCrafters for ~9 months; other volunteer organizations
Schools applied: UMSL, PUCO, AZCOPT, CCO, KYCO, ICO, MCPHS, NOVA, PCO, SCO, OSU, UHCO, UIWRSO, NECO, SCCO, WU
Interviews extended/date: UMSL (12/28), PUCO (1/14), KYCO (1/29), MCPHS (1/3), NOVA (1/10), PCO (12/27), SCO (1/7), UIWRSO (1/8), NECO (12/27), SCCO (1/7), WU (1/16)
Interviews accepted: UMSL (1/25), NOVA (2/15), PCO (1/29; withdrew 2/26), SCO (2/8), NECO (2/1), SCCO (3/15)
Interviews declined: PUCO, KYCO, MCPHS, UIWRSO, WU
Rejections/date: AZCOPT (1/8), CCO (12/28), ICO (1/17), OSU (2/1),UHCO (2/25)
Acceptance/date: UMSL (2/11), NOVA (2/21), SCO (2/22), NECO (2/15), SCCO (3/18)

My GPA is incredibly below average lol, but as you can see, OD schools look beyond your grades/scores.. thankfully :'-) Good luck to everyone who's in the process of applying right now! U CAN DO IT

Deciding between NECO and SCCO right now, and I'd love to hear some input! Thoughts??

***EDIT: I'm going to NECO! :'-)

Nova is my top choice and I have a low GPA as well. Was wondering if you were accepted into the traditional or POP program? Also, congrats!!!!

 

[EyeSee20]

We are starting to work packets for those interested in the 3 year Army scholarship for optometry. Let me know if anyone is interested!

Hello! I am interested in a packet if they are available

 

[Blessed1212]

How does that work?

What’s was your gpa and OAT?

 

[Blessed1212]

No, I do not think is $40000 a quarter. It just second and third year have summer school that cost almost $10000 to 15000 more. The cost of living in Chicago is high. I stayed in the dorm last time for interview and the food in the cafeteria. It was not the best for me. That is why I choose not to go. Also, they have quarter system. It means each term is about 10 weeks. They told me there are test every week in the last eight weeks. About 3 test every week 8 a.m in the morning. Parking in the school is extra charge.

So do you get financial aid ?

 

[chicagotech]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 9/24/2018
Date verified: 9/26/2018
OAT Scores: 290 AA / 280TS
Major: Biology
GPA: 3.54
Extracurricular Activities: Honors College, Optician, Shadowing Experience, Residential Advisor, Biology Mentor, Numerous Honor Societies and Clubs, + more.
Schools applied: ICO, UMSL
Interviews extended/date: ICO (10/11)
Interviews accepted: ICO (11/05)
Interviews declined:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: ICO (11/16)

There is hope with a lower OAT score.

Did ICO ask you if you planned on retaking the OAT? if so, how did you respond?

 

[Andesha]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 12/3/2019

Date verified: 12/15/2019

OAT Scores: 250 TS/270 AA

Major: Pre-Medical Studies
Minors: Biology & Spanish

GPA: 3.2

Extracurricular Activities: 1,000 hours as a volunteer EMT on campus EMS, Medical Brigade to Nicaragua, Research on Brain Cancer, Mission work to Appalachia, Tutoring, Over 2,000 hours at a Retina Specialist during undergrad, Over 2,000 hours at a Retina Specialist during gap year, 40 Hours of Optometry Shadowing

Schools applied: ICO, OSU, IUSO, PCO, SCO, CCO, KYCO, NOVA

Interviews extended/date extended: PCO (12/20/18), KYCO (3/7/19)
Interviews accepted & Date Interviewed: PCO (1/28/19), KYCO (4/8/19)

Interviews declined: N/A

Rejections/date: Was put on hold at PCO for OAT scores on (2/1/19) (Withdrew 4/10/19 - did not retake the OAT)

Acceptance/date: KYCO (4/10/19)

Going to KYCO!

As you can see, I had some severely low OAT scores, but in the end I got into my top choice. I know they are not yet accredited (it will be by next year), but their curriculum is unmatched. The brand new facilities and technology don't hurt either! Excited to use their iPad Pros!

Congrats!
I just applied to KYCO on Sep 30th. OAT 280/290 GPA 3.5. 40 hrs optometry shadowing 8 months Opt technician experience, 3 years MA experience. I am too scared of my low OAT score plus it's too late in the cycle as I see you have applied Dec 2018. As a nontraditional applicant, do you think there would be any chance of getting accepted?

 

[Opto_mistic]

Date OptomCAS submitted: August 6th
Date verified: August 18th
OAT Scores: TS 300 AA 300
Major: Biology BA minor Anthropology
GPA: C:3.25 S:3.3
Extracurricular Activitiesre-opt club, anthropology club, 40 hours shadowing, working at the optometry school clinic as a receptionist, independent lab study under a professor at IUSO and various part time jobs and volunteer stuff
Schools applied: IUSO
Interviews extended/date: IUSO 8/19
Interviews accepted: IUSO 9/7
Interviews declined:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date IUSO 9/7

Just apply and show your resolve and passion towards the optometry field. If you have any questions regarding IUSO I can try and answer them. I am so excited my dream came true!!!!

Wait omg how did they accept you the same day of your interview?!

 

[justordinary4]

Wait omg how did they accept you the same day of your interview?!

That was a typo I made. I got my acceptance email that following Thursday. Sorry for the confusion!

 

[Optician2OD]

Congrats!
I just applied to KYCO on Sep 30th. OAT 280/290 GPA 3.5. 40 hrs optometry shadowing 8 months Opt technician experience, 3 years MA experience. I am too scared of my low OAT score plus it's too late in the cycle as I see you have applied Dec 2018. As a nontraditional applicant, do you think there would be any chance of getting accepted?

Has KYCO been accredited yet?

 

[Optician2OD]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 12/3/2019

Date verified: 12/15/2019

OAT Scores: 250 TS/270 AA

Major: Pre-Medical Studies
Minors: Biology & Spanish

GPA: 3.2

Extracurricular Activities: 1,000 hours as a volunteer EMT on campus EMS, Medical Brigade to Nicaragua, Research on Brain Cancer, Mission work to Appalachia, Tutoring, Over 2,000 hours at a Retina Specialist during undergrad, Over 2,000 hours at a Retina Specialist during gap year, 40 Hours of Optometry Shadowing

Schools applied: ICO, OSU, IUSO, PCO, SCO, CCO, KYCO, NOVA

Interviews extended/date extended: PCO (12/20/18), KYCO (3/7/19)
Interviews accepted & Date Interviewed: PCO (1/28/19), KYCO (4/8/19)

Interviews declined: N/A

Rejections/date: Was put on hold at PCO for OAT scores on (2/1/19) (Withdrew 4/10/19 - did not retake the OAT)

Acceptance/date: KYCO (4/10/19)

Going to KYCO!

As you can see, I had some severely low OAT scores, but in the end I got into my top choice. I know they are not yet accredited (it will be by next year), but their curriculum is unmatched. The brand new facilities and technology don't hurt either! Excited to use their iPad Pros!

DOES KYCO STILL PLAN TO HAVE THEIR ACCREDITATION NEXT YEAR?

 

[Andesha]

Has KYCO been accredited yet?

I am not sure yet I will ask this question in my upcoming interview then will let you know.