Class of 2025 :)

[ks25]

I found that looking at the Class of 2024 thread was super helpful when applying and choosing which schools to apply to, so I thought I would create a 2025 thread to potentially help others! I am not sure if someone has already started something like this but feel free to copy and reply with your stats!! Good luck to everyone this cycle!!

Date OptomCAS submitted:
Date verified:
OAT Scores:
Major:
GPA (Overall/Science):
Schools applied:
Interviews extended/date:
Interviews accepted/date:
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date:

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[ks25]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 7/13/2020
Date verified: 7/18/2020
OAT Scores: 340 AA / 330 TS
Major: Neuroscience
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.56 / 3.41
Schools applied: PUCO, SCO, ICO, PCO
Interviews extended/date: PUCO (7/31), SCO (8/7), ICO (8/21), PCO (8/28)
Interviews accepted/date: PUCO (9/25), SCO (8/13), ICO (9/18)
Interviews declined/date: PCO (9/25)
Rejections/date: -
Acceptance/date: SCO (8/19), PUCO (10/1), ICO (10/6)

I will be joining the Illinois College of Optometry Class of 2025!!!!!
If you are also joining my class, please don’t hesitate to reach out

 

[Future-Eye-Doc]

I'm going to edit this post if/when schools get back to me but here is what I can share so far!

Date OptomCAS submitted: 7.13.2020
Date verified: 7.18.2020
OAT Scores: 340 AA / 330 TS
Major: Neuroscience
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.56 / 3.41
Schools applied: PCO, PUCO, SCO, ICO
Interviews extended/date: -
Interviews accepted/date: -
Interviews declined/date: -
Rejections/date: -
Acceptance/date: -

What do you guys think my chances are? I'm just nervous that COVID-19 is going to make this process much trickier

Hi! I believe you have a great chance in getting interviews and gaining acceptance at the schools you applied to! Your stats look great ! And don't be nervous, you will do great! Keep us updated!

 

[studentoptom2021]

Date OptomCAS submitted: July 15
Date verified: July 18
OAT Scores: 300/300
Major: Life Sciences
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.09/3.02
Schools applied: PCO, MCPHS, SCO, ICO, NOVA, IAUPR, MCO, IUSO, UABSO, KYCO
Interviews extended/date: NOVA (8/21), ICO (8/21), IUSO (8/24), MCPHS (8/26), PCO (8/28), KYCO (9/17), IAUPR (9/17), MCO (10/26)
Interviews accepted/date: NOVA (9/14), ICO (9/18), IUSO (10/16), MCPHS (9/8), PCO (9/22), KYCO (9/25), IAUPR (10/2), MCO (11/9)
Interviews declined/date: IUSO (10/8), MCO (11/4)
Rejections/date: UABSO (11/4) [on hold]
Acceptance/date: MCPHS (9/9), NOVA (9/18), PCO (9/24), KYCO (10/2), ICO (10/5), IAUPR (10/6)

what do you guys think? My GPA and OAT scores are on the lower end but I have a lot of extracurricular involvement with almost 5 years of experience in working in an optometry office, shadowing several doctors and have a high leadership position at my university's optometry club.

Edit: I've only decided to accept all the interviews as I wanna experience and see how each school is virtually as I don't have the option to see them in person.

I'll be joining MCPHS' Class of 2025!

 

[ks25]

Hi! I believe you have a great chance in getting interviews and gaining acceptance at the schools you applied to! Your stats look great ! And don't be nervous, you will do great! Keep us updated!

Thank you so much for the kind words, I think I just worry too much! I will definitely keep you updated!

 

[LJL22]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 7/19/2020
Date verified: 7/22/2020
OAT Scores: AA: 330, TS: 350
Major: Biology
GPA: 3.58 overall, 3.48 science
Extracurricular Activities: OD tech (2 years), pharmacy tech, shadowing, volunteering, tutoring, teaching assistant for microbiology lab, and president of pre-optometry club.
Schools applied: PUCO, UCBSO, SCCO, OSU, NECO, and SUNY.
Interviews extended/date: NECO(7/27), PUCO(8/3), SCCO(8/4), UCBSO(8/10), SUNY(8/12), OSU(9/1)
Interviews accepted/date: NECO(8/17), SCCO (9/1), PUCO(9/11), UCBSO(8/25), SUNY(9/21), OSU(10/23)
Interviews declined/date: I chose to decline interviews at SCCO, OSU, and SUNY.
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: NECO(8/28), PUCO(9/17), UCBSO(9/18).

I’ll be joining the Berkeley Class of 2025!

 

[2020Focus]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 7/19/2020
Date verified: 7/22/2020
OAT Scores: AA: 330, TS: 350
Major: Biology
GPA: 3.58 overall, 3.48 science
Extracurricular Activities: OD tech (2 years), pharmacy tech, shadowing, volunteering, tutoring, teaching assistant for microbiology lab, and president of pre-optometry club.
Schools applied: PUCO, UCB, SCCO, OSU, NECO, and SUNY.
Interviews extended/date: NECO(7/27),
Interviews accepted/date: NECO(8/17),
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date:

Thanks for adding extracurriculars. Good luck!

 

[adng22]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 07/23/2020
Date verified: 07/27/2020
OAT Scores: 360 AA/350 TS
Major: Biology
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.55/3.56
Extracurricular Activities: Worked at 3 optometry offices, shadowed 2 optometrists, UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute volunteer, pre-optometry club, volunteered at free health fairs, cabinet member for 2 years in my sorority
Schools applied: UCBSO, SCCO
Interviews extended/date: SCCO (8/4), UCBSO (8/10)
Interviews accepted/date: SCCO (9/2), UCBSO (8/25)
Interviews declined/date: 0
Rejections/date: 0
Acceptance/date: SCCO (9/8), UCBSO (9/18)

Hehe I'm going to UC Berkeley!!! :3

 

[jbw9209]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 7/7/20
Date verified: 7/15/20
OAT Scores: 360 AA/350 TS
Major: Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Business
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.88 overall, 3.78 science
Extracurricular Activities: worked in optometry office, shadowed 2 optometrists, couple of different volunteer groups, leadership position in sorority, part-time job
Schools applied: NECO, SCO, ICO, UAB, NOVA
Interviews extended/date: NECO (7/23), UAB (7/29), SCO (8/5), NOVA (8/17), ICO (8/19)
Interviews accepted/date: NECO (8/21), UAB (8/25), SCO (8/13), NOVA (8/24), ICO (8/31)
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: SCO (8/19), NOVA (8/27), UAB (8/28), NECO (9/4), ICO (9/22)

Good luck to everyone!! Super grateful to have been accepted to all the schools I applied! Now I have a difficult decision to make.

 

[eye.believe]

Date OptomCAS submitted: July 15
Date verified: July 18
OAT Scores: 300/300
Major: Life Sciences
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.09/3.02
Schools applied: PCO, MCPHS, SCO, ICO, NOVA, IAUPR, Ferris State, Indiana
Interviews extended/date:
Interviews accepted/date:
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date:

what do you guys think? My GPA and OAT scores are on the lower end but I have a lot of extracurricular involvement with almost 5 years of experience in working in an optometry office, shadowing several doctors and have a high leadership position at my university's optometry club.

I think you have a fair chance! Keep positive and don't stress. It's good that you applied early

 

[hellok111]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 07/03/2020
Date verified: 07/20/2020 (had to wait for transcripts)
OAT Scores: 300 AA/300 TS
Major: Neuroscience
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.85
Extracurriculars: Research Assistant 2 years, Teaching Assistant (Neuroscience Anat. Lab), Optometric Tech, Medical Clerk, Shadowed 5 doctors, Special Olympics Opening Eyes Volunteer, Autism Speaks Member, Attended 2 Summer Optometry Programs, Exec member of my Pre-Opt Club
Schools applied: NSU, UAB, SCO, IUSO, AZCOPT, PCO Salus
Interviews extended/date: AZCOPT (07/29), UAB (8/5), SCO (8/5), NSU (8/17), IUSO (8/13), PCO Salus (8/28)
Interviews accepted/date: AZCOPT (08/12), UAB (8/26), SCO (8/13), NSU (8/31)
Interviews declined/date: IUSO (8/13), PCO Salus (8/28)
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: SCO (8/19), AZCOPT (8/21), UAB (8/28), NSU (9/3)

 

[bri.ard]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 07/17/2020
Date verified: 07/21/2020
OAT Scores: 380 AA/ 400 TS
Major: Biology and Psychology
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.97 overall/ 3.99 science
Schools applied: NOVA, NECO, SCO
Extracurricular: Optometric technician for a year, shadowed multiple OD's in different specialties, medical fellowship in Spain, mission trips to Peru and Honduras, organic chemistry tutor, molecular genomics lab researcher
Haven't heard anything back yet but super excited!! Good luck everyone
Interviews extended/date:
Interviews accepted/date:
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date:

 

[2020Focus]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 7/19/2020
Date verified: 7/22/2020
OAT Scores: AA: 330, TS: 350
Major: Biology
GPA: 3.58 overall, 3.48 science
Extracurricular Activities: OD tech (2 years), pharmacy tech, shadowing, volunteering, tutoring, teaching assistant for microbiology lab, and president of pre-optometry club.
Schools applied: PUCO, UCB, SCCO, OSU, NECO, and SUNY.
Interviews extended/date: NECO(7/27),
Interviews accepted/date: NECO(8/17),
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date:

Hi! is your interview going to be in-person or virtual? =)

 

[2020Focus]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 7/7/20
Date verified: 7/15/20
OAT Scores: 360 AA/350 TS
Major: Biomedical Sciences
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.88 overall, 3.78 science
Extracurricular Activities: worked in optometry office, shadowed 2 optometrists, couple of different volunteer groups, leadership position in sorority, part-time job
Schools applied: NECO, SCO, ICO, UAB, NOVA
Interviews extended/date: NECO (7/23), UAB (7/29)
Interviews accepted/date: NECO (8/21), UAB (8/25)
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date:

Still waiting to hear back from other schools and will update! Good luck to everyone!!

Hi! Are your interviews going to be in person or virtual?

 

[2020Focus]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 07/03/2020
Date verified: 07/20/2020 (had to wait for transcripts)
OAT Scores: 300 AA/300 TS
Major: Neuroscience
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.85 overall, 3.55 science
Extracurriculars: Research Assistant 2 years, Teaching Assistant (Neuroscience Anat. Lab), Optometric Tech, Medical Clerk, Shadowed 5 doctors, Special Olympics Opening Eyes Volunteer, Autism Speaks Member, Attended 2 Summer Optometry Programs, Exec member of my Pre-Opt Club
Schools applied: NOVA, UAB, SCO, IUSOP, AZCOPT, PCO
Interviews extended/date: AZCOPT (07/29)
Interviews accepted/date: AZCOPT (08/12)
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date:

Good luck to everyone!

Hi! Is your interview going to be in-person or virtual? =)

 

[LJL22]

Hi! is your interview going to be in-person or virtual? =)

Virtual for NECO

 

[hellok111]

Hi! Is your interview going to be in-person or virtual? =)

Virtual for AZCOPT

 

[berry13]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 07/29/2020
Date verified: 07/30/2020
OAT Scores: 350AA /350TS
Major: BS Psychology, Bioethics Minor & Health Promotion Minor
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.56 Overall/ 3.24 Science
Extracurricular Activities: summer of shadowing, 1 year optician, 1 year optometric tech, 4 years intern/community service with department of health and human services, summer intern/community service Mediterranean refugee camp, pre-optometry club, psychology club, sorority member, multiple other volunteer opportunities
Schools applied: NECO, IUSO, ICO, PCO, SCO
Interviews extended/date: NECO 8/01, SCO 8/12, IUSO 8/13, ICO 8/21, PCO 9/22
Interviews accepted/date: NECO 9/11, SCO 8/27, IUSO 10/2, ICO 9/25
Interviews declined/date: PCO
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: SCO 9/2, NECO 9/22, IUSO 10/5, ICO 10/6

I'm thrilled to have been offered admission all of my schools of interest! I can't wait to attend SCO and am more than happy to help anyone else throughout the process

 

[jbw9209]

Hi! Are your interviews going to be in person or virtual?

Virtual for UAB and NECO

 

[girgisod2025]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 07/16
Date verified: 07/22
OAT Scores: 300 AA/300 TS
Major: Biology with Minors in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
GPA (Overall/Science): Overall: 3.76/Science: 3.67
Schools applied: NSU, UAB, MCPHS, IUSO, CCO, KYCO, PCO and UMSL
Extra Curriculars:
-Historian of my Sorority (1 year)
-Director of Programming of the National Organization for Women (On Going)
-Shadowed a low vision specialist for 1 Semester
-Worked as a Technician in 2 offices
-Started my own business in 2018
-Volunteer with the Department of Blind Services.

Interviews extended/date: IUSO (8/3) KYCO (8/4), CCO (8/7), NSU (8/10), UMSL (8/12), UAB (8/14), MCPHS (8/26), PCO (9/22)

Interviews accepted/date: IUSO (9/4), KYCO (8/13), CCO (8/18), NSU (8/24), UMSL (9/14), UAB (10/16), MCPHS (8/31), PCO (10/6)

Acceptance/date: CCO (8/19), KYCO (8/26), NSU (8/28), MCPHS (9/9), IUSO (9/9), UMSL (9/14), PCO (10/8), UAB (11/17)

NSUCO '25!!!!

 

[Alexis-FutureOD]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 07/07/2020
Date verified: 07/21/2020
OAT Scores: 330AA/310TS
Major: Chemistry
GPA (Overall/Science): Overall: 3.74/Science: 3.51
Extracurriculars: Worked in local optometry office from 8/2019 to present, coached youth soccer, coached youth basketball, TA for General Chemistry 1 and 2, worked as coordinator for a before and after school program.
Schools applied: NECO, MCPHS
Interviews extended/date: NECO (7/24/2020) MCPHS (08/26/2020)
Interviews accepted/date: NECO (08/21/2020)
Interviews declined/date: MCPHS (09/04/2020)
Rejections/date: N/A
Acceptance/date: NECO (09/04/2020)

NECO class of 2025!

 

[Rus439]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 7/19/2020
Date verified: 7/22/2020
OAT Scores: AA: 330, TS: 350
Major: Biology
GPA: 3.58 overall, 3.48 science
Extracurricular Activities: OD tech (2 years), pharmacy tech, shadowing, volunteering, tutoring, teaching assistant for microbiology lab, and president of pre-optometry club.
Schools applied: PUCO, UCB, SCCO, OSU, NECO, and SUNY.
Interviews extended/date: NECO(7/27), PUCO(8/3), SCCO(8/4),
Interviews accepted/date: NECO(8/17), PUCO(9/11), SCCO(9/1),
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date:

did you hear back from OSU yet?

 

[kopto1997]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 8/3/20
Date verified: 8/6/20
OAT Scores: 320AA/320TS
Major: Biology w minors in forensics/criminal justice
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.60/3.32
Schools applied: IUSO, KYCO, OSU, ICO
Interviews extended/date: OSU (8/26), ICO (10/5), KYCO (10/7)
Interviews accepted/date: OSU (10/16), ICO (11/13), KYCO (10/13)
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: KYCO (10/16), OSU (10/19)

OSU class of 2025!!!

 

[LJL22]

did you hear back from OSU yet?

Not yet, I'll let you know when I do.

 

[2020Focus]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 07/31/2020
Date verified: 08/05/2020
OAT Scores: 320AA/290TS
Major: Health Sciences, B.S.
GPA: 3.13 overall, 3.37 science
Extracurricular Activities: 14,000 hours work experience as optician/optometric tech/certified ophthalmic tech, web coordinator/social media promoter of pre-optometry club, member of professional touring handbell ensemble, Skin cancer Protection Friend(SPF) melanoma awareness advocate, optometric internship
Schools applied: AZCOPT
Interviews extended/date: AZCOPT (08/21/2020)
Interviews accepted/date: AZCOPT (09/15/2020)
Interviews declined/date: 0
Rejections/date: 0
Acceptance/date: AZCOPT (09/24/2020)

AZCOPT CLASS OF 2025!!!!!!

 

[Eyedontknowanymore]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 07/31/2020
Date verified: 08/05/2020
OAT Scores: TBD
Major: Health Sciences, B.S.
GPA: 3.13 overall, 3.37 science
Extracurricular Activities: 14,000 hours work experience as optician/optometric tech/certified ophthalmic tech, web coordinator/social media promoter of pre-optometry club, member of professional touring handbell ensemble, Skin cancer Protection Friend(SPF) melanoma awareness advocate, optometric internship
Schools applied: AZCOPT
Interviews extended/date:
Interviews accepted/date:
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date:

I'm in the same boat as you are you unable to take your OAT yet due to covid? If so have you spoken with AZCOPT?

 

[2020Focus]

I'm in the same boat as you are you unable to take your OAT yet due to covid? If so have you spoken with AZCOPT?

It's scheduled! I just haven't taken it yet =)

 

[FutureOptometrist01]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 07/14/2020
Date verified: 07/20/2020
OAT Scores: AA: 280, TS: 260
Major: Biological Sciences, Minor in Chemistry
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.33 overall, 3.39 science
Schools applied: AZCOPT, CCO, UMSL, IUSO, PCO
Interviews extended/date: UMSL (08/06), CCO (08/07), PCO (08/28), IUSO (09/04)
Interviews accepted/date: UMSL (08/31), CCO (08/18), PCO (09/14)
Interviews declined/date: IUSO (10/05/20)
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: UMSL (08/31/2020), PCO (09/17/2020)

UMSL College of Optometry Class of 2025!!! Couldn't be more excited. Thanks to all for your support, and for those of you entering in my class with me, definitely reach out

 

[oatstudentadvice]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 07/14/2020
Date verified: 07/20/2020
OAT Scores: AA: 270, TS: 260
Major: Biological Sciences, Minor in Chemistry
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.33 overall, 3.39 science
Schools applied: AZCOPT, CCO, UMSL, IUSO, PCO
Interviews extended/date: UMSL (08/06) and CCO (08/07)
Interviews accepted/date: UMSL (08/31) and CCO (08/18)
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date:

I have similar stats as you, but haven't submitted yet (about to do so)! Do you mind posting your extracurriculars as well?

 

[Jenbrookeg11]

Anyone recieve something in the mail from UPIKE?

 

[FutureOptometrist01]

I have similar stats as you, but haven't submitted yet (about to do so)! Do you mind posting your extracurriculars as well?

I plan to retake the OAT on August 29th! My extracurriculars include:
- 4 year collegiate varsity athlete
- 3 year president of Love Your Melon (an organization that supports pediatric cancer patients)
- 2 year student council representative of my university's life sciences club
- 4 year member of an athlete service organization at my university
- 3 year member of my university's pre-health society
- 3 year coordinator of various Be The Match and DKMS Bone Marrow Drives
- Approximately 72 hours of shadowing between two optometrists
- Acceptance into the Summer Eye Experience at Chicago College of Optometry

 

[Opto2025]

Is applying in November considered late in the cycle?

 

[Alexis-FutureOD]

Is applying in November considered late in the cycle?

Most schools do rolling admission, so the earlier you apply, the more slots will be available, however I don't think November is too late! Most deadlines are around March, so November should be fine!

 

[camilamiette]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 8/12/2020
Date verified: 8/13/2020
OAT Scores: 320AA/290TS (taken on 9/3)
Major: Biology
GPA: 3.48 overall, 3.23 science
Extracurricular Activities: Full-time ABO Certified Optician ~2 years, then promoted to Lab Manager/Team Lead, 15 hours shadowing an optometrist, OneSight volunteering, non-optometric volunteering
Schools applied: AZCOPT, IUSO, PCO Salus, PUCO, UMSL, ICO
Interviews extended/date: AZCOPT (8/15), IUSO (8/24), PCO Salus (8/28), PUCO (9/6), UMSL (9/8), ICO (9/14)
Interviews accepted/date: AZCOPT (9/1), IUSO (9/25), PCO Salus (9/14), PUCO (9/25), UMSL (9/21)
Interviews declined/date: ICO (9/21)
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: AZCOPT (9/10), UMSL (9/21), PCO Salus (9/23), IUSO (9/29), PUCO (10/1)

Pacific Class of 2025

 

[camilamiette]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 07/03/2020
Date verified: 07/20/2020 (had to wait for transcripts)
OAT Scores: 300 AA/300 TS
Major: Neuroscience
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.85 overall, 3.55 science
Extracurriculars: Research Assistant 2 years, Teaching Assistant (Neuroscience Anat. Lab), Optometric Tech, Medical Clerk, Shadowed 5 doctors, Special Olympics Opening Eyes Volunteer, Autism Speaks Member, Attended 2 Summer Optometry Programs, Exec member of my Pre-Opt Club
Schools applied: NOVA, UAB, SCO, IUSO, AZCOPT, PCO
Interviews extended/date: AZCOPT (07/29), UAB (8/5), SCO (8/5), IUSO (8/13)
Interviews accepted/date: AZCOPT (08/12), UAB (8/26), SCO (8/13), IUSO (9/25)
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date:

Good luck to everyone!

Hey congrats on getting interviews at all the schools you applied to! Do you mind sharing how your virtual interview went for AZCOPT?

 

[hellok111]

Hey congrats on getting interviews at all the schools you applied to! Do you mind sharing how your virtual interview went for AZCOPT?

Hey! I would look at the place on this website where people post the interview questions for different schools, those were similar to the questions I was asked. Also, the day was split up into a welcome, interview (30ish min), talk with faculty, talk with the dean, student panel, financial chat, and then wrap up! There were breaks in between and I hope this helps you! Note that during the interview the faculty only have your personal statement and extra curriculars Good Luck!

 

[camilamiette]

Hey! I would look at the place on this website where people post the interview questions for different schools, those were similar to the questions I was asked. Also, the day was split up into a welcome, interview (30ish min), talk with faculty, talk with the dean, student panel, financial chat, and then wrap up! There were breaks in between and I hope this helps you! Note that during the interview the faculty only have your personal statement and extra curriculars Good Luck!

Okay cool, thank you so much! That definitely helps me out, I wasn’t sure how the flow of everything was going to go. Good luck to you, too!

 

[berry13]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 7/7/20
Date verified: 7/15/20
OAT Scores: 360 AA/350 TS
Major: Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Business
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.88 overall, 3.78 science
Extracurricular Activities: worked in optometry office, shadowed 2 optometrists, couple of different volunteer groups, leadership position in sorority, part-time job
Schools applied: NECO, SCO, ICO, UAB, NOVA
Interviews extended/date: NECO (7/23), UAB (7/29), SCO (8/5)
Interviews accepted/date: NECO (8/21), UAB (8/25), SCO (8/13)
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date:

Good luck to everyone!!

Hi, how was your SCO interview? Is the counseling session anything to worry about/prepare for? Congrats on all your interviews so far!

 

[jbw9209]

Hi, how was your SCO interview? Is the counseling session anything to worry about/prepare for? Congrats on all your interviews so far!

Thanks so much! I didn't prepare for the counseling session at all. It was super laid back and it was mostly making sure I had all the prereqs, talking about scholarships and financials, and then he asked 1 or 2 questions relating to my personal statement. He also gave me a chance to ask questions about the admissions process which was super helpful! Then we scheduled an interview with a faculty member for about 2 days later which was closed file. The interview was very conversational and I felt prepared for all the questions. I looked at the questions that people posted in the interview section of SDN and it pretty much covered everything that was asked. Good luck on your interviews!!

 

[Alexis-FutureOD]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 7/19/2020
Date verified: 7/22/2020
OAT Scores: AA: 330, TS: 350
Major: Biology
GPA: 3.58 overall, 3.48 science
Extracurricular Activities: OD tech (2 years), pharmacy tech, shadowing, volunteering, tutoring, teaching assistant for microbiology lab, and president of pre-optometry club.
Schools applied: PUCO, UCBSO, SCCO, OSU, NECO, and SUNY.
Interviews extended/date: NECO(7/27), PUCO(8/3), SCCO(8/4), UCBSO(8/10), SUNY(8/12),
Interviews accepted/date: NECO(8/17), PUCO(9/11), SCCO(9/1), UCBSO(8/25), SUNY(9/21),
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date:

How was the interview at NECO?

 

[berry13]

Thanks so much! I didn't prepare for the counseling session at all. It was super laid back and it was mostly making sure I had all the prereqs, talking about scholarships and financials, and then he asked 1 or 2 questions relating to my personal statement. He also gave me a chance to ask questions about the admissions process which was super helpful! Then we scheduled an interview with a faculty member for about 2 days later which was closed file. The interview was very conversational and I felt prepared for all the questions. I looked at the questions that people posted in the interview section of SDN and it pretty much covered everything that was asked. Good luck on your interviews!!

Thanks so much!! I have mine scheduled for later this week, hoping for the best! Would you mind linking the interview thread you referenced?

 

[jbw9209]

Thanks so much!! I have mine scheduled for later this week, hoping for the best! Would you mind linking the interview thread you referenced?

Go to the home page of SDN and click optometry. On the next page it should be the first thing to pop up!

 

[LJL22]

How was the interview at NECO?

The NECO interview went well. The interviewer was pretty laid back and did not ask me a lot of questions. Mainly asked me if I had any questions and answered them for 35 minutes. I would make sure to have a lot of questions ready to ask. Luckily I did. It would have been awkward if I didn't because that was 99% of my interview. The remainder of the time consisted of admissions committee members, professors, and current students available to answer questions.

 

[julianak]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 8/18/20
Date verified: 8/20/20
OAT Scores: 360 AA/ 390 TS
Major: Nutrition and Food Science
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.43/3.35
Schools applied: SCO, NSU, NECO, ICO
Extracurricular activities: Shadowing at a private practice for a semester and also during Covid, member of pre-optometry club, volunteering, organic chem tutor, part time job
Interviews extended/date: SCO (9/1) NSU (9/4) NECO (9/5) ICO (9/14)
Interviews accepted/date: SCO (9/11) NSU (9/21) NECO (10/2) ICO (10/9)
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: SCO (9/18) NSU (9/24) NECO (10/7) ICO (10/19)

very grateful to have been accepted to all the schools I applied to! now I have a difficult decision to make!!! <3 DM me for any questions

 

[girgisod2025]

Anyone recieve something in the mail from UPIKE?

Yes they sent me a goodie box after my interview with a thank you note.

 

[2020Focus]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 7/7/20
Date verified: 7/15/20
OAT Scores: 360 AA/350 TS
Major: Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Business
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.88 overall, 3.78 science
Extracurricular Activities: worked in optometry office, shadowed 2 optometrists, couple of different volunteer groups, leadership position in sorority, part-time job
Schools applied: NECO, SCO, ICO, UAB, NOVA
Interviews extended/date: NECO (7/23), UAB (7/29), SCO (8/5), NOVA (8/17)
Interviews accepted/date: NECO (8/21), UAB (8/25), SCO (8/13), NOVA (8/24)
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: SCO (8/19)

Good luck to everyone!!

Congrats!! I think you have the first acceptance of the thread! =)

 

[2020Focus]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 07/03/2020
Date verified: 07/20/2020 (had to wait for transcripts)
OAT Scores: 300 AA/300 TS
Major: Neuroscience
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.85 overall, 3.55 science
Extracurriculars: Research Assistant 2 years, Teaching Assistant (Neuroscience Anat. Lab), Optometric Tech, Medical Clerk, Shadowed 5 doctors, Special Olympics Opening Eyes Volunteer, Autism Speaks Member, Attended 2 Summer Optometry Programs, Exec member of my Pre-Opt Club
Schools applied: NSU, UAB, SCO, IUSO, AZCOPT, PCO
Interviews extended/date: AZCOPT (07/29), UAB (8/5), SCO (8/5), IUSO (8/13), NSU (8/17)
Interviews accepted/date: AZCOPT (08/12), UAB (8/26), SCO (8/13), IUSO (9/25), NSU (8/31)
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: SCO (8/19)

Good luck to everyone!

Congrats!! It looks like SCO has given the first acceptances for our thread!

 

[hrm99]

Date OptomCAS submitted: 07/06/2020
Date verified: 07/13/2020
OAT Scores: 330 AA/ 310 TS
Major: Medical Studies, Pre-Optometry
GPA (Overall/Science): 3.93/3.92
Extracurricular Activities: 8 months as a Medical Assistant/Scribe at a pediatric Ophthalmogy/Optometry office, 1 year as Optometric Technician/Retail Third Key at Visionworks, Shadowed two doctors, Berkeley Optocamp Attendee 2020, Thesis on Blindness and Physiological Adaptations, Leadership position in service sorority, 150+ hours of volunteer work through sorority, Fundraising Volunteer with Arizona COVID-19 Student Service Corps, Writing Tutor
Schools applied: NECO, ICO, PUCO
Interviews extended/date: NECO (07/23/2020), ICO (08/19/2020), PUCO (07/31/2020)
Interviews accepted/date: NECO (8/17),
Interviews declined/date: PUCO (9/3/2020), ICO (9/3/2020)
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date: NECO (08/28/2020)
NECO was my top choice so I will be attending there for the Class of 2025!

 

[hopefuleye]

Date OptomCAS submitted:08/18/2020
Date verified:08/19/2020
OAT Scores: TBD
Major: Bachelor: Politics Masters: Public Health
GPA (Overall/Science): undergrad sGPA: 2.76 ucGPA: 2.9 Masters cGPA: 3.35 postbacc sGPA: 3.46
Extracurricular Activities: started a fraternity chapter at my undergrad, 5 years optometry/ophthalmology tech,3 different offices 15+physicians worked for,completed a masters degree working 40+ hours a week while attending school full time.Biology Lab Assistant in undergrad. Masters project on keratoconus. Community volunteering with fraternity at fundraisers. Side employment but personal trainer/event staff during undergrad at the school sports center.
Schools applied: IUSO(08/18+supp on 19), PCO Salus 09/20
Interviews extended/date: PCO Salus 09/21, Application Hold IUSO
Interviews accepted/date:10/13
Interviews declined/date:
Rejections/date:
Acceptance/date:10/29 PCO

Deposit in for Salus. PCO Class of 2025! Woo.

 

[deleted1017515]

has anyone heard from PCO/Salus?? I got an email saying my application was reviewed. There were 2 things missing from it they wanted an update on so I emailed them that update but does anyone know when we should start hearing from them about interviews?