couple questions & applying..

[sweetsorrow]

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Hi, this is my first time posting at SDN...I hope there havent been too many questions like this (I know I don't like answering the same questions over) but I hope someone can just give me some general feedback....

I'm a Canadian student looking into applying to US Optometry schools for Fall 2010...I will be applying soon but my question is about the gpa difference/minimum between US applicants and Canadian applicants. Is there any difference in how the gpa is looked at? or is it the same? I am asking this because I'm currently on a 12 point scale and I don't know how the conversion would be done (ie. would be benefit me or not) - Canadian applicant's who have applied, if you could please give some advice?

Also, is it impossible to get in if you have a D in one of your pre-requiste courses? Due to personal reasons, my first year of undergrad wasn't too "hot" but from then on I have maintained a steady upward trend (currently taking upper level science courses with A's in all of them), I don't know if I have the time (or finances) to retake it.....so I don't know how well it would go with the admissions commitee....any advice would be greatly appreciated!

- oh I haven't written my OATs yet, will be writing them this summer

 

[Kally]

Some schools dont even look at grades under a "C" so check with the optometry schools that you want to apply to. Also keep in mind most optometry schools require you have at least a gpa of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to be competive. Just find a conversion table to change your 12.0 scale to a 4.0 scale, google it or something.

 

[Burton311]

I'm sure there is a fair conversion between the 4.0 and 12.0 scale. If your grades are competitive, then admissions will recognize that. As for your D, many schools will ask you if you are planning to retake that course, especially if it is a pre-req course. They look for grades above a C in all your pre-reqs. If you are seriously considering optometry school, I would suggest you to try and retake that course. As for your OAT, try and take it earlier. It will give you a head start in the application process since most schools won't even look at your application without your OAT score. Best of luck!





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