Current military wanting OD

[wannabe_OD]

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I am currently serving in Iraq looking to apply to OD school as soon as I get home. Shadowing will be tough as I will not have a lot of time because I will have to apply as soon as I get home. I am wondering what recommendations you have for making me a more attractive applicant. GPA is 3.75 and OAT is not taken yet. Graduated college in 2001, schools I have emailed said that my grad date is not too far away so they wouldn't think of that as a problem. Thanks for all your help!

 

[polkadot]

I think you have good chances of acceptance, with OAT score in low to mid 300s. My military experience (7 yrs Navy) seemed to be a big plus, and your GPA is WAY higher than mine was. Plus, I'm sure they'll be interested in your deployed time. My SUNY interviewers were more interested in talking about what I did in the Navy than optometry.

All best,
p.dot

 

[wannabe_OD]

I appreciate the feedback. I was hoping that my military time would be a application enhancer. Thanks again!

 

[Jeffy1126]

Hey dude,

First of all, I want to say "thanks" for serving our country over in Iraq! I'm sure its tough there, but you're doing a good thing for our country. I'm currently in the Air National Guard, but have not been tasked to deploy to Iraq yet. I applied to Nova and was accepted last month. Having served over seven years in the military, I am sure that it boosted my interview and impressed the interviewers. So, for your case, just score well on the OAT and apply to the schools of your choice. When you have your interview, look sharp, confident, and make them want to accept you right there on the spot!

Good luck,
Jeffy1126
NOVA c/o 2009

 

[rpames]

I totally agree with what was said above. With your military experience and that GPA (good job by the way), an average to lower than average GPA would be plenty to get in. Just talking numbers, its in the bag. The only thing that could kill you is if your interview go way south. I know of people who had great numbers, but came-off as an...pardon my french...ass during the interview and they didn't get in. As long as you are nice, your golden.