Do I have a Chance?

[Grand Teton]

I have a question to all you future eye doctors...Do I have a chance? I have a gpa of 3.45...took all the reguired classes, got a ts of 290 on the OAT, great LOR, shadowed an OD...just wondering if I could have some advice on getting into Optometry school? Thanks

 

[christie]

You have an excellent chance!! Send in your applications now, if you haven't done so already.

Good Luck!

 

[Grand Teton]

Thanks Christie!! Do you suggest I retake the OAT to increase my chances?

 

[christie]

It depends on what school you want to go to. If you want to go to Berkley SUNY, SCCO then yes retake it again. You would be a competitive applicant at some of the other schools.

What schools are you applying to?

 

[Grand Teton]

I am applying to ICO, UMSL, SCO, IU....I have an interview with ICO, but I haven't submitted any other applications. If you don't mind me asking, how did you do on your OAT?

 

[r_salis]

Hi GT--there's a profile of the 2001 entering class here: http://www.opted.org/info_profile2.cfm -- most the average OAT scores seem to be slightly over 300 (with the exceptions Christie noted being well over 300), so your 290 would almost certainly be within the acceptable range at most of the schools. Have you talked to the admissions staff at the schools you're interested in? Not that they'd ever give you a completely straight answer, but I'm sure you could at least get a feel for whether they think your score is competitive and whether you should consider retaking the exam in October.

Of course, what do I know about any of this -- I'm taking the OAT for the first time in October!

 

[Eyegirl2007]

Hello fellow ICO interviewee......

 

[cpw]

yes, 300 is the average score on the OAT.. BUT the average ADMISSION OAT score is usually around 330. (higher for some schools.. berkeley/UAB to name just two) So, if you're getting interviews already, you have a great shot (especially since you applied early). If you're gunning for a school with typically higher stats though, you'll need to retake the OAT. Berkeley's average admitted OAT score is around 360.

But, your GPA is above average for the average admitted OD student.. so, that will help you out a lot.

Good luck! Let us know if you have more questions.

 

[Grand Teton]

I think I might take the OAT again, it can only help me since they take the highest score you achieve.

Does anybody know what the SCO campus is like, or memphis in general.?..I really would like to apply there also, but I have yet to do so...

 

[Grand Teton]

Another Question?

What is the number one school for Optometry...Has anybody heard any review?

Thanks

 

[cpw]

There's no "formal" rankings of OD schools.. but the general concensus (at least that I've heard ) is that UCB is number one. (and they told me that about SEVEN times when I interviewed there.. it kind of turned me off to the school)

After that.. I don't know where the other 15 schools fall.
Like I said, no formal ranking system. Your biggest factor should be board passing rates. Make sure they tell you their pass rates the FIRST time people take them.. most schools tell you that they have a 96% pass rate, etc. That usually comes with the words (at graduation). I would hope most people graduating have made it through at least part one of the board exam.

 

[Grand Teton]

I got another question...

My girlfriend is planning of moving with me to Otometry school..Do you think it is a good idea to live with her....or not. Anybody speak from experience?
Thanks

 

[Grand Teton]

Yet..Another Question...

Should I apply online or hand written....online seems to be fast, yet less personal.. What do you experts think?

 

[christie]

Grand Teton,

My significant other of 6 years moved with me to Philly, but he still travels back & forth to NY for his his work. I think its a great idea. Although, she has to realize that you won't be giving her as much time, and she would need to preoccupy herself with something else while you study. Optometry school is hard, but doable, and its great to have a support system close by.

As cpw mentioned there are no formal rankings of Optometry school, though I am a tad biased, but this is true, that PCO has one of the best clinical programs. We will be seeing over 3,000 patients by the time we graduate.

Personally, I would hand-write my applications, but doing it online is fine as well. It certainly is faster. Its up to you.

Good Luck!