Do's and Don'ts of Optometry School

[Frank101]

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Hi everyone,

I was wondering if any current or past students have any advice for the first year students? Tips on how to adapt to graduate school from undergraduate courses or even how to get involved with the community/school. Maybe even some advice on how to study certain subjects? Basically, any knowledge your feel is vital for survival and makes the first year enjoyable.

Thanks

 

[thanotoriousfob]

I'm not in school yet but here are mine:

1.) Do Relax. Enjoy your time instead of worrying about how you should study certain subjects. There will be plenty of time for that later.

2.) Don't go to class drunk.

Anyone else have anything important to add? 😀

 

[Penguin2012]

Optometry school is similar to undergrad except that there is much more volume (not necessarily more difficult).

My advice is to form study groups.

 

[KHE]

Optometry school is similar to undergrad except that there is much more volume (not necessarily more difficult).

My advice is to form study groups.

1) Stay on top of the material! The volume in most classes is so great that "cramming" a day or two before an exam is rarely a workable situation.

2) GO TO CLASS! Yes, most schools have note taking or transcription services but I can not stress enough the value of actually sitting in school. I've never understood why people want to pay $30000 a year and then NOT go to the class.

 

[jymezg]

2.) Don't go to class drunk.

Oh how I miss undergrad haha

 

[JMU07]

1) Stay on top of the material! The volume in most classes is so great that "cramming" a day or two before an exam is rarely a workable situation.

2) GO TO CLASS! Yes, most schools have note taking or transcription services but I can not stress enough the value of actually sitting in school. I've never understood why people want to pay $30000 a year and then NOT go to the class.

PLEASE, keep these in mind y'all. I'm in the middle of a summer course, had the final for part I of it today and the people who literally have not shown more than 4 or 5 times were complaining about how "impossible" it was. It wasn't that bad. Even if you think you can read and learn the material on your own, it is extremely helpful to go to class and pay attention.

 

[mbm51]

I agree with all the comments posted thus far. Your course load is basically double what you had as an undergrad. Proper Time Management is the biggest key to success. That was the hardest part of 1st year for me. Some study alone, and others in groups. I studied alone first, and then studied in groups closer to the exam. Cramming the night before is next to impossible. Cramming would start 2-3 days before the exam. There is just too much material and detail. Good Luck, It is doable!!

 

[Gigi0104]

I agree as well. I remember on orientation day I got scared about all the comments of how overwhelming the load of work was, but keep this in mind: different people has different thoughts or perspectives about the different classes. Try to read ahead and DO NOT fall behind (the material is not too difficult but is a lot). Learn to prioritize and show up to class! Good luck!