ex-optometrist question

[bigtex99]

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I recently left optometry school after one year, I was wondering if medical schools will look at my optometry GPA. I have an MCAT score of 29 (10, 10, 9) and an undergrad GPA of 3.2 or so with a 3.1 science GPA.

Is my optometry GPA factored in with my science GPA or is it looked at separately. I had a 3.6 in optometry and I am wondering if it helps my below average undergrad GPA at all or if they even consider it.

thanks! any information would be greatly appreciated

 

[PharMed2016]

Hey bigtex99,

To your question about whether or not your optometry GPA factors into your GPA. The answer is yes but not into your regular GPA. It will fall into something called graduate/professional GPA like the pharmacy courses I'm taking right now. Therefore, the 3.2 undergrad GPA will be viewed as the primary GPA for determinant for medical school admission with your optometry GPA as a sidenote (doesn't hurt you).

As for schools to apply to. I would hit up DO primarily based on your GPA frankly but MD schools aren't out of consideration if you score a stellar MCAT 33+.

I myself am planning on retaking to get a +35 MCAT before applying to schools since I only have 4-5 schools that I intend to apply to after finishing my PharmD. Also, I want to get in on the first shot.

 

[bigtex99]

thanks for the information, I'll look into retaking my MCAT

 

[EyEnStein 07]

just curious to know...why leave optometry school? if you dont mind answering..thanks.

 

[gman33]

They won't care about your gpa, but they will very much care about you dropping out of professional school. Make sure you have a very good answer.

Your stats are very subpar for MD schools. Maybe an outside shot an your state school. Aim for DO schools or you need to do a SMP or a couple of years of postbac work before applying.

 

[bigtex99]

I actually really liked opt school, the people are great and the classes are interesting. I really liked learning about the nerves and the neurological disorders associated with eye. I have an optometrist in the family and was planning on taking over his practice but the big money in optometry is in glasses and contacts.

Basically a lot of stuff you learn including the theraputic stuff isnt usually worth dealing with for the money and has a lot of liability. I want to deal with neurological disorders and optometry wouldn't allow me to do much with them accept diagnose them rarely. The school and profession great and offers a great lifestyle, I just found a subject I ended up having a natural interest in and I'm doing my best to pursue it.