From Pre-med to Pre-opt: I need to complete 2 additional classes...what's the best way?

[Thumpar]

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Hello everyone!

I graduated from CU Boulder this last May with a double major in Neuroscience and Integrative Physiology. I have a cumulative GPA around a 3.3 and a science GPA around a 3.1. I've been pre-med for most of my undergraduate career, but recently I've been thinking that optometry is probably a better fit for me. I assumed that I would have all the requirements for optometry school completed since I had already completed all the requirements for medical school, but alas, such is not the case. It turns out I will need to complete biochemistry and microbiology as well.

Now, it is possible that I can complete these classes through the Continuing Education program at my former university, but I know that it will be quite expensive (especially if I have to end up living there again). I am pretty resolute in my decision to apply to optometry school, but I just would like to find out the best way for me to to complete these classes.

Is anyone aware of an online route I could do to complete these classes? If I were to do an online class, how bad would that look on my application? Is there a better way to do this?

Thank you much!

 

[mathcod]

Probably the most sure response would be to email the school's admission dept and hear directly from them.

 

[1256eye]

I agree with the above, definitely get approval from the schools you will be applying to before signing up (some might require a lab as well). But maybe try here http://extension.berkeley.edu/searc...onStringArray=0&courseSearch.filterString=all for some online courses or your nearest community college. I think as long as you have taken other upper level sciences courses at a four year institution, taking a couple elsewhere will not be an issue. I took a full year of A+P with lab at community college, didn't affect me getting in anywhere. Just get approval first before spending the time and money!

 

[Loptometriste]

Some schools require the course to be with a lab...not sure how that is done online. Try a community college or a lesser expensive college? I was able to pick up a course I still needed in Microbiology at a community college before I enrolled in optometry school. I called a few schools to see if they would allow it, and most of them said it was fine because it was just one class on my transcript from a community college and not the majority. If I were you, I'd call or E-mail admissions offices - it helped decide where I wanted to apply. The rude admissions offices turned me off to their schools.