Getting accepted to optometry with little experience

[optometrycatlady]

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Hi everyone,
I just applied to MCPHS and I just sent in my application to NECO a few days ago. I was wondering if not having much experience in optometry is going to hurt me. I graduated undergrad with a 3.45 and my OAT was 310/310. I have spent the past 5 years teaching biology, chemistry, and computer science to high school students and found that I really did not like teaching much. So I was wondering if you think I have a decent shot getting in?

I already had my interview at MCPHS and I think it went well. They did ask me about not having much experience though. I am just getting nervous. I am waiting to hear back from them. I was also wondering if they typically sending you an acceptance letter (I'm staying positive haha) through email or snail mail?

Thanks!

 

[Brisks]

Hi everyone,
I just applied to MCPHS and I just sent in my application to NECO a few days ago. I was wondering if not having much experience in optometry is going to hurt me. I graduated undergrad with a 3.45 and my OAT was 310/310. I have spent the past 5 years teaching biology, chemistry, and computer science to high school students and found that I really did not like teaching much. So I was wondering if you think I have a decent shot getting in?

I already had my interview at MCPHS and I think it went well. They did ask me about not having much experience though. I am just getting nervous. I am waiting to hear back from them. I was also wondering if they typically sending you an acceptance letter (I'm staying positive haha) through email or snail mail?

Thanks!

You’re stats are fine, but you have no optometry experience at all? Shadowing? Anything?

 

[optometrycatlady]

You’re stats are fine, but you have no optometry experience at all? Shadowing? Anything?

No unfortunately. But I’m planning on it this summer because I have this summer off before the fall due to being a teacher. I told them I am going to also.

 

[Brisks]

No unfortunately. But I’m planning on it this summer because I have this summer off before the fall due to being a teacher. I told them I am going to also.

Yeah, some experience would definitely be beneficial. Most, if not all, schools strongly recommend or require at least some shadowing experience. I would definitely let the schools know you’re working on it, but I would also suggest to shadow and gain some hands on knowledge on the field before taking such a big step. Just for your own benefit in understanding that this is what you wanna do.

 

[whymisha]

3rd year student here - honestly just shadow a couple times (or enough to get a feel of what the career is like) and don't worry too much about it. I had no experience aside from shadowing a few times and a good relationship with my optometrist. Everyone basically evens out after the first quarter, and they start teaching assuming you know nothing.

 

[optometrycatlady]

3rd year student here - honestly just shadow a couple times (or enough to get a feel of what the career is like) and don't worry too much about it. I had no experience aside from shadowing a few times and a good relationship with my optometrist. Everyone basically evens out after the first quarter, and they start teaching assuming you know nothing.

Thank you for your reply. I think my interview went well, and my stats are okay not great but not bad. I think that MCPHS is a good fit for me. I have a very friendly personality and I really thought I could see myself getting along with everyone there because everyone is so nice. Plus the professors really care about their students. Hopefully I see you there next year!

 

[optometrycatlady]

3rd year student here - honestly just shadow a couple times (or enough to get a feel of what the career is like) and don't worry too much about it. I had no experience aside from shadowing a few times and a good relationship with my optometrist. Everyone basically evens out after the first quarter, and they start teaching assuming you know nothing.

I’ll be seeing you next year! I heard today 🙂