How common is this scenario? (Opt applicant)

[Prez808]

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For the last 3 years, I have applied, been interviewed and rejected by the same optometry school. I won't mention where, but it's in the U.S.

The first year after interviewing, I received a small envelope, it was frustrating, but things happen. The following year I reapplied and received a letter early in October. It said that my interview from the previous year would carry over and that the admissions committee would reach a decision soon. After sending fall, then spring grades, I received another small envelope in the mail in the middle of July!

When I asked the school what happened, they told me that "the applicants get more competitive every year." I understand that, but do feel that if I was not competitive enough to handle the courseload, my interview could not just have carried over. I also feel that if the interview did not go well, the school would not have offered me another chance.

I applied once again for the third time, and after sending another fall semester's grades, I was invited to interview at the school. Just as luck would have it, I was interviewed by someone who wasn't too personable or friendly. The personal interview felt rushed, and the interviewer seemed disinterested. Even my parents who went with me could see that this person was not in a good mood. When I came back from the relatively ~20 minute interview, I was later informed by the secretary that my interviewer was the President of the school. 😱 My exit interview, I thought went well, as I spoke with the admissions advisor for nearly an hour.

A month after interviewing, I received another small envelope. Rejected a 3rd time. When I asked the school why this happened. They told me that it's just competitive. I do realize that it's a competitive game. But 3 years in a row is frustrating and confusing to no end. If I am not good enough, why invite me at all? It wastes my time as well as theirs.

I've also asked my pre-professional health advisor at the University I am attending to ask the school if they could explain further what happened, and what they might suggest. The school told him that to be interviewed is "seen as a positive event" and that those interviewed had "about a 90% chance of admission offer."

The school's official reply to me states that while the committee recognizes and applauds my academic achievement and encourages me to continue, they could not offer me admission because of the competitve applicant pool.

They also recommend that I take a full courseload of graduate level human biological science courses, or preferribly enroll in a graduate program.

I choose to not do this, because this school does not require a masters or even a bachelors degree. I also have increased my gpa linearly over the past 6 semesters. I was told that my oat score was just slightly below the average score. My gpa is lower than the average, but obviously still high enough to interview. I do already have a bachelor's degree in psychology, and am 6 units from earning a degree in Biology. I'm a non-traditional applicant who didn't do well as an undergrad, but have gone back to school to improve my gpa.

To add to the confusion, an admissions advisor from that school told my pre-professional health advisor to have me request that my interview be carried over this year!?

Has anyone else been through something similar to this?

 

[drsax]

Yes I have known people go throught that and as a 2x re-applicant, I have been through it myself. The most frustrating part is not knowing what is enough to show them that you have changed your ways from undergrad and *short of starting from freshmen year* that you are serious about optometry. They will tell you take grad classes (and get good grades in them) and get told yet again to take more grad classes ! Very frustrating. Limitless amounts of volunteering and shadowing and still not enough. Maybe someone that has been through that situation AND eventually made it into optometry school can offer advice. PM me anytime

 

[Ben Chudner]

My advice is to either apply to other schools, or choose another profession. This may be a blessing in disguise.

 

[drsax]

I guess in the end it is about how strongly you feel that you want it. Obviously since you keep trying, it is a profession you want. The only other thing I can think to do is schedule a phone counseling with the school now (because like you see sometimes they won't get back to you until July and it's too late!), to get a clear and honest assessment of your situation and realistic chance for getting in for 07'. It will at least give you a heads up to what needs to be done (retake OAT, more classes, etc.) before it is too late for this admission cycle.

I say retake the OAT (like I did 😉). You probably have a better grasp since you have been taking all the extra classes. It is a quick way to show them, and less money than getting caught in the vicious "take grad classes" cycle. Get a good score, and that will really show them you are ready. 🙂

 

[still_confused]

you should try other schools, maybe you are just not the right fit for this school. different schools look for different things and your "thing" might fit well with another

good luck

 

[Prez808]

you should try other schools, maybe you are just not the right fit for this school. different schools look for different things and your "thing" might fit well with another

good luck

Thanks, I agree and have applied to other schools. It's just that this school seems to be the "most interested" in me. Effectively being interviewed there the last 3 years in a row seems to indicate this to me. 😉

As for other career possibilities, I have already given it serious thought, and had decided to not apply this year. That was until I interviewed again, so I am trying once more this year. Good luck to me

 

[cpw]

you should try other schools, maybe you are just not the right fit for this school. different schools look for different things and your "thing" might fit well with another

good luck

I would definitely apply to more schools.. but only if you are REALLY SURE this what you really really want to do with your life.

 

[Schroder79]

I applied to 3 schools before I entered optometry school but I did get in my first year of applying. As you know it really is quite competitive. If you read some other entries in this forum you will also find that even of those who got in not all stayed. Though you said that you didn't plan on taking any graduate level courses, if you are really serious about going into optometry, I would suggest that you do take those courses. Take some courses that are relatively similar to optometry courses, they are out there. If you don't like those courses, you might not like optometry as much as you originally thought. If you do, then you will be much better off than others who are just entering with out as much preparation as you. Remember, optometry is a dynamic science also. Even OD's have to continue learning to keep up wih the career.
Btw, what part of the bay area are you from? I grew up in Sunnyvale, worked at Great America one summer. 🙂

 

[Prez808]

I applied to 3 schools before I entered optometry school but I did get in my first year of applying. As you know it really is quite competitive. If you read some other entries in this forum you will also find that even of those who got in not all stayed. Though you said that you didn't plan on taking any graduate level courses, if you are really serious about going into optometry, I would suggest that you do take those courses. Take some courses that are relatively similar to optometry courses, they are out there. If you don't like those courses, you might not like optometry as much as you originally thought. If you do, then you will be much better off than others who are just entering with out as much preparation as you. Remember, optometry is a dynamic science also. Even OD's have to continue learning to keep up wih the career.
Btw, what part of the bay area are you from? I grew up in Sunnyvale, worked at Great America one summer. 🙂

Thanks for the advice. I know plenty about Optometry in general. I've worked for various Optometrists over the years and have accumulated 100's of work/volunteer hours. I'm from the East Bay.

 

[ericlemonster]

Have you set an appointment with the Admissions Director? I did that after my second time being wait-listed. The AD was extremely helpful and encouraging. By speaking with the AD, he/she can give you advice on what you need to become more competitive.

This will be my third year applying. First two years, I was accepted into ICO and NECO, but waitlisted at SCCO. Second time waitlisted at SCCO, was because I applied WAY late.

This year, I turned my application in during the first week. 😀 So, I've taken the advice the AD gave me, and I'm doing as much of it as possible. I just received an interview invitation today! 🙂

I know it can be very, very, very frustrating. But, keep your head up. Follow your heart/dreams, and always have a second option.

 

[drsax]

Have you set an appointment with the Admissions Director? I did that after my second time being wait-listed. The AD was extremely helpful and encouraging. By speaking with the AD, he/she can give you advice on what you need to become more competitive.

This will be my third year applying. First two years, I was accepted into ICO and NECO, but waitlisted at SCCO. Second time waitlisted at SCCO, was because I applied WAY late.

This year, I turned my application in during the first week. 😀 So, I've taken the advice the AD gave me, and I'm doing as much of it as possible. I just received an interview invitation today! 🙂

I know it can be very, very, very frustrating. But, keep your head up. Follow your heart/dreams, and always have a second option.

Hey got my applications in on the first week too...well first day 😀 Now the only thing is trying to take my mind off waiting on my status...seriously any advice is welcome 😉!

 

[ericlemonster]

make sure you call occasionally, to make sure they have ALL of your required paperwork. a friend of mine, never heard from one school he applied to, cause he thought he wasn't accepted. Turns out, they never received all his paperwork. Then, just wait and practice/research interview tips. Gluck! 😀

 

[nova2010]

I am in, but my boyfriend didn't apply until like Dec. of ,and they somehow got his application misplaced. Soooooo- he got a rejection letter in May of 2005. He called them, and they told him that by the time the actually had all of his material, the class was almost full. By that time, he didn' t appear to be a strong candidate in their eyes. They suggested he enroll in a graduate program designed for medical students. He did, so they interviewed him in Feb. of 2006 and two weeks later, they told him he got accepted!!! Make sure you keep talking to the school. Tell them you will keep coming back. If you are really interested, DO WHAT THEY SUGGEST. The worst that could happen is you'll end up with a master's degree. DON"T GIVE UP!!!!