How many schools are you applying to?

[irisiris]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Is any one applying to only a few schools? Between 1 and 3?

I only want to go to one school, and I know I have a competitive chance of getting an interview to it. I've done in-depth research into most of the schools, attending the open houses of a few of them, talking to acquaintances who study there, etc so based on my experiences and the knowledge I've gained, I know my decision to go there is well-informed.

I'm confirmed in my own mind that I only want to go to this school, but now when I'm about to send off my optomcas, I am wondering if I'm not being strategic enough about it. I am friends with a couple OD's who only applied to one school and got in to the school they wanted so at the same time I feel justified with this move. My thought right now is to send off my application to that one school, and if I don't get an interview, then I can add a few more schools to my application.

What is everyone's thoughts?

 

[Futureeyedocgirl]

I am applying to 4 schools. My number one choice is Suny. My second is MCPHS and third PCO. 4th is New England college of optometry. Its good to have options just in case your first choice does not work out. Did you take your OAT yet?

 

[Cafeda]

I'm applying to three schools.

Personally I would suggest applying to another school just to be safe since the fee is only $50 for each additional school. But if this is the ONLY school you can possibly imagine yourself going to, then just apply to it alone. There is no point in applying to two if you won't be happy attending the other one (in the case that you are rejected from your top choice).

What school is it, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Loptometriste]

I applied to two. I do not think it is crazy. My optometrist said only to apply to schools that you have a chance at. Why apply to Berkeley or Ohio when I know they won't invite me to an interview? I was accepted into my first choice.

You could always apply to multiple right away. If a different school invites you to an interview first, you have to be prepared to take the time and money for it even if your first choice has not invited you yet. Your apply to them first and if it doesn't work to add more is not a bad idea. It just lessens your chances if it does come to that since it will make you a later applicant.

Good luck! Hope you get your first choice.

 

[tbair200]

I def do not think it is a bad idea to be realistic with which schools you think you have a shot at. I am not applying to SUNY, SCCO, or berkley bc I know I don't stand a chance. I haven't decided which schools I want to apply to yet but I do have one in mind that is def my dream school 🙂

 

[irisiris]

@Lrivs92 -- I've already taken my OAT

@cafeda -- I want to go to ICO. 😍 I daydream of my acceptance there while I'm at work on a near daily basis.

Thanks for the quality feedback everyone. I agree with tbair200 & loptometriste. The only other school I genuinely liked aside from ICO was SUNY but I know I realistically am not competitive enough for it so a waste of my money. I feel ICO is a perfect fit for what I want/who I am and I have the stats to go for it.

 

[tbair200]

good luck 🙂 ICO is an amazing school !

 

[countryOD]

I'm only applying to two schools initially. SCO and NOVA. I'm applying early and if I don't get an interview I might apply to a few more, but I'm confident that at least one will pick me up.

Here's hoping for SCO, the regional rate and their good reputation make it a no brainer as far as making them my number one choice.

If it wasn't for the high out of state tuition I'd love to go to ICO or NECO, though.

 

[kleronomia]

If you were to apply to other programs after you e-submit, it is a $50 additional fee per school, correct? (i.e. the $150 fee is just a one-time fee for the very first school you apply to?)

 

[pudgie84]

Is any one applying to only a few schools? Between 1 and 3?

I only want to go to one school, and I know I have a competitive chance of getting an interview to it. I've done in-depth research into most of the schools, attending the open houses of a few of them, talking to acquaintances who study there, etc so based on my experiences and the knowledge I've gained, I know my decision to go there is well-informed.

I'm confirmed in my own mind that I only want to go to this school, but now when I'm about to send off my optomcas, I am wondering if I'm not being strategic enough about it. I am friends with a couple OD's who only applied to one school and got in to the school they wanted so at the same time I feel justified with this move. My thought right now is to send off my application to that one school, and if I don't get an interview, then I can add a few more schools to my application.

What is everyone's thoughts?

I only applied to one school and got in. if you know you're competitive enough then go for it. why waste time and money applying to schools you are not interested in? besides, since it's so early in the application process, like you said, you can add more schools later if it doesn't go well with your top choice. good luck!

 

[OhhDee]

If you were to apply to other programs after you e-submit, it is a $50 additional fee per school, correct? (i.e. the $150 fee is just a one-time fee for the very first school you apply to?)

This would be an important question to know the answer to.


Assuming it is a one time fee of 150, I don't see a problem with only applying to one school as long as you apply early and can add more schools later if things don't work out at your first choice.

 

[tbair200]

I thought (someone correct me if I am wrong) that once you e-submit and pay the fees to apply to however many schools, you cannot apply to more schools later. Personally, I think putting all your eggs in one basket is a bad idea.

 

[OhhDee]

I thought (someone correct me if I am wrong) that once you e-submit and pay the fees to apply to however many schools, you cannot apply to more schools later. Personally, I think putting all your eggs in one basket is a bad idea.

If that's the case, then I would agree.

 

[kleronomia]

This would be an important question to know the answer to.


Assuming it is a one time fee of 150, I don't see a problem with only applying to one school as long as you apply early and can add more schools later if things don't work out at your first choice.

I spoke with OptomCAS this morning, and they confirmed the $150 fee is a one-time fee, and each school thereafter is $50.

I thought (someone correct me if I am wrong) that once you e-submit and pay the fees to apply to however many schools, you cannot apply to more schools later. Personally, I think putting all your eggs in one basket is a bad idea.

Along the same lines, once you submit your applications, you are able to add additional programs, as long as it is before their deadline. However, you cannot make any other changes (besides personal contact information) after your original submission.