How much does an Interview weigh?

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Eyeball97

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Hi, I was wondering if schools invite people for interviews because they are somewhat satisfied with their academics? Specifically MCPHS. I have heard from other people that if you were invited for an interview at certain schools, you are pretty much accepted (unless you bomb that interview of course).
Also, if you had an interview with MCPHS, how long did it take to recieve your acceptance?
I am just curious to know as the application deadlines are very soon approaching. Thanks.
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Nims98 said:
Hi, I was wondering if schools invite people for interviews because they are somewhat satisfied with their academics? Specifically MCPHS. I have heard from other people that if you were invited for an interview at certain schools, you are pretty much accepted (unless you bomb that interview of course).
Also, if you had an interview with MCPHS, how long did it take to recieve your acceptance?
I am just curious to know as the application deadlines are very soon approaching. Thanks.
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I had my interview last Wednesday and I just got my acceptance letter today!
 
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Generally schools invite applicants who meet academic expectations of the program. Depending on how many applicants a school interviews, they usually accept 50% of people they interview. Generally, you don't want to bank on getting into any one particular program.
 
So I feel I had a competitive application. 3.4 GPA, took the GRE got 150, 151, 4.5. Nothing crazy. But I applied very late, Right around May 13th, to MCPHS, IAUPR, and WesternU. The next day after I submitted my app I got an email from IAUPR for an interview the next day and offered a seat 2 days later. MCPHS interviewed me the following weedk and offered in 3 days. I do think I interview well though. When your scores are competitive but don't stand out your personality and your experience will separate you from the rest if you exhibit enthusiasm, leadership, and a commitment to Optometry. Again don't go into an interview thinking your numbers will get you in. My numbers were average and got me in the door but I got offers because of my interviews. I have accepted MCPHS and declined the interview to WesternU.
 
Wow excellent job! What were your stats if you don't mind? I am planning on applying for Fall 202, but not sure what the first step I should do is for the application itself. I am planning to take exam end of the summer. Thank you!
 
od101 said:
Wow excellent job! What were your stats if you don't mind? I am planning on applying for Fall 202, but not sure what the first step I should do is for the application itself. I am planning to take exam end of the summer. Thank you!
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Thank you! My stats actually weren't the best but I believe the combination of an upward trend, decent GRE scores and a solid interview helped my application.

cGPA = 2.91
sGPA = 2.93
GRE = 151 quant, 159 verbal, 4.0 AW

The first step would be researching the schools to see the requirements of each, deadlines etc. Then complete the OptomCAS application which isn't too complicated. All it involves is some basic personal info, educational history, experiences, achievements, grades, 2 to 3 letters of recommendations depending on the school one of which must be from an optometrist and a short essay which is the same across all schools with a few adding additional short answer questions. Submitting the GRE scores was the last step for me after which I got interview offers from 4 of the 5 schools I applied to and am still waiting to hear back from the final school. I do strongly recommend applying early which is something I did not do which certainly added to the stress levels. I believe applications for Fall 2021 open up in July. Other than that, shadowing an optometrist is also strongly recommended and a certain amount of hours might be required by the school you apply to. I only did about 20 hours but it all helped. Feel free to message me if you have any more questions and good luck with your application!
 
TallGuy117 said:
Thank you! My stats actually weren't the best but I believe the combination of an upward trend, decent GRE scores and a solid interview helped my application.

cGPA = 2.91
sGPA = 2.93
GRE = 151 quant, 159 verbal, 4.0 AW

The first step would be researching the schools to see the requirements of each, deadlines etc. Then complete the OptomCAS application which isn't too complicated. All it involves is some basic personal info, educational history, experiences, achievements, grades, 2 to 3 letters of recommendations depending on the school one of which must be from an optometrist and a short essay which is the same across all schools with a few adding additional short answer questions. Submitting the GRE scores was the last step for me after which I got interview offers from 4 of the 5 schools I applied to and am still waiting to hear back from the final school. I do strongly recommend applying early which is something I did not do which certainly added to the stress levels. I believe applications for Fall 2021 open up in July. Other than that, shadowing an optometrist is also strongly recommended and a certain amount of hours might be required by the school you apply to. I only did about 20 hours but it all helped. Feel free to message me if you have any more questions and good luck with your application!
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Do you remember what the essay topics were? From what I understand, the personal statement is the same for all schools, but some schools may ask for supplemental essays. I want to get a general idea of the topics so I can at least get an outline started before the application cycle opens.
 
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TallGuy117 said:
I submitted it I'm early March but I didn't get an interview invite until I wrote the GRE on May 9th.
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Wow I'm glad you were able to get invites! Isn't applying in March really late in the cycle? I heard most spots are already filled up by then so I'm waiting for the next cycle.
 
bio_student95 said:
Do you remember what the essay topics were? From what I understand, the personal statement is the same for all schools, but some schools may ask for supplemental essays. I want to get a general idea of the topics so I can at least get an outline started before the application cycle opens.
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Only 2 of the 5 I applied to had additional questions and it was just a paragraph on why you applied to their school and how you first heard about the program. Other questions that I came across that weren't required to be answered unless they were applicable asked to explain any f's or d's you may have had in past courses or if you were reapplying to the school how has your application improved.
 
bio_student95 said:
Wow I'm glad you were able to get invites! Isn't applying in March really late in the cycle? I heard most spots are already filled up by then so I'm waiting for the next cycle.
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It was late. I was starting to lose hope after being placed on the standby list for SALUS as the seats were filled but am ecstatic that I have the option of accepting a seat at MCPHS, one of my top choices.
 
TallGuy117 said:
It was late. I was starting to lose hope after being placed on the standby list for SALUS as the seats were filled but am ecstatic that I have the option of accepting a seat at MCPHS, one of my top choices.
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Thanks. I was on the same situation as you. I am on the standby list for Salus as well and applied even later about two weeks ago to MCPHS. I was invited for an interview the next day but haven't heard back from them after my interview yet. I am starting to get nervous that they will also put me on alternate list.
 
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Nims98 said:
Thanks. I was on the same situation as you. I am on the standby lost for Salus as well and applied even later about two weeks go to MCPHS. I was invited for an interview the next day but haven't heard back from them after my interview yet. I am starting to get nervous that they will also put me on alternate list.
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Did you take the OAT? If you did, how well did you score? I’m a non traditional student who applied early April, and my GPA and everything meets their standards with the exception of my OAT score. I don’t think they’re even going to offer me an interview. It’s beyond frustrating.
 
Nims98 said:
Thanks. I was on the same situation as you. I am on the standby lost for Salus as well and applied even later about two weeks go to MCPHS. I was invited for an interview the next day but haven't heard back from them after my interview yet. I am starting to get nervous that they will also put me on alternate list.
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You should hear back from them soon hopefully. Sending an email also helps, I did and they told me exactly when I'll know my status. Keep checking the application portal too as that updated for me before I got the official email from the school. Goodluck and hopefully il see you in the fall!
 
TallGuy117 said:
You should hear back from them soon hopefully. Sending an email also helps, I did and they told me exactly when I'll know my status. Keep checking the application portal too as that updated for me before I got the official email from the school. Goodluck and hopefully il see you in the fall!
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When did you email them ? I too interviewed last Wednesday. I sended them thank you email after interview and they said they would update me soon.
 
No there said:
When did you email them ? I too interviewed last Wednesday. I sended them thank you email after interview and they said they would update me soon.
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I emailed them about a week later to check in.
 
TallGuy117 said:
You should hear back from them soon hopefully. Sending an email also helps, I did and they told me exactly when I'll know my status. Keep checking the application portal too as that updated for me before I got the official email from the school. Goodluck and hopefully il see you in the fall!
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Thanks. I just heard back and got accepted. I was so nervous about being on the standby list at Salus so this is a huge relief. I hope to see you in the fall as well.
 
miranda_deaton said:
Did you take the OAT? If you did, how well did you score? I’m a non traditional student who applied early April, and my GPA and everything meets their standards with the exception of my OAT score. I don’t think they’re even going to offer me an interview. It’s beyond frustrating.
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I just PMd you my scores and application status. Good luck.
 
Nims98 said:
Thanks. Did you hear back?
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Hey Nope I didn’t hear anything yet.I am really anxious since it’s almost two weeks past my interview. I emailed them they said they will update me soon.
 
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Is it wise to click submit on all the schools to send out ur scores too? I know it is free but wouldnt I have to pay a separate fee per school afterwards?
 
od101 said:
Is it wise to click submit on all the schools to send out ur scores too? I know it is free but wouldnt I have to pay a separate fee per school afterwards?
Click to expand...
yes its recommended to send scores to every school. even if your not applying there
 
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