ICO email notice

[Joon108]

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Yesterday, I received email from ICO admission coordinator.
She said that they have completed an initial review of my application. While portions of my application are considered positive, the Committee is still in need of additional information before making a decision in regards to an admissions interview. Since I haven't submitted my OAT yet(planning to take
it in october), my application will not be reviewed until February. I will need to have all updated application materials, including OAT scores, submitted by February 15, 2009. However, they adviced I may want to consider taking the exam early in the application cycle, as I planned, just in case I need to retake it again.
They won't have second review until Feb. even though I complete my application now. Do I still have a chance to get accepted to ICO if my
application is reviewed that late? Or would I better reapply early
next year for 2010 cycle?

 

[Jay12]

You can get in that late......I know of a few students in my class who were accepted rather late in the cycle.....but the thing that set them apart from the other applicants during that time was their OAT score (i believe one of them told me that they got a tremendously high score in both the TS and AA components)...........so my advice would be to rock the OAT.........Best of luck 👍

 

[Od_IT]

i wonder how this compares with being waitlisted? better chances? or worse? to me it seems like they just want the most up to date info when feb comes around.

 

[Habitual Rx]

Yesterday, I received email from ICO admission coordinator.
She said that they have completed an initial review of my application. While portions of my application are considered positive, the Committee is still in need of additional information before making a decision in regards to an admissions interview. Since I haven't submitted my OAT yet(planning to take
it in october), my application will not be reviewed until February. I will need to have all updated application materials, including OAT scores, submitted by February 15, 2009. However, they adviced I may want to consider taking the exam early in the application cycle, as I planned, just in case I need to retake it again.
They won't have second review until Feb. even though I complete my application now. Do I still have a chance to get accepted to ICO if my
application is reviewed that late? Or would I better reapply early
next year for 2010 cycle?

I interviewed with ICO in March last year and I got in. My OAT was not the highest. You're fine.

 

[Pre Opt Student]

This is the EXACT same email I got. However, I HAVE taken the OAT. I got a 350TS and nothing below 300..should I consider re-taking it? I dont understand what else they want. My first year marks arent too great, so maybe they want my 1st term transcripts...I am doing some of the pre-reqs this term like Microbiology for example, is this what they are looking for maybe?

 

[afasano]

This is the EXACT same email I got. However, I HAVE taken the OAT. I got a 350TS and nothing below 300..should I consider re-taking it? I dont understand what else they want. My first year marks arent too great, so maybe they want my 1st term transcripts...I am doing some of the pre-reqs this term like Microbiology for example, is this what they are looking for maybe?

keep your head up...

 

[danielallen2008]

Wow........this makes me worry...... I havent taken the OAT yet either, Im planning to take it in november, my first two years at university sucked (2.78) and Ive done a 3.58 for the last three years and I graduated in August 2008, my science GPA is a 3.39 and I wrote a kick ass essay, Tons of Job experiance, Dads an ICO alumni, and I got two really good evaluations...........where would I stand then?

 

[Pre Opt Student]

lol everyone has good and bad aspects to their application. I have alot of extracurriculars, go to a competitive school, already wrote the OAT, and also had awesome letters and wrote a "killer" essay..

every application is different...no one but ICO can tell you! Because I thought I had a good shot there too.

 

[EyeWitness]

Wow........this makes me worry...... I havent taken the OAT yet either, Im planning to take it in november, my first two years at university sucked (2.78) and Ive done a 3.58 for the last three years and I graduated in August 2008, my science GPA is a 3.39 and I wrote a kick ass essay, Tons of Job experiance, Dads an ICO alumni, and I got two really good evaluations...........where would I stand then?

Im interested in what kick ass essays are like, u spent 5 years at college, did you get a masters or something

 

[danielallen2008]

Im interested in what kick ass essays are like, u spent 5 years at college, did you get a masters or something

no.......I had to retake organo chem, I also took a lighter course (but maintained full time status) to do rehabilitation work with an agency that works with the handicapped, and I also took on a emergency medical tech program..my final year was insane..Thats why it took me 5 years.......after these threads Iam thinking of a masters degree and reapplying after im done 😕

 

[EyeWitness]

no.......I had to retake organo chem, I also took a lighter course (but maintained full time status) to do rehabilitation work with an agency that works with the handicapped, and I also took on a emergency medical tech program..my final year was insane..Thats why it took me 5 years.......after these threads Iam thinking of a masters degree and reapplying after im done 😕

NO Masters! you don't need it, it's not worth the time and especially the money!

 

[danielallen2008]

NO Masters! you don't need it, it's not worth the time and especially the money!

How so?..........I would think that having a masters would help out alot in terms of getting into opto school.........especially since my GPA is not all that great.....The school I come from (canada) is competetive but doesent really rank interms of schools..........any suggestions as to what I should do if I dont get in???

 

[danielallen2008]

Aside from reapply.....

 

[EyeWitness]

How so?..........I would think that having a masters would help out alot in terms of getting into opto school.........especially since my GPA is not all that great.....The school I come from (canada) is competetive but doesent really rank interms of schools..........any suggestions as to what I should do if I dont get in???

All that money and time, wouldn't you rather work for 2 years to make money instead of spend thousands? I mean I know for alot of people money is never an issue, but 2 years and a masters would be way harder than undergrad, wy dont you spend that money on applying to alot of schools and if u dont get in ask them what u should do. Have u talked to any schools abt that?

 

[EyeWitness]

How so?..........I would think that having a masters would help out alot in terms of getting into opto school.........especially since my GPA is not all that great.....The school I come from (canada) is competetive but doesent really rank interms of schools..........any suggestions as to what I should do if I dont get in???

All that money and time, wouldn't you rather work for 2 years to make money instead of spend thousands? I mean I know for alot of people money is never an issue, but 2 years and a masters would be way harder than undergrad, why dont you spend that money on applying to alot of schools and if u dont get in ask them what u should do. Have u talked to any schools abt that?

 

[danielallen2008]

All that money and time, wouldn't you rather work for 2 years to make money instead of spend thousands? I mean I know for alot of people money is never an issue, but 2 years and a masters would be way harder than undergrad, why dont you spend that money on applying to alot of schools and if u dont get in ask them what u should do. Have u talked to any schools abt that?

I dont know where I stand in terms of getting in........I would assume that the main reason for being denied admissions.....especially in my case is that my overall GPA stinks (3.26)......yeah I can work but I have a whole lifetime to work. If I can go for a masters why not consider that instead?

 

[EyeWitness]

I dont know where I stand in terms of getting in........I would assume that the main reason for being denied admissions.....especially in my case is that my overall GPA stinks (3.26)......yeah I can work but I have a whole lifetime to work. If I can go for a masters why not consider that instead?

We have vastly different backgrounds. Yes a 3.26 isn't anything to brag about, but it's not terrible. I've heard lower. What makes u think a masters will help you get into opt schools? Is it a guarantee? If you want a masters so bad go to suny and you can do the od/ms and the ms is free.

 

[danielallen2008]

We have vastly different backgrounds. Yes a 3.26 isn't anything to brag about, but it's not terrible. I've heard lower. What makes u think a masters will help you get into opt schools? Is it a guarantee? If you want a masters so bad go to suny and you can do the od/ms and the ms is free.

Your missing my point. Its getting INTO school first, if I dont get in this year...what can I do to make my self a better applicant? my prereq GPA is good, and my 3.26 is totally cumulative including repeated grades...so what Ive had to retake, Ive retaken, I still cant scrub my old grades. Its just disheartening to hear of people with better credentials getting later reveiws/no further reveiws.......if they dont have a chance how do I? So thats where a masters comes in, if one can prove that they are capable of graduate level work....how are they not a better applicant.....by the way [eyewitness] what kind of background do you have?

 

[DryEye]

Your missing my point. Its getting INTO school first, if I dont get in this year...what can I do to make my self a better applicant? my prereq GPA is good, and my 3.26 is totally cumulative including repeated grades...so what Ive had to retake, Ive retaken, I still cant scrub my old grades. Its just disheartening to hear of people with better credentials getting later reveiws/no further reveiws.......if they dont have a chance how do I? So thats where a masters comes in, if one can prove that they are capable of graduate level work....how are they not a better applicant.....by the way [eyewitness] what kind of background do you have?

Don't worry. I am also doing a MSc. It's not costing me much, however, but I don't think thats the point. I think it's great to pursue further education in an area you are interested in. Whether it helps your application or not (and my application), I don't know. I really feel that you can get a better job with an MSc or other Masters degrees than with a BSc. So you can use it as a back up plan if you don't get accepted. Do what you feel is best. Like I already said, I have no idea if it helps or not...

 

[StushOD]

I just dont get the back up plan mentality. I have heard it mentioned a few times in these threads, but if I was on the other side of the table looking at applicants I wouldnt admitt a student that had a backup plan, because that would tell me they were not 100% committed to optometry.

A 3.2 isnt fantastic but it is not a terrible starting point. If you want to become an OD, let the schools tell you what you need to do to improve your chances. If someone really wants it they will not let being rejected one year deter them from being an OD, but improve their app so they get in next time.

 

[DryEye]

I just dont get the back up plan mentality. I have heard it mentioned a few times in these threads, but if I was on the other side of the table looking at applicants I wouldnt admitt a student that had a backup plan, because that would tell me they were not 100% committed to optometry.

A 3.2 isnt fantastic but it is not a terrible starting point. If you want to become an OD, let the schools tell you what you need to do to improve your chances. If someone really wants it they will not let being rejected one year deter them from being an OD, but improve their app so they get in next time.

I think it is a realistic plan. I WANT to be an optometrist. I would proabably cry with happiness if I got accepted. That's how bad I want to be an OD. BUT, I'm not getting any younger and I have to think about making a living and getting my life started. More importantly, I think it shows that I can move on if OD school doesn't work out for me. It also shows that I am not the type of person to put all my eggs in one basket. I think, again, that an MSc is a great opportunity to learn more about a field you are interested in. The research you get exposed to AND the graduate level courses are an excellent way to learn more. Its so incredibly different from undergrad, so if you can get that experience, good for you!

 

[Pre Opt Student]

3.2 GPA is the average acceptance GPA for most schools that are listed on the Opted site with their entrance stats (even SUNY which I heard is a "harder" school to get in to..). I dont think you have anything to worry about.

 

[ODhereicome]

hey guys i've gotten 5 interviews so far, and i only have a 3.04 gpa and 340AA 340TS, so i think you'll be all set.

 

[DryEye]

hey guys i've gotten 5 interviews so far, and i only have a 3.04 gpa and 340AA 340TS, so i think you'll be all set.

Sweet!! Congrats to you! Good Luck! And thanx for the posting. 🙂

 

[afasano]

hey guys i've gotten 5 interviews so far, and i only have a 3.04 gpa and 340AA 340TS, so i think you'll be all set.

where did you apply... whats your background... im interested to know.
you must have applied like a month ago or something!

gl w/ ur interviews

 

[zyg0te]

3.2 GPA is the average acceptance GPA for most schools that are listed on the Opted site with their entrance stats (even SUNY which I heard is a "harder" school to get in to..). I dont think you have anything to worry about.

All the schools seem to be above 3.2 besides Puerto Rico.

The average for all for 07 entering class (not taking into account the #enrolled for each school) is 3.434. But keep in mind this is the AVERAGE for the schools. There are always those who get 3.9+, and someone needs to balance them out.

 

[ODhereicome]

where did you apply... whats your background... im interested to know.
you must have applied like a month ago or something!

gl w/ ur interviews

I got the interviews at SCO,SUNY,ICO,PCO, and NOVA. I'm only a 3.04 gpa and 340AA 340TS. I applied to NECO and SCCO as well, but havent heard anything yet. I got most of my apps in within a week after they started accepting them. I have some good research background and good LOR's, so i guess the combination was good enough

 

[afasano]

I got the interviews at SCO,SUNY,ICO,PCO, and NOVA. I'm only a 3.04 gpa and 340AA 340TS. I applied to NECO and SCCO as well, but havent heard anything yet. I got most of my apps in within a week after they started accepting them. I have some good research background and good LOR's, so i guess the combination was good enough

welll congrats on the all the interviews. you must feel like your on top of the world! lol.