ICO Interview

[Iwantobe0D]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi!

I have an interview at ICO soon, and I am trying to gather information from experiences of those who interviewed this cycle. If you guys could share your interview experiences, it would really help. Also, I have heard that they make you write an impromptu essay. Is this true??!

Thanks!

 

[Toofar]

I interviewed at ICO earlier this month. There is a short writing sample. It was basically 10 minutes to write "Why they should pick you over someone with identical qualifications." Very low pressure situation.

The whole interview process took about 4 hours. There are 2 interviews. One is with an academic admissions staff for a file review. They'll take this time to get your feedback on any areas of your application they have questions about; basically let you explain yourself in your own words. They'll pass those on to the admissions committee and your interviewer. Then there is the written essay. Then presentations about financial aid and student services. After that, you interview with a faculty member. I feel like this portion is fairly variable depending on who you get. Next is the tour, followed by lunch with current students and a final appearance by the head of the admissions committee. He'll walk you out and the day is done.

Hope that helps you, and good luck!

 

[LUC78]

Hi!

I have an interview at ICO soon, and I am trying to gather information from experiences of those who interviewed this cycle. If you guys could share your interview experiences, it would really help. Also, I have heard that they make you write an impromptu essay. Is this true??!

Thanks!

Hi, do you have any updates about how your interview went! And what kind of questions they asked you? Thanks!

 

[Iwantobe0D]

Hi, do you have any updates about how your interview went! And what kind of questions they asked you? Thanks!

Hi, sorry for the late reply. But ICO interview is completely dependent on who interviews you. Some interviewers make it stressful and others make it relaxed. First, the admissions committee member will interview you and ask questions about your application. Then you get to write an impromptu essay. Then their are presentations by financial aid and student services. Finally the true interview with a faculty member takes place. They take you to their office and ask random questions. It’s completely dependent on who interviews you. Best advice I can give to stay relaxed and at easy. Believe in yourself that you can get in and just be yourself. Listen carefully to the questions and think carefully before answering. Don’t talk too fast or too slow.

 

[LUC78]

Thanks! I just had mine yesterday and you're really right it definitely depends on the interviewer. Mine was very laid back and almost entirely like a conversation. She probably asked me 2 questions, about my major choice and why I didn't pursue a career in my major and chose optometry instead. The rest of it was just me rambling about my hobbies and activities. She had taken notes from my personal statement and would mention certain parts while I elaborated on them.
However, the other student that was interviewing with me said their interviewer wasn't as laid back and asked more interview style questions like what sets them apart and how they would contribute to ICO.
The writing prompt was something along the lines of how would you contribute to the ICO student body and optometry.

I know I was super nervous before so if anyone has more questions feel free to PM me!