ICO interview

[yetmf]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I was offered an interview from ICO.
I am planning to do it in Feb.
Could I get some feedback from those of you who have done the interview there?
Any tips?
Thanks

 

[Habitual Rx]

The interview feedback section is loaded with ICO stuff. Also, people may tell you that February is very late but I interviewed with ICO in March of last year and was accepted.

 

[Od_IT]

somewhere on these forums, I have heard one was interviewed in April and was accepted.

I'm still waiting on my reply from them :/

 

[171590]

Febuary isn't too late to interview for ICO.... provided that you have a decent GPA that is consistent w/ at least their average last year.

The interview is pretty laid back and divided into an "evaluation conversation" about your academics (GPA & OAT's) with and admissions officer. Here you delve into the trends of your grades, class specifics, questionable points on your transcripts, etc.--- open file. Then there is the "one on one" interview. Another admissions officer will ask you your reasons for chosing the profession, how much you know about what you are getting into, your professional ethics, your personality and commitment to the program & school, etc.

If you have specific ?s, PM me. Good luck!

 

[Brightereyez]

So no chance for lower GPAs?

 

[171590]

So no chance for lower GPAs?

Sure there is a chance... and you should try, but you have to know that people have been submitting apps since September and the class is filling up as the weeks go by. If you have a lower GPA you should have applied at admissions opening, now you are competing for fewer seats, there is a surplus of applications to go thru, some people already on the Alternate List or "on hold" and they want to be/can be more selective in filling the remainder seats. Low GPA people late in the game go to the fun place---- Alternate List.

Trust me. I interviewed last year in early March (a little later than Feb--- stupid idea) and my interview went really well and my OATs were solid--- not so much my GPA (it was certainly above a 3.0 but lower end). I went to the happy place/Alternate List------ and stayed there. All summer too. It was fun, let me tell you. So, this year I slapped myself to wake up applied first thing. And got accepted w/o even interviewing again.

True story. Some of you will experience it. Don't give up. Step up your game.

I say this but do encourage you to apply still. I'm not an admissions officer and there is a chance. Take it. Just don't be so surprised when hundreds of people have been applying all year before you. Certainly gave me some perspective.

Good luck.

 

[Pre Opt Student]

I actually have a question regarding this. I applied when applications first came out in August and was put on hold for my fall grades and got an email saying that my file would be reviewed again at the end of January. So at the beginning of this month I submitted my fall transcript (which I received a 4.0gpa for the semester) and now am waiting for them submit my scores and review my file again. I've called them to see if they have received my transcript but everytime they just say that there is alot of mail and they havent gotten to it yet. It's really frustrating waiting because I feel like its just getting later in the game and I have a lower chance of getting an interview - although I know its not their fault. So people that are applying in the meantime are they getting interviews and filling up more seats..or do people "on hold" get some priority. I feel like because I had to wait for fall grades to come in...applying early was pointless.

 

[OpticalBlackOut]

Just a guess here, but I don't think the applications on hold have any priority.
I believe the admissions committee review an applicants' file once they are fully completed

 

[Od_IT]

I actually have a question regarding this. I applied when applications first came out in August and was put on hold for my fall grades and got an email saying that my file would be reviewed again at the end of January. So at the beginning of this month I submitted my fall transcript (which I received a 4.0gpa for the semester) and now am waiting for them submit my scores and review my file again. I've called them to see if they have received my transcript but everytime they just say that there is alot of mail and they havent gotten to it yet. It's really frustrating waiting because I feel like its just getting later in the game and I have a lower chance of getting an interview - although I know its not their fault. So people that are applying in the meantime are they getting interviews and filling up more seats..or do people "on hold" get some priority. I feel like because I had to wait for fall grades to come in...applying early was pointless.

Yeah, I am on the same boat :/

 

[Pre Opt Student]

That really sucks, because I applied so early for nothing then! But I didnt mean "priority" really...I just meant that do they take it into consideration that you applied early compared to someone who applied later. Anyways, hopefully my straight A's this semester will get me an interview at ICO.

 

[ALOHA84]

I was interviewed in Nov. and got accepted in ICO. The interview was laid back. Make sure you know all the things you put on your file such as extracurriculuar activities , any bad grades if you have any etc.
PM if you have any qs.

 

[Ileen]

I agree, the interview was laid back. Faculty and students were very nice. They do an open file review and then a one on one interview with a faculty member. You also have to write a short essay.

 

[afasano]

I was interviewed in Nov. and got accepted in ICO. The interview was laid back. Make sure you know all the things you put on your file such as extracurriculuar activities , any bad grades if you have any etc.
PM if you have any qs.

when was your interview in Nov?

 

[Pre Opt Student]

Im soooooo frustrated...I sent in my fall transcripts...had straight A's..(a 4.0gpa) and STILL didnt get an interview. Instead, they said they are going to do another review in MARCH. Obviously that is way too late for an interview..and I wont even have any new grades by then since finals are in april..honestly I think I've given up hope for ICO...

 

[Thinh]

I was interviewed yesterday (Feb 2) - invitation on Wednesday, call in and schedule on Thursday, flew in on Saturday, and interview on Monday. The only thing you need to know about the interview is that how well do you know about yourself.
I hope that I will get accepted to this school, it was my second choice but after the interview and tour it has become my first choice.
Anyway, good luck.

 

[Brightereyez]

As I was anticipating ICO has put me on hold for a second review in March. I guess it's better than a flat out rejection. The only thing I can do until then is retaking the OAT (I have a 360 TS) and They tell me it's a BAD idea to mess with the scores i have...I know a lot of you were in the same situation for fall grades, but at this point I can't create new grades in the middle of the semester to impress them...any suggestions?

 

[Pre Opt Student]

Wow Im in the same situation. I talked to the admissions counsellor on the phone and she said the only thing you can do really is submit your midterm grades (unofficially via email). I really wouldn't retake the OAT if I were you, I have a 350TS and am not retaking it. Who knows, you might score even lower this time. I really think that this "hold" business is just not to flat out reject but keep people waiting in case some give up their seats or to be put on the alternate list. I wouldn't keep my hopes up, and I doubt there is much you can do to impress them at this point. Did u get interviews/accepted into other schools? I dont care too much about ICO anymore since I've gotten accepted into NOVA and am going to an interview at PCO soon.

 

[Brightereyez]

Wow Im in the same situation. I talked to the admissions counsellor on the phone and she said the only thing you can do really is submit your midterm grades (unofficially via email). I really wouldn't retake the OAT if I were you, I have a 350TS and am not retaking it. Who knows, you might score even lower this time. I really think that this "hold" business is just not to flat out reject but keep people waiting in case some give up their seats or to be put on the alternate list. I wouldn't keep my hopes up, and I doubt there is much you can do to impress them at this point. Did u get interviews/accepted into other schools? I dont care too much about ICO anymore since I've gotten accepted into NOVA and am going to an interview at PCO soon.

Hey, so what do you mean by midterm grades? like something informal provided by the professor ?! it's not like midterm grades show up on the transcript...but that wouldn't be a bad idea 🙄

 

[Pre Opt Student]

You just send an email stating your midterm grades. I had to do that with my fall marks because they transcript was taking forever to get to PCO.

 

[Brightereyez]

You just send an email stating your midterm grades. I had to do that with my fall marks because they transcript was taking forever to get to PCO.

Kool, thanks for sharing that...and I just got a rejection letter from WesternU of all places!!! it's funny how they criticized every part of my application and not so much my grades...So just waiting to hear from NOVA and PCO! 🙁

 

[Pre Opt Student]

You interviewed at PCO too? When was your interview? Do u kno how full the class is?

 

[Brightereyez]

I wish!!! waiting for an interview..and let me tell you, getting rejected by a brand new school is SAD...I thought 360 TS 340 AA is at least average if nothing else!!!

 

[ChgoOptician]

As I was anticipating ICO has put me on hold for a second review in March. I guess it's better than a flat out rejection. The only thing I can do until then is retaking the OAT (I have a 360 TS) and They tell me it's a BAD idea to mess with the scores i have...I know a lot of you were in the same situation for fall grades, but at this point I can't create new grades in the middle of the semester to impress them...any suggestions?

Really? A 360 TS and you are still in the holding pattern? Would you mind sharing your cumm GPA and Science GPAs?

I am just going back to school to do my pre-opt courses and my GPA is 3.58 and science can't really be counted as I have only 2 done, but I want to keep it above a 3.5. ICO will be my only choice (live in Chicago and have a family).

I peek in here once in a while to see what hoops I have to jump and how high they will be so I can set my standards. Now I'm wondering if my plan is not high enough!

I thought 360 is a kick a** score. Am I wrong?

 

[Brightereyez]

I don't know what to tell ya. In my case it's really the gpa that's holding me back (CUM 3.1 and SCI 3.0). Though turns out the NEW school doesn't care for the rest of my application not just the grades! Or perhaps they're being prejuice towards certain nationalities. So to answer you, I don't really know.

 

[CaliOptoGirl]

I could relate to your situation. I have a 360TS and 340AA as well, but I'm still on "hold status" for ICO since October. This is so frustrating.

 

[Brightereyez]

Have you been accepted to other schools? Have you sent anything for them since Oct, i.e fall grades, etc..
I'm not sure what purpose the hold serves, I'm thinking it's an unofficial rejection, especially for me since they know I don't have anything else to submit until spring grades come out.

 

[ALOHA84]

when was your interview in Nov?

I was interviewed on Nov 21.

 

[CaliOptoGirl]

Have you been accepted to other schools? Have you sent anything for them since Oct, i.e fall grades, etc..
I'm not sure what purpose the hold serves, I'm thinking it's an unofficial rejection, especially for me since they know I don't have anything else to submit until spring grades come out.

Accepted?! Ha...I haven't even been interviewed. I just barely got my invite to Western yesterday. This is my second year applying to opto school and I'm barely getting an interview now. I had just sent my fall grades last week, so hopefully that would help me out. My GPA isn't too bad either 3.1 overall 3.4 prereq. Eah....maybe optometry isn't for me.

 

[Pre Opt Student]

How did u do on the OAT?

 

[CaliOptoGirl]

How did u do on the OAT?

Like I mentioned earlier, 360TS and 340AA
. Also, I currently work as an American Board Certified Optician, so I'm really stumped on why its taking so long to get accepted to any school.

 

[Brightereyez]

If i learned anything from applying this year is that their decision is individual based and all schools aren't the same. Schools like PCO and ICO tell me that I should have applied earlier and that as a reapplicant with some improvements I would have good chance for next cycle, while Western told me to screw myself! and to Calioptogirl, did you apply early this cycle? and have you discussed your case with admission counselors?

 

[CaliOptoGirl]

If i learned anything from applying this year is that their decision is individual based and all schools aren't the same. Schools like PCO and ICO tell me that I should have applied earlier and that as a reapplicant with some improvements I would have good chance for next cycle, while Western told me to screw myself! and to Calioptogirl, did you apply early this cycle? and have you discussed your case with admission counselors?

Well, I applied in October, which I guess could have been earlier. I email admissions counselors all the time, but I guess I need to actually sit down with one and go over my situation.

 

[Pre Opt Student]

Hey Caliopt - maybe your oat scores are good but your gpa must not be competitive compared to the rest of the applicants. They must have a reason why they arent offering you an interview.

 

[Od_IT]

If i learned anything from applying this year is that their decision is individual based and all schools aren't the same. Schools like PCO and ICO tell me that I should have applied earlier and that as a reapplicant with some improvements I would have good chance for next cycle, while Western told me to screw myself! and to Calioptogirl, did you apply early this cycle? and have you discussed your case with admission counselors?

What are your stats ?

 

[Brightereyez]

3.0-3.1 gpa, 360 TS and good EC's

 

[Disgusted]

Hi everyone,

I was just offered an interview to ICO. I know it is a bit late, but wondering if anyone knows the stats on how many students are accepted after having an interview? I have to spend $800 to fly there for the interview and do not have great marks (3.2 cgpa and 320 OAT). It's very expensive, so just was wondering on what my chances are. Also, anyone know how much of the class has already been filled? I am hoping that they see I have to travel a very long way for this interview and are not completely wasting my time.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[oceanblue392]

Hi everyone,

I was just offered an interview to ICO. I know it is a bit late, but wondering if anyone knows the stats on how many students are accepted after having an interview? I have to spend $800 to fly there for the interview and do not have great marks (3.2 cgpa and 320 OAT). It's very expensive, so just was wondering on what my chances are. Also, anyone know how much of the class has already been filled? I am hoping that they see I have to travel a very long way for this interview and are not completely wasting my time.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I recently heard that of the 160 or so spots in the class, 120 people have put down deposits for their spots. Its still only February, so there is a good chance some of those people might change their mind before everything is said and done. Not sure how many people interview, but according to opted.org, about 330 get accepted.

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

Wow, that is pretty shocking you guys with above 330's on OAT scores and are not getting into schools, let alone interviews. Do you guys have experience in the ophthalmic or optometric field? I guess applying early in the cycle really does make a BIG difference. I remember applying early in the cycle and had OAT scores of 330TS/TA with a 3.33 cum and was offered interviews to PCO, ICO, NOVA, and Ohio. However, I did have good letters of rec and a years of experience in the optometric and ophthalmic field. Good luck and don't lose hope....a lot of people apply to many schools, but they can only accept one. =)

 

[171590]

Wow, that is pretty shocking you guys with above 330's on OAT scores and are not getting into schools, let alone interviews. Do you guys have experience in the ophthalmic or optometric field? I guess applying early in the cycle really does make a BIG difference. I remember applying early in the cycle and had OAT scores of 330TS/TA with a 3.33 cum and was offered interviews to PCO, ICO, NOVA, and Ohio. However, I did have good letters of rec and a years of experience in the optometric and ophthalmic field. Good luck and don't lose hope....a lot of people apply to many schools, but they can only accept one. =)

Also, you have to consider the state of the economy. Many new grads can't find jobs (and post-grads lost jobs) so many people are going back to school, making competition this year harder. I know at my UMSL interview they said there was a significant increase in the number of applicants and quality of applicant profiles. That's why you should always try to apply early. ALWAYS. (unless u r applying to Berkley where it doesn't matter; or you are a super-multi-faceted-lucky genius 😎)

 

[way2c00l]

I just did my interview on the 17th. I heard some people had their interview in April and still got in... but I was told they already sent out 200 acceptances (only 130 or so put in a deposit). So, best of luck to you and me!!

I still hope that you would go, because I had such a great experience there, I don't regret flying there at all.

 

[eheaps]

Hey guys, so I just got an interview invite to ICO after being on "hold" since November. I'm going to turn it down, since I've already accepted a seat at Nova, but thought I'd post this on here for anyone else on hold waiting to hear from them there is hope! My stats are avg OAT 330 TS/AA and (now) just under a 3.0 GPA...good luck to all.

 

[CaliOptoGirl]

Hey guys, so I just got an interview invite to ICO after being on "hold" since November. I'm going to turn it down, since I've already accepted a seat at Nova, but thought I'd post this on here for anyone else on hold waiting to hear from them there is hope! My stats are avg OAT 330 TS/AA and (now) just under a 3.0 GPA...good luck to all.

Yay!..there's hope for my "hold" status. I have a 360TS 340AA and 3.16GPA....I better get an invite soon!
I've been on hold since October