I’m considering pre-optometry and I don’t know where to begin.

[deleted947805]

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I’m a freshman undergrad who is looking into pre optometry. I’m originally a premed but planning on being an ophthalmologist. I don’t know how the OAT works. Is it harder than the MCAT? And what stats extracurricular do I need?

Thanks in advance!


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[bcalter]

Agree with what’s been said, but as for stats and extracurriculars, your stats will vary by program. For the schools I researched it seemed the average accepted was about 3.3, but then again, if you score well on the OAT and have extracurriculars, it won’t matter as much. As for extracurriculars I would say get involved in something you want to do. None of mine had anything to do with optometry, mostly music and some service groups. They want to see someone who is well rounded, so find your niche in your undergrad and you will be set.

 

[deleted947805]

I’m in dancing, volunteer at a state mental health facility (Hospital) and a nursing home for about 560 hours a year for four years. Plus I hope I’ll have around a 3.7 GPA. I will also do research, had an internship as a school coordinator and hopefully have two shadowing. Do you think I have a good chance if I perform well on the OAT?

Separate question. Can I just shadow an ophthalmologist instead of an optometrist?


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[SalusPCO2020]

Most schools will accept shadowing experience with an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. Each school has their own school profile and prerequisites so I would check the schools that you're interested in. Here's some information I used when I was applying to Salus.
Salus University - Doctor of Optometry - Application Process

 

[deleted947805]

Most schools will accept shadowing experience with an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. Each school has their own school profile and prerequisites so I would check the schools that you're interested in. Here's some information I used when I was applying to Salus.
Salus University - Doctor of Optometry - Application Process

Thank you so much!


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[PapaGuava]

@Platinumabi
Good luck with your path moving forward, and be sure to stick around SDN because there are plenty of resources and information for you to utilize as you progress through undergrad 🙂

 

[Rpeardon94]

I’m a freshman undergrad who is looking into pre optometry. I’m originally a premed but planning on being an ophthalmologist. I don’t know how the OAT works. Is it harder than the MCAT? And what stats extracurricular do I need?

Thanks in advance!

Hello, just want to let you know in case you aren't aware, but an ophthalmologist actually is an MD or DO who specializes in eye/vision care. So you would still need to go through a medical program (MD/DO) rather and an optometry program (OD). If you are wanting to become an ophthalmologists and not an Optometrist that is.

As for your shadowing, shadowing both an ophthalmologist and an optometrist would be a good idea that way you can see the differences in their scopes of practice. Also try to shadow optometrists in different types of offices, such as an OD/MD office, low vision, opticals etc.

 

[deleted947805]

Is it that competitive to get accepted to OA schools as much as it is for medical school? Can shadowing an ophthalmologist and volunteering for 560 hours per year each year qualify me to get accepted with an ok OAT score and around a 3.5 GPA?


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[bcalter]

I'm a biology major but didn't really end up being a huge fan of the science clubs at my school, except for the Neuroscience Club which I've been on the Executive Board for more than a year. I'm only Event Coordinator for the Club, but I hope that's enough. I'm more active in cultural clubs like the Multilingual Club.

I wasn't very involved with the science clubs on campus either. In all of my interviews, they were so excited to hear about clubs that aren't necessarily science or optometry related. I got far more interest from those interviewing me about what I did outside of academic/science related things. It makes you stand out in your application as not everyone will be doing the same thing. I am sure they would be highly interested in the cultural clubs as not many people are involved in that!! I think if you show a commitment and passion for the clubs you are involved in, the quantity matters far less.

 

[deleted947805]

No one on here is actually answering my question. 🙂

But y’all are mentioning good points about non medicine related EC’s.


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[bcalter]

Is it that competitive to get accepted to OA schools as much as it is for medical school? Can shadowing an ophthalmologist and volunteering for 560 hours per year each year qualify me to get accepted with an ok OAT score and around a 3.5 GPA?


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I am quite positive that optometry school is easier to get into. Based on my experience and hearing from others. I really think you would have good enough stats and shadowing to get into optometry.

 

[deleted947805]

I am quite positive that optometry school is easier to get into. Based on my experience and hearing from others. I really think you would have good enough stats and shadowing to get into optometry.

Thank you for being direct and to the point.


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