Is my OAT/GPA Competitive/ What are my chances??

[Optom3321]

Hi All:

My Cumulative GPA is a 3.3, Science GPA is a 3.0.
My OAT is a 300TS/310AA.
RC: 330
GC: 300
OC: 290
Physics: 260
QR: 280
Bio: 400!!!

I have 160+ hours of shadowing an optometrist, shadowed an ophthalmologist in the OR, Thousands of hours of volunteer experience as an EMT, and 120+ Hours of Research in the Lab. I tutor Biology, Physiology, and Theology. I'm also an RA, work in the Admissions Dept. of my current University, and the Chairman of Pre-Optometry for my Health Professions Club.

The schools I'm applying to are: Pacific University, Chicago College of Optometry, KYCO, Salus, and MCPHS.

Any and all input is really appreciated!! Thank you!!!!!

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[laughter95]

tl;dr I would highly encourage you to email and get on the phone with your target schools. It's hugely helpful to talk directly with these people, get a feel for them, and get an idea of where you stand vs. where they stand.

As a non-trad prospective, I gained a huge amount of insight from talking directly with admissions at my target schools. I took a trip to PCO (Salus) last October, reviewed my plan of action with an admissions officer, and toured the campus. I've talked on the phone with SCO, MCO, and SUNY. You can hash out all your questions and hear it directly from them, as opposed to anonymous, self-reported input on a forum.

 

[Opto_mistic]

Wow that bio score is awesome. Do you mind me asking how you studied for bio?

 

[Optom3321]

Thank you very much! I used the OAT Destroyer for the Bio Section. The questions on the exam were VERY similar to the ones on the actual test. I went through and just read through the answer explanations to the questions I got wrong. I hope that'll peak the interest of the admissions committees. Thoughts?

 

[Opto_mistic]

I think it will catch the eye of some schools!! I’m in the same boat as you gpa wise just a tad higher, not enough to count and take my OAT in two weeks. I think don’t think any schools will ask you to retake the OAT but if they do you’re still early in the cycle. Best of luck 🙂 keep us informed how everything works out!

 

[Optom3321]

Update:

I received an invitation to interview at ALL THE SCHOOLS TO WHICH I APPLIED!!!

I just had my interview at KYCO and it was an awesome experience. Casey Price (The Admissions Director) no longer gives decisions on the day of the interview, but you will hear back within 7-8 days after you interview.

 

[Opto_mistic]

Did you apply to MCO??

 

[Optom3321]

No, I didn't apply to MCO. I applied to MCPHS, PCO, KYCO, CCO, and PUCO.

I just received my acceptance from KYCO yesterday morning!! I really love the school, and it's my number two choice, but after going to KYCO, it very well may be my number one!! MCPHS (my number one-ish) has a lot to live up to for sure!!!!

I cancelled all my interviews for the schools except for MCPHS. The interview for that is Oct. 10th. I'll post how that goes after I go, but I REALLY REALLY REALLY love Kentucky!!!!

 

[Opto_mistic]

YAY! Congratulations I’m so happy for you

 

[Andesha]

No, I didn't apply to MCO. I applied to MCPHS, PCO, KYCO, CCO, and PUCO.

I just received my acceptance from KYCO yesterday morning!! I really love the school, and it's my number two choice, but after going to KYCO, it very well maybe my number one!! MCPHS (my number one-ish) has a lot to live up to for sure!!!!

I cancelled all my interviews for the schools except for MCPHS. The interview for that is Oct. 10th. I'll post how that goes after I go, but I REALLY REALLY REALLY love Kentucky!!!!

Congratulations on your acceptance!
Of course, you have impressive stats and you would have gotten accepted in all the schools if you attend all.
I have an incoming interview with KYCO and I am too nervous because my OAT score is low (280/290) with 3.5 GPA. Would you mind sharing details of your interview with KYCO or what questions did they ask, was it an open file or not?

 

[Andesha]

No, I didn't apply to MCO. I applied to MCPHS, PCO, KYCO, CCO, and PUCO.

I just received my acceptance from KYCO yesterday morning!! I really love the school, and it's my number two choice, but after going to KYCO, it very well may be my number one!! MCPHS (my number one-ish) has a lot to live up to for sure!!!!

I cancelled all my interviews for the schools except for MCPHS. The interview for that is Oct. 10th. I'll post how that goes after I go, but I REALLY REALLY REALLY love Kentucky!!!!

How was your interview with MCPHS and did you decide on KYCO yet? I also got accepted to CCO & KYCO and now I am confused about which one to go with. I loved both schools.

 

[optomuser]

Congrats !!! hey how did the interviews go at KYCO, what were some of the questions they asked if you dont mind sharing?

 

[Optician2OD]

Congratulations on your acceptance!
Of course, you have impressive stats and you would have gotten accepted in all the schools if you attend all.
I have an incoming interview with KYCO and I am too nervous because my OAT score is low (280/290) with 3.5 GPA. Would you mind sharing details of your interview with KYCO or what questions did they ask, was it an open file or not?

Any update on your acceptance to any schools?

 

[Andesha]

Any update on your acceptance to any schools?

I got accepted in both CCO and KYCO but I declined KYCO offer and accepted CCO's.

 

[Andesha]

Congrats !!! hey how did the interviews go at KYCO, what were some of the questions they asked if you don't mind sharing?

KYCO interview was pretty good there were two guys (one was the dean the other might be a professor not sure if he was also a dean) who asked me questions one by one. Basically very usual questions like why CYCO, why optometry, and it was open file but I don't remember if they asked anything about my grades or anything from my file. Everyone around from the admission committee members to students and professors were all very kind and we had lunch with students, faculty members, and the dean all were present in the lunchroom and you could chat and ask questions from anyone.

 

[Optom3321]

Congratulations on your acceptance!
Of course, you have impressive stats and you would have gotten accepted in all the schools if you attend all.
I have an incoming interview with KYCO and I am too nervous because my OAT score is low (280/290) with 3.5 GPA. Would you mind sharing details of your interview with KYCO or what questions did they ask, was it an open file or not?

Thank you so much! The interview I had with them lasted only about 20 minutes (as they set a timer for 20 minutes before the interview started) There were two interviewers, both of whom were professors at KYCO, and one of whom is a professor for both KYCO and KYCOM. They asked about my research, they asked me what the difference between optometry and ophthalmology, they asked me what I saw while I shadowed and they asked me why I applied to KYCO. And yes, it was an open file... they had all my information in front of them on laptops.

 

[Andesha]

Thank you so much! The interview I had with them lasted only about 20 minutes (as they set a timer for 20 minutes before the interview started) There were two interviewers, both of whom were professors at KYCO, and one of whom is a professor for both KYCO and KYCOM. They asked about my research, they asked me what the difference between optometry and ophthalmology, they asked me what I saw while I shadowed and they asked me why I applied to KYCO. And yes, it was an open file... they had all my information in front of them on laptops.

Thank you for the detail. I rejected KYCO for CCO hope I'm making the right decision. Which school did you choose to go finally? KYCO or MCPHS?

 

[Optom3321]

Thank you for the detail. I rejected KYCO for CCO hope I'm making the right decision. Which school did you choose to go finally? KYCO or MCPHS?

I officially decided on KYCO! I loved KYCO, and the school was a thousand times better than MCPHS. (More professional, more accommodating, more organized, etc...) KYCO seemed to blow MCPHS out of the water in every category!

 

[Andesha]

I officially decided on KYCO! I loved KYCO, and the school was a thousand times better than MCPHS. (More professional, more accommodating, more organized, etc...) KYCO seemed to blow MCPHS out of the water in every category!

That's great! I loved KYCO too but the only reason I decided not to go was their board scores other than that loved everything about it.

 

[Optom3321]

Yeah... they have some ironing out to do with Board Scores but (for me) they made up for it by offering National Board Examination Preparation classes from an outside entity included in the price of tuition.

 

[optomuser]

Congrats on the acceptance!!!! i was wondering if you remembered any of the interview questions that CCO ask?

 

[Andesha]

Congrats on the acceptance!!!! i was wondering if you remembered any of the interview questions that CCO ask?

My interview was closed file, and very laid back. I had two faculty members asked me typical interview questions like why Optometry why CCO, what will you do in your free time and I think another question was about my job experience. It also depends on the interviewer, for example there I saw some of the students were not happy with the questions during the interview. But I think you have to be prepared to answer those typical questions the rest is easy and conversational. Good luck with your interview.

 

[optomuser]

thanks so much for the help really appreciate the response!!!!!