Just got back from my ICO interview

[pre_opt_sku]

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For anyone who has an interview coming up at ICO, don't stress about it at all! It is soooo laid back. My interview lasted about an hour, and I'd say about 1/2 the interview we didn't even talk about optometry! I had the dean of admissions for my interview. There weren't very many specific questions my interviewer asked me... I'll list the ones I remember...

When did you first become interested in optometry?
What do you expect to get from an education at ICO?
What activites do you do that show that you have the manual dexterity
needed for optometry?
What activites might you be interested in being involved with at ICO? (extra
curricular and such...)
What other schools have you applied to?

Those are the only specific questions that I remember! The rest of the interview was just specific info pertaining to me..... and myself firing off a bunch of questions for my interviewer. There were three other people interviewing the same day as me... Also, there is an essay (you have ten minutes to write) about what would make you a good addition to the ICO student body and optometry. Anyhow, good luck to those that have interviews coming up!

 

[prettygreeneyes]

For anyone who has an interview coming up at ICO, don't stress about it at all! It is soooo laid back. My interview lasted about an hour, and I'd say about 1/2 the interview we didn't even talk about optometry! I had the dean of admissions for my interview. There weren't very many specific questions my interviewer asked me... I'll list the ones I remember...

When did you first become interested in optometry?
What do you expect to get from an education at ICO?
What activites do you do that show that you have the manual dexterity
needed for optometry?
What activites might you be interested in being involved with at ICO? (extra
curricular and such...)
What other schools have you applied to?

Those are the only specific questions that I remember! The rest of the interview was just specific info pertaining to me..... and myself firing off a bunch of questions for my interviewer. There were three other people interviewing the same day as me... Also, there is an essay (you have ten minutes to write) about what would make you a good addition to the ICO student body and optometry. Anyhow, good luck to those that have interviews coming up!

Thank you so much for the information! I had not even thought of the answers to some of those questions! (Activities for manual dexterity? HMMM???) I have my interview with ICO on Halloween (yeah... what a day to interview!) and needless to say I'm growing a little more anxious by the day! I curious to know what you thought of the facilities, campus, and city in general? Are you applying anywhere else? Thanks again for the info!

 

[pre_opt_sku]

Thank you so much for the information! I had not even thought of the answers to some of those questions! (Activities for manual dexterity? HMMM???) I have my interview with ICO on Halloween (yeah... what a day to interview!) and needless to say I'm growing a little more anxious by the day! I curious to know what you thought of the facilities, campus, and city in general? Are you applying anywhere else? Thanks again for the info!

I thought the facilities and campus were great! I stayed overnight in the RC complex, and I would recommend doing that if you need a place to stay. As other people have said on this board, the neighbourhood isn't the greatest, but it is definitely nothing to get worked up about. Everyone seemed very friendly and very helpful. I've been to the city of Chicago before and I like it--there is so much to do! I have applied to PCO, NECO, & IU also and have heard back from PCO and NECO for interviews...yet to hear back from IU. I will also be applying to Waterloo as well. Don't be nervous about your interview... it was like having a coffee. I know that a lot of people have different experiences depending on who is their interviewer, but don't be worried about it.

 

[Ning]

Hi,

Although I never interviewed at ICO, I've traveled to Chicago several times and visited the campus twice. Upon first impression, I would be scared to live there. It's in a sketchy neighborhood and they seem to be big on security. They have a security guard watching lots of cameras and card-only entrances. There's a train that's nearby that can take you into the city. Regarding the city, if you like big cities, than Chicago is a great place for you. It's kinda like a mini New York. Oh yeah, you better be ready for the cold weather too!

About the school, they have the best facilities I've seen thus far compared to UCB, MCO, SUNY, and IU. Everything's really new and the place is soo nice. So you should definitely go inside to check it out. The people I met there seemed pretty nice. A 3rd year took me around to give me a tour and they have dorms right across the street so it would be really easy to meet all your classmates and go to school.

Based on the location, I'm sure you'd see lots of interesting patients. However, they have a really huge class size, I think the largest out of all the optometry schools. And I've heard that several people either fail or get kicked out each year. They have too many students to begin with I believe.

So that's my perspective on ICO and the city. I'm sure you'd get more accurate information from students there.

Ning-Ju

 

[prettygreeneyes]

Thanks for the info guys! I'm not sure if I like big cities or not... I'm a West Coast kinda girl. But, the thought of something so radically different like Chicago or any other city on the east coast or in the midwest is exciting and scary! I was curious if someone could recommend a good place to go for a nice dinner... we are staying at the Hyatt Regency close to ICO when I go for my interview on Halloween. My husband and I are turning the trip into a mini vacation, so any advice on places to go and things to do besides worry about the interview would be much appreciated!

preoptsku... Do you know when you'll hear back? Best of luck!

 

[pre_opt_sku]

Thanks for the info guys! I'm not sure if I like big cities or not... I'm a West Coast kinda girl. But, the thought of something so radically different like Chicago or any other city on the east coast or in the midwest is exciting and scary! I was curious if someone could recommend a good place to go for a nice dinner... we are staying at the Hyatt Regency close to ICO when I go for my interview on Halloween. My husband and I are turning the trip into a mini vacation, so any advice on places to go and things to do besides worry about the interview would be much appreciated!

preoptsku... Do you know when you'll hear back? Best of luck!

I'm not sure when I'll hear...they said last week that they were either going to have their first admissions committee meeting at the end of this week or the beginning of next week! They send out accpetences by snail mail, so I'm not sure when I'll know... have fun in Chicago!

 

[prettygreeneyes]

I'm not sure when I'll hear...they said last week that they were either going to have their first admissions committee meeting at the end of this week or the beginning of next week! They send out accpetences by snail mail, so I'm not sure when I'll know... have fun in Chicago!

I wonder if mailmen hate the upcoming acceptance letter season? I'm always anxious to get the mail... I can only imagine what I would do if I was waiting for a letter... I'd probably give 'em a heart attack! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

 

[jefguth]

If you're really anxious, the admissions office will release the decision of your application by phone once the decisions are made my the committee.

 

[devcar3]

Does anyone know exactly when we are supposed to find out from ICO. When I was there for my interview they said they weren't sure when the committee was going to meet either the 10th or 17th?
Thanks

 

[JC1984]

Called them today, and they said the committee didn't meet yet, but will in the next week-week and a half. 🙁

 

[pre_opt_sku]

Called them today, and they said the committee didn't meet yet, but will in the next week-week and a half. 🙁

For anyone waiting to hear back from ICO... I called the admissions office today and the admissions committee is having their first meeting on Oct. 20 (Thursday) so we'll find out after that!!

 

[UBCGIRL14]

For all of you have had an ICO interview, have you already sent in your secondary applications?

 

[devcar3]

For all of you have had an ICO interview, have you already sent in your secondary applications?

Yeah, they need to have all of your secondary application material before you arrive for your interview.

 

[3eb4me]

For all of you have had an ICO interview, have you already sent in your secondary applications?

I thought you submit your secondary application before you receive an interview invite?

 

[pre_opt_sku]

I thought you submit your secondary application before you receive an interview invite?

I guess it depends... I was invited for an interview and asked to complete the secondary application all at the same time.

 

[prettygreeneyes]

I guess it depends... I was invited for an interview and asked to complete the secondary application all at the same time.

Same here!!

 

[JC1984]

I guess it depends... I was invited for an interview and asked to complete the secondary application all at the same time.

Ditto!

Hey, have any of you ICO applicants that applied in the last 3-4 weeks heard back about an interview yet? My friend hasn't yet, but I figured it was because the admissions committee hadn't met yet....

 

[gsinccom]

preoptsku and others,

I'm curious to what you or others may have said (or say) to the questions asked of you in the interview, especially the one with regards to activities to improve manual dexterity and what other schools you applied to.

 

[pre_opt_sku]

preoptsku and others,

I'm curious to what you or others may have said (or say) to the questions asked of you in the interview, especially the one with regards to activities to improve manual dexterity and what other schools you applied to.

For the manual dexterity question I talked about how a play piano, do a little bit of sewing...also bio/chem labs might be an example of activities which require manual dexterity. I was a little suprised when I was asked this question, so I'm not sure how well I responded! As for the schools quesion, I told him about the other three schools I had applied to and that I was invited to interview at all of them. He stresed the importance of going to other interviews (even if ICO is your number one choice) because you need to find the school that is right for you. I'm pretty sure you had to put that in the secondary application anyways, so they can also just look in your file and see which other schools you are applying to.

 

[JC1984]

preoptsku and others,

I'm curious to what you or others may have said (or say) to the questions asked of you in the interview, especially the one with regards to activities to improve manual dexterity and what other schools you applied to.

Umm, I didn't get any of those questions at all. My interviewer was Dr. Gabriel (2nd year proff, supposedly one of the "tougher" inteviewrs). Basically the only things we talked about were things she found funny in my essay and some things I mentioned in my essay. She didn't ask me anything about my manual dexterity, probably because she asked me what my hobbies were, and I said I played the piano for like 16 years. She asked me about some of the courses I took, am taking, like, which ones I enjoyed, which ones I disliked, which ones I found difficult, what I did differently in studying in my difficult courses. I asked her a LOT of questions, it seemed most of the time was her talking about the program, residencies, post-grad opportunities, volunteer opportunities as well as other profs in the college. Another random thing she asked about was what my optometrist speciailized in (because I had job-shadowed one).

So yeah, no really specific questions about my abilities/marks. No questions about "situations" that may arise on the job. Basically just chit-chat, get to know eachother talk. I was satisfied with my interview and we had some laughs, but I didn't feel certain that she liked me, nor did I get the impression that she did not like me.

Well, that was my experience!

 

[rpames]

I was satisfied with my interview and we had some laughs, but I didn't feel certain that she liked me, nor did I get the impression that she did not like me.

Dr. G is hard to read. I think we get along, but I really don't know. I'm sure you did fine.

 

[optcraze]

i have been trying to call ico and see what the status of my application is but all i get from them is that my file will be reviewed in january. does any one of u think that is a sign of rejection... i really want to get into ico and my file has been complete since september....if anyone has any suggestions on what i should be doing next....will be appreciated

 

[ariel winter]

did u just write the oat? have they recieved your scores yet?

i have been trying to call ico and see what the status of my application is but all i get from them is that my file will be reviewed in january. does any one of u think that is a sign of rejection... i really want to get into ico and my file has been complete since september....if anyone has any suggestions on what i should be doing next....will be appreciated

 

[3eb4me]

i have been trying to call ico and see what the status of my application is but all i get from them is that my file will be reviewed in january. does any one of u think that is a sign of rejection... i really want to get into ico and my file has been complete since september....if anyone has any suggestions on what i should be doing next....will be appreciated

They might want to look at your fall semester grades?
There is also a 20-30% increase of applicants this year (but that is from PCO).

 

[kiseki]

just got back from my ICO interview today and it was pretty relaxed. it was my first interview and it was really cool - everyone on staff is really nice and so were the students. 😀 most of the questions i had were directly related to experiences i had discussed. my interviewer was Dr. Bruce Teitelbaum, and he seemed super nice - but i'm not quite sure if i made a great impression or anything...*sigh* i wasn't asked the manual dexterity question, but he did ask me what other kinds i've taken at my school besides sciences, and what other interests i have etc.

has anyone who previously posted on this thread gotten responses from admissions about if they got in or not? eeks, i'm gettin' nervous... good luck to anyone else having an interview soon!

 

[pre_opt_sku]

just got back from my ICO interview today and it was pretty relaxed. it was my first interview and it was really cool - everyone on staff is really nice and so were the students. 😀 most of the questions i had were directly related to experiences i had discussed. my interviewer was Dr. Bruce Teitelbaum, and he seemed super nice - but i'm not quite sure if i made a great impression or anything...*sigh* i wasn't asked the manual dexterity question, but he did ask me what other kinds i've taken at my school besides sciences, and what other interests i have etc.

has anyone who previously posted on this thread gotten responses from admissions about if they got in or not? eeks, i'm gettin' nervous... good luck to anyone else having an interview soon!

I already found out that I've been accepted, but I also had my interview a while ago. If you read JC1984's thread, it looks like the admissions committee is not meeting again until Nov. 11. So you'll probably have to wait at least until then to find out. You can always call the admissions office to find out for sure when the committee is having their next meeting.

 

[prettygreeneyes]

I had my interview at ICO on 10/31/05. I was very impressed by the school and all of the facilities. Everyone was incredibly friendly and went out of their way to make me feel welcome. I had some awesome student tour guides who were very helpful and patient with me despite the fact that I had many, many questions. I had the actual interview with a new professor at the school, and I think (or rather hope) it went pretty well. He asked some tough questions, and at times I wasn't able to read how his responses. I hear rumors that the admissions committee meets on 11/11/05... so I hope to hear good news after that!

 

[3eb4me]

I had my interview at ICO on 10/31/05. I was very impressed by the school and all of the facilities. Everyone was incredibly friendly and went out of their way to make me feel welcome. I had some awesome student tour guides who were very helpful and patient with me despite the fact that I had many, many questions. I had the actual interview with a new professor at the school, and I think (or rather hope) it went pretty well. He asked some tough questions, and at times I wasn't able to read how his responses. I hear rumors that the admissions committee meets on 11/11/05... so I hope to hear good news after that!

how was staying at the hyatt? you get a student discount? were there a lot of students interviewing as well?

 

[sparikh]

I interviewed 11/1/05. I had Dr. Lesher. I hope it went well.

 

[prettygreeneyes]

how was staying at the hyatt? you get a student discount? were there a lot of students interviewing as well?

There were two other students who interviewed on Halloween with me. They both stayed in the Residential Complex the night before. I would have stayed there as well, but my husband and I decided to turn the trip into a mini-vacation as neither one of use had ever been to Chicago before. We did stay at the Hyatt, and it was very nice. We got the "ICO rate" of $99 a night (not including the $15 tax/night that everyone pays) and I think that was a pretty good deal. We had an AMAZING view of both downtown and Lake Michigan from our room, so that alone was worth the money to me. The only drawback to the Hyatt McCormick Place was that it wasn't very close to anything at all... we were too far to walk to anything of interest. But... we were a $6-8 (can't remember) cab ride from ICO which was nice. We were not close to any restuarants or museums, so we ended up taking a cab everywhere we wanted to go. It was definitely cheaper than renting a car and having to pay $20 parking at the hotel and who knows how much everywhere else. There is another Hyatt in Chicago, the one downtown. We were mistakenly dropped off at that one by the shuttle driver from the airport. It seemed to be VERY nice, and within walking distance to many places of interest. All in all, I thought that Chicago was wonderful, and the school was top-notch. I'm also applying to Pacific, but right now, ICO is in the lead! (Depends on who wants me... of course!)

 

[ski2bOD]

i am interviewing in december, thanks for all the feedback from everyone. lots of good info to think about.

 

[Canadian26]

Im interviewing first week of Jan. I was actually pretty suprised with the invitation, I was under the impression since im only in my 3rd year I wouldnt even get an intreview... Anyone have an idea, of how many ppl who get an intreview actually get accepted?

 

[nvega13]

Im interviewing first week of Jan. I was actually pretty suprised with the invitation, I was under the impression since im only in my 3rd year I wouldnt even get an intreview... Anyone have an idea, of how many ppl who get an intreview actually get accepted?

Is your interview in Jan cause you wanted it then? I would have thought that they still had spaces for Dec. I will have my applciaitons in by next week and I was hoping for an interview before Christmas. Is this unreasonable? My GPA is low (3.3) but my OAT is competetive (380).

 

[prettygreeneyes]

Is your interview in Jan cause you wanted it then? I would have thought that they still had spaces for Dec. I will have my applciaitons in by next week and I was hoping for an interview before Christmas. Is this unreasonable? My GPA is low (3.3) but my OAT is competetive (380).

I had my application sent in by mid-August, and did not hear back until mid-September. Even then, I had to schedule my interview for a month and a half later. The ICO website says that it takes 4-5 weeks to process your application, so that would put you into the middle of December before they even request an interview. I'm not sure when they take winter break... but you may also be looking at an interview spot in January. Best of luck... p.greeneyes

 

[3eb4me]

I had my application sent in by mid-August, and did not hear back until mid-September. Even then, I had to schedule my interview for a month and a half later. The ICO website says that it takes 4-5 weeks to process your application, so that would put you into the middle of December before they even request an interview. I'm not sure when they take winter break... but you may also be looking at an interview spot in January. Best of luck... p.greeneyes

P.greeneyes,
since you already interviewed, what are the ico dorms like? I'm curious..are they suite style? or traditional undergrad dorms

 

[Canadian26]

[qoute]Is your interview in Jan cause you wanted it then? I would have thought that they still had spaces for Dec. I will have my applciaitons in by next week and I was hoping for an interview before Christmas. Is this unreasonable? My GPA is low (3.3) but my OAT is competetive (380).[/quote]

They didnt have any spots open for Dec, and its final time for me starting the first week of decemeber. So I secdualed it in Jan on purpose. Both your Gpa and OAT are competetive. You probably wont get an interview invite until dec at the earliest, and from the looks of things your prolly looking at an mid jan-feb secdualing. They just seem a little slower than everyone else.

 

[JC1984]

P.greeneyes,
since you already interviewed, what are the ico dorms like? I'm curious..are they suite style? or traditional undergrad dorms

The residence is 4 floors. They told me taht the top 2 floors were basically like apartments (3-4 rooms suite style, washroom, kitchen, etc) but those were reserved mainly for upper year students. The other 2 floors consist of a mix of dorm room units. Each basic unit has 1 single room and 1 double room (some may vary) and then there is 1 washroom for each unit, but there is no individual kitchen, or living area like the top floors. I found the rooms very spacious and very clean as if they were newly renovated (compared to where I'm from anyways).

Each of the first 2 floors has it's own common area/study rooms/meeting rooms and a common kitchen (which is like one of those professional stainless steel kitchens at a restaurant w/ all the pots and pans and appliances you would ever need).

 

[3eb4me]

Thanks, JC

I did miss living on campus. Don't know if I want do that again.

 

[JC1984]

Thanks, JC

I did miss living on campus. Don't know if I want do that again.

Hehe, well ICO isn't exactly a "campus" lol. It's basically 2 buildings, 1 rez, 1 school/clinic across the street from eachother.. but it is really convenient.. 10 second run across the street and you're in class. lol

 

[Canadian26]

Hehe, well ICO isn't exactly a "campus" lol. It's basically 2 buildings, 1 rez, 1 school/clinic across the street from eachother.. but it is really convenient.. 10 second run across the street and you're in class. lol

I dont know if thats good or bad 😕 hahaa, im the type of person that needs to get away from regular routine once in a while. Im actually kinda doubtful of my intreview right now, i dont know what to expect... I really wasnt expecting an intreview, b/c im only in my third year... Does anyone think they would give an intreview just to screen for next year or no? My aunt said that if they already gone to the trouble of calling me they must be consdering me next year.. 😱 I dont know what to think...

 

[ariel winter]

be positive! if they want to interview you now, it's because they want you for THIS YEAR! you have something they like! be confident in the interview... act like you want it and deserve it! i am in my 3rd year and i was offered 3 interviews and accepted to one (turned down the other two). and this was all without my oat scores! you will succeed if you work hard and believe in yourself! 🙂

I dont know if thats good or bad 😕 hahaa, im the type of person that needs to get away from regular routine once in a while. Im actually kinda doubtful of my intreview right now, i dont know what to expect... I really wasnt expecting an intreview, b/c im only in my third year... Does anyone think they would give an intreview just to screen for next year or no? My aunt said that if they already gone to the trouble of calling me they must be consdering me next year.. 😱 I dont know what to think...

 

[jefguth]

I dont know if thats good or bad 😕 hahaa, im the type of person that needs to get away from regular routine once in a while. Im actually kinda doubtful of my intreview right now, i dont know what to expect... I really wasnt expecting an intreview, b/c im only in my third year... Does anyone think they would give an intreview just to screen for next year or no? My aunt said that if they already gone to the trouble of calling me they must be consdering me next year.. 😱 I dont know what to think...

Don't worry about only having three years of undergrad... I only did three at University of Waterloo, along with a few others in my class here at ICO- we all applied very late in the cycle and managed to get in. You have the advantage of having applied before the vast majority of others. Godd Luck

 

[Canadian26]

Thanks guys, Im usually not so pessimistic (i swear lol)

 

[kiseki]

hm...how long does it take to get a letter from ico after the committee met after your interview date?

i interviewed on oct. 28 and the committee met nov. 11, and i called and got a response...but nothing's come in the mail yet. kinda makes me anxious because the person told me i got in, but now i'm scared there was a mixup or something (and i'd feel bad calling again...).

so...did anyone else who called and got accepted recently get anything in the mail yet? thanks in advance! 🙂

 

[Canadian26]

Where do you live? I know it can take up to a week to get letters to Edmonton, depending on when they mailed it out. Just wait a few more days, if not call agian and see if they are still mailing you a confirmation. Nov 11th was a holiday, so maybe thats the reason for the delay??

 

[kiseki]

Where do you live? I know it can take up to a week to get letters to Edmonton, depending on when they mailed it out. Just wait a few more days, if not call agian and see if they are still mailing you a confirmation. Nov 11th was a holiday, so maybe thats the reason for the delay??

i live in California...so I guess it could take a while longer. Plus I think I might not have completed all of the requirements to their satisfaction, so perhaps they're considering that too? hopefully it'll come in before the Thanksgiving holiday...*crossing fingers*

 

[prettygreeneyes]

i live in California...so I guess it could take a while longer. Plus I think I might not have completed all of the requirements to their satisfaction, so perhaps they're considering that too? hopefully it'll come in before the Thanksgiving holiday...*crossing fingers*

I'm sure there wasn't a mix-up. The admissions office is very careful about what they tell to whom. If you called and they gave you the decision over the phone, then you got in. I spoke with an admissions counselor on Friday and was told that I did get in, but my letter did not even go into the mail until last Thursday. I live in Reno, NV and haven't received mine either. I was very concerned myself because I knew I could call for the decision, but I was worried it would be bad news and I wasn't sure if I could accept defeat graciously. So, I emailed to ask if the committee had met yet. Someone emailed me back and said they had, and to call for my decision. Once I found out I got in, I told them I had been very worried to call for fear of bad news. She assured me that she would not have told me to call, that they generally only give out good news on the phone because no one likes to tell you "Thanks for applying, but NO THANKS!" Of course, I'm not sure that this is a hard and fast rule that only acceptances are given over the phone, so no one should interpret this to mean anything negative! I'm sure that you are in fact IN! Congrats! p.greeneyes

 

[pre_opt_sku]

i live in California...so I guess it could take a while longer. Plus I think I might not have completed all of the requirements to their satisfaction, so perhaps they're considering that too? hopefully it'll come in before the Thanksgiving holiday...*crossing fingers*

I wouldn't worry about it. If you're in, then you're in. It took about a week and a half after the committee met for the letter to get to me.

 

[JC1984]

Mail usually doesn't arrive here (Toronto, Canada) until late morning. It looks like you guys have been posting pretty early in the morning. Check your mail later! I'm waiting for my letter too 😀

 

[kiseki]

yay acceptance letter came in today! 🙂 eekz...now i just gotta make my decision soon... 🙁