Lots of Questions :D

[cde8]

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Hello, my name is Chris, and this is my first post. I've spent quite a bit of time going through posts here and resources, and I have quite a bit of time working with patients and Dr.'s at the Cleveland Clinic (Lakeland Eye Surgeons). Currently, I'm a junior at the University of Akron and I've been looking into Optometry since high school. As of now, I have a 3.54 GPA and this semester should keep me at around the same level.

So, I guess this is where I ask lots of things that I hope to have answered...

I would like to go to ICO or OSU preferably, but I am certainly not limiting myself to those two schools. I've looked at some information on incoming classes, as well as talked to many friends who are current students/graduates of optometry schools, but I was wondering where you think I stand right now. I have not taken the OAT, but plan to this summer or next year. Physics is the one class that is giving me trouble, but I've consistently received A's in O.Chem and G.Chem, as well as general bio classes. I currently have a B- in cell and molecular, but I'd like to raise that.

With these stats as a junior, what are my chances of gaining entry to an optometry school of my choice? What else should I be doing besides internships and volunteering? I'm a very personable person and I'm great with patients, so I'm not really worried about the interview. I'm just nervous about how I look on paper to a committee of people looking at students with far better grades. Also, does going to the University of Akron hurt me at all compared to those going to school at OSU or Miami of Ohio, ect?

Thanks in advance, any information is greatly appreciated.

 

[sammyboy]

If you plan on entering optometry school without a bachelors degree, you have to be a very competitive candidate. I am assuming at least 90th percentile on the OAT and a very competitive gpa. 3.54 is a little better than average at most schools. That being said, I think the OAT is what you really need to be focused on. Plus, the earlier you apply the better. Seats are being filled quickly so you better get your optomcas application filled out in the very near future.

Akron University does not hurt you. Applicants come from a wide range of schools, from small colleges to huge universities.

I feel you will have a slight advantage applying to OSU because you are an in-state student, however, it will all come down to the numbers if you plan to attain you bachelors degree in vision science at an optometry school.

In addition, I feel there will be much more informative answers from other forum posters, but this may give you something to start with.

 

[cde8]

Thanks. That gives me a little more to run along with. I will be graduating with a Biology degree, with a specialization in Microbiology. I'm also going to grab some OAT books this weekend after my OChem exam and start looking through some of it.

 

[sammyboy]

I didn't know if you were going to graduate from Akron or apply for a seat for this upcomming fall. Now that I know you will attain your bs in bio, you shouldn't have a problem with that gpa. Just study for the OAT and do better than I did the first time...you should be fine.

 

[cde8]

Thanks. Much appreciated!

 

[lrp15]

Hey Chris,
I have never posted on here either, but like you, am always reading what other people have to say. The reason I decided to respond was because I also attend the University of Akron trying to go to optometry school! This is great to know that someone from here is planning to go to optometry school. I have never met another bio major yet (from Akron) planning to go.
Hope to hear from you!
Lindsay

 

[cde8]

Hey Chris,
I have never posted on here either, but like you, am always reading what other people have to say. The reason I decided to respond was because I also attend the University of Akron trying to go to optometry school! This is great to know that someone from here is planning to go to optometry school. I have never met another bio major yet (from Akron) planning to go.
Hope to hear from you!
Lindsay

I sent you a PM. You can also email me at [email protected].


As far as questions go, does anyone know how practical/how good of an idea it is to go to a school or two that I'd really like to attend and meet staff and Professors and such? If it isn't a terrible or impractical idea, how would I go about that?

 

[CaliOD25]

As far as questions go, does anyone know how practical/how good of an idea it is to go to a school or two that I'd really like to attend and meet staff and Professors and such? If it isn't a terrible or impractical idea, how would I go about that?

Chris,
It is a GREAT idea to visit schools you are interested in and meet staff/professors/students there. You can only get so much from viewing a school website and listening to students on forums like this. I visited all the schools I was considering, and it really helped my give me a sense of the school atmosphere and the people I would be working with if I were a student there. I consider it the most important thing I did in the application process, because visiting some schools actually changed my perception about them (for the good and the bad). In short, I HIGHLY recommend it.

As for how to do it, I would look on the school website look for a 'visit us' sort of link, or the contact information of the admissions director. When I was planning visits, I just emailed the contact person I found and introduced myself, said I was interested in applying, and that I wanted to schedule a visit to the school. Most places I contacted have a usual tour/student visit thing, so they will know what you are asking for. Other places I had to be more specific, saying I wanted to tour the campus, talk to a student, etc. Hope this helps, and good luck with your school searches!