Hi,
I graduated with a BA in Biology from Binghamton University in 2019. I was admitted into my university's 3/4 year Optometry Joint Degree program from high school which meant if I maintained a good GPA and did well on the OAT, I would be able to start my first year of optometry school after 3 years of undergrad. Unfortunately, I was not the best student and struggled often with the science classes and did not prioritize my studies as much as I should have and graduated with a 2.87. However as you can see, I was interested and determined to become an optometrist from high school. Although my GPA is low, I have worked as a receptionist and technician for an optometrist for one summer, shadowed an optometrist, and I am currently working as an ophthalmologist technician/assistant for amazing ophthalmologists who also teach clinicals at NYU. I have been learning a great ordeal about ophthalmology and learning how to engage with patients, how to interpret diagnostic tests, about ocular medications, different procedures and methods to treat different problems and etc.
I plan to take the OAT in April, giving me 5 months to study HARD for the OAT to compensate for my low GPA. I want to aim for 350 and higher, ideally to really compensate for my low GPA. I believe my GPA is not a reflection of my character, diligence, and ability to be a great student, let alone an optometrist. I really want to get into SUNY of Optometry because it is a great school and cost-wise and location-wise, this is the best option.
Additionally, I was the president of my cultural sorority. I was the public relations chair for 2 years for a cultural club on campus. I was also a general member of the optometry club. I was the captain of my varsity volleyball team and handball team in high school (not sure if high school stuff matters anymore).
What are my chances of getting an interview with SUNY, or let alone getting into optometry school in general? Will SUNY completely skip over me considering my GPA? I plan to send in my application right when rolling admissions begin in July to have the best chance as well. I plan to also apply to SALUS, NECO, ICO and Midwestern.
I graduated with a BA in Biology from Binghamton University in 2019. I was admitted into my university's 3/4 year Optometry Joint Degree program from high school which meant if I maintained a good GPA and did well on the OAT, I would be able to start my first year of optometry school after 3 years of undergrad. Unfortunately, I was not the best student and struggled often with the science classes and did not prioritize my studies as much as I should have and graduated with a 2.87. However as you can see, I was interested and determined to become an optometrist from high school. Although my GPA is low, I have worked as a receptionist and technician for an optometrist for one summer, shadowed an optometrist, and I am currently working as an ophthalmologist technician/assistant for amazing ophthalmologists who also teach clinicals at NYU. I have been learning a great ordeal about ophthalmology and learning how to engage with patients, how to interpret diagnostic tests, about ocular medications, different procedures and methods to treat different problems and etc.
I plan to take the OAT in April, giving me 5 months to study HARD for the OAT to compensate for my low GPA. I want to aim for 350 and higher, ideally to really compensate for my low GPA. I believe my GPA is not a reflection of my character, diligence, and ability to be a great student, let alone an optometrist. I really want to get into SUNY of Optometry because it is a great school and cost-wise and location-wise, this is the best option.
Additionally, I was the president of my cultural sorority. I was the public relations chair for 2 years for a cultural club on campus. I was also a general member of the optometry club. I was the captain of my varsity volleyball team and handball team in high school (not sure if high school stuff matters anymore).
What are my chances of getting an interview with SUNY, or let alone getting into optometry school in general? Will SUNY completely skip over me considering my GPA? I plan to send in my application right when rolling admissions begin in July to have the best chance as well. I plan to also apply to SALUS, NECO, ICO and Midwestern.
