Masters?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

snd08

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2008
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
Hey guys I have a low gpa (2.9) and I am planning on entering into a masters program in the fall (if i get in). The only reason that I am doing this is bc I don't know what else to do to increase my gpa. Anyone get a masters before entering into optometry schools? Is this a good idea? Do I have to finish a 2 yr masters program before i get accepted or do optometry schools accept you half way into the program if you have a good gpa? Any advice? Thanks.
 
I see that as a waste of time and money, especially if you do not have a passion for it. A masters is still a lot of work and time, will you have the dedication and committment to successfully complete it? If your grades are what's holding you back...try applying to Puerto Rico and prove yourself there.
 
I am currently in my master's program and I am about to complete it soon. I am doing the masters because my undergrad gpa was low. I got accepted to PCO and ICO. ICO told me that I did myslef a great favor by doing the masters program. ICO told me that my acceptance is pending upon completion of my masters degree, i am still accepted, just need to graduate with my masters. But, PCO gave me an acceptance with no strings attached. So, some schools may want you to finish the masters degree and some may not. I know by doing the masters, i increased my chances of getting in by a lot!!! so if you really wanna do optometry masters degree is a good option but like the other person was saying it does take time and lot of work but i think its def. worth it!!
 
Thanks alot for your input! Was ur masters a 2yr program or 1 yr? I really want to go to ICO but will they only grant an acceptence after you have completed your masters or are there special cases?
 
Thanks alot for your input! Was ur masters a 2yr program or 1 yr? I really want to go to ICO but will they only grant an acceptence after you have completed your masters or are there special cases?


If u dont want to complete the program, why don't you just re-take the classes you did not do well in? I retook a few classes and it was a good thing but I guess that depends on how bad your GPA is (whether it is feasable).
 
I did retake a few courses but it doesn't do much for your gpa at all so thats why I wanted to do a masters. My gpa right now is a 2.9.
 
my master's is a two year program in biology MA. I dont think ICO would require everyone doing a masters to finish it before starting optometry school. i am sure it varies from person to person, depending on the student's stats. so maybe they wont ask you to complete yours, you never know.
 
A masters degree is a good idea if you really like the subject and are willing to put in a lot of energy for it. Dont just choose a random degree.

I would say go and do a post-bacc and get straight A's.
 
my master's is a two year program in biology MA. I dont think ICO would require everyone doing a masters to finish it before starting optometry school. i am sure it varies from person to person, depending on the student's stats. so maybe they wont ask you to complete yours, you never know.

Hey, do you mind sharing your stats?
It seems odd that they would only ask someone to complete their masters and not another....??? Just curious
 
My undergrad GPA was 3.1 and my graduate GPA is 3.7. I got a 320 on my OAT. These scores arent the greatest! i dont know why ICO asked me to complete it maybe I am a special case, I dont know. I have friends that were working on masters degrees that got into med school. They didnt complete the degree before starting med. school and the schools didnt ask them too either.
 
Did you apply to opt schools, take the OAT? I have a 2.9 with an average OAT score and was able to get a few acceptances, so it's entirely possible
 
Did you apply to opt schools, take the OAT? I have a 2.9 with an average OAT score and was able to get a few acceptances, so it's entirely possible

Same gpa, 340ts/aa. Masters?? eh... Unless your heart is set on ICO then go for it.
 
ICO also recommends Post-Bacc programs. I'd do that instead and make it as similar as possible to the first year optometry courses. It's a 1 year program and it would save you time and money if you really want to increase your stats, I guess. Just make sure you got B's and A's
 
My undergrad GPA was 3.1 and my graduate GPA is 3.7. I got a 320 on my OAT. These scores arent the greatest! i dont know why ICO asked me to complete it maybe I am a special case, I dont know. I have friends that were working on masters degrees that got into med school. They didnt complete the degree before starting med. school and the schools didnt ask them too either.

That's odd that they've asked you to complete the MS. I'm also thinking about doing MS instead of taking more undergrad courses if I don't get in this year. They told me to take a few grad courses ( preferably human bio).
 
Did your friends complete at least a yr of their masters before being accepted?
 
just retake some non-laboratory courses that you got a C or below in.
 
Top