I've been looking at lots of posts on here and it seems no one ever talks about Michigan College of Optometry. They will have a BRAND NEW, state-of-the-art building for 2011, they have great faculty, a great student-to-teacher ratio, and a great curriculum. Curious as to why no one seems to consider the school or even discuss it.
Michigan College of Optometry
- Thread starter mjdebano
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I interviewed and was accepted into Ferris but declined. It is a really good school, everyone there was very nice and enthusiastic about the program. Probably the biggest plus is how everyone there is so connected, the students and professors have a really close relationship and are actually friends (I thought one of the profs was a student because of how they interacted...lol). For me, it was just a tad too small for my tastes but if you like small town atmosphere and close knit relationships between students and faculty, Ferris would be an excellent choice!
The only downside I can see about Ferris would be the fact that since it is a small city, it would be harder to see a wide range of patients vs going to school in a bigger city like ICO or NOVA.
The only downside I can see about Ferris would be the fact that since it is a small city, it would be harder to see a wide range of patients vs going to school in a bigger city like ICO or NOVA.
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I was looking into Ferris State (I started before OptomCAS took off, and liked that they offered a free application...), but its inaccessibility by public transportation contributed to its falling out of favor with me. Also, it's nice they'll have a new building, soon, but I don't want to wait until it's ready to apply, and I hear their current facilities are quite underwhelming. Finally, I believe Ferris's clinical offerings simply will not rival those of a college in a more populated setting, and clinical experience and exposure are crucial in training to work with a range of patients, which is imperative to being a successful optometrist.
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I don't think either reason sounds foolish. People often go to great lengths to evaluate their options based on academia and pass-rates, but it's important to include, as well, how likely you are to be happy in an environment. If you don't see yourself glad being hours away from home or having to spend big money on a plane ticket every time you do want to return, or you feel you can't stand (or that you crave) the bustle of an urban area, you must consider these inclinations when deciding where you'll study (i.e., live) for the next four years of your life.
Those are all really good points. I suppose having grown up in an even small community means that Big Rapids actually seems big to me. I drive 90 minutes each way to college as it is so a lack of public transportation isn't a factor. The weather could be a plus or a negative, depending on the person. I like the snow and the four seasons so it works great!
I do agree though that being in such a small area won't offer the best clinical cases and patients to study. I'm sure that the clincal prep difference between MCO and other schools won't be leaps and bounds though. MCO students seem to have up to par (and even above average) NBEO scores. Thanks for everyones input though. It's good to hear other people's opinions on this school!
I do agree though that being in such a small area won't offer the best clinical cases and patients to study. I'm sure that the clincal prep difference between MCO and other schools won't be leaps and bounds though. MCO students seem to have up to par (and even above average) NBEO scores. Thanks for everyones input though. It's good to hear other people's opinions on this school!
