Newbie with questions

[bub1597]

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First I would like to say that the forums on here are great. I have been lurking around for several days, and this is my first post. My question is Should I try optometry school. I am 26 and have a job making very decent money. I tried some college but did not apply myself (party time), I also did not go to the school that I wanted just went close to home and knew I could coast by without work. I have been thinking about this for some time now and think I am ready to work very hard but its very hard for me to leave the safety net of home. I should also say I will be getting married in July of 07. I mentioned the idea to my fiance and she was all for it. The cons are that I doubt I would be able to work even a part-time job while in school. I hope this makes sense. Thanks

 

[catzeye523]

First I would like to say that the forums on here are great. I have been lurking around for several days, and this is my first post. My question is Should I try optometry school. I am 26 and have a job making very decent money. I tried some college but did not apply myself (party time), I also did not go to the school that I wanted just went close to home and knew I could coast by without work. I have been thinking about this for some time now and think I am ready to work very hard but its very hard for me to leave the safety net of home. I should also say I will be getting married in July of 07. I mentioned the idea to my fiance and she was all for it. The cons are that I doubt I would be able to work even a part-time job while in school. I hope this makes sense. Thanks

The answer to "should I try optometry school" from me is "why not?" If this is something that you would really like to do, just find out more information. Shadow an optometrist and see if you like what he/she does. Ask any and every question that comes to mind. This is your life and your future. If you decide against optometry school, there's nothing wrong with that. But I must say that you should do your best to expand your horizons away from home. The majority of people in college and professional school are from out of state, so you definitely would not be alone. I for one got accepted to an optometry school that happens to be in the same state as my home, but I chose to live in the residential complex to be AWAY from home so that I can get the most out of optometry school (from less stress of commuting to developing friendships with my classmates). Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[IceNine]

From what I've read in the forum so far, and having talked to people in optometry school, the first two years of optometry school are very rigourous and is kinda like taking on another marriage! It's a full time commitment and a huge sacrifice to your time. You'll go to class/labs and then coming home, you'll have to prepare for tests/labs/ quizes/case assignments/regular assignments, board tests....who knows what else... which could be hard on your spouse especially if its a new marriage...You will soon find that you will not be able to give her as much time as you would like too. Unless your spouse is incredibly supportive, and realizes that she won't be the only "Mistress" in your life, at least for a couple years.... than you should be fine. And as well, if it is difficult for you to leave the safety net of home, you would also have to deal with the stress of that as well. Are you ready to commit the next four years of your life to books and study? Good luck with your decision!

 

[bub1597]

Thanks for the replies! I think what I worry most about is moving to an urban area. I am from a small town and dont know how well I could handle living in St. Louis. I am only about 2 hours away from umsl. I think moving is the biggest con, if there were a op school in columbia mo this would be a much easier decision. I guess the next question would be for any married couples in third or fourth year. Was it worth it?

 

[aarlan]

how many prereqs do you have out of the way? You said you didn't apply yourself in a part time program. What was your GPA? It may alter your decision if you need to go to school full time for 2-3 years to retake/take your required classes before you can apply.

AA

 

[bub1597]

Looking at umsl requirements I would need one year to complete the preqs. Most of my classes were in the computer science field. I could probably pull a 3.0, but is that enough. I looked at the oat practice test and I really need some biology courses. I am worried about the time taken away from her, she says it would be fine, but saying and doing are always different things.

 

[tybjk21]

First I would like to say that the forums on here are great. I have been lurking around for several days, and this is my first post. My question is Should I try optometry school. I am 26 and have a job making very decent money. I tried some college but did not apply myself (party time), I also did not go to the school that I wanted just went close to home and knew I could coast by without work. I have been thinking about this for some time now and think I am ready to work very hard but its very hard for me to leave the safety net of home. I should also say I will be getting married in July of 07. I mentioned the idea to my fiance and she was all for it. The cons are that I doubt I would be able to work even a part-time job while in school. I hope this makes sense. Thanks

I think you need to look at the big picture. You need to see whether or not optometry is right for you and so I would suggest shadowing an optom., etc. I thought it was what I wanted to do, but it was on an interview for optom. school that this was not the right fit for me. My point: Soul-searching is key!!