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can i get some info on the school in tahlequah?
pros/cons -- who has applied there, etc.?
thank you!
pros/cons -- who has applied there, etc.?
thank you!
Nsu?
- Thread starter quad32
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I have applied/interviewed there. There are 26 students per class; that means there will be 26 students in a lecture class, and 13 students in a lab. It is the smallest optometry program in the United States.
The main clinic is in a renovated hospital building and there are several satellite clinics located near Tahlequah. Due to the high rate of diabetes among the local Native American population, the clinical aspect provides a very unique experience.
Tahlequah has a population of about 15,000 and NSU has about 7,000 students. It is a college town.
The interview involves three separate one-on-one interviews: one with a student, one with a faculty member, and one with a person from admissions. You also write an essay following the interview. It is not as bad as it sounds; the interviews are just as much for you to get information from them as it is for them to get information from you. They also give you an excellent tour as part of the process.
Additionally, Oklahoma is the only state in which optometrists can practice laser anterior therapy. At NSUOCO, you will learn about that. This could be good if you plan to practice in Oklahoma, maybe not so great if you plan to practice somewhere else (unless legislation changes in whatever state that may be).
When will you be applying? I don't yet know anyone else who has interviewed there.
Let me know if there is anything else you would like to know.
The main clinic is in a renovated hospital building and there are several satellite clinics located near Tahlequah. Due to the high rate of diabetes among the local Native American population, the clinical aspect provides a very unique experience.
Tahlequah has a population of about 15,000 and NSU has about 7,000 students. It is a college town.
The interview involves three separate one-on-one interviews: one with a student, one with a faculty member, and one with a person from admissions. You also write an essay following the interview. It is not as bad as it sounds; the interviews are just as much for you to get information from them as it is for them to get information from you. They also give you an excellent tour as part of the process.
Additionally, Oklahoma is the only state in which optometrists can practice laser anterior therapy. At NSUOCO, you will learn about that. This could be good if you plan to practice in Oklahoma, maybe not so great if you plan to practice somewhere else (unless legislation changes in whatever state that may be).
When will you be applying? I don't yet know anyone else who has interviewed there.
Let me know if there is anything else you would like to know.
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thank you so much for your reply - i thought nobody would respond!
how is the town? i plan on seeing it soon, but still havent. Does the class size seem too small? i know this is kind of preference, but i wanted to see what you thought. I live in oklahoma and there is a pretty good chance i will practice here as well. I will probably apply next fall but end up going to school to finish my degree and reapplying the year after if i am not admitted. How difficult do you think it is to get ino this school? thanks!
how is the town? i plan on seeing it soon, but still havent. Does the class size seem too small? i know this is kind of preference, but i wanted to see what you thought. I live in oklahoma and there is a pretty good chance i will practice here as well. I will probably apply next fall but end up going to school to finish my degree and reapplying the year after if i am not admitted. How difficult do you think it is to get ino this school? thanks!
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The town and class size, as you said, come down to personal preference. I am from a small town, so I really liked it. As far as the class size goes, I expect it to be an adjustment as I currently go to a Big 12 school. That being said, I like the idea of the personal attention I will get and how close the class will become as our time there progresses.
Tahlequah is small, but not tiny. There is a Super Wal-Mart, a Lowe's, a Chile's, and many other local and chain restaurants. Housing is cheap compared to what I am used to. Since you are a resident of Oklahoma (I assume), your tuition will be far lower than if you come from out of state. Additionally, the optometry portion of the college has its own parking, which is a big plus.
Difficulty of getting in - not real sure. I can tell you that NSUOCO only takes students from nine states. The following chart will give you an idea of the scores needed to get in: http://opted.org/pdf/profiles2008.pdf
Keep in mind that the scores on the above document are averages, meaning that there were students admitted that were both above and below those averages. Since there are only 26 students per class, they are looking for 26 people who they think will get along for four years. Personality and willingness to work with others is important.
As with all optometry schools, they also want you to have some relevant experience in the field. Job shadowing or working for an optometrist is very important and will greatly increase your chances of getting looked at seriously.
I have subscribed to this thread and will be more than happy to answer any more questions that you have. When I was in your position, I also found it difficult to find information on this school. Now that I have seen it and gone through the process, I am more than happy to share!
Tahlequah is small, but not tiny. There is a Super Wal-Mart, a Lowe's, a Chile's, and many other local and chain restaurants. Housing is cheap compared to what I am used to. Since you are a resident of Oklahoma (I assume), your tuition will be far lower than if you come from out of state. Additionally, the optometry portion of the college has its own parking, which is a big plus.
Difficulty of getting in - not real sure. I can tell you that NSUOCO only takes students from nine states. The following chart will give you an idea of the scores needed to get in: http://opted.org/pdf/profiles2008.pdf
Keep in mind that the scores on the above document are averages, meaning that there were students admitted that were both above and below those averages. Since there are only 26 students per class, they are looking for 26 people who they think will get along for four years. Personality and willingness to work with others is important.
As with all optometry schools, they also want you to have some relevant experience in the field. Job shadowing or working for an optometrist is very important and will greatly increase your chances of getting looked at seriously.
I have subscribed to this thread and will be more than happy to answer any more questions that you have. When I was in your position, I also found it difficult to find information on this school. Now that I have seen it and gone through the process, I am more than happy to share!
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I'm not sure...if you are worried about a certain school, you should first check their website. If that fails, try calling or emailing them.
Sorry I could not be more help on this one.
Sorry I could not be more help on this one.
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I graduated from NSU 10 years ago and practice in Oklahoma.
Tahlequah is a great small town. If you like the small town environment you will enjoy it. There is also a lot to do in the summer outdoors. Having grown up in OKC most of my life there is a reason this is called Green Country.
The small class size is a good thing because profs usually work with you really well as far as individual help and test scheduling.
Where are you from?
I sat on the admissions committee for two years and, unless it has changed, Oklahoma applicants get preference becasue of the limited number of seats.
It would be worth arranging a tour and go down to visit the school and the town.
Let me know if you would like to know anything else more specific.
Dr. Bush
Tahlequah is a great small town. If you like the small town environment you will enjoy it. There is also a lot to do in the summer outdoors. Having grown up in OKC most of my life there is a reason this is called Green Country.
The small class size is a good thing because profs usually work with you really well as far as individual help and test scheduling.
Where are you from?
I sat on the admissions committee for two years and, unless it has changed, Oklahoma applicants get preference becasue of the limited number of seats.
It would be worth arranging a tour and go down to visit the school and the town.
Let me know if you would like to know anything else more specific.
Dr. Bush
