Outstanding Applicant

[loveseyesinOR]

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Hey all,

I am beginning the process towards applying to optometry school this fall and I keep running into the same question on a couple of the applications. The question is "What makes you an outstanding applicant?" I am hesitant to answer this question because the answers I keep coming up with seem very cookie cutter (ie: I am hardworking, caring, well balanced, etc.). I know I can't just list a bunch of characteristics because I am sure admissions committees are looking for something more unique and sincere. I don't wish to copy anyone's answer, but am more just asking what your strategy towards this question was. Did you tell a personal story that in the end gave reasons why you would be an outstanding applicant? If you could give me some tips, that would be great.

Thanks!!😳

 

[eyestrain]

As i recall, my answer to these types of questions was pretty cookie cutter. I'm not convinced the admissions people ever read them anyway. Maybe they do, I don't know. I just can't imagine they sit around reading hundreds of essays that likely all say the same thing. If they want to know what you actually think, they should come up with better questions. I've always thought these essays would be best at weeding out people who have terrible grammar or people who can't figure out how to use the spell-checker.

 

[ttn003]

hey, listen carefully...you should definitely give EXAMPLES...like write about an experience...you need to stand out...especially during an interview, you need to give examples to back up your answers...(that's exactly what my interviewer told me =) )

 

[asmaka19]

I agree with the above!

I sent out my personal statement to different people to get some feedback and one common suggestion I had is to BE SPECIFIC. Examples are a good thing. You should try to stay away from general statements or terms without explanation like intelligent, hardworking, etc.

I did a masters in genetics and so my personal statement is pretty much how that degree is going to make me an asset to optometry. I talk about the importance and relevance of genetics in healthcare including optometry, I quote famous geneticists, and I talk about my extensive knowledge on some genetic eye disorders-I basically milked it for all it's worth and the person that reads it is going to remember it because it stands out.

I basically started out by jotting down a list of things I've done, special achievements, accomplishments, unique life experiences and I narrowed it down to my graduate degree because that's what I can talk the most about.

Did you have a non-science major? Did you have a minor? Play sports? Win awards? Is there something you would like to see changed in the practice of optometry based on what you've seen in your shadowing experiences? Was there a defining moment that made you decide you want to be an optometrist? Do you live life by a certain motto or have an inspiration? I'm just throwing out some possible ideas for you to consider and get creative!

 

[loveseyesinOR]

Wow! Thanks for all the excellent advice. This is exactly what I needed to get the wheels turning in my brain. I feel like I can definitely get started on the writing now. If any of you have any additional thoughts or ideas, please keep them coming.

Thanks again!