Part Time Jobs

[Lone Wolf]

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Hey Guys,
I currently have 2 part time jobs (one at an optometrist's office), each 15 hrs a week and was wondering how much of an effect this has on my application. I know volunteer work would look much better on my app but everybody has to pay for school right?
Also any tips on how i could strengthen my app for the 2011 application cycle would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!!

 

[Oogilily]

I did VERY little volunteer work, had a part time job, and I didn't have any experience whatsoever in optometry, and I got in just fine. Working instead of volunteering probably isn't going to hurt you. I think that good grades and excellent OAT scores are more important for the core of your application than volunteering (although volunteering can help pad your application). So I wouldn't sweat it to much. As far as having a job in optometry, you could put that on your application, as well as volunteering you have done, but it won't make or break it. Most of my class didn't have any experience with optometry and we were all admitted. Anyways, that is my experience at least and it can change from case to case.

 

[acetabulum7]

If I had to do it all over again, I would work less and take out student loans more to focus on school. I also volunteered a lot, but it's hard to give it up since it is so rewarding to do a good deed in the community.

Anyways, if you're borderline 3.0 you might have to make some sacrifices to make your gpa more competitive.

 

[Ellada25]

I actually had very little volunteering experience and i worked 2 jobs, one part-time and the other full-time, while I was in undergrad and I think that it impressed them since my GPA and OAT was still high...I guess it can go either way with volunteering and working

 

[pienfoo]

Hey Guys,
I currently have 2 part time jobs (one at an optometrist's office), each 15 hrs a week and was wondering how much of an effect this has on my application. I know volunteer work would look much better on my app but everybody has to pay for school right?
Also any tips on how i could strengthen my app for the 2011 application cycle would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!!

my personal opinion is that yes it is a factor that will be taken into consideration when your file is reviewed, but of course you can't assume that more work experience will balance a mediocore GPA and OAT score. when i applied I had a crappy GPA but high OAT score and a ton of work internship and leadership experience. i think the OAT was that mainly pushed it through for me. good luck!