Pco

[Pre Opt Student]

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Hey guys,

I havent been hearing much about PCO on the forum. I applied and was put on hold for fall transcripts..and am waiting for a reply back from them. How do they usually notify applicants for an interview? Is it by mail or email? I wonder how full the class is right now because I heard they do interviews later than the other schools - until June I think. Also, what are the stats of the people that got interviews there so far?

Thanks!

 

[OpticalBlackOut]

They seem to be taking a long time with the admissions information recently. The interview letter came in snail mail form. I finished my app early October, and heard back in a month

 

[Pre Opt Student]

YAY!!! I just got an interview invite from PCO today! What is the interview there like? and is it late to be interviewed? Does anyone know how many people have been accepted?

 

[fkajoshaj]

hmmmmm sounds like summer is all of a sudden interested in pco lol

 

[yanksfan422]

hey guys,

i got accepted into and am going to pco in the fall. i did my application in september and was notified of an interview in the beginning of october. hope everything goes well for all of u.

 

[Pre Opt Student]

Does anyone know how many people interview at PCO and are accepted? I've been hearing so many good things about their program that i might be leaning towards going there, rather than NOVA. That's IF I get accepted after the interview! Oh..and its WAY closer to home.

 

[eyelove]

Does anyone know how many people interview at PCO and are accepted? I've been hearing so many good things about their program that i might be leaning towards going there, rather than NOVA. That's IF I get accepted after the interview! Oh..and its WAY closer to home.

I am in the same exact predicament. I have been accepted to NOVA and I am waiting on PCO's decision. They told me I would get an answer by the second week in February. I have to pay NOVA's holding fee by Feb 12th. I really like PCO, and think it's a great program. The clinic is really what makes it a great program. Good luck. Maybe we'll be class mates. (PCO or NOVA! who knows)

 

[Pre Opt Student]

Hey Eyelove! So which school are u leaning towards..PCO of NOVA? I havent interviewed at PCO yet so I dont have any opinions, yet. What did you think of PCO and the area/environment compared to NOVA? It seems like they would be really different..and probably the environment around NOVA would be nicer? If you get into PCO, which school would you choose?

 

[eheaps]

It's a tough choice!! PCO vs. Nova...I chose Nova, but they are both very good schools. Let me know if you have any questions about either as I know a little on comparing the two at this point haha

 

[Pre Opt Student]

After my interview, I will definately get back to you!

 

[DryEye]

hmmmmm sounds like summer is all of a sudden interested in pco lol

 

[eyelove]

I'm totally undecided at this point. PCO has an amazing clinic because they are located in an area where you see a lot more unique cases. I liked PCO and the atmosphere.

NOVA has a great campus. Everyone is realllllyyy friendly. Their clinic is small and not so updated. The students who gave us tours told us a little about how they have to deal with some issues in the lab. The upper classman need the lights off for an exam, and the freshman need them on. It seems like the clinic isn't as well prepared as PCO.

I am leaning towards PCO because it is MUCH closer to home. Also, I can take a train to my friends house in NYC without an hour or two. The clinic is better, and you can attend externships at many other states. I'm just waiting on a decision. Good luck!

 

[Pre Opt Student]

Hmm..wow.. I was really set on NOVA because I loved the school when I went for the interview. I LOVE that you are with dentists and med students in the same building because I really enjoy meeting people and would like to have friends in other programs. But I realized I should check out PCO so Im going for the interview..and am slowly getting my heart set on it even though I havent even been to the school yet!! Now Im just hoping that after the interview I get accepted! Do u kno how many ppl they accept out of those that attend interviews? I know that at nova they accept most people they interview. I just thought I would hate the area that PCO is in..I've heard is dangerous and sketchy and Im not used to big crowded cities..with scary people!! lol. Anyways, let me know the verdict when you hear from them. Did they tell you how long your going to have to wait for a reply?

 

[Od_IT]

I think PCO is a great school, it is just as the other posters say about it. As for danger in the area, you are safe near school unless you go towards downtown then it gets a bit rowdy. I think chicago is much worse, near ICO. Then again, I am a stranger to philly.

I too would like to know what is the acceptance rate after interviews. I had mine this week.

 

[OpticalBlackOut]

Hmm..wow.. I was really set on NOVA because I loved the school when I went for the interview. I LOVE that you are with dentists and med students in the same building because I really enjoy meeting people and would like to have friends in other programs. But I realized I should check out PCO so Im going for the interview..and am slowly getting my heart set on it even though I havent even been to the school yet!! Now Im just hoping that after the interview I get accepted! Do u kno how many ppl they accept out of those that attend interviews? I know that at nova they accept most people they interview. I just thought I would hate the area that PCO is in..I've heard is dangerous and sketchy and Im not used to big crowded cities..with scary people!! lol. Anyways, let me know the verdict when you hear from them. Did they tell you how long your going to have to wait for a reply?

I know I'm not eyelove, but I think I actually interviewed at around the same time, so I'll put in my perspective too.

The area around PCO campus was definitely safe. I was walking around and waited for buses at night. The school is a train ride away from downtown, so not really in a big crowded city. It had a very suburban feel, and while the clinic is a bit scarier, someone told me 90% of the entering class had cars. Therefore, you probably won't be walking around the clinic area too often.
Also, there are PA and audiology programs at PCO, so you have the option of meeting them as well. (Heard it's harder though since we only have an intorductory class together)

I interviewed more than 2 weeks ago, and I'm still waiting to hear back (They sent a letter thanking me for the visit, and said I'll hear back in 3-4 weeks)

 

[eyelove]

Well PCO definitely doesn't accept everyone they interview, because they rejected me last year. Their class size is about 150, and they continue to interview until they fill up their class. I reapplied this year and improved EVERYTHING. I took more classes (biochem, anatomy), got more experience (shadowing and working), and increased my OAT scores significantly. The college definitely takes more time giving a final response. They told me to wait 3-4 weeks after my interview and I had to call them myself months later to find out. PCO wasn't all that sketchy to me. I grew up in NYC so it doesn't bother me. But I think everyone should check it out for themselves because we all have definitions of sketchy/scary. Most of the students need a car to get to clinic because it's 6+ miles away. I don't typically walk that much =D

However, I really am on the fence about which school i'd like to go to. I keep hearing good things about NOVA now. My friend's brother went to NOVA for med and he said it was good to work with other majors. Also, it's a great area.

 

[eyelove]

HELP! I just got accepted to PCO. Now I really have to decide. Any input? PCO OR NOVA?

 

[opto lab grl]

Congrats eyelove! Can you tell us when you interviewed?

Does anyone know if PCO notifies via email even if they're not accepting you?

 

[eheaps]

help! I just got accepted to pco. Now i really have to decide. Any input? Pco or nova?

nova 🙂

 

[SarahNC]

Most of the students need a car to get to clinic because it's 6+ miles away.

Its exactly 3.0 miles and you can ride the bus or catch a ride with the 30 other people going to clinic the same time as you. Don't be scared of the safety at the school or clinic. As long as you use common sense you are fine.

Also, I live in Abington, 3 miles north of school, and it is a wonderful place to live, it was rated in the top 20 places to live in the US last year. Its a small town feel with lots of conveniences. If you have any other questions about PCO, let me know.

 

[eyelove]

nova 🙂

Why NOVA?? I interviewed at PCO in April 2008! I'm a reapplicant so I didn't have to interview again. But they put me on hold for a month or so before rejecting me. I had to call them to find out. They take longer than they usually say.

 

[eheaps]

I had to the make the same choice...PCO or Nova. I am going with Nova because in the end I think I'll have a better experience there. I keep hearing that PCO's clinical studies are really really great, and that made the choice harder because I know that I'm turning down a good school. Anyways, I liked the area at Nova much better, I like the chance to get to meet more people, including that from many other majors and health professions. I think getting a little more of a broader scope in some of the first couple years could be really beneficial to any health care professional. I'm from NJ so it was hard to turn down PCO with its reputation and being very close to home, but I thought of going to Nova as more of an experience for me, and if I'm going to be going to school for 4 more years I might as well choose the place that I'd feel I'd have a better time! In the end, either school would be a fine choice for a great optometric education, just choose the school that you think fits YOU the best. Also, Nova is around $20,000 cheaper give or take over the four years.

 

[eyelove]

I had to the make the same choice...PCO or Nova. I am going with Nova because in the end I think I'll have a better experience there. I keep hearing that PCO's clinical studies are really really great, and that made the choice harder because I know that I'm turning down a good school. Anyways, I liked the area at Nova much better, I like the chance to get to meet more people, including that from many other majors and health professions. I think getting a little more of a broader scope in some of the first couple years could be really beneficial to any health care professional. I'm from NJ so it was hard to turn down PCO with its reputation and being very close to home, but I thought of going to Nova as more of an experience for me, and if I'm going to be going to school for 4 more years I might as well choose the place that I'd feel I'd have a better time! In the end, either school would be a fine choice for a great optometric education, just choose the school that you think fits YOU the best. Also, Nova is around $20,000 cheaper give or take over the four years.

I don't think you'll really save $20,000! Because you need to factor in that you can't file for in state tuition at NOVA. After one year at PCO you can file as an in-state student. So you'd save a lot of money there. Also, if you look at the budgets for each school. PCO is about $3,000 less per year according to the budget. So either way I feel like it evens out. I like both schools a lot. I love the area around NOVA. But PCO has been my top choice because of their clinic. I'm just all confused at this point. I'll make a final decision by Monday hopefully.

 

[eheaps]

I don't think you'll really save $20,000! Because you need to factor in that you can't file for in state tuition at NOVA. After one year at PCO you can file as an in-state student. So you'd save a lot of money there. Also, if you look at the budgets for each school. PCO is about $3,000 less per year according to the budget.

I'm sorry but you must be misinformed here. PCO is a private school so they do not have separate in-state tuition. Their tuition is fixed at $29,500 for everyone. They do have scholarships, which Nova does not, so that could help. Nova's tuition for out-of-staters is around $24,050. SUNY is the one that let's you file as an in-stater after the first year. I got my $20,000 number from the broken down budgets posted somewhere on the opted site, I'll post it here if I find it. It turns out to be less than that after some other considerations but is still something to think about.

Edit: It seems like they might have done the in-state thing in the past, but I cannot seem to find current in-state numbers, so maybe they do not do this anymore but have in the past?

 

[opto lab grl]

PCO does have lower in-state tuition. When I attended the financial aid seminar during my interview, they brought this up. We got into a discussion of whether out-of-state students would qualify after their first year and we were told that it's not that easy but it is possible. We would have to prove that we actually did move there (and not just to attend school). Each student's case is different so we were told to call and discuss our individual situation when the time comes.

 

[SarahNC]

PCO does have lower in-state tuition. When I attended the financial aid seminar during my interview, they brought this up. We got into a discussion of whether out-of-state students would qualify after their first year and we were told that it's not that easy but it is possible. We would have to prove that we actually did move there (and not just to attend school). Each student's case is different so we were told to call and discuss our individual situation when the time comes.

PCO does NOT have lower in-state tuition. PA pays about 6000 a year I believe towards their tuition as a grant but you must be a PA resident before starting. Its the same as NC does for me, like a contract seat. PCO is a private school and the tuition is the same for everyone.

 

[Brightereyez]

Anyone knows how full the class is?

 

[opto delux]

I think PCO is ridiculous at BEST...I am applying for the THIRD time for optometry programs...I am doin a masters right now in south florida and got a 3.7 GPA last semester with a new LOR from a GOOD optometrist.

I sent them all that **** and they got back to me STILL saying they want mid-semester grades from barry university from this spring.

I already got into WesternU, but have my eyes on PCO...does anyone have any advice on what to do here?

My friends say to call them and just market myself saying I got into another school, and really want to attend PCO...it's close to home, well established, and has alot of faculty with clout that can put u in the right direction when it comes to applyin for jobs and residencies

 

[SarahNC]

I think PCO is ridiculous at BEST...I am applying for the THIRD time for optometry programs...I am doin a masters right now in south florida and got a 3.7 GPA last semester with a new LOR from a GOOD optometrist.

I sent them all that **** and they got back to me STILL saying they want mid-semester grades from barry university from this spring.

I already got into WesternU, but have my eyes on PCO...does anyone have any advice on what to do here?

My friends say to call them and just market myself saying I got into another school, and really want to attend PCO...it's close to home, well established, and has alot of faculty with clout that can put u in the right direction when it comes to applyin for jobs and residencies

My guess would be since this is your third time applying, you haven't had a very good record in the past. It seems fair to ask for some more grades to prove you didn't just have one good semester. One letter of recommendation and one good semester....that makes PCO ridiculous??? And Western U <<<< PCO, so call them and threaten to go there, and see what they say.

 

[eyelove]

I think PCO is ridiculous at BEST...I am applying for the THIRD time for optometry programs...I am doin a masters right now in south florida and got a 3.7 GPA last semester with a new LOR from a GOOD optometrist.

I sent them all that **** and they got back to me STILL saying they want mid-semester grades from barry university from this spring.

I already got into WesternU, but have my eyes on PCO...does anyone have any advice on what to do here?

My friends say to call them and just market myself saying I got into another school, and really want to attend PCO...it's close to home, well established, and has alot of faculty with clout that can put u in the right direction when it comes to applyin for jobs and residencies

PCO is ridiculous at best? So, is that why you're applying there for a third time? LOL. I think that makes me want to go there more.

 

[eyelove]

I'm going to stop posting about finances until I get my facts straight. The 2008 stats for PCO show a difference in non-res/resident tuition. I need to research this further. God, who knew Optometry school could make you sweat. (kidding) 😀

 

[opto delux]

PCO is ridiculous at best? So, is that why you're applying there for a third time? LOL. I think that makes me want to go there more.

if this is the only career pursuit I'd want to pursue and PCO is the closest school to my home...wouldn't you do whatever it takes to get in?

and btw to the earlier replier, I took some non-degree seeking classes last fall 2007 and got A's in them too, it seems as though whatever PCO advises me is not enough, given their own advice...and if you were in my shoes, you'd think it is in fact, ridiculous when I call them every two weeks and do whatever it takes

 

[hurricaneuro]

Non-degree classes and got an A, but what about physics, orgo, calculus, bio, and chem?

 

[eyelove]

Where is a nice place to live around PCO? I lived in a run down apartment in Richmond, VA. So I won't freak out because of a not so perfect apartment.