Re: Research/Acceptance into Optometry School

[Nezzy]

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How important is undergrad research to the Optometry Admissions Committee? In other words, is it emphasized just as medical school??

 

[OhhDee]

I think it depends on the school, but overall, I haven't gotten the impression it is very important. I had 5 interviews this cycle and not one school asked about my research experience. Doesn't seem like many students do research during school.

 

[paasnaas]

I also got the impression too that research isn't as important as it is in comparison to medical school. But I still believe it is a valuable experience to have. I also had 5 interviews and the only school that questioned me about my undergrad research experience was UC Berkeley. I was asked a few questions about it. I was not surprised because UC Berkeley optometry emphasizes on research. If your thinking about applying to Berkeley then you might want to consider it!

 

[kleronomia]

I had research experience during undergrad that wasn't necessarily ocularly related, but I am co-authored on a publication and a few abstracts. Would it be relevant at all to put this in my application, to show I have research abilities, or would it seem distracting, because it has nothing to do with the eye? (I was not pre-optometry until after graduation.).

 

[OhhDee]

I had research experience during undergrad that wasn't necessarily ocularly related, but I am co-authored on a publication and a few abstracts. Would it be relevant at all to put this in my application, to show I have research abilities, or would it seem distracting, because it has nothing to do with the eye? (I was not pre-optometry until after graduation.).

If you did it, I would put it in. Can't hurt.

 

[OpticalBlackOut]

Great to add in your research experience, in the very least it shows that you had science-related extracurriculars. If you end up being interviewed by a PhD, I'm sure the research could spark up conversations about your positive attributes.

 

[kleronomia]

Great to add in your research experience, in the very least it shows that you had science-related extracurriculars. If you end up being interviewed by a PhD, I'm sure the research could spark up conversations about your positive attributes.

I appreciate the input. Thank you!

 

[Rain Clouds]

PIs also usually make very good reference letter writers...

 

[kleronomia]

PIs also usually make very good reference letter writers...

I was considering having one of my PIs write a letter for me, but I wasn't sure if it would be relevant because it was working with the rat model about stress pathways.. What are your thoughts, Rain Clouds?

 

[Rain Clouds]

I was considering having one of my PIs write a letter for me, but I wasn't sure if it would be relevant because it was working with the rat model about stress pathways.. What are your thoughts, Rain Clouds?

My research in undergrad was in algal biofuel culturing! It's a lot more important for the letter to talk about your character, motivation, and relatability than the subject matter of your actual research. 🙂

 

[kleronomia]

My research in undergrad was in algal biofuel culturing! It's a lot more important for the letter to talk about your character, motivation, and relatability than the subject matter of your actual research. 🙂

That sounds interesting, by the way!

Thank you for your feedback! I will definitely seek out my PIs, because I worked with them for 4 years.