Schools List

[StephCurryOD]

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Hey Everyone. So I am planning to apply this July and I am working on a list of schools that I will apply to. From what I've read online, most people apply to 4-7 schools depending on their stats. I am unsure of my stats and am considering applying to 10-12 schools. Do you think this is too many? I understand that each application will require fees, and that interviews and traveling will be expensive.

Below are my GPA and OAT scores, as well as a tentative list of the schools I am interested in. They are listed and grouped in order of preference. I am a California resident which explains my top three.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! I have researched all of the schools and have taken into account location, tuition, cost of living, etc. If you need anymore information from me or have any questions, let me know. Let me know if there are schools I should add/remove from my list. Thanks!

GPA: 3.26
OAT: 350 AA, 340 TS


UC Berkeley
Ketchum
Western
New York
Florida Nova

Illinois
Arizona
Houston
Pennsylvania

Massachusetts
New England
Puerto Rico

 

[O.D.CPB]

My stats were almost identical, but I didn't know my OAT score until after I started the application process. I applied to 10 schools and had interviews at each of them. I went to 5 of the interviews (Pacific, Western, NECO, Indiana, and PCO.) I was accepted to all of them. I did have 2 years of work in an Optometric Private Practice on my resume', for background information purposes. I feel that if you pick 4-5 that gives you a good variety and lets you branch outside of your comfort zone (California). Pacific blew me away so I think you should add that. Scrap Puerto Rico from your list! Best of luck!

 

[StephCurryOD]

Thanks for the advice! I'll add Pacific to my list, I just wasn't sure if I was competitive enough. Good luck to you too with everything!

 

[whymisha]

IMO it would be a waste of money and time to apply to so many schools. I agree with O.D.CPB, pick 4 or maybe 5 schools to apply to, your stats are good enough that you will almost definitely get in to at least 1 of them. Best of luck!

 

[StephCurryOD]

IMO it would be a waste of money and time to apply to so many schools. I agree with O.D.CPB, pick 4 or maybe 5 schools to apply to, your stats are good enough that you will almost definitely get in to at least 1 of them. Best of luck!

I should also mention that I have yet to complete Human Anatomy, which is required by 4 of my top 5 schools. I am on the waitlist at a CC to take it this Fall, but in the case that I do not get in, my application will not be processed at those schools. That's the main reason for applying to a few others

 

[Anbinh]

My GPA is about the same as yours and I'm taking the OAT on the 27th, so I completely can understand your fear of not getting in somewhere for school, but I definitely think you (and I) should be fine... 10-12 schools is going to be really hard on the wallet.. I would consider cutting down your list, so I definitely agree with the other posts! If anything, MCPHS takes applications until super late into the cycle, so worst case scenario, you can apply later down the road if you haven't heard back from any schools (which I doubt will happen to you!!). Since you will be applying in July which is early enough in the cycle to hear back from schools, I definitely wouldn't worry about applying now for any of your schools that are in your lowest third group tier.. :O

As for your Anatomy course, if you were not to get into it for the Fall, would you not be able to take it in the Spring?

 

[KellPod]

If you apply early in the cycle then you have a really high chance of getting into Ketchum. They want a minimum of 3.0 GPA and 300s in the TS, AA and Reading section for your OAT so if you have that then you will most likely get into the first rounds of interviews! Then it is up to you to show your passion for the field and why you would be a good fit!

 

[StephCurryOD]

My GPA is about the same as yours and I'm taking the OAT on the 27th, so I completely can understand your fear of not getting in somewhere for school, but I definitely think you (and I) should be fine... 10-12 schools is going to be really hard on the wallet.. I would consider cutting down your list, so I definitely agree with the other posts! If anything, MCPHS takes applications until super late into the cycle, so worst case scenario, you can apply later down the road if you haven't heard back from any schools (which I doubt will happen to you!!). Since you will be applying in July which is early enough in the cycle to hear back from schools, I definitely wouldn't worry about applying now for any of your schools that are in your lowest third group tier.. :O

As for your Anatomy course, if you were not to get into it for the Fall, would you not be able to take it in the Spring?

Thanks for you input! Yeah I completely agree, I'll apply to the schools in the first two groups. The application fees will really add up. Got a brochure from MCPHS today, but I'll apply to them later in the cycle if necessary.

I would be able to take it in the Spring. I contacted a few schools about the timeline, and the admission officers said it shouldn't be a problem. 🙂

 

[StephCurryOD]

If you apply early in the cycle then you have a really high chance of getting into Ketchum. They want a minimum of 3.0 GPA and 300s in the TS, AA and Reading section for your OAT so if you have that then you will most likely get into the first rounds of interviews! Then it is up to you to show your passion for the field and why you would be a good fit!

Thanks! I have those numbers, just got to show my passion at the interview. It would be awesome to attend Ketchum 😀

 

[KellPod]

I will be attending Ketchum in the fall! I hope to see you there next year! I interviewed at both Ketchum and Berkeley so if you have any specific questions feel free to message me!

 

[JLopt2020]

Stagger them! Apply early (hopfully already)!