SCO interview questions...

[Badger150]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey all,

So I have my interview at SCO Friday, and was looking for any advice or information on the interview experience there. Is it open file, how many interviews, etc.

Also, anything that I should be sure to ask about? I have only had MD interviews so far (I know, I know, but really OD school isn't my backup plan, I am still trying to decide between MD or OD!), so I am only familiar with that process. Like at MD prog I always ask for a residency match list, attrition rates, how many weeks are required for different clinicals, (FP vs OBGYN vs electives) but not all my questions apply to OD school, so...? Anything I should ask?

Other than that, any thoughts about the school, program, or people there would be appreciated too, since SCO doesn't come up all that often on this forum.

 

[MRFREEZE]

Hey, I have interviewed at SCO. First, you will meet with an admissions counselor to go over your file and to be sure that all the info. is correct. Then, you will meet a student ambassador who will give you a tour of the school and the new clinic. After the tour, you will be interviewed. The interview is closed. They only know your name and where you're from.
My interview focused on my exposure to optometry (work experience, volunteer work, and shadowing). I was, also, asked about my leadership experience. I would assume you will be asked similar questions (the interviewer seemed to be following a standard list).
After the interview, there was a discussion about financing and housing.

 

[UW2002]

Hey all,

So I have my interview at SCO Friday, and was looking for any advice or information on the interview experience there. Is it open file, how many interviews, etc.

Also, anything that I should be sure to ask about? I have only had MD interviews so far (I know, I know, but really OD school isn't my backup plan, I am still trying to decide between MD or OD!), so I am only familiar with that process. Like at MD prog I always ask for a residency match list, attrition rates, how many weeks are required for different clinicals, (FP vs OBGYN vs electives) but not all my questions apply to OD school, so...? Anything I should ask?

Other than that, any thoughts about the school, program, or people there would be appreciated too, since SCO doesn't come up all that often on this forum.

Hey Badger,

I went to Madison too for my undergrad and have gotten accepted to 5 schools (OD). I too have thought long and hard (trust me) about MD vs. OD. Both fields are overlapping greatly these days. After long considering both of these great options, the OD was right for me. Most if not all the interviews are the same with a question or two difference. Most ask of course...why you want to be an optometrist, what strengths/weaknesses do you personally have, what experiences clinical or nonclinical that have influenced your decision in becoming an Optometrist. Most interviews just want to know if you're an excellent communicator. That's pretty much what all doctors do...it's a people profession. YOu can be the smartest dr. in the entire world (which is great) but if you can't communicate...big problems. Go in there, be yourself and you might want to be up to date about OD current issues. I read Optometric magazines on the plane rides...I usually pick them up from an optometrists office when they're done reading them. Best of luck to you whether you choose MD or OD. Both are great fields.