Seeking advice current situation.

[neurondispatch]

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Hi everyone, this is my first post on SDN, I am from Canada, and have a couple of questions that I am seeking advice with, I will begin by stating my current situation.

I have completed two bachelor's degrees. A 3-year General Science degree, in which I have completed all my prerequisites for Optometry schools in Canada and the US. My second degree is a one year accelerated Computer Science degree (required a previous degree to register). I chose this path instead of a 4 year Biology degree because I share an interest in Computer Science and hoped if my Optometry plans did not work out, I could have a solid career choice as a back up, currently working in a related field making decent money for starting. That being so, I would much rather become an optometrist. Following are some questions that linger in my brain.

1) GPA, my school did not have a 4.0 scale system, it's a weird system. In my general science degree, I had a GPA of slightly above HALF WAY between B+ and A-( so assume like B+.5+ ? if you understand that notation) In my Comp Sci degree, I have slightly above a B+. My overall between the two (totaling all the courses, which is my cumulative average at my university) was exactly a third of the way between B+ and A- (B+.34). My GPA is not that impressive, I know, but I would like to hear some feedback of where it stands in the 4.0 scale used for optometry schools. Would they use my one degree GPA or my overall? Is this a decent GPA for applying? An actual approximation would be REALLY helpful, as I have no idea how to convert it to a 4.0 scale GPA. Note: my lowest mark in a prerequisite course is a B.

2) I would really prefer to stay and work here in Canada. I know there is only one English speaking optometry school in Canada, which is in Waterloo. I also know this school is EXTREMELY competitive. My basic question is if I do apply, were to be rejected by Waterloo, and were to be accepted by a US school, would I still be able to work in Canada after graduation?

3) Ferris State University or Michigan College of Optometry is a relatively close school to me, the closest one, is it a good school? Or are all optometry schools the same.


4) I have a very strong reference letter from an advanced organic chemistry professor, a couple of other reference letters from other professors. Hoping to volunteer in some places over summer along with write the OAT's to apply for the 2011 year. I have worked many different jobs during my years in university, dedicating a lot of time to work and to school, which is why my GPA is not very high, would stating this in my application be helpful? Or do optometry schools not care if someone had to work his way while being in university. Any other word's of advice that would be helpful?


Thank you for your for time and help

 

[fly10]

i am also from canada wanting to go to the US for opto school

 

[physicslover]

you can work in canada after you take your Canadian board exams are are licensed in your province, i believe.

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

You are correct in stating that Waterloo is super comeptitive. As for Ferris State University, I believe they only allow, or are biased, towards accepting students from Michigan (mainly due to their very small class size of about 45 or so).

You can complete your OD degree in the states but you would have to take the Canada boards instead of NBEO for certification.

I don't think you have to mention about your GPA not being strong enough in your application, as I am sure they will ask that if you get an interview with them. But you can always write about some struggles you had during undergrad in the essay portions of the application (just try not to sound like you are not willing to take responsibility for your academic performance).

Good luck!

 

[Dogod]

British Columbia recently made changes to accept NBEO, other provinces may follow and you will have to check the fine print of other requirements. Refer to the SDN thread on this (NBEO vs CSAO). As well, the federal government of Canada recently enacted AIT which allows transfer between provinces once you are licensed in one province or territory. So find the province with the lowest requirements (perhaps Newfoundland?), get licensed in that province, and then you can transfer to any other province via AIT. A little extra cost and red tape, but legally nobody can object.

AIT will force the provinces to create minimum, uniform standards regarding licensure requirements across Canada, but this will take time.