SUNY Opt Question

[cjy]

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Hey I'm a freshman in college and I'm currently interested in optometry. I was looking at the requirements for admissions at SUNY and I was pondering why it is required to send ACT/SAT scores and a high school transcript for rolling admissions? I understand it is required for early acceptance but not rolling admissions when I shall be a senior in college.

Also, I am currently an undergraduate research associate on plant pathology. Now, should I stay with that job because I have that job till I graduate or should I try and find something research related to optics, hence optometry? In other words, would the admissions committee take any consideration on my research on plant pathology?

Thank you,
CJY

 

[mwyt15]

I think the optometry admissions committees will not value optometry-related research over any other types of research since research isn't a requirement at most (if not all) optometry programs. Therefore, you should perform research in whatever field you find interest in. I think the committees will value that you have actively approached something you're interested in and wanted to learn more about the subject. Hope this helps!

 

[cjy]

Alright thanks,
Does anyone know the answer to my first question?

 

[mwyt15]

Hi again,

I applied to SUNY this past fall (Fall 2007) so let me offer you with some of my views. I don't know for sure why SUNY wanted my high school transcripts and SAT scores but I'm guessing that SUNY wants to see a more complete academic progression than most of the other optometry schools. I don't think they will focus too much on your high school grades/SAT scores but maybe if you didn't do well in high school and they see that you don't really have a strong college GPA either (especially if you didn't come from a competitive undergrad school), they may be worried that you will not be able to handle SUNY's course load? That would be my guess. But you should definitely focus on doing well in college, especially your pre-req classes, and on your OATs. Get experience shadowing/working in a couple of different optometry settings. You should be fine by the time you apply. Hope this helps!