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deleted989644
Hello. I probably should've come here instead of going to the regular thread.
To preface, I flunked out of optometry school after the first-year Fall Semester. I failed a lecture and lab (Optics and Clinic I), appealed the ruling and was struck down by the academic committee. I wanted to try for optometry school again since I know what I need to fix, so I immediately put out my application via OptomCAS. This was recommended by the assistant dean of academics at my previous institution since there is still some time in this cycle.
I detailed my failings in my new application and did three things:
-Took and completed an online course on studying better, which produced a certificate.
-Mentioned that I'm still reviewing my old material - both the failed stuff and the passed items (I got a mixture of Bs and Cs in the other classes - no As).
-Met with counselors to iron out any potential mental issues that could've affected my performance.
Bottom line on why I failed: I was caught off guard by the intensity of the program (transitioned from a work-focused life back into academics) and had to adapt to moving to a new location where I'm effectively alone - no existing friends and family.
XX
I'm just quite worried that my optometry school failings will not only prevent me from getting back into the system (a school that previously accepted me just rejected me for interviews yesterday), but also will damn me from other upper-level educational opportunities: other doctorate and even masters programs. It is a black mark that I'll have to report for the rest of my academic journey.
So how can I redeem myself if I want to return to optometry? Retake the OAT? Attempt to cobble up upper division science courses? Try for a MPH to pad my record? I'm frankly worried because the problem isn't my initial undergrad record - it is failure within the program itself: a high-intensity doctorate program.
I'm really desperate for advice. Thank you very much.
To preface, I flunked out of optometry school after the first-year Fall Semester. I failed a lecture and lab (Optics and Clinic I), appealed the ruling and was struck down by the academic committee. I wanted to try for optometry school again since I know what I need to fix, so I immediately put out my application via OptomCAS. This was recommended by the assistant dean of academics at my previous institution since there is still some time in this cycle.
I detailed my failings in my new application and did three things:
-Took and completed an online course on studying better, which produced a certificate.
-Mentioned that I'm still reviewing my old material - both the failed stuff and the passed items (I got a mixture of Bs and Cs in the other classes - no As).
-Met with counselors to iron out any potential mental issues that could've affected my performance.
Bottom line on why I failed: I was caught off guard by the intensity of the program (transitioned from a work-focused life back into academics) and had to adapt to moving to a new location where I'm effectively alone - no existing friends and family.
XX
I'm just quite worried that my optometry school failings will not only prevent me from getting back into the system (a school that previously accepted me just rejected me for interviews yesterday), but also will damn me from other upper-level educational opportunities: other doctorate and even masters programs. It is a black mark that I'll have to report for the rest of my academic journey.
So how can I redeem myself if I want to return to optometry? Retake the OAT? Attempt to cobble up upper division science courses? Try for a MPH to pad my record? I'm frankly worried because the problem isn't my initial undergrad record - it is failure within the program itself: a high-intensity doctorate program.
I'm really desperate for advice. Thank you very much.
