Undergrad in 4.5 years

[windowtothesoul]

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Hello,
I was wondering if optometry schools look down on finishing undergrad in more than 4 years. I received a scholarship this year but it's only good for next semester and only at my school . It basically pays a semesters worth of tuition. So, I want to take this opportunity to take extra science classes like anatomy and also all the classes that I've wanted to take that never had the opportunity to fit in my schedule.

Also, do receiving scholarships in undergrad make me at all more competitive.

Thanks!

 

[captainnerd]

Hello,
I was wondering if optometry schools look down on finishing undergrad in more than 4 years. I received a scholarship this year but it's only good for next semester and only at my school . It basically pays a semesters worth of tuition. So, I want to take this opportunity to take extra science classes like anatomy and also all the classes that I've wanted to take that never had the opportunity to fit in my schedule.

Also, do receiving scholarships in undergrad make me at all more competitive.

Thanks!

They don't frown upon it. In fact, I would think they'd like it. I spent semesters taking classes I enjoyed (non-science classes) and that put me behind in terms of finishing college requirements for graduation. But it was the best thing I did in college. Take classes you like, not what you're required to do or what will boost your GPA. I probably could have taken Astro 10 like all my friends and get an easy A but I decided to take the classes that I would rather enjoy learning about. College goes by quick. Take advantage of it.

 

[Oogilily]

Agreed! I finished in 4.5 years and they didn't even ask me about it. It's not that big of a deal.

 

[OpticalBlackOut]

Hello,
I was wondering if optometry schools look down on finishing undergrad in more than 4 years. I received a scholarship this year but it's only good for next semester and only at my school . It basically pays a semesters worth of tuition. So, I want to take this opportunity to take extra science classes like anatomy and also all the classes that I've wanted to take that never had the opportunity to fit in my schedule.

Also, do receiving scholarships in undergrad make me at all more competitive.

Thanks!

Sounds like a positive, actually. Some interviewers ask "what class did you enjoy the most during your college career?" and it's always refreshing to hear a unique response.

The scholarship might help a little, as you list it on your app. under "honors, scholarships, etc," but I'm not sure how big of a factor it can be.

 

[blysssful]

Isn't the trend leaning towards an average completion time of 4.5 years for undergrad anyway?

 

[jymezg]

Isn't the trend leaning towards an average completion time of 4.5 years for undergrad anyway?

Average!

Some 4 year grad stats:
http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/colleges/pubcollege.php#9313

 

[Tizzle]

I'm not sure if the adcoms view completing a degree in 4.5 years as good or bad, but as for the interview, from my experience, they did not seem to care how long it took for you to complete your degree.

 

[gochi]

if you waste 1 year in undergrad, than you basically wasted 1 year worth of whatever the average salary is for an od.

 

[aopto]

I completed my undergrad in 4.5 yrs as well and was not even questioned about it at any of the 4 schools I interviewed at. I recieved several minor scholarships during my undergrad. In some of the school applications they asked about any academic awards received, but not all. None of my interviews had questions about the scholarships, but I do think that it is beneficial to have been recognized for your academic achievements.