Where to move for Opt school?

[dan4269]

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So I'm looking into optometry and see there are only 20 Optometry schools in the US. My wife is still active duty military and we will be moving this year. I'm curious if anyone has any suggestions for a good area to move to. My big fear about going Optometry is that I'll work hard to get into the career but get accepted to a school out of state (which is doable but preferably avoidable). Anyone been in this situation and have any good suggestions?

At this point we could care less where we go just as long as it meets our needs. Currently I'm thinking California just because they have more opt schools then any other state. I'd like to be picky about my schools but I'd like to be with my wife more.

 

[Shnurek]

Where are you located now? Where will you be moving to for your wife's active duty? How long will she be stationed there?

 

[Shnurek]

California certainly is the state with the most opto schools and there are two in LA so lots of selection of where to reside. Also UCB is probably the hardest in the nation to get into while at the other end there is WesternU which is pretty easy to get into as it is pre-accredited so unless your stats are really off you will get into a school there. I guess moving to/near LA wouldn't be a bad idea.

Also keep in mind that the first 3 years will most likely be spent on campus while depending on the opto school, you will be able to do your 4th year externship anywhere in the country.

 

[dan4269]

We live in Arizona but were in the unique position that we are getting to pick where we move next. So at this point were in AZ and just trying to decide on where would be best for us. Once we move we will be there a very long time (6 yrs) and then my wife is getting out of the military. So one more move and then we're done which is why we want to make it a good one.

 

[Shnurek]

I heard the AZ school has a great campus and new equipment. But it is pre-accredited, meaning the clinic isn't fully utilized and the faculty are young and not as experienced. Would you mind posting your stats, OAT/GPA? With a >330 OAT and >3.3 GPA you can basically get in anywhere in the country if you apply early next year so the choice is yours. SUNY + UCB might be the only ones to give you problems even with those stats.

 

[dan4269]

Haven't taken the OAT yet but I have a 3.8 GPA. Right now I'm in a nice position where I don't have to rush anything but I do need to pick a destination fairly soon. California seems like it is the best option from what I'm seeing and have read. Just wondered if anyone else has been in this spot and what they did that worked for them.

 

[nc2tarheels]

Haven't taken the OAT yet but I have a 3.8 GPA. Right now I'm in a nice position where I don't have to rush anything but I do need to pick a destination fairly soon. California seems like it is the best option from what I'm seeing and have read. Just wondered if anyone else has been in this spot and what they did that worked for them.

IMO, you need to do your own individual research and determine what school appeals to you. After doing this, go to the opted site and look at the OAT score that you will need. With a 3.8, you're definitely on the high end, so with a decent OAT score, you can pretty much choose your own destiny. Example: You like SCO and Memphis. You have an above avg GPA, so you just need an average OAT score and you'd probably get in. This should give you enough confidence to make a move to memphis if that is the school that you really want to attend (based on your research)

 

[optsuker]

What branch of the service is she in?
I'd look at which base/posts are near optometry schools.

I actually have a good friend that was in the exact situation, he wound up going to UAB since it was near the Army post his wife was stationed at.

 

[swtkimmy29]

Have you figured out which optometry schools have a base/post near it? The only one I can pull up is San Antonio. I am in the same situation as you, except my husband isn't planning to get out for at least another 8 years.