Well your essay should answer why optometry? what makes you not only a great student and a future OD but also a great individual? Talk about your academic highlights and volunteer work. But make sure the tone is personable and you give specific examples. Talk about a patient from your volunteer work, a course in which you went above and beyond, talk specifically about what you liked from your shadowing experience etc. etc.
In general all students cover same bases but their examples are always different. That is how the admission remembers you and want to interview you. I wrote mine in a way you would talk face to face professionally like in an interview. It wasn't like Dear Admissions, I have the following GPA, I have this many awards, and on and on. Don't write in a dull and robotic tone. They want to know you as a person.
Thank you for the great advice!
I found this for those who are writing their personal statements; I hope this helps
University of California Berkeley School of Optometry
Please limit each essay to 500 words or less.
1. Describe an economic, social, or educational disadvantage you have faced and how you overcame it.
2. How did you become interested in optometry? What do you expect to be doing after graduation from optometry school?
3. Re-applicant: What have you done since your previous application to improve yourself as a candidate for admission?
University of Houston College of Optometry
1. Describe yourself, who you are and what you like to do. In addition, tell us about how and when you became interested in optometry and why you are motivated to pursue a career in optometry and in health care. What goals do you have once you become an optometrist? Include your goals for immediately after graduation and your long term goals. (500 words)
2. Describe what you have been able to learn about the different ways in which optometrists practice their profession (e.g., solo vs partnership/group, private vs. commercial chain, armed forces, HMO, Veterans Affairs (VA), teaching institution, etc.) We expect that you will base your essay on your own research by visiting optometrists in at least three different practice settings and from reading about the profession. Include your resources and references. (500 words)
Illinois College of Optometry
Prepare a typed autobiographical sketch (limit your statement to no more than 1 page). Please include:
1. Your personal perspective and motivation for optometry, including the steps you have taken to investigate the profession and why it is a good career choice for you.
2. Why you have chosen to pursue your professional degree at the Illinois College of Optometry.
3. Extra activities or honors received while in college.
4. Any additional information which you believe would be useful in helping us gain a better understanding of your background, character, and desire to become an optometrist.
University of Missouri, St. Louis
Discuss in a statement of approximately 200 words, your reasons for desiring to study optometry, why you believe you are qualified for a career in this profession and whether your interest at the present time is directed toward private practice, research or teaching. This statement should be in your own handwriting.
New England College of Optometry (Boston)
In the personal statement essay, give a thoughtful, candid analysis of your professional objectives, both long and short term. Include the following: Why you want to study optometry, how you first became interested in the profession, and how you envision your career in optometry.
Pacific University College of Optometry (Oregon)
1. Why have you chosen the field of optometry? What other fields did you consider? What are your professional goals?
2. What do you hope to be doing immediately upon graduation five years and ten years following graduation?
3. What has been the evolving role of optometry in the health care system over the past twenty years?
4. Where do you see it going? Optional: Feel free to share with us additional information that will help us to evaluate your application for admission.
5. Re-Applicant: How are you different as an applicant this year?
Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO)
1. How has your background prepared you to pursue a career in optometry at PCO?
2. How have you proceeded to gather information about optometry and PCO?
3. What is it about yourself that makes you feel you are unique?
4. Re-Applicant: What have you done to improve your chances for acceptance?
Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO)
1. What are your reasons for applying to the Southern California College of Optometry? How does SCCO fit your needs for an educational setting?
2. Why do you wish to become an optometrist? How did you reach this decision?
3. What professional goals do you hope to achieve after receiving the Doctor of Optometry degree?
State University of New York, State College of Optometry (SUNY)
Write a personal statement describing your reasons for choosing optometry. Comment on how your abilities and previous experiences have prepared you to pursue this health-care profession.
Southern College of Optometry (Tennessee)
1. Please summarize your activities since high school. Include jobs held, extracurricular activities, service and volunteer activities, honors and awards, any military or other service to the country and any significant periods during which you were neither employed nor enrolled in school. Also tell us about any special interests you have and/or how you enjoy spending your "free time."
2. Why do you feel you would be a successful optometry student at Southern College of Optometry and eventually a successful optometrist?
