Will I get into optometry school?

[amcph92]

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Hi all,
I recently applied to Optometry school, my optomcas was submitted on the 19th of august but wasn't sent out to the schools up until last week due to a transcript issue. I applied to Missouri, IUSO, Michigan and ICO. I recieved a 310 for the AA of my OAT and I have a 3.443 GPA from Ball State University. My major is Biology, Pre-Optometry, with a minor in Psychology. The only thing bringing me down is I have very little volunteer hours racked up, I put on my application I was planning on doing more after I graduate in December but I'm really nervous that won't help. I did make sure my admissions essay was awesome and I do have great LOR's but still i'm VERY nervous. Please offer me some insight if you could!
Sincerely,
Nervous Applicant

 

[amcph92]

I know my OAT is a little low as well, I plan on retaking it if I absolutely have to. Trying to avoid a retake at all costs

 

[w_izzle]

keep us updated if you get an interview!

 

[amcph92]

Hi all, I have gotten interviews from IU, UMSL and ICO. Will update with any acceptances 🙂

 

[love2beOD]

Hi all, I have gotten interviews from IU, UMSL and ICO. Will update with any acceptances 🙂

did u have any optometric experience or worked in the field at all? I dont have any optometric work experience but i do have shadowing and volunteering hours...my gpa is 3.1 cum overall is 3.3 , oat 300 aa 300 ts, do u think i have a shot at getting an interview?
any updates on your interviews? good luck!

 

[amcph92]

did u have any optometric experience or worked in the field at all? I dont have any optometric work experience but i do have shadowing and volunteering hours...my gpa is 3.1 cum overall is 3.3 , oat 300 aa 300 ts, do u think i have a shot at getting an interview?
any updates on your interviews? good luck!

Hi! I have some shadowing experience and I just recently acquired an internship through an optometrists office doing some volunteer work once or twice a week. that was not submitted in my optomcas application though. I interviewed at UMSL, still no word, seems like I may be on some sort of wait list but I was admitted to IUSO and i will be accepting the offer 🙂 ! I cancelled my interview at ICO shortly after I found out I got accepted to IU.
I do believe you have a chance overall though! Try applying to some larger programs and you should be fine 🙂 don't stress! and a killer essay to set yourself apart wouldn't hurt! good luck!

 

[amcph92]

keep us updated if you get an interview!

I ended up getting accepted to IUSO for the class of 2019. I cancelled my interview at ICO and UMSL hadn't gotten back to me yet. I will be going to IU though, best of luck to you! 🙂

 

[MinnesotaGirl]

Hi all, I have gotten interviews from IU, UMSL and ICO. Will update with any acceptances 🙂

How was you interview at IU?

 

[amcph92]

How was you interview at IU?

Interview at IUSO was very informal. Basically, you get there and have a tour of one of the labs, ask questions to a faculty panel, have a tour of the facility and lunch at the union (a faculty member is present), and lastly a student panel. The only time I was asked anything near interview related questions was at the lunch. I'm not sure what they base acceptances on, however I just asked questions whenever I could and tried to make myself get noticed. Best of luck to you!

 

[MinnesotaGirl]

Interview at IUSO was very informal. Basically, you get there and have a tour of one of the labs, ask questions to a faculty panel, have a tour of the facility and lunch at the union (a faculty member is present), and lastly a student panel. The only time I was asked anything near interview related questions was at the lunch. I'm not sure what they base acceptances on, however I just asked questions whenever I could and tried to make myself get noticed. Best of luck to you!

Thank you for your help! What kinds of questions did they ask you at lunch?

 

[amcph92]

Thank you for your help! What kinds of questions did they ask you at lunch?

No problem 🙂. I know how stressful these experiences are, I'm glad I could help! The faculty member just went around the table (ours had 4 interviewees in the group) and just tried to get to know a little bit about us. for example he asked us the typical "why optometry?" , "why IU?" and "what do you like to do in your spare time?". Our group asked the faculty member a few questions as well which spun off into a few tangents haha. Just practice the basics and you will be fine! 🙂 Best of luck!