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Markey
Student
Humble, Texas
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What can I do to increase my chances of getting accepted into an Optometry Program?
I have always wanted to become an Optometrist. I want to make sure that I am doing everything right.. #optometry
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3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Markey,
Increasing Chances of Acceptance into an Optometry Program
To increase your chances of getting accepted into an Optometry Program, there are several steps you can take to strengthen your application and showcase your commitment to the field:
1. Academic Excellence:
Focus on maintaining a strong GPA throughout your undergraduate studies, especially in relevant science courses like biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
Consider taking advanced science courses or pursuing a minor in a related field to demonstrate your academic rigor and preparedness for optometry school.
2. Optometry Experience:
Gain hands-on experience in the field by shadowing optometrists, working as a technician in an optometry office, or volunteering at vision clinics.
Participate in research projects related to optometry or vision science to show your interest and dedication to the profession.
3. Extracurricular Activities:
Get involved in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Consider joining pre-optometry clubs, volunteering in healthcare settings, or holding leadership positions in student organizations.
Engage in community service activities that highlight your commitment to serving others and making a positive impact on society.
4. Letters of Recommendation:
Build strong relationships with professors, advisors, and optometrists who can write compelling letters of recommendation that speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential as a future optometrist.
5. Entrance Exam Preparation:
Prepare thoroughly for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) by utilizing study resources, taking practice exams, and enrolling in test preparation courses if needed. A competitive OAT score can significantly enhance your application.
6. Personal Statement:
Craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your passion for optometry, details your relevant experiences and skills, and explains why you are a strong candidate for the program.
7. Interview Preparation:
Practice for optometry school interviews by researching common interview questions, conducting mock interviews with peers or mentors, and preparing thoughtful responses that showcase your knowledge of the profession and your suitability for the program.
By following these steps and demonstrating your dedication to the field of optometry through academic excellence, relevant experience, extracurricular involvement, strong letters of recommendation, test preparation, a compelling personal statement, and interview readiness, you can significantly increase your chances of being accepted into an Optometry Program.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO): ASCO is a leading organization representing optometric education institutions in North America. Their resources provide valuable insights into the admissions process for optometry programs.
American Optometric Association (AOA): The AOA is a respected professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of optometry. Their guidance on preparing for optometry school admissions is highly regarded within the industry.
OptomCAS: OptomCAS is the centralized application service for Doctor of Optometry programs. Their website offers comprehensive information on applying to optometry schools and provides valuable tips for prospective students seeking admission into these programs.
GOD BLESS
JC.
Increasing Chances of Acceptance into an Optometry Program
To increase your chances of getting accepted into an Optometry Program, there are several steps you can take to strengthen your application and showcase your commitment to the field:
1. Academic Excellence:
Focus on maintaining a strong GPA throughout your undergraduate studies, especially in relevant science courses like biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
Consider taking advanced science courses or pursuing a minor in a related field to demonstrate your academic rigor and preparedness for optometry school.
2. Optometry Experience:
Gain hands-on experience in the field by shadowing optometrists, working as a technician in an optometry office, or volunteering at vision clinics.
Participate in research projects related to optometry or vision science to show your interest and dedication to the profession.
3. Extracurricular Activities:
Get involved in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Consider joining pre-optometry clubs, volunteering in healthcare settings, or holding leadership positions in student organizations.
Engage in community service activities that highlight your commitment to serving others and making a positive impact on society.
4. Letters of Recommendation:
Build strong relationships with professors, advisors, and optometrists who can write compelling letters of recommendation that speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential as a future optometrist.
5. Entrance Exam Preparation:
Prepare thoroughly for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) by utilizing study resources, taking practice exams, and enrolling in test preparation courses if needed. A competitive OAT score can significantly enhance your application.
6. Personal Statement:
Craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your passion for optometry, details your relevant experiences and skills, and explains why you are a strong candidate for the program.
7. Interview Preparation:
Practice for optometry school interviews by researching common interview questions, conducting mock interviews with peers or mentors, and preparing thoughtful responses that showcase your knowledge of the profession and your suitability for the program.
By following these steps and demonstrating your dedication to the field of optometry through academic excellence, relevant experience, extracurricular involvement, strong letters of recommendation, test preparation, a compelling personal statement, and interview readiness, you can significantly increase your chances of being accepted into an Optometry Program.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO): ASCO is a leading organization representing optometric education institutions in North America. Their resources provide valuable insights into the admissions process for optometry programs.
American Optometric Association (AOA): The AOA is a respected professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of optometry. Their guidance on preparing for optometry school admissions is highly regarded within the industry.
OptomCAS: OptomCAS is the centralized application service for Doctor of Optometry programs. Their website offers comprehensive information on applying to optometry schools and provides valuable tips for prospective students seeking admission into these programs.
GOD BLESS
JC.
Nishani Patel
1
Answer
Southlake, Texas
Updated
Nishani’s Answer
In addition to Cindy's answer, for me personally, I was not too familiar with optometry until undergrad, so definitely working and acquainting yourself to the many modalities of what optometry can mean and offer was super helpful and it can help yourself stand out as an applicant! There are many specialties to optometry including Pediatrics, Low Vision Rehab, Dry Eye, Sports Vision, Family Practice, Corporate Optometry, Surgical Centers, Neuro-based Optometry and even VAs that optometrists can be a part of so I would suggest shadowing or being a technician for the doctors whose field/area you are most interested in! For most schools, experience is key and it will definitely make you stand out. I personally interned and ultimately worked for an ophthalmologist who had multiple doctors practicing under him who specialize in different areas so it was really beneficial to be familiar with the lifestyles, the types of conversations, the focus of the individual doctors, what exactly they need to prep for their patients, equipment that they have, and information that they gather so that you are prepared for the future! I would also suggest being a technician for an optometrist and really getting used to the different equipment, taking history and checking vision, etc. this will definitely be useful when you are in optometry school! Also if you are an undergrad, try to become a member of the school's pre-optometry organization! I was in POPS for almost 2 years and it was really awesome to be acquainted with speakers from various schools, events such as the TOA convention, visits to optometry schools during an open house, peers who are also pre-optometry, various volunteering opportunities, and having resources for the OAT just to name a few! Further, you do not need to have a science major to apply to optometry school, choose a major you are genuinely interested in and make yourself stand out as a student! Obviously, a science major/minor will include a lot of the pre-requisites for optometry but as long as you take the courses along with what genuinely interests you, you should be in good shape! Also, a good tip for the OAT is taking the courses that will be on the test early on, including physics! I ended up taking the OAT the summer after sophomore year when classes such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and physics were fresh on my mind and it was one of the best decisions I have made!
research about potential niches of optometry
ask lots of questions when shadowing for an optometrist
become a technician for an optometrist
join your school's pre-optometry organization
take courses that align with the OAT as early as possible
Nishani recommends the following next steps:
Cindy Cesar
Student at New England College of Optometry
14
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Get a job or shadow an optometrists or ophthalmologists at some point prior to applying to optometry school, you'll need a letter of recommendation. Look up the prerequisites needed to get into optometry school, they can be found on each schools website. Go to college and work hard to do well, you'll need a letter of recommendation from at least one professor. Study and take the OAT and do well, this is the exam needed to get into optometry school, you can take it more than once so don't feel discouraged. Apply to optometry schools. A college counselor can help you follow the right path. I worked with an optometrist at a Sears Optical over school breaks while I was in college and shadowed a couple other optometrists prior to applying to school.
Cindy recommends the following next steps: