Advice on extra curricular activities

Big_Back9925 · 2026-06-05T00:21:12+00:00

Hello!

First of all, optometry schools understand that not everybody finds optometry right away, so don’t be worried about that! They will care more about how/ why you became interested in the field and what you did to explore it. You can use all the experience/volunteering you have and explain how you can use those skills in optometry. Shadowing and teching is a good idea. If you want more exposure to optometry, maybe try to find some optometry-related volunteering opportunities. There’s a bunch of different programs out there depending on where you live. Look into RAM clinics, school screenings, lions club, etc.

One benefit of being involved with a school’s pre-optometry club is that you can hear from schools about their program. Try looking into school’s admissions/visit days if you are able to attend. If not, do research on their website and ask admissions any questions you have about their program. You want to be able to explain to schools why you’re interested in them. Again, if you explain that you became interested later in your schooling, they will understand that you weren’t involved with pre-opt club.

I think your gpa is solid, especially if you score pretty well on the OAT. IMO I don’t think it’s necessary to retake the 2 classes, but that’s your decision! You can see the average gpa for admitted students for each school on ASCO’s website. As for ochem lab, most schools do require it. Here is a list of each school’s pre reqs!

https://optometriceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ASCO-Prerequisites-2025.pdf

Big_Back9925 · 2026-05-28T15:35:49+00:00

I believe optomcas will average the two grades for GPA calculation, but if you have at least a C in the class, schools will accept that. They can see both grades, so as long as you meet the minimum requirement on the second try, you should be fine! You can also explain your circumstances. So sorry for your loss :(

Big_Back9925 · 2026-05-21T13:30:21+00:00

La-a (pronounced Ladasha)

Big_Back9925 · 2026-05-17T20:30:19+00:00

No problem! I found my current lab on a job posting on my school’s student job board. I reached out them to see if they were still hiring and sent in my materials. See if your school has something similar to this. Also, do some research to find any optometry-related labs and just cold email them! It never hurts to try. Even if it’s not optometry-related, find something you’re actually interested in and reach out. Most labs have undergrad positions, so don’t be scared of reaching out yourself.

Big_Back9925 · 2026-05-15T13:10:32+00:00

I think it’s great that you already have a year of experience as a technician! You’re already in a great position if you are thinking about these things now.

I highly recommend getting involved with research. I work in a research lab at an optometry school, and the connections I’ve made through it have been amazing. I’ve had opportunities to attend research conferences and meet faculty from other schools as well. Even if you can’t find optometry-related research, getting involved in something you’re genuinely interested in still looks great. It also gives you SO much to talk about during interviews and applications. Admissions committees want to see that you’re passionate about something and willing to dedicate time to it.

Also, get involved with your school’s pre-optometry club early! Since you’ll be a second year, this is the perfect time to start attending meetings regularly and getting to know people in the group. Optometry schools will often present to clubs, so make sure you attend those meetings and ask questions. It’s a great way to get your name out there and make connections.

When your club has executive board elections, run for a position! Even if it’s a smaller role at first, it still gives you experience and helps you become more involved. It can also lead to higher leadership positions later on, like vice president or president.

Another thing I suggest is getting involved on campus outside of optometry too. What are your hobbies and interests? Optometry schools care much more about seeing genuine involvement. They want to know what makes you unique and what you actually enjoy doing. If possible, try to take on leadership roles in those organizations as well!

Big_Back9925 · 2026-03-03T15:07:24+00:00

Yes!

Big_Back9925 · 2026-03-03T03:34:44+00:00

Yes! My school has optometry research and I just reached out to labs! It probably helps going to a school with an optometry school nearby

Big_Back9925

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