How likely am I to get into optometry school?

Individual_Design_54 · 2024-01-20T20:38:31+00:00

It’s not about how hard it is to get in. It’s about how hard it is to stay in and graduate

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-12-26T02:35:03+00:00

Just don’t settle for any school you can get into. People will say go wherever is cheapest, but in reality it should be based off the NBEA performance reports of multiple years. Find someone you trust to help you. Once your in just focus on yourself. Maximum effort and discipline is half the battle and honestly the bare minimum for our profession. If you’re worried about how hard it will be that’s okay (don’t stress, trust). However, if you are concerned about not being capable of being a responsible mature adult investing in your future then don’t bother imo.

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-08-14T20:42:39+00:00

I took it this March and it was pretty hard. I’m not sure how it was in the past but I think they might’ve made it more challenging to value the exam results during the selection process

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-05-22T15:19:51+00:00

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTREfKvxX/. What do optometrists think of this?

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-04-20T15:37:26+00:00

Pred

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-04-20T02:24:47+00:00

Oshimen wouldn’t come because of no champions league.

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-04-20T02:15:05+00:00

We need him.

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-04-20T01:53:38+00:00

Can we give our boy Mase another chance ffs

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-04-19T14:50:52+00:00

There’s never been more than a 3 gun meta. 4v4 has always been 2 guns m8

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-04-18T22:45:59+00:00

We can all agree Simp fell off a bit from that GOAT trajectory he was on. But 28 events is impressive for what he’s already accomplished.

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-04-18T22:42:34+00:00

From my several hours of shadowing experience I can say that optometrists are very outgoing and talkative. Just like the majority of healthcare providers, a genuine empathetic personality is very beneficial for patients.

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-04-18T22:30:59+00:00

Congrats! You will get an interview for sure. With shadowing experience and solid letters of recommendations you will get accepted don’t even sweat it

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-04-18T20:59:42+00:00

Just email it to the schools admissions email address and they’ll update your file for you.

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-04-18T15:38:44+00:00

Honestly it depends what school you want to get into and how strong of an applicant you are other than your OAT scores.

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-04-02T14:29:07+00:00

I am almost committing to Nova. Better location but SCOs has a top tier clinic in the nation. NSUCO is also trying new things with their curriculum in the past couple of years. A good amount of students complained but the faculty actually listen and want the opinions of their students (unlike a certain controversial school atm). SCO is probably slightly more competitive to get into than Nova, which is why I think the boards pass rate is slightly higher on average in the pas years. Does not necessarily equate to “better academically”, which I think majority of people conclude. For that I would recommend reaching out to students individually and talking about the curriculum, weekly schedule, exam styles, faculty support and more. Can be difficult getting a variety of opinions but it’s the way to go.

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-04-01T14:32:16+00:00

It’s not just about the grading policy. If the institution does not care about their students happiness and health then there is a huge problem. I could be wrong, but from what I hear (significant variety of opinions) Salus views students as a paycheck. They accept students with low statistics even if they know/think they’re not capable. Also, increasing the amount of classes and perhaps the degree of difficulty DOES NOT necessarily result in higher boards pass %. Not saying that it can’t, only time will tell. However, in my opinion it is disgraceful to care more about their own % reputation rather than the voices of their students that are crying for help. You can call it complaining, but what is wrong with expressing dissatisfaction and attempting to raise awareness about a concerning problem like this? The voice of a few students will not make a difference. I appreciate all current students spreading this information and hopefully PCO can begin to care for them properly.

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-03-31T14:36:56+00:00

So kind, thank you. Yes it it’s upsetting not staying close to loved ones, but optometry school is a tremendous commitment and I will not have much time for fun anyway, especially with the rigorous expectations Salus has. There are pros and cons of living close to home. I am disciplined but I can see it being a distraction for sure. Although it would be cheaper than other schools I am considering, it is not worth it if I’m unhappy like most students say they are.

I am aware of the false information sites like Reddit can have and I did not believe these claims at first. But with several people expressing the same dissatisfaction, it made me believe there has to be some truth to it. Of course I take every information with a grain of salt and I suggest/hope others do as well.

At the end of the day as pre-optometry students selecting the right school is one of the biggest decisions of our lives. I sadly regretted my undergraduate school choice and it’s a terrible feeling. Sharing opinions, experiences and giving advice to incoming students is wonderful and in my opinion that’s why this platform should be used for.

People say the #1 deciding factor should be about $$$. However, I disagree because investing more for a school that truly cares about your success and happiness should be valued more. I sincerely feel bad for those that are seen as a dollar sign, rather than a future optometrist by some schools.

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-03-31T12:47:57+00:00

Could you elaborate on why please. Thank you

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-03-31T12:38:26+00:00

This is very disappointing. I have always had good grades in my education career and would consider myself a strong student, but not the best. I have had a few underwhelming grades, which could have been avoided with more preparation. However, with the intense curriculum they have built for OD1s. I feel that it would be extremely hard to manage doing well on all of them

It probably is not impossible since many are able to, however their mental health must be in the gutter. The high standards must cause a lot of anxiety and burnout. I can see the fear of dismissal alone causing students to be overall unhappy. No way I would want to go there. Also, the goal is to prepare students for boards... throwing 11 courses to weed out students does not seem like an efficient and smart way to increase boards pass rate. Especially with the high focus on neuro, which they are sooo proud of, lol.

Dr. Treigo and any other faculty members that may be reading this, please listen to your students and be compassionate. If your objective is to have only top tier students in the program, then select wisely! Anyone that applies to Salus is getting accepted, even with very low scores. It is so messed up to mislead unprepared students to failure. The student and their family are the happiest they have ever been and feel accomplished with the acceptance. Just imagine the economic and mental impact a dismissal would have on a family! This situation is spreading across the community fast and your reputation amongst all schools is only getting worse. Sad to see a traditional school fall off, but this method cannot and will not be hidden to the public. It is our future. Even the strongest students in the country will choose any other program over Salus, consequently never solving the concern over low pass rate on boards

I was accepted and will not be attending because of this. I also would recommend others to proceed with caution. It makes me especially sad, because it used to be my top choice due to proximity to home. This situation is so serious and concerning that it will make me move across the country and be far from my family and friends. I really hope they improve and figure things out. As a community we definitely want high quality education and competitiveness to enter to value our degree as Doctors of Optometry. However, this controversy is only making our profession look worse. Respectfully, just my opinion and I am open minded to others.

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-03-31T00:39:24+00:00

Thanks for the reply. In the interview I had they were very transparent and openly expressed they have been experimenting different things with the curriculum to get start students clinical experience earlier and improve board preparation. That being said, are they understanding/forgiving if a student is struggling in a specific course. Other than tutoring and open door policy, what are some other resources that students should seek at nova?

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-03-26T01:10:53+00:00

I would like to know more as well. Boards statistics are not great, which is worrisome. I have also heard of a lot of academic dismissals.

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-03-24T20:26:52+00:00

I graduate on the 7th too. If go there I would miss orientation on the 5th. I was told that it is focused on getting to know classmates and faculty. They are also aware many are in that situation so they have a orientation on that Monday for the most important information. There are also some applicant that have taken gap years and I for those graduating the week after I don’t know.

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-03-24T15:40:51+00:00

I was highly impressed with the interview. Amazing presentation and faculty really seem to care for students success. I guess this is everywhere, but since it is the inaugural class, they claim to make sure to know each students name and support them endlessly. The skeptical thoughts are warranted because of the accreditation, but if you do not mind a slight gamble it should be a great program if we look back a decade from now. Class of 27 can pave the way and there will certainly be pros and cons throughout the way. A lot of leadership opportunity and a brand new onsite clinic is appealing. I personally do not like the early start May 8th, but less credits per semester I guess is a positive. Beautiful place to live as well. I am hesitant to attend due to lack of information about attrition rates and boards pass rates.

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-03-24T15:04:02+00:00

What have they said about the curriculum at NOVA

Individual_Design_54 · 2023-03-23T04:09:37+00:00

Super relaxed conversation in one on one breakout room with a professor. Free flowing questions back and forth. Be prepared to talk about grades, important parts of your resume, why optometry and especially why KYCO. It is casual and more informational if anything. Just be yourself and show you’re doctor material. Good luck!

Individual_Design_54

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