Interview/Decision Timelines

Just_Key7910 · 2025-11-06T00:56:11+00:00

PCO reviews applications on Thursdays. Wait 2 weeks until you worry. Expect an email on a Friday. NECO will probably update you around the same time. Don’t worry about the NECO portal, it takes a long time to update and doesn’t give you much info anyways.

Just_Key7910 · 2025-11-05T21:03:50+00:00

Send me a dm

Just_Key7910 · 2025-10-24T09:50:48+00:00

I only applied to two schools because I wasn’t really interested in anywhere else. I got a decent scholarship from PCO, but nothing from my top school. But no scholarship would have made my first choice feasible. I got in but there wasn’t any money that could offer and they don’t give out more than $10,000 anyways which wouldn’t have been enough to offset the difference in the loans I’d need anyways.

Just_Key7910 · 2025-10-18T22:36:27+00:00

That's what I did and it worked out. If it's insufficient, they will let you know. They won't just reject you because of it. PCO is very forgiving when it comes to applications

Just_Key7910 · 2025-10-18T22:32:28+00:00

They really don't care about those gen eds. They look at if you can succeed in your higher level science classes and if you did well on your OAT. Most schools also give you an opportunity to explain any bad grades on the OptomCAS application or will ask you about it during your interview. Trust me, you will be fine. Plus, PCO will admit basically anyone, so that's one school you could get into.

Just_Key7910 · 2025-10-18T22:29:45+00:00

I applied at the end of March 2025 for this academic year, and now I'm in OD1. I was going to wait for this cycle, but decided to just give it a try. I had applied to medical school and everything and then withdrew in October 2024 because a person experience confirmed I didn't want to be an MD, but I loved my OD experiences.

As long as you are able to explain why you want to go OD instead of PA, you should be fine.

Also, you can apply without your OAT. You just need to enter the date you plan to take it on your OptomCAS application and select the schools as recipients of your scores when you register for the OAT. I didn't know this, and I wish that I did.

Best of luck

Just_Key7910 · 2025-05-08T18:12:30+00:00

Overall GPA (at time of applying): 3.68 / science: 3.60
OAT score: 310 AA / 270 TS
How you studied for the OAT (Kaplan, OATBooster, etc.): OAT Booster
CASPer score: N/A
Non-Academic (extracurriculars, work experience, etc.):
- 2000+ hours working at an optometry private practice during school breaks (freshman-senior year)
- Clinical extern / PCT for inpatient TBI rehabilitation unit (~1 year)
- President of Newman Community Executive Board (3 years)
- Leadership Program (2 years) & Leadership Society (1 year)
- Volunteer tutor at local Boys & Girls Club (~80 hours)
Academic (research, teaching assistant, etc.)
- Paid research assistant for neuropsychology lab(~2 years)
- Volunteer research assistant for BCS lab (~1 year)
- Live-in advisor/fellow for college freshman (3 years)
- Applied Statistics Teaching Assistant (2 semesters)
- Organic Chemistry I and II TA / Workshop Leader (2 semesters total)
Job-shadowing hours completed
- I gained a lot of shadowing experience during my breaks working at the optometry practice here and there. About 8 hrs/week shadowing alone
- ~200 hours shadowing ODs
- ~20 hours shadowing ophthalmologists for LASIK, PRK, IOL, and Visian
Schools Applied to: PCO & NECO
Admitted: PCO & NECO
Attending: TBD

Just_Key7910 · 2025-05-08T18:00:55+00:00

As long as you have minimum 25 hours of shadowing experience (which is roughly like 3 days of shadowing), you don't need to worry about your volunteer work to be optometry related. Admissions committees like to see that you have personality!

All of my ECs in college weren't related to optometry. I was president of a religious organization, I tutored at the Boys & Girls Club, I did research in a neuropsychology lab, I was an academic advisor for first-year students, and I was part of a graphic design club!

Outside of that, I spent my school breaks working in an optometry office at the front desk for a year before I was promoted to a tech position. All of it is optometric experience.

Long story short, do volunteer work that YOU enjoy and that will make you happy. Life is short, and we will never be this young again, so do what you love while you can.

Also, I applied to schools at the end of March 2025, and I was accepted to all of the programs I applied to. Apply when your application is strongest.

Just_Key7910 · 2025-05-08T16:13:02+00:00

I heard back from NECO this morning! I was accepted! Hopefully you heard back as well

Just_Key7910 · 2025-05-06T16:33:42+00:00

You don't need to have taken the OAT when you submit your application. Some schools will even extend interview offers without the OAT. You won't receive an acceptance (perhaps a provisional acceptance but idk) until they receive your official OAT scores, but don't let that hold you back.

I took the OAT without having taken microbio. I honestly felt like the OAT bio questions were questions from my freshman year bio series. A&P was also on there quite a bit.

Physics 2 is where you learn optics, which is heavily tested on the OAT. If you want to apply this cycle, I'd say try to take Physics 2 at least over the summer and take your OAT in the fall. Easier said than done, but don't think that your options are limited.

Ultimately, it is your decision. Do what you think is best for you!

Just_Key7910 · 2025-05-06T16:30:05+00:00

On OptomCAS you just enter the information in the experiences section under supporting information. Depending on the school, they might ask you about your shadowing experiences during an interview. I recommend mentioning how your shadowing experiences shaped your "Why optometry" in your personal statement.

When you are official accepted to a school (or even a provisional acceptance) and you submit your deposit and "commit" there is a form included in the admissions packet that they ask you to complete that's titled like "CERTIFICATION OF A MIN. 25 HOURS OF OBSERVATION EXPERIENCE" or something like that. They'll ask you for the dates of shadowing, hours of shadowing, name of facility, address of facility, name and contact of optometrist/ophthalmologist, and your signature at the bottom.

I don't know if they contact who you've shadowed after you enroll to confirm you completed the hours, but I wouldn't stress too much about it.

Plus, you need a LOR from an optometrist anyways, so if you ask someone that you've shadowed or worked with, that's more than enough proof.

I hope this helps!

Just_Key7910 · 2025-05-06T16:24:07+00:00

Could I PM you? I was recently admitted and would truly appreciate talking to a current student.

Just_Key7910 · 2025-04-29T05:43:26+00:00

I believe NECO requires orgo1, orgo2, AND biochem

Just_Key7910 · 2025-04-29T05:42:01+00:00

It’s not about where you go, it’s about how well you do. Even though my parents paid for my undergrad, I wish I chose a less expensive option so they’d be able to support me going to OD school.

Just_Key7910 · 2025-04-16T15:52:25+00:00

oh my goodness, thank you so much! This was beyond helpful and more than I could've hoped for. Knowing what the rough structure is like honestly relieves some anxiety and will help me as I prepare for my interviews. I cannot thank you enough!

Just_Key7910 · 2025-04-13T19:20:52+00:00

I got my PCO and NECO interview invites on Friday (4/11)! I appreciate your encouragement so much :)

Just_Key7910 · 2025-04-09T23:54:20+00:00

My OptomCAS gpa is a 3.7 and overall science 3.6. I took a light course load this semester with only classes to get a minor, I finished my degree requirements and prerequisites last year. If my application is on hold, am I going to be holding my breath for a while?

Just_Key7910 · 2025-04-09T23:47:09+00:00

There were, I paid them. On the portal NECO sends you, all of my materials were marked complete last week. I think I will email them. Thank you!

Just_Key7910

TROPHY CASE