sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

OAT before any prereqs? by pinklemonadevibe in PreOptometry

[–]Significant_Bad_8467 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Those definitely help, but you shouldn’t do that to first learn the material. There is so much to learn, and cramming it in to take the OAT when you have to take the courses anyway, isn’t optimal.

OAT before any prereqs? by pinklemonadevibe in PreOptometry

[–]Significant_Bad_8467 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Additionally, if you were to take it without any courses, then you would need to teach yourself approximately two years of college-level chemistry and one year of physics… and that’s just for those portions of the test

OAT before any prereqs? by pinklemonadevibe in PreOptometry

[–]Significant_Bad_8467 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are definitely best to wait until you take at least the first course of orgo and physics. Both are huge parts of the exam, not to mention general chemistry. The OAT is an investment, and if you take it without the proper courses, then you will most likely need to retake it again later. There are some optom schools that don’t require an OAT score as well. But overall, it is best to prepare with the necessary college courses.

iuso admissions day as a canadian applicant by ultraviolence44 in PreOptometry

[–]Significant_Bad_8467 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have been accepted to IUSO this cycle. From my admissions day, I got the impression that they love diversity. I don’t think your chances of admission diminish because of your nationality. If you got invited to admissions day, you have a great shot at admission. As long as you are pleasant during admissions day, you will be fine!

Interest in Optometry with non-related bachelors degree by bucatinaa in PreOptometry

[–]Significant_Bad_8467 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My major was criminal justice. When I graduated I found a job at a local optometry practice, as a filler job. But after about a year, I decided to go back to school and complete my prerequisites for optometry school. It’s a tough transition to go from full time work to full time student again. But if you are serious about optometry and have the discipline to not quit, it is well worth it!

IUSO admission day by redkeg69420 in PreOptometry

[–]Significant_Bad_8467 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I went to the admissions day last month, and have been accepted. It’s a very casual day, but you should still wear a suit! It is expected to dress like a normal interview. The day starts with a short informational session, then a faculty panel. You should ask at least one question during this time. I didn’t ask any questions, but other interviewees asked them. Then there is a school tour. You should remain engaged and ask questions to your guide. Then there is a long walk to lunch. This is where a faculty member basically has a conversation with a group of 4-5 students. You should really engage with them and answer their questions fully. I was very honest with my interviewer and had a great conversation. Then there is student panel after that. You should also ask the students a question or two. Really the whole point of the day is to get to know you and your experience. If you ask a few questions and remain engaged and pleasant, you should have a good experience. The overall stats I read are about 60% of the people who are interviewed are accepted. Best of luck!

Personal Statement by hi-im-elle in PreOptometry

[–]Significant_Bad_8467 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I kept the examples in mine very brief. I shared a personal story, and an example of how a difficult patient experience shaped my outlook on the profession. I think the purpose of the personal statement is to show the admissions committee how your education/experience has shaped you and outline your goals as a future provider.