Apply early

This includes gathering all your recommendation letters, OAT scores, and transcripts before the application deadline. If you have parts of the application missing, don’t rush, but remember that your application is still incomplete and not fully submitted. Most schools offer rolling interviews and admission. Applying early gives a competitive advantage in that schools are still filling their classes and have more seats to offer. Applying later means that more students are competing for fewer seats, so if you don’t have a competitive application, this is a disadvantage. I submitted my application the first week of August, one month after the application opened, and I started getting interview invites just a week after!

Have an above average OAT score

Your OAT score should be at least 320 in each section. Anything under 300 is risky (in my opinion). If you are applying to more competitive optometry schools, 380-400 is a safe bet. Check the most recent entering-class average OAT score of the schools you are interested in and aim higher. I made sure my OAT was well above the average so that I could be confident about that aspect of my application.

The OAT and GPA balancing act

Optometry schools are more forgiving of lower OAT scores if your GPA is above average and vice versa. The best case scenario is that your OAT scores and GPA are higher than the entering-class stats, but both numbers do balance each other out. If your GPA is low, study hard and aim for the highest OAT score possible. Optometry schools want to see that you have the aptitude and capability to finish their rigorous programs. If you have the numbers, you can be sure that interview invites will be sent your way.

Make your personal statement unique

Do not write about grandma having cataract surgery or wearing glasses since you were five! Be creative, personal, and bold. I loved writing my personal statement because I got to show the committees my personality and what I could bring to their schools. The essay is how you communicate to schools why you are unique as an applicant.

Do your research

1. Peruse Student Doctor Network and other forums for the stats of current applicants, interview experiences, and current student experiences. Take everything with a grain of salt though!

2. Evaluate the entering class statistics of schools here: https://optometriceducation.org/student-profile-prerequisites/

3. Compare the first time board pass rate of the most recent class for each school here: https://optometriceducation.org/data-surveys/. This crucial information lets you know how well 3rd year students did on their board exams (a hugely important three-part exam that allows us to become optometrists). It demonstrates how well the students are prepared by the school's curriculum, academically and clinically.

4. What is important to you? Diversity? Low cost of living? Location where you want to practice in the future? Does this school have the curriculum and resources for your professional goals? What externships do they offer?
   
   Don’t romanticize optometry school. Every program has it's pros and cons. Learn about the cities, student life, and financial costs. Focus on what schools are a best fit for you. Current students and graduates are the best resource.
   
   I applied to schools in/near large urban cities with strong clinical programs and above average first-time boards pass rates. I also wanted to get out of my comfort zone, focusing on cities I’ve never lived in. My final deciding factor was total cost.

Put all your effort into it

Hard work is underrated. Give this application your best. I dedicated a month before the application opened to write and edit my personal statement a hundred times. I asked for my letters of recommendation months ahead so that my professors and mentors would not feel rushed. Triple-check grammar and spelling throughout the application. Have a checklist and make sure everything is completed with 100% effort. You must demonstrate professionalism and enthusiasm. Show them you have the work ethic and potential to be a doctor.

Comparison is the thief of joy

I would advise against making comparisons of yourself (studying, abilities, and grades) with classmates. A common theme throughout optometry school is that everyone is different, and what works for one person does not always work for another. Try to focus on trying your best and maximizing your own potential. Everyone grasps concepts and skills at differing speeds, and some people have to work harder than others. Don’t compare! You’ll feel a lot healthier mentally, and your friendships will be stronger for it.

Use a clinic journal

When I started seeing patients and shadowing various doctors, I used a journal to take notes. I documented clinical pearls and questions to ask. I wrote down the names of diseases and diagnostic protocols to look up later. For each patient encounter, I summarized: (1) any mistakes I made, (2) what I could do better next time, and (3) what I learned from the exam. Every week, I also chose one skill to work on. For example: “scan further out with BIO” or “be faster at gonio”. As the weeks progressed, my improvement was exponential.

Apply to every scholarship you can

Yes, it’s time consuming, but when you win… you win! All it takes is one. :)

Maintain good relationships with faculty and administration

I would not be the clinician I am without my professors. I feel this deeply. Not only that, my professors and administration show up for me when I need it the most. When I looked for jobs, my professors shared my resume with their colleagues and were impressive references for employers. My professors nominated me for scholarships, awards, and honors. My admin supported me in times when logistical errors occurred (such as student loans not coming through) and ensured I would get my license to practice optometry as soon as possible. Being genuinely kind and caring towards these individuals came back around in ways I didn’t expect.

Work during school, if you’re able to

I had a head-start in 3rd year clinic because I worked all of 2nd year for an optometrist part-time. There, I was able to see ocular diseases in real life after just learning about them in my textbook. I started seeing patients a year ahead. Working helped me enormously in clinic and on boards. My boss also has become my mentor for life, and his support has been invaluable for my career.

Start networking and shadowing early

Attending niche optometry conferences and reaching out to meet with optometrists in the city I wanted to live in really allowed me to build a small network there before I started looking for jobs. These more experienced OD’s have a wealth of wisdom and are extremely gracious. I have learned so much from these optometrists, and years later, I still keep in touch with many.

Work on speed, efficiency, and accuracy

The more patients you are able to see efficiently while delivering top-notch care makes you a valuable asset to future employers. It was very clear to me in optometry school that I needed to work on my technical skills and practice beyond what was expected of me at the time. Shoot for beyond your personal best! Challenge yourself and expand your potential.

Take boards as soon as you can; start early

Take every board exam on the first day if you can. By the time each exam rolls around, you’ll definitely want it to be over with. For part 3, sign up in February when the dates are released for the same year because oftentimes what happens is that the slots for that year become full. When this happens, it can delay retakes and licensing. I started studying for Part 1 in June (the year before), and I took Part 3 in August. It was a relief to be done with boards so early — by the time January rolled around to release part 2 scores, I was done with everything and could truly enjoy my rotations.

Choose rotations that benefit the career you want to have

I had a hard time letting go of the idea of doing a rotation abroad. Ultimately, I realized that I should be using my elective rotations as efficiently and productively as possible. Even though I chose modalities (OD/MD group private practices) that are not my end goal, they allowed me to see as many patients as I possibly could in a compact amount of time. I wanted to see what the highest level of optometric care could be and what I am comfortable keeping vs referring. OD/MD group practices allow for expedited experience through volume. Get your tuition’s worth!