“What are my Chances?” Confronting Optometry Admission Counselor @ AZCOPT

[@chipotleobsessed7185]

This channel couldn’t be more perfect for my application process 😭 thank you!!

[@joshreese_optometry]

I’m glad that you like it! Any other videos you wish were out there?

[@codeh-duh]

This video is amazing! Thank you very, very much, Josh & Beka! I am currently an undergrad with a 2.9 GPA (it's gone up since last year), and im in the process of actually going back and retaking some classes i didn't do very well in previously. I'm even enrolled in 2 summer courses as of this week! If i can do well enough in those and whatnot, I'll be on my way towards a 3.0 but still feel like I've got a long climb ahead of me. The point is, I have always been under the impression that unless you are very smart and have a 3.50+ GPA, your chances are slim/none. Which means I'd have even less of a chance. I guess i partially feel this way because I'm a Canadian student and our only University for Optometry is Waterloo. I don't know how realistic it is for me to look into getting into Optometry school in the US is, but seeing these numbers and having Beka explain the process, it does make me feel a bit better. Obviously, im aware of where i currently stand and want to improve, but my transcript to date isnt the best/is a little "messy" so to speak. This video gives some peace of mind.

[@joshreese_optometry]

Thank you for your comment! I know how hard it can be to navigate your way into optometry school! You’ve got this! Keep moving forward!

[@tigrisandeuphrates2135]

Dude I’m loving ur videos! Very informative! Keep it up 👍

[@joshreese_optometry]

Thank you so much! I’m glad they could help you out !! 😁

[@vanessas8666]

This account is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@joshreese_optometry]

I’m glad it could help!! Let me know if anything else you’d like a video about!

[@navind8331]

I wish I watched this earlier but it’s okay because today I received admission into western optometry in LA 🎉🎉

[@joshreese_optometry]

So happy for you!!!

[@famous2294]

👏👏👏👏👏👏 Another interesting video. You get better and Better! Loved it 🖤

[@joshreese_optometry]

Glad you liked it!

[@Kaibaseto678]

Thank you Josh for the all content you create :)

[@joshreese_optometry]

Thank you so much Ali! Let me know if there is any other ideas you want me to post

[@Kaibaseto678]

@@joshreese_optometry yeah sure! Frankly, I have a question. Are you guys required to take big exams every single year of optometry school like the USLME exams in medical schools? Thank you

[@joshreese_optometry]

@@Kaibaseto678 not quite!! There are three Board Exams that you take in Optometry School! One in your third year, and two in your 4th year!!

[@joshreese_optometry]

@@Kaibaseto678 not quite!! There are three Board Exams that you take in Optometry School! One in your third year, and two in your 4th year!!

[@Kaibaseto678]

@@joshreese_optometry Thank you Josh!

[@annehenningsen6736]

Ha! Ask and you shall receive- I just commented essentially this video style on your other video 😅

[@joshreese_optometry]

I’m glad you found the content you were looking for!!! Would you like to see anything similar in the future??

[@keg1703]

The difference in Canada is insane. Average GPA and OAT at Waterloo is 3.8 and 380AA.

[@joshreese_optometry]

Yeah, Waterloo is so cheap for a FANTASTIC quality for all Canadian students, so it has a lot more demand, which means they can afford to only take the top candidates! Crazy stuff!

[@keg1703]

@@joshreese_optometry Maybe I'm a bit cynical, but I also think there's motivation to fill spots in the US because so many new schools have popped up and other schools have increased their seats. A lot of students getting in that shouldn't be. :(

[@joshreese_optometry]

@@keg1703 You've got a point, but you gotta love that there is a school out there for everyone!

[@keg1703]

@@joshreese_optometry definitely one way to look at it

[@tauriandeveaux4457]

Please explain how someone who could shadow an optometrist if they don't have an invitation to a school?

[@joshreese_optometry]

Most optometry private practices are open to you coming and shadowing a doctor, you call, set up a time, fill out a form, and you’re good!

[@joshreese_optometry]

What questions would you ask Beka in a future Q & A video?

[@nayaR0se]

Hey! Great video! Can you ask her if this video is in reference to prerequisite gpa or overall gpa 🙏🏽

[@KristinaArriaga]

I am a non-traditional student who returned to academia after 13 years as a certified ophthalmic technician. I have raised my 2.5 GPA to a 3.10 and plan on applying to optometry school this year. I'm curious to have any tips in the interview process for someone who is not what would be considered a "traditional student."

[@joshreese_optometry]

@@KristinaArriaga Admission teams LOVE non-traditional student because they know you are serious! I would say do well on the OAT, and for interviews, make sure they know how much you are willing to work to become an optometrist!

[@munaarman6649]

Hey there I’m looking into going into the optometry field my gpa is around 3. And my goal is to at least get a 320 on the OAT. And I have one year experience as patient care for lens crafters. Two recommendations letters from doctors. And I was able to shadow. Is my application strong?

[@joshreese_optometry]

Those look good enough to be considered for most schools! Make sure to impress them in the interview!

[@shonalisingh131]

Hello! i did my graduation in optometry and got 2.3 GPA and i haven’t given OAT exam or any other exam but i’ve one year clinical experience as an optometrist

[@joshreese_optometry]

Usually your OAT exam would be the biggest factor, but where did you practice optometry? Sometimes international applications are pretty different

[@shonalisingh131]

@@joshreese_optometry india

[@iriscantrell]

What does a 105 DAT score mean? Doesn't the DAT only go up to 31?

[@joshreese_optometry]

As far as I know the DAT is out of 30, I’m not really sure what a 105 would be

[@nayaR0se]

Hey! Great video! Can you ask her if this video is in reference to prerequisite gpa or overall gpa 🙏🏽

[@joshreese_optometry]

As far as I know: it was overall GPA, but let me ask!

[@nayaR0se]

Okay great thanks! I graduated undergrad with a low gpa because I was honestly in a major I never had any passion for. After working in optics for 7 yrs I decided to go back to school and take the prerequisites for optometry. Since going back my prerequisite gpa has been about a 3.2. Do you think I have a good chance? Also, most if not all of my recommendations will be from ODs.

[@joshreese_optometry]

@@nayaR0se That sounds like quite the journey! I think that the schools would understand that! I would make sure to balance it with a good OAT score- have you seen my recent video on how to get in with a low GPA?

[@nayaR0se]

I sure did! I am currently studying for the OAT now and plan start networking soon. Your advice has been VERY helpful!

[@joshreese_optometry]

@@nayaR0se I’m happy to help!

[@genesisilly7093]

Hi there. I haven’t yet taken the OAT or any of the other tests but my average gpa as of now (sophomore in college) is 3.5 and I have 2 years (and counting) of experience as an ophthalmic tech/OD scribe. How would that in itself look on applications? I am so nervous about the OAT as I am a poor and anxious tester.

[@joshreese_optometry]

You're application looks good! My biggest advice is to study for plenty of time before hand- and the week before, focus on relaxing and calming your mind: because the exam isn't horrible, just stressful!

[@reuru113]

Hi I had 290 in my OAT ..300TS And my GPA is 3.63 I’ve shadowed about 30 hours and still shadowing Is there any hopes for me at all …I’m scared lol

[@joshreese_optometry]

I know people with ‘worse’ who have gotten in! Some competitive schools might not give you an interview, but I’m betting most will!

[@reuru113]

@@joshreese_optometry I’ll try to do more shadowing and hope for the best

[@joshreese_optometry]

@@reuru113 Yeah! Just make a plan and stick to it! Shadowing is alright, but make sure to email the schools you are interested in and see what they want more of in your application!

[@reuru113]

@@joshreese_optometry should I just email them to ask or I’ve to tell them my oat score and gpa. I mean if I should just ask them about what they need more in the application because I intended to find their emails but not sure what to ask lol

[@joshreese_optometry]

@@reuru113 email them and be like “hey, my name is ___, I will apply next cycle (or whenever) and this is my (OAT, GPA and anything else you want to include)! What advice would you give me to make my application more competitive for your university?

[@jonathandroke5020]

So I have an OAT score of 310 and a gpa of 3.8. I have about 20 hours of shadowing experience. Would I be competitive to get in?

[@joshreese_optometry]

In the video, Beka is pretty clear: you have a VERY competitive application!! Great work!

[@jonathandroke5020]

@@joshreese_optometry thanks for the feedback! I was worried that since I was unable to find a job working for an optometrist that might hurt my experience levels.

[@joshreese_optometry]

@@jonathandroke5020 That part is more of a plus if you have it, but no stress if you don't

[@MyChannel-vm6dw]

What about 3.75+ GPA, 350 oat, 40shadow hours but because you were a full time student you don't have any work experience?

[@joshreese_optometry]

That should be great! Most schools don’t expect you to have any work experience! It’s just a plus, but not a necessity!

[@constanzaruizelizondo3953]

I have a 3.8 GPA but in OAT practice exams, I keep on scoring 290s. I will be taking the real one in July 30th. I have over 200 hours of shadowing. Do you think I have a good chance?

[@joshreese_optometry]

Absolutely! Make sure to keep touch with the schools that you are interested in! That way if you end up needing to score a tiny bit higher on the OAT- they will let you know! But I’m sure you will do great!

[@bun4638]

The OAT practice exams are always harder.... the exam is doable... the preparation courses are much harder to encourage you to keep studying

[@garybenski6383]

It’s hard to hear what she said for minimum GPA. Did she say a minimum of 2.75 in your science classes? I think she did.

[@joshreese_optometry]

Yup! 2.75 minimum Science and Overall-- so they look at both

[@foozled874]

I have a 3.2, 290 OAT (probably going to take it again), and I worked for 2 optometrists and shadowed/interned for 1. what are my chances? 😭

[@joshreese_optometry]

Your shot looks pretty good! A 290 might even be high enough to not have to take again- are you applying this cycle? If so, which schools?

[@foozled874]

@@joshreese_optometry yep this cycle! I’ve applied to suny, neco, ucb, scco, salus and houston. Probably going to apply to western as well! rejected from ucb and waiting for the other replies in the meantime

[@joshreese_optometry]

Yeah, the more ‘reputation’ schools are a little stingier than others; but you will be great to apply! And if they ask you to, then you could take it again

[@joshreese_optometry]

But you shouldn’t have anything to worry about!

[@foozled874]

@@joshreese_optometry Thanks! Just boosted my confidence! ☺️

[@elliefields3628]

Hi! I have a 3.89 GPA and a 310 AA, 300 TS. Ive worked as a optometry tech for the last 6 months and shadowed 5+ ODs/Ophthalmologist. what do you my chances are for getting into school??

[@joshreese_optometry]

Yeah!! You’re chances look REALLY competitive to get invited for an interview! I wouldn’t be too worried- what schools are you looking to apply to?

[@elliefields3628]

Im looking to apply to UH, SCO, UAB, and UIWRSO! just nervous about my oat score hurting my chances!

[@joshreese_optometry]

@@elliefields3628 You’re great! It’s definitely great enough to be invited for an interview! And when you’re interviewed, the playing field is very open! Make sure to crush that interview when you are invited! (I’m sure every school will want you!)

[@elliefields3628]

thank you so much! this makes me feel so much better! your videos have been so helpful!

[@joshreese_optometry]

@@elliefields3628 I’m glad I can help! Reach out if you need anything!