So I'm not even sure I want to interview here anymore since I've gotten other interviews. I feel like i would HATE living in PA since the school seems isolated and I don't like snow (Being from CA). I'm not going to have a car, so getting to campus would be a hassle and getting to the clinic, which i've heard is very far from the school, would be difficult as well. I don't like that there isn't much of bus transportation system and that the school is like 40 mins from the airport and other attractions....anyone have any Pros to this school that I'm missing?
PCO invited EVERYONE for an interview?
- Thread starter janedoe88
- Start date
So I'm not even sure I want to interview here anymore since I've gotten other interviews. I feel like i would HATE living in PA since the school seems isolated and I don't like snow (Being from CA). I'm not going to have a car, so getting to campus would be a hassle and getting to the clinic, which i've heard is very far from the school, would be difficult as well. I don't like that there isn't much of bus transportation system and that the school is like 40 mins from the airport and other attractions....anyone have any Pros to this school that I'm missing?
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2011
- Messages
- 376
- Reaction score
- 5
I guess it depends on what's highest on your priority list and where else you got interviews. I stood by the very wise piece of advice to treat each interview like its your only until you have been accepted somewhere. Worst case scenario, what if you decline an interview at PCO and get denied everywhere else? Unlikely, but it makes PA seem a lot sunnier now. After 1+ acceptances, it makes sense to turn some down if you're positive you won't end up there.
wow that sounds terrible, im also from CA and won't have a car either. now im considering if its even worth the plane ticket for a non exclusive interview. are there any other schools that with a list of negative circumstances that aren't provided in the school description? Thanks!
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2011
- Messages
- 376
- Reaction score
- 5
I don't think that PCO has lower standards or anything, they just give out more interviews since they have a larger class to fill. A lot of people on here are getting wait listed already so I imagine they have to screen out somewhere. The percentage of people wo get accepted after interview might also be lower here than at some other schools. And while PA weather is no california, I wouldn't weed out a school based on that.
PCO looks at everything!
IF YOUR GPA IS LOW, THEN THEY LOOK AT SOMETHING THEY FOUND GOOD ABOUT YOU! THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT YOU IF YOU DONT DO WELL ON THE INTERVIEW. THEY TAKE THAT VERY SERIOUS. THEY HAVE A LARGE CLASS SO THEY WANT TO HAVE A VARIETY OF GOOD OATS GOOD GPA AND GOOD EXTRACURRICULAR!
THEY LOOK AT EVERYTHING! SO DONT FEEL BECAUSE YOUR WEAK IN ONE AREA YOU DONT HAVE A CHANCE... ALSO... JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE HIGH OATS AND HIGH GPA, DOES NOT MEAN YOUR GETTING IN EITHER. THEY WILL TAKE SOMEONE WITH LOWER GPA AND OATS IF THEY INTERVIEW BETTER AND HAVE BETTER PEOPLE SKILLS AND MORE BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE AND EXTRACURILCULAR STUFF. IT ALL DEPENDS ON EVERYTHING!
GOOD LUCK!
A.MOTO
PCO STUDENT C/O 2015!
IF YOUR GPA IS LOW, THEN THEY LOOK AT SOMETHING THEY FOUND GOOD ABOUT YOU! THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT YOU IF YOU DONT DO WELL ON THE INTERVIEW. THEY TAKE THAT VERY SERIOUS. THEY HAVE A LARGE CLASS SO THEY WANT TO HAVE A VARIETY OF GOOD OATS GOOD GPA AND GOOD EXTRACURRICULAR!
THEY LOOK AT EVERYTHING! SO DONT FEEL BECAUSE YOUR WEAK IN ONE AREA YOU DONT HAVE A CHANCE... ALSO... JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE HIGH OATS AND HIGH GPA, DOES NOT MEAN YOUR GETTING IN EITHER. THEY WILL TAKE SOMEONE WITH LOWER GPA AND OATS IF THEY INTERVIEW BETTER AND HAVE BETTER PEOPLE SKILLS AND MORE BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE AND EXTRACURILCULAR STUFF. IT ALL DEPENDS ON EVERYTHING!
GOOD LUCK!
A.MOTO
PCO STUDENT C/O 2015!
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2011
- Messages
- 376
- Reaction score
- 5
Holy caps lock batman...
I haven't heard anyone get officially waitlisted or rejected from PCO. PCO just asked for their quarter grades, not really the same thing.
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2011
- Messages
- 376
- Reaction score
- 5
Potato, poh-tah-to. Waiting is waiting whether it's official or not. Bet those people who are on hold for grades don't care if their wait came in a sealed envelope or not. It still blows.
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2011
- Messages
- 377
- Reaction score
- 65
What does non-exclusive mean in this context?
I have not gotten an invite yet.I got an email from them like 5 days ago saying they received all my materials. How long does it take to hear back from them?
anywhere from 2-3 weeks, I bet you get an interview
And being put on a waitlist is completely different than waiting for grades...they might still accept all the people who are submitting their quarter grades.
anywhere from 2-3 weeks, I bet you get an interview
And being put on a waitlist is completely different than waiting for grades...they might still accept all the people who are submitting their quarter grades.
I got the invite just now! Woohoo! 6 days, not bad.
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2007
- Messages
- 53
- Reaction score
- 2
This has been covered a bit on this thread, but I would like to reiterate that an interview is simply that. There is still an acceptance process. And the way I look at it, The Optometry schools job is to train and prepare their students for a career in optometry. If A student manages to get accepted to optometry school with a 2.5 gpa, complete the 4 years of schooling, pass all the boards, then its safe to say that I would have no problem walking into his or her office, with confidence that he or she will provide me with optimum eye care. But this has been mentioned.
I got the invite just now! Woohoo! 6 days, not bad.
haha congrats! i think it's usually that long, but i said 2 weeks just in case
i got an interview before my rec letters were submited lol!
My stats are not mind blowing unfortunately.
GPA: 3.08 (ya sucks)
OAT: Bio:400
Gen Chem: 400
Orgo: 340
Physics: 310
RC: 300
QR: 300
TS: 360
AA: 340
Was a premed before, so have bunch of clinical stuff and research, and shadowed an optometrist.
I believe PCO does not give any scholarships. They only "direct" you towards existing ones. But quite frankly, I don't even think it's worth applying for scholarships because most give like a few thousand dollars at most.
BTW, I have the official Salus budget information from last year. Tuition + Fees + Room/Board + Transportation + Health Insurance + Misc = a whopping $224,680. That figure is probably slightly higher this year.
BTW, I have the official Salus budget information from last year. Tuition + Fees + Room/Board + Transportation + Health Insurance + Misc = a whopping $224,680. That figure is probably slightly higher this year.
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2005
- Messages
- 3,378
- Reaction score
- 391
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2011
- Messages
- 91
- Reaction score
- 1
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2011
- Messages
- 91
- Reaction score
- 1
Yea of course they will be competitive, they arent just going to hand them out to every kid that walks through the door, but there isnt any harm in applying. Even if you have a small chance of getting one, its better than a 0% chance if you dont try.
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2011
- Messages
- 377
- Reaction score
- 65
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2011
- Messages
- 6
- Reaction score
- 0
I think its great they are giving people with lower gpas a shot. That one number is not always a good measure of your ability. My overall GPA will be around 2.5 after this final semester but my GPA on the pre reqs will be over a 3. I fooled around when I was younger (10 years younger) and cared more about playing college basketball, being in a frat, and chasing girls than going to class. Schools like pco offer a chance to guys like me that are very motivated and able but just didn't start off on the right track. It's also been expressed to me by several admissions board members from various schools that they find candidates with an average GPA tend to be more successful. Often candidates with high GPA s have trouble with their people skills.
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2011
- Messages
- 91
- Reaction score
- 1
While I agree with most of this post, the end seems like quite a generalization to me. Im not saying that people with average gpas arent successful, but to say that people with lower grades are more successful than people with higher grades because of "people skills" seems a little silly. The implication, I am assuming, is that people who worked more for their grades throughout college didnt go out, have fun, interact with people as much, etc, etc. While im sure there are plenty of smarter people who do lack proper people skills, I believe there are just as many average students who do as well. I worked my ass off in college and came out with a very strong gpa, but I assure you I spent my fair share of time partying and chasing girls and what not, and am pretty confident in my abilities when it comes to interacting with people.
This is nothing but blatant stereotyping.
I was an honors undergrad, top 10% of optomery school class, and have a very successful private practice.
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2010
- Messages
- 2,335
- Reaction score
- 9
I don't think GPA and people skills are inversely correlated. However, if you are not a people person and don't enjoy talking to people then don't become any sort of Doctor.
You will be making a big mistake and end up like Jason K and just troll forums all day while practicing next to an opto school which entails saturation in the area.
You will be making a big mistake and end up like Jason K and just troll forums all day while practicing next to an opto school which entails saturation in the area.
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2005
- Messages
- 3,378
- Reaction score
- 391
I never understand why we can't have both. Why can optometry schools not attact a large number of applicants who have both high GPAs AND good people skills?
If optometry is supposed to be one of the greatest careers around according to US News and World Report or Money Magazine or whatever....why is that so hard?
WHy are optometry schools even having to CONSIDER someone with a 2.5?
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2011
- Messages
- 1,137
- Reaction score
- 12
God Shnurek, you're starting to sound like imemily/optom123/optohopeful123/KevinL. I love how whenever anyone says something that's not "music to one's ears," it's labeled as "trolling." Good defense mechanism. The wonderful world of optometric ass awaits you.....and you think you'll be able to circumvent the tar pit by being a "people person." Guess what, hoss....there are many friendly, extroverted ODs out there who think optometry is a disaster and I'm far from alone in that sentiment. But keep livin' the dream, there, first year OD student. We were all in your mindset at one time. I've met thousands of 1st year OD students and I have yet to meet one who knew what he/she was getting into. That all changes after graduation.
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2011
- Messages
- 377
- Reaction score
- 65
God Shnurek, you're starting to sound like imemily/optom123/optohopeful123/KevinL. I love how whenever anyone says something that's not "music to one's ears," it's labeled as "trolling." Good defense mechanism. The wonderful world of optometric ass awaits you.....and you think you'll be able to circumvent the tar pit by being a "people person." Guess what, hoss....there are many friendly, extroverted ODs out there who think optometry is a disaster and I'm far from alone in that sentiment. But keep livin' the dream, there, first year OD student. We were all in your mindset at one time. I've met thousands of 1st year OD students and I have yet to meet one who knew what he/she was getting into. That all changes after graduation.
Why is Kevin L in the same category as imemily, optom123, optohopeful123, Shnurek? Last I checked, Kevin L was convinced by your posts and decided to pursue business even though he got accepted to 3 OD schools this cycle?
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=11543823&postcount=105
Dear Jason...
We (every single student applying to optometry school) have decided not to go to optometry school anymore. In fact, we will make sure no one else does either from now on. Everything you say is right, no one should become an optometrist anymore. Over the next 10-20 years as 500-1000 optometrists retire every year, we will just stand back and let there be a shortage in providers that are able to focus on primary care vision treatment. We will let OMDs be overburdened with not only the surgical vision treatment but also all the primary care (i.e. like getting rid of all internal, family, and primary care docs and leaving it all to the specialists). Let's see how much benefit that provides the future of healthcare.
In the meantime... you can remain an optometrist and have all the patients to yourself because everyone else will either quit and/or there will be no more new optometrists...
happy?
We (every single student applying to optometry school) have decided not to go to optometry school anymore. In fact, we will make sure no one else does either from now on. Everything you say is right, no one should become an optometrist anymore. Over the next 10-20 years as 500-1000 optometrists retire every year, we will just stand back and let there be a shortage in providers that are able to focus on primary care vision treatment. We will let OMDs be overburdened with not only the surgical vision treatment but also all the primary care (i.e. like getting rid of all internal, family, and primary care docs and leaving it all to the specialists). Let's see how much benefit that provides the future of healthcare.
In the meantime... you can remain an optometrist and have all the patients to yourself because everyone else will either quit and/or there will be no more new optometrists...
happy?
Last edited:
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2011
- Messages
- 157
- Reaction score
- 0
Dear Jason...
We (every single student applying to optometry school) have decided not to go to optometry school anymore. In fact, we will make sure no one else does either from now on. Everything you say is right, no one should become an optometrist anymore. Over the next 10-20 years as 500-1000 optometrists retire every year, we will just stand back and let there be a shortage in providers that are able to focus on primary care vision treatment. We will let OMDs be overburdened with not only the surgical vision treatment but also all the primary care (i.e. like getting rid of all internal, family, and primary care docs and leaving it all to the specialists). Let's see how much benefit that provides the future of healthcare.
In the meantime... you can remain an optometrist and have all the patients to yourself because everyone else with either quit and/or there will be no more new optometrists...
happy?
Nicely put!
I'm glad others understand the motivation of failed practitioners to cry about their career on a forum catering primarily to students. Its about the most pathetic and useless thing one can do!
Nicely put!
I'm glad others understand the motivation of failed practitioners to cry about their career on a forum catering primarily to students. Its about the most pathetic and useless thing one can do!
I don't even understand how this thread turned into ODs vs. pre-opts...can we bring this back to my original post. I pushed back my PCO interview b/c I just don't feel special that everyone was invited so once I hear back from other schools, I may cancel my interview. I also HATE snow and cold weather haha.
It's the work of optom123, every thread this troll posts on degenerates to this kind of stuff.
I only got involved because someone decided that any of us with brains enough to get into a top school can't walk and chew gum at the same time.
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2011
- Messages
- 157
- Reaction score
- 0
Oh my...you went to a top school, yet you sell glasses for a living.
lmao, what a disgrace.
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2011
- Messages
- 376
- Reaction score
- 5
Yet your title says "professional dispenser". I don't think anyone here believes (or cares about) a word you say anymore.
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2011
- Messages
- 376
- Reaction score
- 5
My advice would be to at least go on the interview unless you have an offer in hand from a school you would rather go to. Im not thrilled about cold either, which is why I chose nova once I had been accepted. But i kept my PCO interview just in case I didn't get accepted there.
so what exactly is going on with Salus?
they actuallly invited almost everyone applied?
So does that mean people are being on hold?
How many are being on hold at the moment?
So salus is putting people on hold til what kind of marks to be updated?
Is it the Fall term marks? or OAT?
O shoot, I just applied yesterday, am I too late now?
Also how many people have been accepted already?
they actuallly invited almost everyone applied?
So does that mean people are being on hold?
How many are being on hold at the moment?
So salus is putting people on hold til what kind of marks to be updated?
Is it the Fall term marks? or OAT?
O shoot, I just applied yesterday, am I too late now?
Also how many people have been accepted already?
From what I've learned on this site...EVERYONE that applied got an interview...you'll prob get one once your application processes. It seems that a majority of people are on hold till fall grades...and alot of people have complained about the office being "shady" and not giving them a clear answer on their status...hope that helps.
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2011
- Messages
- 126
- Reaction score
- 3
I just had an interview about a week ago, and then I got an email the next day saying that I had been accepted. The interview went well, and I didn't feel pressured or nervous once I was actually talking to the woman who interviewed me. We honestly talked quite a bit about flims/music/world news. Of course, there were obligatory optometry-specific questions, but I felt like I was having a 40-minute chat with an old friend.
the GPA alone does not define the applicant. PCO takes a look at everything and considers all aspects of the application. I had about a 2.5 GPA with 3 years of experience in optometry including 2 years teching for a private practice. i did horrible in the beginning of college but picked it up as i got serious about my career. i expressed my knowledge in optometry, my dedication to the field, and among other things during my interview. PCO carries a heavy curriculum and I did well and much better than my undergrad GPA.
with that said, GPA only displays a portion about the applicant. the interview process solidifies everything. a student with a 2.5 undergrad GPA is very capable of achieving great grades in optometry school and becoming a great doctor.
with that said, GPA only displays a portion about the applicant. the interview process solidifies everything. a student with a 2.5 undergrad GPA is very capable of achieving great grades in optometry school and becoming a great doctor.
