Please help! I've got a few questions

[Louminater]

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[blazenmadison]

www.opted.org
an excellent resource for me when I was applying.
Certain schools (I believe ICO or PCO) will replace the lower grade with the higher grade in a repeat situation. That does put you in a slight disadvantage. GPA is important, but so is the OAT and experience in the field.

 

[pippistrellodaq]

I can't speak specifically about failing courses, but I too, was in a similar situation a few years ago. The semester I met my wife I received 3 C's in gen chem, calc and general biology. I since have retaken gen chem only (and got a B.) I was really interested in how much retaking classes (and, for that matter, doing poorly in them in the first place) would affect my applications. I spoke with my advisor, who made a few phone calls and asked some schools directly. From the U of U medical school, they said that though my performance was not optimal, but as long as I did well in my other classes I'd be allright. That seemed to be the consensus from the schools he contacted. I think schools will let a bad semester or two pass, it just means you need to kick butt in your upper division classes. It can be done! I pulled my GPA from a 2.3 after two semesters to above a 3.5 during my junior year. Besides, doesn't it say much more that you received an A or B in an advanced biochem course? I certainly think that shows that you're capable of doing the work, and ultimitely, I think that's what opt schools are really looking for.

 

[darling]

I think that experience with your brother is valid for shadowing / optometry experience. I'm pretty sure that a recommendation letter from him will not be valid. Check specifically with each school that you apply to on both points. So you may want to get addtl experience with another optometrist so that you have someone non-family to write you a letter. That optometrist rec letter is a req at most schools, so make sure you're meeting it

 

[aam0050]

You will definitely need to visit with more optometrists. Visiting optometrists who specialize in different areas is good too, to give you a wide range of perspectives (low-vision, contact lense specialist, pediatrics, private practice, group practice, etc.).

Good luck.

Amy