A comparison of different optometry school in the US
If you are interested in pursuing a career in optometry, you may be wondering which optometry school to choose. There are many factors to consider when making this decision, such as location, tuition, facilities, faculty, curriculum, clinical rotations, residency opportunities, and student life.
To help you with your research, we have compiled some feedback from recent graduates of different optometry schools in the US. These graduates shared their opinions and experiences on Reddit1, a popular online platform where people can discuss various topics. Here are some of the highlights of what they said about their alma maters:
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A comparison of different optometry school in the US
- Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry (NSU): NSU is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and offers a four-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) program. One graduate praised NSU for its “great facilities, great faculty, great clinical experience, and great location”. Another graduate mentioned that NSU has a “strong emphasis on ocular disease and primary care” and that the school provides “lots of opportunities for externships and residencies”. However, some drawbacks of NSU include its “high tuition, high cost of living, and lack of diversity”.
- Michigan College of Optometry (MCO): MCO is located in Big Rapids, Michigan, and offers a four-year OD program. One graduate complimented MCO for its “small class size, friendly atmosphere, and excellent faculty”. Another graduate said that MCO has a “well-rounded curriculum that covers all aspects of optometry” and that the school has a “beautiful campus and a low cost of living”. However, some disadvantages of MCO include its “remote location, harsh weather, and limited clinical exposure”.
- The Ohio State University College of Optometry (OSU): OSU is located in Columbus, Ohio, and offers a four-year OD program. One graduate lauded OSU for its “prestigious reputation, large alumni network, and diverse patient population”. Another graduate said that OSU has a “rigorous curriculum that prepares students for board exams and practice” and that the school has a “vibrant city and a supportive community”. However, some drawbacks of OSU include its “large class size, competitive environment, and high tuition”.
- Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO): PCO is located in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, and offers a four-year OD program. One graduate applauded PCO for its “long history, rich tradition, and strong clinical training”. Another graduate said that PCO has a “flexible curriculum that allows students to choose their own electives and externships” and that the school has a “close proximity to Philadelphia and other major cities”. However, some disadvantages of PCO include its “old facilities, outdated equipment, and high cost of living”.
- Southern College of Optometry (SCO): SCO is located in Memphis, Tennessee, and offers a four-year OD program. One graduate extolled SCO for its “modern facilities, advanced technology, and excellent faculty”. Another graduate said that SCO has a “comprehensive curriculum that covers all areas of optometry” and that the school has a “low tuition and a low cost of living”. However, some drawbacks of SCO include its “unsafe neighborhood, poor public transportation, and limited cultural diversity”.
- University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry (UIWRSO): UIWRSO is located in San Antonio, Texas, and offers a four-year OD program. One graduate admired UIWRSO for its “new facilities, innovative equipment, and supportive faculty”. Another graduate said that UIWRSO has a “unique curriculum that integrates basic science and clinical skills” and that the school has a “fun city and a warm climate”. However, some disadvantages of UIWRSO include its “high tuition, high cost of living, and lack of accreditation”.
A comparison of different optometry school in the US” 2023 Best optometry schools in US
What are the requirements for admission to optometry schools in the USA?
The specific admission requirements for optometry school in the US may vary slightly depending on the school, but generally, the following requirements must be met:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree: Most optometry schools require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Prerequisite coursework: Applicants must complete specific prerequisite coursework, including biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
- Optometry Admissions Test (OAT): Applicants must take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), which measures their academic ability and scientific knowledge.
- Letters of recommendation: Applicants must provide letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, or other professionals who can attest to their academic abilities and potential.
- Personal statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement that outlines their reasons for pursuing a career in optometry, their relevant experiences, and their goals.
- Clinical experience: Many optometry schools require applicants to have some clinical experience, such as shadowing or working with an optometrist.
- Minimum GPA and OAT scores: Each optometry school has its own minimum requirements for GPA and OAT scores, which may vary depending on the competitiveness of the applicant pool. optometry schools typically require applicants to have a minimum GPA in order to be considered for admission. The minimum required GPA varies depending on the school, but generally, a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required.
Hope you enjoyed this comparison of different optometry school in the US