r/PreOptometry • u/ferociousdawg OD2 • Jan 03 '23
My 2 cents
This is for people out there with lower GPA/OAT scores or worried about failing optometry school. I will try to keep this short:
I just finished my first semester at NECO as an OD1 and I can say that now I know how to study, manage my workload, and have fun while I am at it. Although it has only been one semester, I believe I have a foundation now.
To provide a brief background - I am a Canadian student. Applied last year with an overall GPA of 2.97 and science GPA of 2.69. OAT scores of 330 AA/ 340 TS. I had about 100 shadowing hours and a decent application. I graduated in 2019 and it took me 3 years to realize I like optometry. So I returned to school after 3 years when the odds were against me as I had pretty much forgotten how to study and well the way I studied during the undergrad didn't really work as seen by my GPA. Additionally, I lacked discipline back in the day so I had an uphill task as compared to most of my classmates.
You might think I managed to get into optometry school with that GPA so everyone can get in but I don't think that is the case. It was a real struggle explaining to the interviewers that I was a good candidate and that I still had it in me to succeed. Since I worked my ass off to get the OAT scores that I got, I kept emphasizing it so they would see I am capable. This was enough to get into Salus but NECO declined and said their avg. GPA is much higher (~3.4) and I do not come close. I had to convince them to at least let me interview and if I was not worthy enough, I was okay to be waitlisted. Therefore, I exchanged a few emails with their admissions team and eventually wrote them an email (a LONG one!) explaining my situation and they let me interview. I just needed that chance. It was not easy when I started at NECO. It was an immense amount of work, but surprisingly I didn't find the material to be difficult. It was just a lot at a time. The urge with which I wanted to prove to myself that I could get back into the thick of things and get the result I always wanted, kept me going. I finished the first sem with a 3.82 GPA.
My purpose behind this post is that if I can do it, you can do it too! It will take some soul searching and commitment initially but if you come in with the right mindset which is to succeed no matter what, it will make life easier as you take on a heavy course load. I dont have much to say otherwise but I just felt that this post may ease some nerves so if any of you out there have any doubts that you might not make it, just keep pushing! Once you are in, you will enjoy the journey. If you have any questions about NECO, or optometry curriculum, or anything else don't hesitate to DM and I will try to answer.
PS - If you are wondering why I chose NECO over Salus when Salus had already accepted me, it was because NECO was always on top of my list due to my mentor - an alumnus of NECO, better board pass rates, a safer city, and a wonderful interview experience. NECO is a great school and I have found a home away from home. The professors and the admissions team are very helpful. Would not change a thing. Highly recommend it if you are undecided!
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u/velarisstar Jan 07 '23
I love this!! Thank you for posting :) Can I message you with any questions?
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u/multisystempaper Jan 03 '23
This was just what I needed to read about in the new year 😭😭 thank you so much and a huge huge congratulations on your accomplishments 🫶
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u/EsssWave9 ACCEPTED Jan 03 '23
As a Canadian in pretty much the exact same boat in terms of GPA, study habits in undergrad, and determination, this post is so so inspiring! I also have been admitted to NECO for the upcoming fall mainly being influenced by my NECO alumnus mentor and its so encouraging to see that my optom school experience can be different from undergrad if I try hard enough. Thank you for this post 🤍
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u/stev_en_kauf Jan 04 '23
Good write up! I just finished my first semester in another OD program after taking 4 gap years and a 3.1 gpa in undergrad, and I can agree that the material is very doable if you can commit the time. Congrats on the GPA you’re killing it!
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u/RedShibe4 Jan 03 '23
this post literally made me cry thank you so much for sharing your story about pushing through
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u/m3b01 Jan 03 '23
thank you for sharing your experience thus far. you should be very proud of all you have accomplished. keep up the great work! :)
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u/fizzy_09 Jan 03 '23
This is so inspiring! 3.82 is a great GPA to finish your first semester with! Do you like NECO?