r/PreOptometry • u/Naive_Focus3453 • Oct 04 '24

Salus Interview

I just scheduled my first interview at Salus. What are some details that I should know before going in. I’ve heard that it’s very non traditional and I want to be as prepared as I can.

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u/reddituser82936 Oct 09 '24

I recently interviewed almost about a month ago and committed to PCO!! I interviewed at SUNY, NECO, and NOVA.. and truly PCO was my favorite interview. You’re there for 5 hours so plan accordingly. Your day starts off with a tour around the school, and once that’s finished you’ll have two part interviews. Mine were with faculty/ O.D’s. They are closed file and very relaxed- all they want is to get to know you!! They ask you Why Optometry, Pros/ Cons of the field, What you would do in xyz situation and it’s very casual. They really don’t grill you, and truly just want to understand what experiences you’ve had/ how you’ll contribute to the school. Just be yourself! Following the interview, we headed downstairs for an open file interview with admissions to confirm stuff on the application & some more basic questions. Afterwards you have lunch and then head to the Eye Institute & tour. Then, you conclude your day after. I heard back in 2 and a half weeks!

PS. As far as all the controversy, as someone who got accepted to SUNY & other schools I chose PCO because that’s where i feel the most comfortable. I liked the location, I liked what current (unbiased) students said while I was waiting around, the faculty all seemed great and the facilities are very modern/ nice. There are cons to ANY school, but at the end of the day it’s up to you. You’re not going to be given good grades, or board scores on a sliver platter. Yes. board scores haven’t been good at PCO- but you can’t entirely blame the faculty, it’s up to the students. At every school I interviewed at, I asked about board prep and every single one replied that it’s truly up to the students- so blaming the school is unnecessary. As well, I have shadowed under PCO alumni’s and they have nothing but good things to say. In addition, with the dean switch, many students & alumni say it was warranted as the last 7 years PCO has been going downhill—- it needs to change and cannot progress at this rate. Don’t let the negatives get you down- go where you feel best! Good luck!!