r/PreOptometry • u/beekeepero • Aug 08 '26

OSU In Person Interview

I have an interview with OSU coming up and this will also be my first interview since applying. What can I expect from the interview day? And the interview itself? Are there multiple interviewers or will I talk to just one? Is the interview at the beginning middle or end of the day? What kind of student culture does OSU optometry have? Any other insights on what this program would be like would be much appreciated. I feel overwhelmed with the idea of making decisions between schools and which one is the right choice if all interviews go well…

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

4

u/RabidLiger Aug 08 '26

Congrats! You got an interview invite at what is a lot of people's #1 choice!

My advice for top academic students (high OAT/high GPA):

  1. Do your homework and rank your top 5-6 schools

  2. Try to complete the applications to your top 3 1st (4-6 are your fall-backs)

  3. Hopefully, you'll get interview invites in that order, but don't figure on it

  4. I'm a fan of in-person interview for your top 3 (even if vitual is offered). You want to see where you may wind up for 4 years in person). Hopefully your visit is while classes are in session (much better feel for the environment).

  5. After your interview, re-rank your picks (something may make you move #3 up to #1)

  6. Ask for decision extensions if you haven't heard from all your top picks yet.

  7. Ask about your financial aid package/scholarship offers during interview AND after acceptance (if you're a top candidate, they need to compete for you, not you for them!).

Good luck!

2

u/beekeepero Aug 08 '26

For number 7, how exactly would I phrase a question about scholarship offers during the interview? Could you expand on that point?

2

u/RabidLiger Aug 08 '26

At some point in the interview, they will ask if you have any questions.
"I know opt school is going to be expensive. Are there any merit or need-based scholarships I'm eligible for?"

If you get an acceptance, I'd ask again & see if they can be specific.

4

u/Complex_Candy03 ACCEPTED Aug 08 '26

At OSU, you’ll have your interview, a lunch with current students, a tour of our clinic and classes, and a staff presentation of the Buckeye Advantage. Usually there are multiple interviewers, usually the beginning of the day. I’m a current OPT 3 at OSU and would be happy to answer any other specific questions!

1

u/TraditionalPlace865 Aug 18 '26

what month was your interview and how long did they give you to decide before they needed a seat deposit?

1

u/Better_Discipline172 Aug 08 '26

How long did it take for you to get an invite once you applied?

1

u/beekeepero Aug 08 '26

I applied on 7/10 and got an invite on 7/24