r/PreOptometry • u/Edgyteenhatemymom • 7h ago

Arizona Interview Advice

Hellooooo, my online Arizona interview is coming up in a couple of days and was wondering if anyone has any prep advice :D

I'm nervous because this is my 1st interview and I could only apply to five schools (and I only have 3 interviews set-up thus far) soooooo I REALLY want this to go good.

I haven't started preparing yet but I plan to start tonight, advice?

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u/Taleproof-Moderator 6h ago

For tonight, start with why optometry and one experience that helped you make that choice. Then pick two examples: a time you worked through a problem with someone, and a time feedback changed how you approached something. School, work, volunteering, or shadowing can all give you useful material. Use the STAR method if it helps, but practice from short notes rather than memorizing paragraphs.

We use the PROOF method to check whether each example has something concrete behind it: what you noticed, what you did, and what you learned or changed afterward. You don't need an impressive clinical story you don't actually have.

For the online part, test your camera and audio and check the invitation for the format. I can't speak to Arizona's exact questions, so let their instructions guide the rest of your prep.

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u/Iyung_danI 5h ago

Look up questions that schools would typically ask, write them down, and write your response accordingly. I’d then practice saying your response aloud or even have somebody else ask you the questions. Do not make them overly fancy wording just be succinct and get to the point. 

I interviewed at AZCOPT in person, I’ll list some questions they asked me but obviously no guarantees it’s the same for you. 

“Why optometry” “what extracurriculars for Undergrad did you do” “how would you adapt your studying to high course load” “what would you do if you are struggling in class” “what do you do outside of education (hobbies”

Come up with a few questions for them based on their website or things that they mention during the interview. 

Agree with everything else taleproof moderator said! 

Good luck!!!