Pre-Optometry Visits
Written by Pre- Optometry student Eloisa Morfin and responses by Dr. Arian Fartash
Undergrad can be a very overwhelming time during your life trying to juggle school plus figuring out what you want to do for the rest of your life. My best advice to offer is that it’s never too early! Getting a head start on looking at optometry schools and what exactly they have to offer you can be very useful information.
Find, Research, Reach Out
There are many schools throughout the country to choose from. But first, I think it’s important to think about where you would like to live for the next 4 consecutive years of your life and become familiar with some schools of interest.
Once you’ve found some, research! This is so important. Most, if not all, optometry schools offer at least one event throughout the year whether that be an open house or even a conference. And it is never too early to visit! As much as you want to impress your school of interest, they too want to impress you.
Most of the time, these types of events require some sort of RSVP/reservation. So reach out! If you are considering applying to these schools, visiting the actual school is a crucial part of the process. And most of the time, schools have more than just one event to consider going to.
Dr. Fartash Tip:
Pre- plan your visits through out the year, depending on your school schedule and travel time. Also, make sure you find out which administrator is in charge of the event as this information will come in handy later.
The Actual Visit
I like to stay up to date with events being held at my top choice optometry schools and like to try to attend them. I recently did 2 back-to-back visits and wanted to give some insight/tips as to what I experienced.
1. Don’t Be Shy
Any event I have ever attended has many important people present. And by important, I mean they are, in some way, associated with admissions! This might be intimidating, but, don’t be afraid to just introduce yourself and talk to them. I guarantee you will get some great tips/information from them.
Dr. Fartash Tip:
Make sure when you are engaging with admissions, faculty, or existing students to remember parts of your conversation that you can refer back to when contacting them in the future. For example, if they told you an interesting story or where they like to visit around town. Jotting these types of things down or keeping them logged in your memory will make it easy for them to remember you when you reach out to them in the future. They meet a lot of people each year, make your self memorable, as they are the ones who are sifting through applications every cycle.
2. Dress Appropriate
You don’t want to be overwhelming with your outfit, but, you do want to dress professional. Keep in mind that these events are in a professional environment. “Business casual” is a great way to go.
Dr. Fartash Tip:
I suggest wearing a bright colored top for women and an interesting tie for men. Also, for us women, try not to wear too high of heels as you’ll be walking a lot! Don’t want to get blisters or limp around the tours.
3. Take Notes
These events are packed full with very useful information whether it be about the application process or even about the school itself. It’s important to take note of what this specific school expects/wants from an applicant so you could highlight that information if you are invited back for an interview.
Dr. Fartash Tip:
This is a great tool to refer back to when trying to decide which school fits you the best. When visiting many schools, you can forget what you liked most or disliked about each. When you write it down, you are able to remember certain aspects of your visit that really stood out.
4. Talk to Current Students
Most of the time there will be current optometry students present at these events. Don’t be afraid to also ask them questions. Take their advice to heart because after all, they were also in your shoes at one point.
Dr. Fartash Tip:
Ask a ton of questions!! Ask the current students what is their favorite part about the school, how they manage their time, how the school helps them with boards and or in clinic. Each school has a different teaching style and by reaching out to the current students you can get a feel for which teaching fits your learning style best.
5. Observe
Ultimately, your goal is to be admitted into an optometry school that best fits you. While attending these schools, be sure to get a sense of what the atmosphere of this institution is. Observe how students interact with each other as well as the staff. I guarantee you will get a good grasp as to what the school environment is all about.
During these visits, I can say I gained a ton of great information on the institutions themselves. But, there was one thing that was constantly being preached no matter what the school – simply be yourself. Yes, academics are important but ultimately, every school wants to truly see who you are as a person and your passion for the field of optometry.
Dr. Fartash Tip:
Yes, be yourself! Because ultimately you want to choose an Optometry school that makes you feel at home and comfortable. Four years is a good amount of time in your life and the stress levels will be high, so you’ll want to be in an environment that gives you good energy.
In closing I do recommend writing hand written thank you notes to all admissions staff, students, and faculty that you engage in conversation with and remember to jot down the things you talked about in there so they’ll better remember you. In addition, I would start emailing them every 3 months and ask questions, just to make sure they don’t forget you. It may seem like you’re being annoying, but truthfully, being persistent gets you places and shows how bad you want it.
Pre- Optometry student, Eloisa Morfin at her Optometry School visit
