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school of optometry

 
Old 03-10-2011 at 11:27 PM   #1
jeboi7
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school of optometry
How competitive is it to get into school of optometry at waterloo? Does anyone have experience with the application process? I figure it is just as competitive as med school, what is NOT competitive these days...
Old 03-10-2011 at 11:33 PM   #2
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I got an email from the Associate dean's office about an event about it today. Were you able to attend it? If not, it would be best to try and contact someone from admissions at UW. None of us would really know how to answer your questions 100%.
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Old 03-10-2011 at 11:34 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeboi7 View Post
How competitive is it to get into school of optometry at waterloo? Does anyone have experience with the application process? I figure it is just as competitive as med school, what is NOT competitive these days...
Very competitive. You said it, everything is competitive. You need between an 80-90 average to be considered competitive. Also you have to write the admission test, and good scores on that are obviously important.
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Old 03-10-2011 at 11:34 PM   #4
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I was considering Optometry for a very long time. Anyways Waterloo's optometry pre-reqs are pretty intense (long long list). Their admission average if I remember correctly is 82% (2 years ago) and they also put emphasis on experience.

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Old 03-10-2011 at 11:36 PM   #5
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also it's 1 of 2 schools in Canada, so that adds to the competitiveness.
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Old 03-10-2011 at 11:38 PM   #6
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Optometry might even be more competitive then med school
Old 03-10-2011 at 11:39 PM   #7
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Optometry might even be more competitive then med school
Maybe. But you do have to admit, the pre-reqs is like a Christmas shopping list
Old 03-10-2011 at 11:42 PM   #8
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Maybe. But you do have to admit, the pre-reqs is like a Christmas shopping list
haha waterloo is notorious for that for the professional programs.
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Old 03-10-2011 at 11:46 PM   #9
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lol...optometry...in canada...biggest waste of time ever.
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Old 03-11-2011 at 12:04 AM   #10
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lol...optometry...in canada...biggest waste of time ever.
For now... optometry practice in Ontario is really restricted when compared to the States but they've already passed bills and what not and are waiting for everything to process. So hopefully within the next couple years optometrists in Ontario will be able to do more procedures like those in the States.

As for the question, it's VERY competitive. I've reached the interview stage but I was placed 11th on the waiting list. Although it's VERY hard to get into Optometry without a degree (even if it's a professional school). I believe Waterloo accepts less than 10% non-degrees (exit-degrees and non-honours are considered non-degrees).

It's similar in the states in terms of non-degrees, but you can find the information on their websites (They are required to release this kind of information due to ethical reason). The optometrist I shadow says it's easier to get into the States though. But for personal and academic reasons I decided not to apply this year.
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Old 03-11-2011 at 12:34 AM   #11
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For now... optometry practice in Ontario is really restricted when compared to the States but they've already passed bills and what not and are waiting for everything to process. So hopefully within the next couple years optometrists in Ontario will be able to do more procedures like those in the States.

As for the question, it's VERY competitive. I've reached the interview stage but I was placed 11th on the waiting list. Although it's VERY hard to get into Optometry without a degree (even if it's a professional school). I believe Waterloo accepts less than 10% non-degrees (exit-degrees and non-honours are considered non-degrees).

It's similar in the states in terms of non-degrees, but you can find the information on their websites (They are required to release this kind of information due to ethical reason). The optometrist I shadow says it's easier to get into the States though. But for personal and academic reasons I decided not to apply this year.
Did you eventually get accepted jhan? It sound like you had a good shot at it. Ahhhh well, it looks like the chance of getting is very slim....blehh. Oh wait, you decided not to apply?

Last edited by jeboi7 : 03-11-2011 at 12:37 AM.
Old 03-11-2011 at 12:35 AM   #12
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I got an email from the Associate dean's office about an event about it today. Were you able to attend it? If not, it would be best to try and contact someone from admissions at UW. None of us would really know how to answer your questions 100%.
Haha, I missed it!
Old 03-11-2011 at 12:39 AM   #13
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lol...optometry...in canada...biggest waste of time ever.
Care to elaborate?
Old 03-11-2011 at 12:45 AM   #14
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Quote:
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Did you eventually get accepted jhan? It sound like you had a good shot at it. Ahhhh well, it looks like the chance of getting is very slim....blehh. Oh wait, you decided not to apply?
Yeah, I decided to do a thesis and graduate instead of applying to the States. I'll be applying to both again this year.

I personally didn't think I would get in but I tried anyway, plus it's good practice in terms of interview skills.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jeboi7 View Post
Care to elaborate?
Waterloo is taking their time implementing material students what they will need to learn. The laws are changing and soon optometrists will be able to do a lot more. But you need to be trained and since you aren't taught in Waterloo, you'll have to take courses when the time comes. Of course you can always send your patients to opthalmologists or other optometrists but eventually you will lose your patients.
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Old 03-11-2011 at 01:08 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeboi7 View Post
Care to elaborate?
Go England. Start optometry at 18, graduate by 23.
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