Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 34% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did okay.
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?
Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
💬 Interview Questions ▼
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools based on user responses include inquiries about reasons for choosing a specific school, experiences dealing with adversity or volunteer work, motivations for pursuing a career in optometry, personal strengths and weaknesses, study habits, and future goals in the field. Some respondents mentioned an MMI format and possible nondisclosure agreements, suggesting a structured interview process with standardized questions.
What was one specific time you dealt with adversity?
Students said the most interesting question asked at Arizona College of Optometry discussed various topics like motivation, impressions of the school, elevator pitch about optometry, hobbies, optometrist roles, and volunteering dedication. While no specific MMI or non-disclosure mentions were noted, respondents found the questions engaging and not overly challenging.
Students said most difficult question asked at Arizona College of Optometry discussed various topics such as dealing with adversity, motivation for success, overcoming challenges, future plans after school, and unexpected preparation inquiries. Additionally, there were mentions of questions regarding the scope of optometry, potential outcomes if not accepted to school, and post-graduation aspirations.
Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What are your comments on where you stayed?
No responses
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions ▼
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by utilizing Student Doctor Network (SDN) for questions, participating in mock interviews, and researching the specific school. Many also practiced answering potential questions, sought feedback from peers, and reviewed their personal statements to prepare effectively.
I found questions on student doctor net, wrote out answers, and other questions to ask that I couldn't find answers to online. I also had a mock interview through my school's HPAC.
Looked through this website's forums, asked friends who had gone through interviews (at med school, dental school, pharm school, and opto school), talked to professors and OD's that I've shadowed. I put questions on flash cards and practiced going through what I would say for each of them the night before my interview (I didn't memorize anything, just had an idea of what I wanted to say).
Applicants were consistently impressed by the welcoming and friendly atmosphere of the school, the modern facilities and equipment, and the supportive and enthusiastic faculty and staff. Many appreciated the conversational and laid-back interview style, as well as the emphasis on making applicants feel comfortable and at ease during the process.
How nice the staff was. They were so easy going and the people that interviewed me were so laid back. They were tried to make you as comfortable as possible! My interview was over zoom due to COIVD and they were constantly asking for feed back and trying to make it the best experience as possible
The campus is beautiful and the clinic is amazing. Dr. Jarnigan was an incredibly nice man and I liked that he gave us the tour of the clinic and ate lunch with us.
The admissions staff and professors were very welcoming and helpful, campus was in a great location and is nicely spaced out, Eye Institute is AMAZING, professors emphasized their open-door policy to students. Very professional, yet comfortable interview.
Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions related to rude interviewers, unenthusiastic admissions staff, poor food quality, lengthy and tiring interview processes, and concerns about the newness of facilities affecting patient exposure opportunities. Suggestions include improving interviewer attitudes, ensuring staff engagement, enhancing food quality, streamlining interview processes, and addressing concerns about facility readiness and patient interaction.
The interviewers we’re fairly rude. They gave off a very negative vibe. I went in with high hopes and was not impressed with the attitude of my interviewers.
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that the school interviews were laid back and focused on being oneself. Additionally, many wished they were aware that the tours were long and to wear comfortable shoes for the visit.
the breakfast offered was not healthy, just cereal bars/processed snacks- I would have eaten a healthier and more substantial breakfast before if i had known.
Applicants generally found the interview experience positive and appreciated the informal, conversational nature of it. Many candidates also praised the school's facilities, staff, and potential for growth, while some suggested more efforts to connect with candidates personally during the interview process.
I went into the interview day not sure how I felt about Midwestern and their program, and I left with a very positive outlook on the school. The school is newer than others, but I think it's a great program.
The interview was very casual and informal and mostly felt like the professors just wanted to get to know who you are as a person. Everyone was super nice and interacted with the students.
The school focused too much about itself. They really didn't put much effort in making a connection with the candidates and getting to know them more in person.
The campus is beautiful and very up-to-date. In general the staff were very enthusiastic and friendly.The atmosphere was very relaxed and the staff made sure everyone was comfortable.
The interview itself was not bad at all, very conversational, you're interviewed by 2 faculty members in the program, questions they asked were just based on optometry and your application --nothing random. I really like this school and I think their program is very strong and has the potential to go far. I like how the interview day was structured - the interview is the first thing on the itinerary! That way you can breathe the rest of the day.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggested incorporating a financial aid talk into the interview day schedule, making the tour shorter, providing more information on financial aid and housing options, improving communication regarding admissions decisions, and maintaining the friendliness of the admissions office.
It would have been very helpful if there was a financial aid talk incorporated into the interview day schedule. There was too much time just sitting around waiting for other applicants to finish their interviews (almost 1.5 hrs).
Improve communication; the only way I found out I had been invited for an interview was when I logged on to their website. They also said they would call on Monday to let me know if I was accepted - they didn't call until Tuesday, but I checked online and saw that I had been accepted Monday afternoon.