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Arizona College of Optometry

Glendale, AZ

Optometry Schools | Public For-Profit

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.
⭐ Overall Impressions

How did the interview impress you?

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 the most interesting question?

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.

What was the most difficult question?

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.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 2 people.

What was the style of the interview?

Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.

What type of interview was it?

Most respondents had a closed file interview.

Was this interview in-person or virtual?

Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.

Where did the interview take place?

Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
📍 On-Site Experience

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by Admissions staff personnel

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents rank the facilities as below average.

What were your total hours spent traveling?

Most respondents spent 4-6 hours traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by airplane to the interview.

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Most respondents spent between $101 and $200.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

How would you rate the hotel?

Most respondents rated their hotel as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

Would you recommend the hotel?

Most respondents would recommend their hotel.

What is your ranking of this school's location?

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.

What impressed you positively?

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.

What impressed you negatively?

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.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

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.

What are your general comments?

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.

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.