Bloomington, IN
Optometry Schools | Public Non-Profit
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⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
8.3
Above Average
Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.
Based on 113 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional
8–8.9 Very Good
7–7.9 Good
6–6.9 Mixed
< 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
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
What is your ranking of this school's location?
Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
💬 Interview Questions ▼
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about the applicant's motivation for pursuing optometry, challenges faced during undergraduate studies, weaknesses, reasons for choosing a specific school or profession (optometry or podiatry), and plans for adjusting to graduate-level education. These questions suggest a focus on understanding the candidate's commitment, experiences, decision-making process, and personal qualities relevant to the field. Some responses indicated an MMI format, potentially involving a nondisclosure agreement due to the confidentiality of the interview structure.
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If i was thinking of the od/ms path
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What questions do you have for us.
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They didn't ask any questions; it was simply a group session where they inform you about the school--however, it appears that this was a pilot so it may not be the same in the spring or upcoming years
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What is your least favorite part about Optometry?
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Why do you want to become an optometrist?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said the most interesting question asked at Indiana University School of Optometry discussed a range of topics, including the applicants' job roles, volunteer work, personal interests, and future career aspirations. While the questions were mostly conventional, some applicants mentioned inquiries about balancing personal life with academics and commenting on healthcare issues, with a focus on Canadian optometry. It's worth noting that the interview format may have been MMI, as some responses alluded to nondisclosure agreements or lack of disclosure regarding specific questions asked.
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N/A
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What does your job (optometric tech) consist of?
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None were particularly interesting, mostly expected questions that were previously posted on SDN.
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Tell me about your volunteer work.
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You are involved in a lot of sports. Why not go down that path?
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at Indiana University School of Optometry discussed a variety of topics such as weaknesses, current issues in optometry, and career choice rationales. While some faced challenges with articulating weaknesses and addressing them in grad school, others found broad questions about optometry issues or healthcare trends challenging. It is important to note that the interview may have been in an MMI format, with possible nondisclosure agreements in place, as some responses hinted at restrictions in sharing specific questions.
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N/A
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What is your biggest weakness?
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What is your greatest weakness (non-academic)?
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What are some current issues within optometry?
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none
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 2 people.
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.
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.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Many applicants prepared for the interview by researching the school, reading on Student Doctor Network (SDN), and conducting mock interviews. They also sought advice from current students and reviewed common interview questions to feel more confident and prepared.
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Read website, watched youtube videos
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Talking with students
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Student Doctor Network and previous interviews
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Previous interviews, SDN.
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SDN, other websites with interview questions.
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness of everyone they interacted with, including faculty, staff, and students, as well as the welcoming atmosphere of the campus and town of Bloomington. They also highlighted the upcoming opening of the new clinic, the excellent buffet lunch, and the overall positive reputation and atmosphere of Indiana University.
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How relaxed the students were with faculty, organization, IU's reputation overall, how much every staff member loves IU
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Overall atmosphere of the student community.
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The faculty and the fact that the pre-clinic facilities will be remodeled. Also, the buffet lunch was excellent
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I LOVED Bloomington, loved the school, loved the BRAND NEW clinic. Also that the area was very safe.
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GREAT lunch, wonderful faculty and buildings, BEAUTIFUL campus.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about issues such as parking availability, distance of facilities, delays in schedules, lack of engaging architecture, outdated buildings, limited exposure to the school's offerings, intimidating interview experiences, and mediocre tours. Suggestions include improving communication with interviewers, enhancing campus tours, updating facilities, and ensuring a more comprehensive presentation of the school's features during the application process.
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Nothing, it was all great!
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Just that parking is a problem (university campus), and that the cafeteria is about a 10 minute walk from the school.
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Not much, we had a few delays to the schedule, but it all worked out in the end.
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I can't think of anything in particular.
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nothing.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that the interview process consisted of two parts, with one being more casual and conversational while the other was more intense and involved faculty members. They also recommended asking plenty of questions to leave a positive impression and being prepared for a 10-minute walk across campus.
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They wouldn't ask you any questions haha
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You take a 10 minute walk to get lunch in the middle of campus and then come back. Also, prepare a lot of questions because the faculty panel and student panels are only there for them to answer your questions. Asking lots of questions will leave a more positive image.
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That it was not a real interview
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That I would be extremely sick that day! And that we would be taking a 10 minute walk across campus (do NOT wear heels).
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Not much, knew about almost everything ahead of time.
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally found the school to be a great fit for their personalities, with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere during the interview process. They appreciated the opportunity to ask questions, the casual and friendly interviews, and the overall positive experience at the institution.
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Amazing school and I can't wait to be a Hoosier!!!
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Very laid back atmosphere.
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If you prefer a small town to a big city, this is the school for you!
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The interview was very relaxing, and the interviews are really casual. The buffet lunch is great, so come hungry. Also, you have PLENTY of time for questions, so you'll get all the info you need on their school.
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I really loved IU. It just "fit" my personality. I know that sounds weird, but I felt like it was meant to be!
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office discuss the OD/MBA pathway more and include a representative on the panel for that, while also praising the office for being extremely friendly, helpful, and having polite and supportive personnel like Joe and Patty.
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Discuss the OD/MBA pathway more and have a representative on the panel for that
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Extremely friendly and helpful during the whole process
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The admissions office personnel were all very polite and extremely helpful. Joe and Patty are top n
📍 On-Site Experience ▼
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by a Student
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are out of state students.
What were your total hours spent traveling?
Most respondents spent 7+ hours traveling to the interview.
What was your primary mode of travel?
Most respondents traveled by automobile to the interview.
About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?
Most respondents spent between $201 and $300.
What airport did you fly into?
Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
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IND
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
The most commonly mentioned hotel among the responses is: Fairfield Inn
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Comfort Inn
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Courtyard by Marriott
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Days Inn
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Fairfield Inn
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Holiday Inn Express
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 are your comments on where you stayed?
No responses
All Responses
| Application Cycle ▿ | Impression | Performance | Interview Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Positively 🙂 | Great | Virtual |
| 2012-13 | Positively 🙂 | Great | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Average | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Great | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Great | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Great | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Great | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Great | N/A |
| 2009-10 | No change 😐 | Great | N/A |
| 2009-10 | No change 😐 | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | No change 😐 | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Negatively ☹️ | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Great | N/A |
| 2009-10 | No change 😐 | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Great | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
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