Indiana University School of Optometry
Bloomington, IN
Optometry Schools | Public Non-Profit
Going on an interview at IU? Add your feedback to help others!
⭐ 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 include inquiries about one's motivations for pursuing optometry, strengths and weaknesses, reasons for choosing a specific school or location, future career goals, experiences in the field, and how the applicant plans to adjust to graduate school. Some respondents mentioned questions related to optometry challenges, leadership experiences, and comparisons with shadowing experiences. Additionally, references to MMI format and nondisclosure agreements suggest that respondents may have encountered an MMI-style interview with confidentiality requirements.
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If i was thinking of the od/ms path
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N/A
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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 are your greatest strengths?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting question asked at Indiana University School of Optometry discussed various topics such as job responsibilities, volunteer work, balancing personal life with academics, and opinions on pursuing research post-graduation. The interview format was not explicitly mentioned as MMI or subject to nondisclosure agreements.
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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 the most difficult question asked at Indiana University School of Optometry discussed various weaknesses, current issues in optometry, and the choice of optometry over medicine. Some respondents also mentioned a question about health care issues being too broad. The interview format may have been an MMI with possible nondisclosure agreements in place.
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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 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 a Student
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 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?
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sunny isles beach
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Quality Inn
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Memorial Union
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Holiday Inn Express
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Fairfield Inn
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?
Most applicants prepared for the interview by researching the school on websites like Student Doctor Network, reading previous interview experiences, and practicing common interview questions. Some also sought advice from current students and engaged in mock interviews 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 the faculty, staff, and students at IU, the beautiful campus and town of Bloomington, and the upcoming new clinic facilities. Many also highlighted the positive atmosphere, the excellent lunch provided, and the overall excitement and enthusiasm displayed by everyone they encountered during their visit.
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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 were mainly unimpressed by issues related to facilities, such as parking problems, distance between cafeteria and school, lack of appealing architecture, old buildings, and the need for remodeling. They also expressed concerns about interview experiences, including delays, intimidating closed-file interviews, unengaging tour guides, and negative interactions with interviewers. Suggestions include improving facilities, ensuring a positive interview experience, and enhancing the quality of tours to make a better impression on applicants.
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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 about the dual interview structure, the emphasis on asking questions, the informal conversational nature of the interviews, and the potential for walking across campus. They also noted the importance of being prepared with questions and being yourself during the process.
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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 expressed excitement about the school and its atmosphere, with positive comments on the interview process, the campus setting, and the laid-back nature of the interactions. Some mentioned specific aspects like the buffet lunch, while others highlighted the opportunity to meet fellow students and faculty. However, there were contrasting views on the interview experience, with some feeling it was intense and others finding it disappointing due to organization issues.
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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 should provide more information on the OD/MBA pathway and include a dedicated representative on the panel for that program. They also appreciated the friendly and helpful demeanor of the admissions office personnel, specifically mentioning individuals like Joe and Patty for their exceptional assistance.
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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
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