Tahlequah, OK
Optometry Schools | Public Non-Profit
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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 29% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
7.9
Good
Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.
Based on 73 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 revolve around leadership qualities, reasons for choosing a major, personal strengths and weaknesses, overcoming challenges, long-term goals, and specific motivations for pursuing a medical career. Some respondents may have experienced an MMI format and been subject to a nondisclosure agreement based on mentions of 'MMI' or 'non-disclosure' in their answers.
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What are some characteristics that make a good leader?
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"What characteristics are important in a leader?"
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Why did you choose your major?
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What characteristics are important in a leader?
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Why should you be one of the 28 accepted students? What makes you think you should be a part of the class?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said the most interesting question asked at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College Of Optometry discussed a variety of topics, including career aspirations, favorite courses, personal interests, and views on the healthcare system. While some responses indicated straightforward questions, others mentioned a diverse range of inquiries that may suggest an MMI format with possible nondisclosure agreements.
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Where do you see yourself in 10 years outside your life of Optometry? Do you see yourself with a family, traveling abroad, etc.
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"What has been your favorite course in undergrad and why?"
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Outside of your professional life, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
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What was your most interesting job in the past?
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What is your ideal studying situation?
What was the most difficult question?
Students said the most difficult question asked at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College Of Optometry discussed various topics such as receiving constructive criticism, choosing charities for donations, selecting schools, identifying strengths relevant to healthcare, leadership scenarios, community involvement expectations for optometrists, and distinguishing between optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians. Additionally, questions about specific optometry programs like OCPM and CSPM were mentioned, requiring thoughtful responses that showcased candidates' suitability for the programs.
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What is some constructive criticism a close friend would offer you?
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Say you come upon a lot of money tomorrow. What would be a charity close to your heart you would want to give back to?
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What would be the deciding factor of choosing schools? Why would you choose another school over ours?
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What are your strengths? I had to think about this a little because she asked "What are great qualities of a healthcare professional?" and I said two qualities that I think I have! So I wanted to be humble but still thought that my top two strengths are great qualities of a healthcare professional.
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Describe a situation in which you felt it was better for someone else to take the lead.
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of 19 minutes or less.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 3 people.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as low 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 an open 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 utilizing Student Doctor Network (SDN) resources, practicing with mock interview questions, and seeking feedback from friends, family, and advisors. They also researched common interview questions and familiarized themselves with the school's website and program details.
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Looked at the interview questions that were asked on this forum and practiced my answers out loud.
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Looked at school website, SDN
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Researched common questions, practiced in front of a mirror
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Wrote answers to mock interview questions. Read my personal statement.
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SDN, Mock interview with a doctor at work, family, I've had interviews before
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were positively impressed by the friendliness and personal touch of the staff and faculty, as well as the welcoming atmosphere of the campus and surrounding area. They appreciated the smaller class sizes, close relationships, and modern facilities offered by the institution. Suggestions were made to continue emphasizing these strengths to prospective students.
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The people were incredibly friendly and personable. It felt like they cared about who I was and where I was from, I was not just another student being interviewed for a position at their school.
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All interviewers were kind, Interview was virtual due to COVID
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Everyone was very friendly, since it was a smaller town, it seemed like everyone knew each other. Also the new clinic is very beautiful.
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Very warm and friendly staff and faculty. Beautiful surroundings and geography. (Tons of trees and rolling hills,rivers, etc)
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When I went to NSUOCO, I felt like I was home. Tahlequah, as a whole, felt like home. I hope to spend the next four years there!
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the older, smaller facilities and campus buildings, lack of information provided before the interview, and the small size of the town. Suggestions included providing more detailed information prior to interviews, updating facilities, and addressing the small-town atmosphere to better appeal to a wider range of applicants.
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The building on campus at NSU is older and more historical than other schools I have visited, but the clinic that is partnered with the school through the Cherokee nation is incredible and brand-new, so that does make-up for the older on-campus building where the classroom and administrative offices are.
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I didn't get much info on the school
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Many of the other schools gave me information packages before my interview, but this school gave me one after my interview.
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Very small buildings that are kinda of old.
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Nothing!
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Many applicants wished they had known about the lack of provided lunch, the importance of practicing timed essay skills, and the amount of wait time between interviews. Additionally, insights on the size of the school and nearby tourist attractions were mentioned as helpful information to have ahead of time.
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That they would not be feeding me lunch. I had to go out and get lunch in Tahlequah after all my interviews and tours, which was around 1.
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Nothing caught me off guard
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I wish I would have known that I should practice my timed essay skills for a variety of prompts.
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How little time I had to write the essay.
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There is lots a wait time between the individual interviews. There is some interaction with the current students during that time, but a lot of the time is spent in the waiting room alone.
What are your general comments?
Applicants commonly praised the small class size and intimate atmosphere of the school, emphasizing the personalized attention from faculty and opportunities for hands-on experience. They also appreciated the welcoming and laid-back interview process, as well as the sense of community and support within the program.
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The school and class size is small, but that means more one-on-one time with your doctors and more hands-on experience in a lab or in the clinic with patients. It sounded like you will be more exposed to different types of care being partnered with the Cherokee nation also. Overall a great and hospitable school that is a good option for anyone looking to become the best optometrist they can be.
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Seems like a great program with a family-feel
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NSUOCO is an absolutely wonderful school and program. The faculty and students are awesome! Everyone made me feel right at home and made me feel like I was already part of their program.
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The intimate atmosphere of the school is fantastic due to its small class size. I would definitely suggest looking for the interview building the night before the interview. Use a GPS to find the particular building because the addresses are not marked on the building.
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Seems like a great school with a promising program. Working in teams can definitely be achieved at this school!
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggested providing better directions and signage for finding the admissions office, sending out information packages earlier for interviews, and offering more comprehensive tours of the college campus.
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Perhaps have an administration sign in the parking lot that directs you to the right doors. Almost went into the Academic Wing when I first got to the building.
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I think that they should send out the info packages earlier to those who are going to interview, that way people can ask questions while they are there. Also the building was hard to find, so I suggest making a map or sending one out through email.
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I have no suggestions!
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Though our schedule became slightly different due to the circumstances, it would have been nice to see all the aspects of the college rather than just the basics.
📍 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.
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are out of state students.
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 automobile to the interview.
About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?
Most respondents spent less than $100.
What airport did you fly into?
Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
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CLE
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
Based on the responses provided by the users, the most commonly mentioned hotel is Hyatt Place.
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Hyatt Place
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Motor Lodge
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Sheraton
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Positively 🙂 | Great | In Person |
| 2019-20 | Positively 🙂 | Great | N/A |
| 2018-19 | Positively 🙂 | Average | N/A |
| 2015-16 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
| 2015-16 | Positively 🙂 | Great | N/A |
| 2013-14 | No change 😐 | Good | N/A |
| 2010-11 | Positively 🙂 | Great | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | No change 😐 | Great | N/A |
| 2009-10 | No change 😐 | Great | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Great | N/A |
| 2009-10 | No change 😐 | Average | N/A |
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