Marshall B. Ketchum University Southern California College of Optometry
Fullerton, CA
Optometry Schools | Public For-Profit
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 16% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did well.
⭐ 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 revolve around clinical experience, ethical dilemmas, personal motivations for pursuing optometry, strengths and weaknesses, as well as scenarios demonstrating professionalism and leadership skills. Responses indicate a wide range of questions covering various aspects of the optometry field, with a notable focus on ethical situations and the reasons for choosing optometry over other health professions.
-
Talk about your military experience
-
Tell me about your clinical experience
-
Name a situation revolving around ethical dilemma
-
What made you think optometry was for you?
-
What was an adversity you faced?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said the most interesting question asked at Marshall B. Ketchum University Southern California College of Optometry discussed a variety of topics, including ethical dilemmas in optometry, personal interests and hobbies related to the field, alternate career choices, and family support for pursuing optometry. The interview format may have been an MMI, with questions on ethical issues, personal values, and scenarios involving patient confidentiality, along with inquiries about non-disclosure agreements and specific aspects of optometry as a profession.
-
What was an ethical issue you have faced and what did you do to resolve it?
-
How do your hobbies relate to optometry?
-
if not optometry what career would you choose
-
Give me an ethical dilemma in optometry.
-
How many siblings do you have/ how does your family feel about you pursuing optometry?
What was the most difficult question?
Students said the most difficult question asked at Marshall B. Ketchum University Southern California College of Optometry discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas in optometry, personal challenges, professionalism, and the impact of legislation on the field. Some responses hinted at an MMI format, potentially involving nondisclosure agreements, while others highlighted questions related to teachability, uniqueness, current issues in optometry, and the motivations behind choosing optometry as a career path.
-
What was an ethical issue you have faced and what did you do to resolve it?
-
On a scale of 1-10, what is your teachability and why?
-
if I did poorly in physics in college, how would I do in Optics in Optometry School
-
Give me an ethical dilemma in optometry.
-
Name me an ethical issue that can arise in healthcare
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of 40 - 50 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 0-1 hour 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 John Wayne Airport (SNA)
-
Ontario International-was cheaper than LAX
-
Ontario
-
Long Beach
-
LGB
-
LAX
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
-
The Standard
-
The Courtyard Mariott in Buena Park
-
Sheraton
-
Marriott at Cal State Fullerton
-
Marriot
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?
Many applicants prepared for their interviews by utilizing resources such as SDN forums, mock interviews, and practicing with friends and family members. They also researched potential questions asked by optometry schools, reviewed personal statements, and familiarized themselves with current events and legislation in optometry to craft thorough responses.
-
I reviewed the highlights of my resume and life. Kept them fresh in my head - but I did not formally study any online questions.
-
Sdn
-
Practice with friends and family members
-
Looked at SDN interview questions and made a Word document with my answers for them, asked current SCCO students
-
sdn, made a document with a list of possible questions
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and warmth of the staff, faculty, and students, as well as the relaxed and conversational interview atmosphere. They also highlighted the top-notch facilities, modern clinic, and beautiful campus as positive aspects of their experience. Suggestions were made to maintain the welcoming environment and continue providing individualized attention to applicants.
-
My interviewer kept the experience enjoyable and memorable by engaging me in a conversation. No stress at all!
-
My interviewer was a complete ANGEL. She was so easy. The interview was definitely conversational.
-
It was much more relaxed and laid back than I pictured
-
Everyone was really friendly, the campus was nice, and the clinic was top-notch!
-
everyone was super friendly
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed dissatisfaction with various aspects of the interview process, such as limited interaction or unorganized procedures. They also mentioned concerns about the facilities, lack of engagement from interviewers, and the overall campus environment or amenities. Suggestions include improving communication, enhancing the interview experience, and providing more information about campus life and facilities to prospective students.
-
Nothing
-
Nothing, I was very happy
-
You have to drive about 15 minutes from the campus in order to get to the clinic
-
the interviewer ONLY asked me ONE question..."Why Optometry". After I was done saying why, he just said "ok do u have any questions for me". Disappointed in this school, especially for people who travel hundreds of miles for a "one" question interview. Glad I did not go there, just imagine the education if they really don't care what you have to say.
-
Miscommunication with shuttle services to Ketchum Health Tour.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that the interview process would be laid-back and conversational, with only one main question asked. Some also mentioned bringing snacks, preparing for a potential second interview or essay question, and not being as intimidated as expected.
-
How laid-back the process is.
-
It was just like a casual conversation with another person
-
Nothing!
-
Nothing
-
That they only ask ONE interview question. Wouldn't have bothered spending $200 on applying to them.
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally found the interview experience positive and the schools welcoming, with friendly staff, a relaxed atmosphere, and informative sessions. They appreciated the opportunity to showcase themselves, the campus tours, and the chance to learn more about the programs. Some mentioned specific details like the interview structure, the need to prepare well, and the importance of being oneself during the interview.
-
I had an all around great experience from admission director to interviewer. SCCO is really an amazing school.
-
Extremely friendly and welcoming environment. They are just trying to get to know you and there is nothing to worry about.
-
SCCO is an amazing campus and has a great optometry program. They really seem to care about their students and all of the faculty and current students love it there. Also, there is a dual OD/MS program that is included in tuition for OD students! Overall, I had a wonderful experience during interview day.
-
great interview process, awesome school!
-
Great school and friendly students and staff. I would say this was the most difficult interview out of the others I've done because my interviewer was more on the serious side however he was very friendly and engaging and I could tell that he was not intentionally intimidating.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants generally appreciate the friendliness and helpfulness of the admissions office staff, with suggestions for improvements including a more organized interview process, better visibility during interview days, more personal interactions, and possibly providing snacks.
-
Don’t change a thing! The admissions office, Eryn especially, is amazing and they should be proud of themselves.
-
Nothing, they're doing great!
-
Feel free to actually look at a person aka interview them, vs basing everything on numbers.
-
I felt that the interview day was a little disorganized and there was a big jumble of interviewees crammed into a small room. The seating was awkward in the room since the opto students to answer our questions were sitting in an area where some of the interviewees could not see them. I think if the optometry students sat in the front of the room under the TV would have been better so that everyone could see and hear them
-
Nothing. They are the sweetest people you will ever meet.
Success!
School has been added to your favorites.