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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 7% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did well.
Outstanding interview experience: exceptionally organized, highly professional staff, strong communication, and very low stress.
Based on 141 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional8–8.9 Very Good7–7.9 Good6–6.9 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.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
Positively (96%)
No change (4%)
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (46%)
Good (38%)
Average (12%)
Poor (4%)
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally expressed positive feedback about the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere during the interview process at UHCO, highlighting the friendly faculty and stress-free nature of the experience. Suggestions included being prepared, knowing the interviewer's role, and emphasizing the importance of being oneself during the interview.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
Impressed by the facility, and the staff seemed very welcoming! Was a completely stress-free interview - it more was of a conversation than anything else.
I had such a great time at the interview! Everyone was so friendly and helpful and they are truly an encouraging school. They made you feel very comfortable and the actual interview was very easy
UHCO-COMP interviews are an average of 29 minutes, with an average of 2.3 interviews. 52% of interviews are one-on-one, 100% are in-person, and 56% are closed-file. Of the in-person interviews, 100% are held at the school.
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about the candidate's journey to the field, their reasons for choosing the specific profession, challenges faced in academics, opinions on industry-related topics, study habits, and future outlook for the profession. Some respondents mentioned a conversational MMI format with questions about optometry practice settings, patient relationships, and the impact of advertising, possibly under a nondisclosure agreement.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
Students said most interesting question asked at University of Houston, College Of Optometry discussed a variety of topics, including time management skills, hypothetical scenarios, favorite activities when stressed, and opinions on current events. Some respondents mentioned an MMI format, indicating a possible nondisclosure agreement in place during the interviews.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
There wasn't really an interesting question.. they just want to get to know who you are and what extracurriculars you've participated in and optometric experience you've had!
Many applicants prepared for the interview by researching common questions online, practicing mock interviews, utilizing resources like SDN, and learning about the school and profession. They also sought feedback from friends, advisors, and online forums to enhance their preparation and confidence.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
I just read through all the interview questions posted on this site for U of H (all the questions they asked me were on this site). I also met with my pre-optometry advisor and she gave advice on etiquette, what to wear, etc...and then i prepared a few questions to ask the faculty and student during my interview.
Students said most difficult question asked at University of Houston, College Of Optometry discussed various topics including teaching something in 5 minutes, explaining GPA fluctuations, differentiating between optometrists and ophthalmologists, discussing current events in the U.S., and comparing public vs. private schools. Some responses hinted at an MMI format, possibly involving nondisclosure agreements due to the sensitivity of questions asked.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
To explain some of the current issues between Optometrists and Ophthalmologists, regarding laws, scope of practice, etc.. and why they are being challenged.
I was ready for anthing they threw at me so none of them seemed difficult. The interviewers are very nice and make you feel welcome so the stress levels were not too high.
Applicants were consistently impressed by the modern facilities, friendly staff and faculty, along with the emphasis on technology and opportunities for hands-on experience. Many mentioned the positive atmosphere and interactions with faculty and students as major factors contributing to their positive impressions of the school.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
Online interview - UHCO seems really up to date with technology, lasers/surgery and seems to offer many opportunities.
Every single person I came in contact with was super friendly! Dr. Bailey and the 4th year student helped me relax during the interview! Dr. Shulman is awesome, too!! And the best part was- He gave me my acceptance letter after my interview :)
Applicants were most commonly unimpressed with the lack of out-of-state opportunities for externships and negative interview experiences, including instances of rudeness from interviewers. Suggestions include offering more diverse externship locations and ensuring interviewers are welcoming and respectful.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
UHCO may not be an ideal school for out-of-state students if they are wanting to practice outside Texas - it seems most of UHCO's externship sites are in Texas. My interview didn't seem to be the best because one of my interviewers came off as rude, rubbing her eyes for 1 minute, looking around, etc. I felt as if I was not being paid attention to and boring, did not feel welcome (first interview I felt like this).
Applicants commonly wish they had known the duration of the school tour, the timing of acceptance notifications after interviews, the importance of leaving early to account for traffic, and how to navigate to the school. Additionally, some mentioned minor personal oversights they wished they had prepared for in advance.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
How would you rate the Location and Cultural Life?
0 = Low, 10 = High
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.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants generally had positive experiences and did not have any specific suggestions for the admissions office, indicating they were satisfied with the process and felt it was well-handled.
43% interviewees used IAH (IAH)
, with
14% using N/A (N/A)
and
14% using HOU (HOU)
and
14% using Bush International (Bush International)
and
14% using Hobby (Hobby)
.
What was your primary mode of transportation?
Most interviewees traveled by automobile to the interview.
✈️
21% Airplane
🚗
79% Automobile
🚆
0% Train or Subway
🚲
0% Other
Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees
Most interviewees stayed at the Omni Hotel (average ranking 10/10), with some staying at Hilton on UH campus (average rating 9/10). (Top 3 displayed)
🏨
Omni Hotel
10/10
🏨
Hilton on UH campus
9/10
🏨
The Double Tree (near the IAH airport)
9/10
What was the cost and time spent traveling?
Cost: Low Cost to High Cost
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are in state students.
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by a Faculty member
Admissions staff (36%)
Faculty member (64%)
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
