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All Questions & Responses

  • Marshall B. Ketchum University Southern California College of Optometry
  • Optometry School
  • Fullerton, CA
Individual Feedback 3 55 Responses
Overall Experience

How did the interview impress you?

Response # Responders
Positively 44
Negatively 5
No change 6

What was the stress level of the interview?

Response Avg # Responders
5.31 54

0 = low, 10 = high

How you think you did?

Response Avg # Responders
7.98 55

0 = low, 10 = high

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Response Avg # Responders
8.53 55

0 = low, 10 = high

Was this interview in-person or virtual?

Response # Responders
In Person 0
Virtual 1

Questions

How long was the interview?

Response # Responders
5 minutes 0
10 minutes 0
15 minutes 1
20 minutes 2
25 minutes 3
30 minutes 7
35 minutes 12
40 minutes 3
45 minutes 19
50 minutes 3
55 minutes 1
60+ minutes 3

Where did the interview take place?

Response # Responders
At the school 53
At a regional location 0
At another location 1

What was the style of the interview?

Response # Responders
One-on-one 40
In a group 14

What type of interview was it?

Response # Responders
Open file 14
Closed file 40

How many people interviewed you?

Response Average # Responders
2.09 54

What is one of the specific questions they asked you (question 1)?

"Tell me about your clinical experience" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What was an adversity you faced?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is an adversity you have faced?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What was your journey in determining that optometry was for you?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"why SCCO" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why healthcare? Why optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you know about the current legislation of optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Define professionalism" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"When is a time you had to work with someone who you disliked or disliked you?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why do you want to move all the way from Florida to California?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"how many other schools did I apply to, and why did I pick those schools?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell us why you want to do optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How do different optometrists work together?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Describe an ethical dilemma that you have witnessed (can be anything)." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Define professionalism. (they still ask this... Still caught me off guard!)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How many other schools did you apply to?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Are you familiar with the different concentrations/residencies of optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you do for fun?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How do you see the relationship of optometrists, opticians, and ophthalmologists in the future?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"If I knew the difference between an optician, optometrist, and an ophthalmologist" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Describe an ethical dilemma. Doesn't have to pertain to optometry." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What can you bring to SCCO?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why do you want to attend SCCO? What websites have you used to research the school? Would you still want to come here if it was in Iowa?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why Optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you like about optometry? Why not other health professions?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Do you know what the differences are between optometrists in California and Canada (where I am from)?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why optometry instead of ophthalmology?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Describe an ethical situation. " More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why do you want to become an optometrist?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What makes you feel confident that you know what you're getting into?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is the difference between a customer and a patient?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Future of optometry" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is the difference between ophthamologists and optometrists?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why did you choose optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Whats the difference between opthamologist and optometrist, and why did you pick this one?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"whats the field of OD?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell us how you decided that optometry was for you." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Where do you see the profession of optometry in the future? " More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why SCCO?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"what attracts you to scco?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is your opinion on HMO's?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What can you contribute to SCCO?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

What is one of the specific questions they asked you (question 2)?

"Talk about your military experience" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Name a situation revolving around ethical dilemma" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about yourself" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you like to do for fun?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"what are three strengths" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Asked about my undergraduate research experience." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Was there a hardship you encountered that made you how you are today?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What's the difference between an optician, optometrist, and opthamologist?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Which schools did you apply to, and why?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why did you choose your major? (I'm in a human science major they've never heard of)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What was my favorite book" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What ethical issues have you encountered while observing your optometrist?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Do you know any current students at SCCO and have you spoken to them about the curriculum?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why did you take time off? Did you plan is? (I took 3 years off before applying)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"We've noticed you shadowed alot of optometrists. besides the different settings, is there a reason as to why you shadowed so many?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why are you interested in SCCO specifically?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is the difference between the scope of optometry and ophthalmology?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about the specific moment or time when you realized that optometry was for you." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"If I thought that I could handle the rigorous workload" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Name three reasons why you want to attend SCCO." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why should we select you for this position?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Define Professionalism." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why are you interested in Optometry? Have you shadowed any Optometrists or Ophthalmologists?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What instruments have you worked with? What insurances have you dealt with the most? (I think I only had these questions because I have worked as an optometric technician.)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What's an ophthamologist?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What inspired you to become an optometrist?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Do you have family members in the health care profession? If so what area? " More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What does an optometrist do?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What makes you unique?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What are your hobbies?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Can you handle a heavy courseload?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is an example of an ethical dilemma in optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Greatest weakness" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"what do optometrists do?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is the difference btwn OD and Ophthalmologists?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Do you think you will ever be involved with politics in the optometry field?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"whats the number one thing you look for in an optometry school?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell us more about your optometry experience." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What type of leadership/volunteering experience do you have?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Do you think you'll have trouble adjusting to the quarter system?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How would you deal with a patient that did not pay their previous bill?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"what contributions will you make as a student of scco?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Did you consider careers in other health professions, like pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, podiatry? Why not ophthalmology?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why SCCO?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

What is one of the specific questions they asked you (question 3)?

"What made you think optometry was for you?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why Optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why SCCO besides just the location?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"what have I been doing in my gap year" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why do I want to pursue the OD/MS dual program." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What's a goal that you have that has nothing to do with optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What strengths do you have?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"what is one thing I like best about optometry." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you know about the scope of optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why should we pick you?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"do you have any creative accomplishments?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Which specialty do you want to go into?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What does being professional mean to you?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What are you going to do if you aren't accepted to a school this year?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Please tell us about an ethical situation you have experienced and what you did." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Optometry school is very difficult and you will need to rely on your classmates for help and you will even need to be willing to stay late at night and on the weekends to constantly practice. Tell me about a time where you dedicated your time to doing something daily where others relied on you." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What mode of practice (independent, group, hospital, etc)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Name 2 things you will bring to SCCO." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why SCCO?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why optometry and not ophthalmology?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Have you had any leadership positions?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What made you choose optometry? " More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What's an optometrist?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now? What type of practice?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why did you apply to so many schools (I applied to 7)? What did you look for in each school? Why SCCO?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about current optometric legislation in your state?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What makes an optometrist a primary health care provider?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Do you know what modes of practice there are?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is an ethical dilemma an optometrist may have to deal with?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think the AOA does?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you know about practicing in California vs. where you are from?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Describe a leadership role in work or academic." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Where do you see yourself in 10 years?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you do to relax?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What can you add to the SCCO community?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"what did you do in your shadowing experience?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Have you ever experienced an ethical dilema while shadowing? How was it resolved?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How do you manage your time?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What are your goals after you graduate?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What types of leadership experiences do you have?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"do you think optometrists should do more or less?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What are some current issues in the news relating to optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How did you become interested in Optometry/ Why optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

What was the most interesting question?

"What was an ethical issue you have faced and what did you do to resolve it?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How do your hobbies relate to optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"if not optometry what career would you choose" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Give me an ethical dilemma in optometry." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How many siblings do you have/ how does your family feel about you pursuing optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me something about yourself that wasn't in your essay, on your resume, and has nothing to do with optometry or your career goals." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"My interviewer asked about my opinions on other optometry schools and why I was considering SCCO" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is your least favorite part of optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What was your favorite part about your major?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"nothing too interesting" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Would you be interested in going on another trip aboard similar to the one you went to?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is one thing you would like us to know about you (that isn't on your application)?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Name a piece of literature (fiction or non fiction) that has influenced you" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"If I didn't go into optometry, what would I have gone into instead? (Made me think a bit)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Please tell us about an ethical situation you have experienced and what you did." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What ethnicity are you?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think is the most important issue facing optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Do you think ethics is relevant to optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What was your favorite historical period in American history? (I was a history major)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think optometry school will be like (how different than undergrad)?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"You are in an exam room with a man. The man's wife is sitting outside the exam room and she's pregnant. You talk to the man and it turns out that he has an STD because he was having an extramarital affair. The man refuses to let his wife know about this STD and affair. You are, by law, bound to this doctor-patient confidentiality. You cannot say anything to the man's wife about the conversation between you and the man. So, what do you do?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How many hours a week do you think the OD you worked for put in, including time both in and out of the office? Is there anything you think we should have asked (anything else you want us to know about you)? What books have you read lately?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"None" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How will you give back to the community when you are an optometrist?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"None." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"If you could tell us something about yourself that you would want us to remember you by, what would it be?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What else are you passionate about?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is some legislative news about optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How do I relieve stress? (nothing too interesting from the questions)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Compare a shoe salesman with an optometrist." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How do you see the future of insurance and optometry?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"if you went to an island. which three things would you bring?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you like to do for fun?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is the most important aspect about an Optometry school which influences your choice of schools?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Do you notice any tension between the optometrists you work with and the opthalmologists they associate with?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is a ritualist? (It was one of the offices I held.)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Did you have any problems with your professors in college?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"We see in your essay that you know a few students at SCCO. What have they told you about SCCO?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What kind of practice do you want to have?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

What was the most difficult question?

"What was an ethical issue you have faced and what did you do to resolve it?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"On a scale of 1-10, what is your teachability and why?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"if I did poorly in physics in college, how would I do in Optics in Optometry School" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Give me an ethical dilemma in optometry." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Name me an ethical issue that can arise in healthcare" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me something about yourself that wasn't in your essay, on your resume, and has nothing to do with optometry or your career goals." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Optometry is a legislative career; how do you think this will affect you in the future?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"When was a time you had to change how you felt about a situation?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about an ethical issue you've encountered and how you handled it." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What ethical issues have you encountered while observing your optometrist?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What characteristics are you looking for in professionalism?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"before we end this interview, is there anything you would like us to keep in mind during admissions review?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Describe a difficult situation where you had to make a decision that was unpopular" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Give an example of an ethical dilemma related to optometry." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Please tell us about an ethical situation you have experienced and what you did." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me something interesting about yourself. (I hate these open ended questions) Or the Do you have any questions for us. (I stared at them blankly.. don't do that)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"None too difficult - it was sort of conversational." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Name 2 things you will bring to SCCO." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What other leadership roles other than the ones you listed in your cv?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Describe an ethical dilemma in the field." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why did you pick SCCO?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think will challenge you the most about being an optometrist? What part of his job do you think the OD you worked for likes the least? What makes you think you have the self discipline it takes to study in your own time and succeed in optometry school? " More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Explain what makes you unique in comparison to your competition?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Nothing difficult. Just know what you are going to say when they ask why optometry, and why not another health care field. " More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What are the current issues optometry is facing?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Describe an ethical situation." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is managed care?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"greatest weakness" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"scope of optometry: how has it has changed and evolved? " More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"what are some current issues facing Optometrists?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think of the current health care system? In what ways would you improve it?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How do patients pay? " More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How would you tell a patient that they have some disease?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"if you had to tell you mom what an optometrist does, what would it be?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"none" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do optometrists do? (I know it's an easy question, but it's also vague...)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is service? (It seems simple, but it is difficult to define when you are on the spot because it is such a general question)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Do you think optometry is important? why?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Have you ever been involved in an ethical dilemma?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is the relation between optometry and other profession?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think you could contribute to SCCO?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you know about insurance?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

How did you prepare for the interview?

"I reviewed the highlights of my resume and life. Kept them fresh in my head - but I did not formally study any online questions." More from this Member | Report Response

"Practice with friends and family members" More from this Member | Report Response

"Looked at SDN interview questions and made a Word document with my answers for them, asked current SCCO students" More from this Member | Report Response

"sdn, made a document with a list of possible questions" More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, youtube videos, current SCCO optometry students." More from this Member | Report Response

"I used this website and other sources to come up with potential questions each school might ask and answered them on a word document. Then I would record myself answering those questions" More from this Member | Report Response

"Looked up lists of questions optometry schools asked and answered them all on a word document. Did thorough research to form complete answers to all of those questions on the list (including legislative, current event, their school and all other schools I was applying to). Reread all documents available on Portal for the interview. Tried out a bunch of different interview outfits (and some last minute shopping). Ran some questions by a friend when I wasn't sure how to answer them (he came up with some good answers that made sense - ethical questions can be tricky)." More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, re-reading my optomcas submissions." More from this Member | Report Response

"Prepared scenarios and experiences that could apply to a lot of different behavioral questions. Made sure I could recall examples quickly." More from this Member | Report Response

"These SDrN interview forums and my experience with a previous interview." More from this Member | Report Response

"Mock interview, SDN, SCCO's You Tube videos." More from this Member | Report Response

"Mock interview and looking at questions asked on SDN" More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, compiled list of potential questions and practiced answering them" More from this Member | Report Response

"Look at the SDN forum, practiced with a friend" More from this Member | Report Response

"Sdn" More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, mock interviews, review of legislature and Dr. Munroe's interview packets" More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN and reading through the school's website." More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN!" More from this Member | Report Response

"Spoke to current students, read previous questions on SDN, did research into current events in optometry." More from this Member | Report Response

"My friend gave me a print out of potential questions and his answers and I just went over that. I also did a few mock interviews with friends." More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN interview feedback, mock interviews, reading the responses to OptomCas & SCCO supplemental questions." More from this Member | Report Response

"Reviewed other questions posted on SDN, other sites, etc. " More from this Member | Report Response

"read interview feedback on studentdoctor.net talked to SCCO students and graduates mock interview with friend" More from this Member | Report Response

"Looked at SDN interview feedback. Compiled a list of possible questions and their corresponding answers. Did mock Q&A with friends. " More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN questions" More from this Member | Report Response

"I practiced questions from studentdoctor.net, spoke with several practicing optometrists, researched the school as much as possible, looked up optometry legislation, and practiced general interview questions with a friend applying for a masters program in another field. (Perhaps I over-prepared, but it gave me a lot of material to discuss!)" More from this Member | Report Response

"Looked over some questions I found on SDN." More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, practicing questions, various optometry websites, Dr. Munroe's interview information" More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, Dr. Munroe's email attachments, practising answers from a list of potential questions, reading about the school" More from this Member | Report Response

"Previous interview and med school interview questions (not a good idea)" More from this Member | Report Response

"Dr. Munroe's facebook page; sample questions from optstudent.com" More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN Dr. Munroe's Interview FAQs" More from this Member | Report Response

"Read questions from SDN & optstudent.com" More from this Member | Report Response

"Review own application/essays, took questions from SDN and prepared brief answers, read news articles" More from this Member | Report Response

"Previously toured the campus, researched the website." More from this Member | Report Response

"reading snd forums and interview feedback" More from this Member | Report Response

"had friends ask me questions, went over the SDN feedback stuff, read some articles" More from this Member | Report Response

"Reading student doctor forum, mock interview with my friend." More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN and read your essays" More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, practiced, reserached about the history of optometry, AOA site" More from this Member | Report Response

"Read through SDN forums, optstudent.com, and other optometry websites. Re-read my personal statement." More from this Member | Report Response

"Reading comments on studentdoctor.net, practicing interview questions with spouse, researched opometry related news and legislations." More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN forums, optstudent.com, went to disneyland, universal studios and knott's berry farm to relax, have fun and calm my nerves" More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN was a hug help, watched the news, looked up issues in optometry" More from this Member | Report Response

"Gathering questions from SDN." More from this Member | Report Response

"reading forums, asking advice from the doctors i work for, " More from this Member | Report Response

"Didn't have much time except the night before - looked over possible questions from SDN, my school's career services handouts on interview tips, and some other websites. I had also attended an interview workshop hosted by career services at which we practiced a few interview questions and critiqued each other. I also checked out the AOA, COA, and a couple other websites, and I read the news headlines. But I still wasn't really well prepared for the current events and legislation and issues surrounding optometry questions." More from this Member | Report Response

"Read the SCCO interview tips thread on SDN" More from this Member | Report Response

What impressed you positively?

"My interviewer kept the experience enjoyable and memorable by engaging me in a conversation. No stress at all!" More from this Member | Report Response

"My interviewer was a complete ANGEL. She was so easy. The interview was definitely conversational." More from this Member | Report Response

"It was much more relaxed and laid back than I pictured" More from this Member | Report Response

"Everyone was really friendly, the campus was nice, and the clinic was top-notch!" More from this Member | Report Response

"everyone was super friendly" More from this Member | Report Response

"The entire" More from this Member | Report Response

"The faculty was very warm and inviting. Their VR technology is awesome!" More from this Member | Report Response

"My interview Barry Weismann was candid, knowledgeable, easy to converse with and genuine." More from this Member | Report Response

"How nice the admissions office was, specifically Jane and Eryn. They're always quick to respond to emails and speak in an enthusiastic tone." More from this Member | Report Response

"The equipment, faculty, and curriculum were all immensely impressive. Externship sites to locations such as Spain were also extremely appealing. Great program!" More from this Member | Report Response

"I didn't expect to like the campus or the people as much as I did. I went in thinking I already knew where I wanted to go and I left wanting to attend SCCO." More from this Member | Report Response

"How friendly everyone is, the resources available to students, and the clinic." More from this Member | Report Response

"Dr. Vorhee read through the files of every single applicant and gave me very individualized attention" More from this Member | Report Response

"The location of the school" More from this Member | Report Response

"everyone was very friendly and created a comfortable environment" More from this Member | Report Response

"The staff" More from this Member | Report Response

"The faculty were very nice" More from this Member | Report Response

"Location and how friendly everyone was (including the interviewees)" More from this Member | Report Response

"The clinic is very modern and absolutely beautiful. Dr. Munroe was so enthusiastic during the tour." More from this Member | Report Response

"Interviewers and office people were nice" More from this Member | Report Response

"The campus was clean and welcoming." More from this Member | Report Response

"That all the staff were so polite and kind to me. Also that the interviewers were genuinely friendly and wanted to get to know me. P.S. I <3 Dr. Munroe" More from this Member | Report Response

"The clinical facilities & the diverse patient population. The campus is nice." More from this Member | Report Response

"The friendliness of the staff, the student I spoke with after the interview was very helpful, the location in Fullerton was better than expected, the facilities were fantastic. " More from this Member | Report Response

"the faculty at the school. Everyone is super friendly and warm. Especially Betty! " More from this Member | Report Response

"Everyone is really personable and friendly. They try to put you at ease the whole time. " More from this Member | Report Response

"The school is extremely clean." More from this Member | Report Response

"The school had great facilities, everyone was very friendly, and the other students at the interview seemed very qualified. It was also my first time visiting the area, and I loved the school's location and the rest of Fullerton." More from this Member | Report Response

"The location and the clinic. " More from this Member | Report Response

"The school itself was great! A strong clinical program and it was very nice and busy! The admissions staff were very friendly and made you feel comfortable. The interview was more of a conversation rather than an interview. They make you feel relaxed. The learning environment. You get the impression that it is a place where people help out one another and they truly care about you." More from this Member | Report Response

"The facilities. The clinic and library are really nice. " More from this Member | Report Response

"The location was excellent, the school was in a safe area." More from this Member | Report Response

"The school's facilities and friendliness of the staff." More from this Member | Report Response

"Staff/student friendliness, beautiful campus, Eye Care Clinic" More from this Member | Report Response

"Everyone was nice." More from this Member | Report Response

"The weather and how clean the campus is." More from this Member | Report Response

"how nice everyone was and the facilities were amazing" More from this Member | Report Response

"How friendly everyone was " More from this Member | Report Response

"The facilities, the positive attitude of the school staff and my other applicants, the people conducting the interview (it was friendly, more conversational like)" More from this Member | Report Response

"facilities" More from this Member | Report Response

"everyone was really nice, and the academic rooms were state of the art" More from this Member | Report Response

"The staff and students are always so friendly!" More from this Member | Report Response

"The staff, faculty, and students are all freindly and inviting. It seems like everyone knows one another and it's one big happy family." More from this Member | Report Response

"The facilities were amazing, especially the clinic that students learn in, the gym is also nice to have, the fact that the school is not just in one building, the weather, etc" More from this Member | Report Response

"The clinic was really impressive and the staff was really nice. I particularly liked the doctor who interviewed me." More from this Member | Report Response

"The Eye Clinic and location outside of SCCO." More from this Member | Report Response

"everyone was very nice, and the campus is really new, and the women's locker was spotless and smelled really good.. hehe" More from this Member | Report Response

"Everyone was really relaxed and friendly, we laughed a lot." More from this Member | Report Response

"Everyone was very friendly, beautiful campus, students were enthusiastic." More from this Member | Report Response

What impressed you negatively?

"Nothing, I was very happy" More from this Member | Report Response

"You have to drive about 15 minutes from the campus in order to get to the clinic" More from this Member | Report Response

"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." More from this Member | Report Response

"Miscommunication with shuttle services to Ketchum Health Tour." More from this Member | Report Response

"The facility is small and the health center is a 20 min drive from the main campus" More from this Member | Report Response

"Dr. Voorhees' (vice president of student affairs) body language was rather closed off. I understood why she was officially there but it didn't feel like she added anything to the interview process other than to simply see your face. When asked what questions I had, it seemed most of the time she looked at me like I was bizarre and would ask me why I asked or was interested in ____ topic. She either genuinely didn't understand why I asked or misinterpreted my questions. Either way, her lack of understanding, scrutiny and questioning of my intentions was extremely off-putting. There were other things in her mannerisms that weren't as positive-feeling or welcoming as the rest of the staff I met that day." More from this Member | Report Response

"I wonder how diverse the patients are at the Eye clinic, since Fullerton isn't that big of a city." More from this Member | Report Response

"The interview day was a bit longer than it needed to be. I felt there were portions of the day that were unnecessary." More from this Member | Report Response

"The campus was ugly, especially administrative offices felt musty and was poorly lit." More from this Member | Report Response

"The interview process was not very organized. I had to wait after each step. The admissions staff did not seem very friendly" More from this Member | Report Response

"The tour was too short!" More from this Member | Report Response

"The lack of snacks. I had a morning interview so I was hungry." More from this Member | Report Response

"Lack of public transportation. You need a car to get around" More from this Member | Report Response

"Be aware of the interview given by Dr. Voorhees, kinda catches you off guard." More from this Member | Report Response

"Rain, but its not their fault. I've been unlucky to have it rain at all my interviews." More from this Member | Report Response

"That one of my interviewers cell phone kept vibrating for like 10 minutes during the interview." More from this Member | Report Response

"No food service on campus..just a fridge, microwave, & a vending machine." More from this Member | Report Response

"The 1-on-1 "conference" and the financial aid person seemed a little unorganized. " More from this Member | Report Response

"I was hoping to talk to some students on campus, but didn't get a chance to, because they were busy with exams." More from this Member | Report Response

"It was raining the whole time I was in Fullerton- but that obviously wasn't the school's fault." More from this Member | Report Response

"Dr. Nishimoto - he was very condescending. He pretty much dominated the interview not allowing anybody else to ask questions. Also the illegal question of asking whether or not I plan to have children...WTF does that have to do with optometry? Tour by the student was half-assed and unenthusiastic since they are forced to participate - it's not voluntary. " More from this Member | Report Response

"No cafeteria. Some older buildings but nothing bad." More from this Member | Report Response

"No cafeteria on campus but there are fridges to leave your lunch and places nearby to go to. Student didn't show up to my interview, but luckily one of my interviewers was kind enough to take me on the tour." More from this Member | Report Response

"Although the outside of the school looked very nice, the inside looked a little run down with older equipment." More from this Member | Report Response

"There was a fire outside during the interview, but that is not the school's fault =P" More from this Member | Report Response

"The interviewer was kind of a jerk. By the end of the interview I was sure he was going to ask me how I've even made it this far (even though I ended up being accepted). Also, there weren't students anywhere, other than the clinic, because it was a Saturday. Kind of disappointing. " More from this Member | Report Response

"None." More from this Member | Report Response

"The traffic and the mood of the interviewers. The main interviewer didn't even look at me nor shake my hand!" More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing." More from this Member | Report Response

"A dumb essay topic, how does smart decision making or problem solving skill pertain to a successful optometrist? try writing a whole page..." More from this Member | Report Response

"there was 12 applicants total, not too much personal attention" More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing" More from this Member | Report Response

"There doesn't seem to be much to do around fullerton, and I've heard that the traffic to go into anaheim or LA can be insane!" More from this Member | Report Response

"The only thing was that there didn't seem to be a whole lot of fun things to do in the area despite the fact that there's a bunch of colleges nearby." More from this Member | Report Response

"There weren't any students walking around campus so I didn't get a chance to talk to any students, except my tour guide." More from this Member | Report Response

"none" More from this Member | Report Response

"Some of the questions were a bit hard to answer." More from this Member | Report Response

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

"How laid-back the process is." More from this Member | Report Response

"It was just like a casual conversation with another person" More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing!" More from this Member | Report Response

"That they only ask ONE interview question. Wouldn't have bothered spending $200 on applying to them." More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing, I was prepared." More from this Member | Report Response

"None, I was prepared" More from this Member | Report Response

"What would be involved in meeting with the Vice-President of Student Affairs." More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing- everything went smoothly and I felt prepared" More from this Member | Report Response

"How impressive the school would have been!" More from this Member | Report Response

"I wish I would have know that meeting with Dr. Vorhees was going to be a second interview with some very random questions." More from this Member | Report Response

"That I would have two interviews. The second was with the vp of admissions open file." More from this Member | Report Response

"that the interview may not be at the beginning. My group had our interviews at the end, so the whole day it was stressing me out." More from this Member | Report Response

"I could skip the tour if I have done it before" More from this Member | Report Response

"Essay question! But then again that wouldn't be possible, since we have to sign an agreement that we won't share the essay question" More from this Member | Report Response

"That is is not as intimidating as people made it out to be. The questions they asked were mostly follow up to parts of your answers. Thus, each interview set of questions will be different." More from this Member | Report Response

"I didn't realize how many people were interviewing that same day (about 30)." More from this Member | Report Response

"Dr. Voorhees' personality" More from this Member | Report Response

"That my interview would only be about 3 hours long." More from this Member | Report Response

"Not much" More from this Member | Report Response

"that you also have a "mini interview" with the vice president of student affairs." More from this Member | Report Response

"It is a long (4-5 hours)and exhausting day! There will be some down time, so really do bring something to do (or just chat with the other students there). The interviewers just want to get to know you, so be yourself!" More from this Member | Report Response

"After reading feedback from this site, I brought granola bars, water, a book, and even a resume/cv of my awards and research experience. However, I think I was the only one to bring these things (except maybe the book); water and snacks were offered and I ended up carrying around a bunch of extra stuff. " More from this Member | Report Response

"If I would've known what the interview was going to be like I would've saved myself some money and not fly there for the interview." More from this Member | Report Response

"Not to worry. They make you feel comfortable." More from this Member | Report Response

"That the interview would be like a conversation about myself and my motivations. (Remember to eat before your interview since you do not get any food. I was given water though)" More from this Member | Report Response

"I wish I would have known about this web site! Knowing more about optometric legislation would have been very helpful." More from this Member | Report Response

"How to relax." More from this Member | Report Response

"Parents don't really come along... haha :) Also, bring food because food isn't part of the deal." More from this Member | Report Response

"The essay prompt is a little weird, but it is do-able." More from this Member | Report Response

"More legal information about optometry," More from this Member | Report Response

"That 30 minutes was long enough to write a one page essay" More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing." More from this Member | Report Response

"This essay question." More from this Member | Report Response

"that family memebers do not usually go on tours, even though they are allowed too" More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing" More from this Member | Report Response

"hmm. I Knew but is doesn't hurt to reiterate: Eat right before. 4 hours is a long time, espeically if you're nervous." More from this Member | Report Response

"That the interview would be question, answer, pause, next question. I expected it to be more conversational." More from this Member | Report Response

"?" More from this Member | Report Response

"Well, I wish I could've prepared answers to the questions a little better, I didn't have much time. So I didn't feel like I had a GREAT interview, but it wasn't bad either - I was confident, just not well-prepared. =P" More from this Member | Report Response

"Eat right before, and don't worry too much." More from this Member | Report Response

What are your general comments?

"I had an all around great experience from admission director to interviewer. SCCO is really an amazing school." More from this Member | Report Response

"Extremely friendly and welcoming environment. They are just trying to get to know you and there is nothing to worry about." More from this Member | Report Response

"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." More from this Member | Report Response

"great interview process, awesome school!" More from this Member | Report Response

"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." More from this Member | Report Response

"SCCO is still my top pick school but after the interview I was left feeling somewhat disappointed that Dr. Voorhees would be our liaison between students and administration. Everyone else was extremely friendly and enthusiastic and the interview day was pretty laid-back. I like the positive atmosphere at this school." More from this Member | Report Response

"MBKU is a very prestigious school, but I like the relaxed atmosphere of the admissions office, current students, and faculty." More from this Member | Report Response

"I was so impressed by WesternU's program!" More from this Member | Report Response

"there's a 30 minute writing sample on what is one that that you like best about optometry." More from this Member | Report Response

"It was a very organized interview process." More from this Member | Report Response

"I thinked I lucked out (compared to fellow interviewees) in terms of my interviewers. I had one really nice interviewer (whom I could easily read) and another who had a straight face but occasionally made a few jokes to lighten the mood. Other than the interview, everything else was very laid back! Be yourself and KNOW your application (esp. the optometric experience and extracurriculars). They will refer back to your application alot" More from this Member | Report Response

"I hope I get in!" More from this Member | Report Response

"I was fairly impressed. I was a bit nervous, as this was my 1st interviews. I have since been accepted, and interviwed at 2 other schools." More from this Member | Report Response

"it's nice to bring hard copies of your cv to give to the panel. Especially if you have updated your cv since submitting it to OptomCAS. I found that my interviewer really appreciated it bc he found it pretty difficult to read OptomCAS's CV printout. " More from this Member | Report Response

"I was really nervous for this interview (as I think most people should be), mostly because it was my first one and one of my top choice schools. The fact that everyone was so nice made it a little bit less stressful. I debated wearing a suit, but ended up being extremely happy that I did. I didn't know how I'd performed because I felt like some of the questions were really tough, but I ended up getting accepted :-)" More from this Member | Report Response

"The interview left me with a pretty negative impression of the school. " More from this Member | Report Response

"Bring snacks. They only provide water and assorted protein bars. There is a lot of downtime during the day." More from this Member | Report Response

"Schools is amazing. Staff/students are really nice. They make decisions every Monday, so I found out I was in a week after my interview:)" More from this Member | Report Response

"Make sure you eat ahead of time, lunch is not provided and you don't want to interview on an empty stomach! Also, don't bring your support crew to the interview. I saw someone who didn't know and had her parents following her around all day. It looked out of place." More from this Member | Report Response

"The interview itself really soured my view of the school, but not enough so that I won't go there." More from this Member | Report Response

"The interviewers were friendly. They didn't ask hard questions, just some that were a little trickier than others. But be calm and honest about what you say. The student didn't ask much. The essay was not bad. Make sure you know why you want to go there and have a good answer. Make sure to eat ahead of time, because you'll be there for a few hours." More from this Member | Report Response

"The school is step up very nicely. The student tour guide was friendly and was willing to answer all my questions. As for the interview, I felt that they were just out to get me and put me down. Regardless of the fact I was a good applicant. It was very disappointing." More from this Member | Report Response

"Overall, it was nice and calm because once you finish your on site essay, you get distracted with workin out financial aid info., and then talking to the admin assistant and then you walk into a conference room with 3 people who will help determine your future. =)" More from this Member | Report Response

"I was slightly nervous at first. But maybe I got lucky because my interview turned out to be more of a conversation than a hardcore interview. My interviewer was warm, sincere, and thoughtful." More from this Member | Report Response

"OKAY... I just want to get accepted." More from this Member | Report Response

"it was good, they seemed to rush. everything ran a little late but it was fun. meet good people, liked the staff, great experience" More from this Member | Report Response

"It was not intimidating at all! The interviewers (one prof and one student) were really nice - it was more of a conversation. It's also a really small campus - so if you've ever visited before, it's kind of boring to go through the tour again." More from this Member | Report Response

"Today was a great day. I received plenty of information about tuition and funding. I toured the campus, and must say it is impressive. The interview was not really stressfull even though it was a panel of interviewers." More from this Member | Report Response

"Overall the experience was a good one. When I went it was a weekday, so I was the only one there for the most part which was good in some ways. The interview was challenging, but I feel it gave them a really good chance to get to know me on a deeper level." More from this Member | Report Response

"I had a Saturday interview so there was 12 of us. We all sat in a room and had 30 min to write a one-page essay with various topics. Then we had a financial aid presentation for about a half and hour. Then we were brokeup into 3 groups. My group had interviews (30-60min, then a meeting with the dean to go over your transcript(30 min). The a campus tour given by a first year student who was really sweet and enthusiastic. Then we were free to go. The cool thing is that they make decisions on Monday mornings and told us we could call in the afternoon the find out before they even mail the letters." More from this Member | Report Response

"The interview was a bit more difficult than I expected with many questions asked. It was hard to decipher if the interviewers really liked you or not. Overall, the campus and location are really nice. The Eye Clinic was amazing. Staff were friendly." More from this Member | Report Response

"it was wonderful!" More from this Member | Report Response

"First we had to write a 30 minute essay on professionalism using one characteristic from a list of 3 they provided (everyone got a different one). Then we had a 30 minute financial aid talk, and then we split into 4 groups. My group went on a 1-hour tour with a 1st year student first, and then we did our interviews for about an hour (a little less), and then we had a 15-min consultation to make sure all of our application was completed and that we were on track, and what would happen next. We'll know our acceptance or placement on alternate list or rejection next week - they're mailing out letters on Monday (interview was Saturday). The interviews were closed file except for essays and optional one-page resume of awards and activities Tips and advice: Just make sure you're on your best behavior at all times, keeping good posture, smiling, and being kind and considerate to all people." More from this Member | Report Response

"Count on being at SCCO for at least 3 hours. The first 30 minutes is spent writing an informal 1-page essay. My topic was on professionalism and was really easy. The next 30 minutes is spent discussing financial aid. Then comes the 60 minute interview, and finally, a quick meeting with the VP of admissions to go over final details of your application (basically to tell you if you're missing anything). My stats were: Pre-req GPA: 3.7 Overall GPA: 3.3 TS OAT: 320 AA OAT: 310 **my OAT scores were pretty pathetic...but I think you just need to get over a 300 to be considered...thank goodness! 6 LORs (3 from professors, 2 from practicing optometrist, 1 from Bausch & Lomb) Experience: Optometric assistant for almost 3 years GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE AND I HOPE THIS POST HELPS!" More from this Member | Report Response

"Overall it was a great experience, much better than I had expected. The interview was pretty relaxed, no questions that surprised me or anything. Everyone was really nice." More from this Member | Report Response

Tour and Travel

Who was the tour given by?

Response # Responders
Student 28
Faculty member 5
Admissions staff 17
Other 1

How did the tourguide seem?

Response # Responders
Enthusiastic 38
Neutral 13
Discouraging 0

How do you rank the facilities?

Response Avg # Responders
8.60 52

0 = low, 10 = high

What is your in-state status?

Response # Responders
In state 32
Out of state 22

What was your total time spent traveling?

Response # Responders
0-1 hour 16
2-3 hours 11
4-6 hours 12
7+ hours 10

What was your primary mode of travel?

Response # Responders
Airplane 20
Automobile 29
Train or subway 2
Other 0

What airport did you use?

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

LGB

John Wayne (SNA)

Delta and united airlines

Ontario

John Wayne Airport

Long Beach

Ontario International-was cheaper than LAX

LAX

John Wayne

Where did you stay?

Response # Responders
At school facility 0
With students at the school 3
Friends or family 13
Hotel 17
Home 3
Other 0

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Response # Responders
< $100 13
$101-$200 7
$201-$300 2
$301-$400 5
$401-$500 3
$501+ 7

Comments on where you stayed

No responses

General Info

How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?

Response Avg # Responders
8.56 54

0 = low, 10 = high

What is your ranking of this school's location?

Response Avg # Responders
8.25 55

0 = low, 10 = high

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

Response Avg # Responders
8.00 54

0 = low, 10 = high

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Response Avg # Responders
9.24 38

0 = low, 10 = high

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

Response Avg # Responders
9.21 38

0 = low, 10 = high

How eco-friendly are the school's application materials and interview process?

Response Avg # Responders
7.41 37

0 = low, 10 = high

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

"Don’t change a thing! The admissions office, Eryn especially, is amazing and they should be proud of themselves." More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing, they're doing great!" More from this Member | Report Response

"Feel free to actually look at a person aka interview them, vs basing everything on numbers." More from this Member | Report Response

"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" More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing. They are the sweetest people you will ever meet." More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing- everyone was very friendly and made interview day a minimally stressful day" More from this Member | Report Response

"Keep doing what you're doing!" More from this Member | Report Response

"None! They were great. Very friendly and helpful both before, during, and after my interview. Always quick to respond and eager to help." More from this Member | Report Response

"None" More from this Member | Report Response

"Office was impersonal, which made things stressful. The financial aid person Barbara was nice." More from this Member | Report Response

"Snacks would be nice." More from this Member | Report Response

"Talking with a student is extremely helpful, but NOT a first year student." More from this Member | Report Response

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