Difference between revisions of "Optometry Expert Answers"
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You would need to check the admissions requirements for the optometry schools that interest you and then contact them. I suspect that while a bachelor's degree is not required, the vast majority of your competition will be finishing up with a bachelor's degree or better by the time you ultimately matriculate. That said, all you can do is ask. | You would need to check the admissions requirements for the optometry schools that interest you and then contact them. I suspect that while a bachelor's degree is not required, the vast majority of your competition will be finishing up with a bachelor's degree or better by the time you ultimately matriculate. That said, all you can do is ask. | ||
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− | == | + | == Attending optometry school but applying to dental school? == |
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+ | I have been accepted to and will be attending optometry school this fall. However, dental school has always been my first choice, and optometry school like my plan B. I've shadowed and worked settings with both professions, and I chose optometry as a backup because I've applied three cycles to dental school and failed to get in. My last cycle I got two interviews, but no acceptances. | ||
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+ | I can see myself being an optometrist but I still can't help but think about dentistry, hence why I'd like to apply again. So the plan now is that I will start optometry school and drop an application for this cycle. Should I be fortunate enough to get in I will then drop optometry school for dental school. | ||
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+ | My biggest question now is whether or not I need to disclose the fact I'll be attending optometry school in my dental application and wether this will be frowned upon. Should I be honest from the get-go or is this not a big deal since people do make a switch from different fields. | ||
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+ | ===[[SDN Optometry Experts|MrSmile12]]=== | ||
You should be able to. You will also need to take the prerequisite college courses as required by various vet schools. | You should be able to. You will also need to take the prerequisite college courses as required by various vet schools. | ||
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Revision as of 19:17, 6 May 2019
Below are some frequently asked questions that have been answered by SDN Optometry Experts.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please visit the SDN Confidential Consult forum to ask your question of our expert panel.
Contents
- 1 Could I get into Optometry school without a bachelor's degree?
- 2 Attending optometry school but applying to dental school?
- 3 How much does it REALLY cost to go to veterinary school?
- 4 What are the tattoo policies at veterinary schools?
- 5 What should I major in to become a vet?
- 6 Can I work full time through undergrad and vet school?
Could I get into Optometry school without a bachelor's degree?
MrSmile12
You would need to check the admissions requirements for the optometry schools that interest you and then contact them. I suspect that while a bachelor's degree is not required, the vast majority of your competition will be finishing up with a bachelor's degree or better by the time you ultimately matriculate. That said, all you can do is ask.
Attending optometry school but applying to dental school?
I have been accepted to and will be attending optometry school this fall. However, dental school has always been my first choice, and optometry school like my plan B. I've shadowed and worked settings with both professions, and I chose optometry as a backup because I've applied three cycles to dental school and failed to get in. My last cycle I got two interviews, but no acceptances.
I can see myself being an optometrist but I still can't help but think about dentistry, hence why I'd like to apply again. So the plan now is that I will start optometry school and drop an application for this cycle. Should I be fortunate enough to get in I will then drop optometry school for dental school.
My biggest question now is whether or not I need to disclose the fact I'll be attending optometry school in my dental application and wether this will be frowned upon. Should I be honest from the get-go or is this not a big deal since people do make a switch from different fields.
MrSmile12
You should be able to. You will also need to take the prerequisite college courses as required by various vet schools.
How much does it REALLY cost to go to veterinary school?
I've seen the articles about how expensive veterinary school is. How much does it REALLY cost? What will my expenses be besides tuition, room and board?
dyachei
The average debt upon graduation in 2013 according to the AVMA was $162,113. It will be higher or lower depending on which school is attended, residency status, and family support. While there are scholarships, they are usually for smaller amounts. Expenses outside of tuition, room, and board include textbooks and other school supplies including lab coats, scrubs, coveralls, dissection kits, surgery packs, notes, laptops, and so on. It is possible to minimize these costs by shopping around if the school doesn't have specific requirements. Many schools will have recommended or required textbooks on hold in the library for students to use if they cannot buy the book. At my school, I didn't buy most textbooks as the notes were usually adequate with a few exceptions such as the anatomy guide.
What are the tattoo policies at veterinary schools?
I just wanted to know if a full arm sleeve tattoo is frowned upon in the Veterinary Medical Field.
dyachei
The answer is it depends. Schools tend to have a more conservative view and may look down on a full sleeve. Others won't. Same with in the field - some employers will care, others won't. Some clients will care, others won't. I usually recommend something you can cover if needed.
What should I major in to become a vet?
dyachei
You can be any major and become a vet. Anything at all. It's true that there are limits with biology majors unless further education is pursued. However, you would probably still be able to teach, if that were an interest.
If you want to be a vet, being a vet tech is very different and it's pretty difficult to recoup the cost of a tech degree. Many vets will also hire vet assistants without formal training. It's a personal decision on what you want to do with your life. What is their connection with Ross? Do you want to attend Ross? What are your other vet school options?
You should major in what interests you most and go from there. There are too many options to tell you that you should do one thing only.
Can I work full time through undergrad and vet school?
MrSmile12
Congratulations on being interested in veterinary medicine. I would first point you to the AAVMC website section for interested prospective students: http://www.aavmc.org/students-applicants-and-advisors.aspx . I would encourage you to start looking around and shadowing veterinarians, but not just those that take care of pets. There's a lot that veterinarians do beyond what you might see on TV or YouTube, and you need to be as informed as possible about your options to that direction, including options as a veterinary technician (https://explorehealthcareers.org/spotlight-on-vet-tech/). Take a good look at the profiles and the admitted student statistics; I'm not sure if taking online coursework alone is going to do it, and it is really challenging to be admitted if you don't plan ahead of time. Talk with the admissions officers at your school (among other regional vet schools you should also be looking at) as well as some prehealth advisors who might know more about the vet admissions process.