Questions about Student Life at MBKU? We’re here to help! Our Student Ambassadors have a heart to serve and are excited to help prospective students follow in their footsteps to become an optometry student. Check out their bios and feel free to reach out to as many as you like. We also encourage you to check out blog articles written by Student Ambassadors and join us as they co-host in-person and virtual events with SCCO Admissions Officers.
I felt so comfortable and welcomed when I toured the campus. I could tell the students and staff were very passionate about the field and I knew SCCO was the best school to study optometry. I also appreciate the inter-professional education because it ensures high quality patient care through a collaborative team environment.
I like taking long walks with music (my main form of stress relief), playing tennis, roller/in-line skating, hiking, trying new foods, hanging with friends, taking naps, and watching K-dramas (I highly recommend Crash Landing on You- let me know what you think!).
Shadow/intern in the field as much as you can so you know optometry is what you want to do, and so you can be exposed to everything the field has to offer even before starting optometry school. You’d be ahead of the curve! Commit to success, stay motivated, and be confident!
As one of the oldest optometry schools in the nation, I found SCCO to live up to its reputation. Suited with cutting-edge technology, down-to-earth faculty members, and the beautiful clinical facility at Ketchum Health, SCCO really stood out to me as a school that knows how to cater to their students and nurture them into excellent healthcare professionals.
After touring campus in person for the first time, I knew I had made the right decision to choose SCCO. I got to meet the friendliest admissions team whose radiant energy - despite the intense southern California heat - left such a lasting impression of SCCO! Its welcoming atmosphere to all students made me feel right at home!
I love playing video games, bullet journaling, going to Disneyland, snack runs with friends, and watching all of my favorite shows on Netflix.
Go beyond your GPA or the OAT and really discover your passion for the profession. It is definitely important that you maintain your studies and keep those numbers high, but also really understand the empathy, cognizance, and grit that it takes to develop into a good optometrist and healthcare professional. Reveling in your experiences from shadowing, volunteering, or working is going to mold you into the competitive applicant you want to be and fuel your passion to work harder to achieve your place in your dream optometry school.
I ultimately chose SCCO due to its focus on clinical experience, rising board scores, student wellbeing, and location. After meeting with and speaking to alumni who all have a shared quality of generosity, I am confident in the credibility of SCCO's program to foster genuine, passionate, and caring doctors. In particular, SCCO's focus on support and community makes it unique among all current optometry programs. Having only applied to and been accepted to 2 optometry schools, these factors ultimately helped me decide on SCCO over my other top choice.
I enjoy video games, video editing, and journaling. I also used to practice archery!
Start early on gaining experiences and map out a timeline in order to maximize focus on the admissions process one step at a time. For example, saving one summer to dedicate to preparing for and taking the OAT during junior year as an undergraduate, then take the subsequent summer to prepare applications for chosen optometry schools. Keeping a running journal with personal reflections learned from each work, volunteering, shadowing, and extracurricular experience is key to developing passion for the profession, which is meant to be curated over time. Time management is key to ensure that the quality of one's work is not compromised. This type of organization also benefits one's experience in general education as well, as GPA is a contributing factor.
The main influence of my decision to attend SCCO is my mother, an SCCO alumnus. When I chose to pursue an OD, I could feel the excitement in my mother’s eyes and voice. She began telling me her most memorable stories from SCCO. She described the apartment she stayed in, the restaurants she commonly dined at, and the library she always studied in. Hearing all these stories and feeling the sentiment SCCO holds in my mother’s heart, I knew I wanted the same experiences for myself.
Growing up, I would always spend time at my mom’s work. I loved the environment my mom got to work in. Everyone was happy, kind, and welcoming. It was an energy that I looked forward to being a part of. My mother’s practice has always been a comforting space and provided me with unlimited resources, but I still wanted my own experiences in optometry outside of my mom’s practice. So, in August 2019 I was hired at Dr. Kevin Hirano Optometry as an optician. Coincidentally, Dr. Kevin Hirano is also an SCCO alumnus. Once Dr. Hirano discovered my interest in not only becoming an optometrist but also in attending SCCO, he enthusiastically began describing and reminiscing in his favorite memories as a student at SCCO. Dr. Hirano emphasized that without SCCO’s curriculum, advanced equipment, and staff, he would not be the successful and diligent clinician he is today. Both Dr. Hirano and my mother intensified my interest in SCCO not only due to their success post-graduation, but also because of how much they cherish and appreciate SCCO.
Although the campus and staff have undoubtedly evolved since their time, I want to experience SCCO like my mother and Dr. Hirano did while also making my own memories. I am eagerly and enthusiastically attending SCCO because of its prominent reputation, the large clinical exposure, and the tight-knit, familial community.
When I am not studying, I do my best to take time for myself by de-stressing and keeping my mind off of classwork. I spend time with my family and friends. I always enjoy cooking or watching movies with my family and friends. Watching a new episode of The Bachelor or Bachelorette with my mom and sister, while we eat ice cream and popcorn, is all the motivation I need to get through the last few hours of studying.
Gain as much experience in optometry as possible. This will not only help your application, but also reaffirm that this is a field you would like to pursue as a lifelong career. Evidently, getting good grades and a high OAT score are vital, but having a diverse resume with unique experiences is also important. Your resume should show the admissions team who you are beyond your academics. From my experience, the SCCO admissions team is far more interested in your personality, quirks, and interests than the grade you got in organic chemistry lab sophomore year of undergrad. Lastly, be as vulnerable and honest as possible with your application essays. The essays are an opportunity to show the admissions team what motivates you to want to be an optometrist and why SCCO is the school for you. The essays give the admissions team a story of who you are, your values, and your passions, all things that are integral to your success as a student and clinician, but impossible to gather from academics alone. Above all, take a deep breath and do your best to de-stress during these intense, nerve-racking times.
Two primary reasons I chose SCCO were the students and alums. As a prospective student, my interactions with SCCO students were always positive. Each student I met demonstrated the same respectable, genuine, and passionate characteristics I admire and hope to instill into my daily life as a person and future professional. Additionally, many SCCO alums I interacted with were indeed experts in the field and more than impressive. Each doctor was exceptional, but all shared the same insightfulness in the profession.
When I’m not studying, I like running, journaling, doodling, painting, watching k-dramas/ movies, drinking boba or sugary beverages with friends, and window shopping (as in shopping without buying anything).
Take opportunities when they arise, and be proactive. If optometry clubs, volunteer eye screening events, or general volunteer health care events are available, take advantage of those opportunities to explore the field and enhance your interpersonal skills. There are many resources available waiting for you to discover.
SCCO has all the key factors which I looked for while choosing a school- a modern and efficient way of teaching, as well as trust. It is important to me that both the school and the students trust one another. For example, especially during the interview process I felt that the faculty/staff at SCCO trusted me to become a successful optometrist. Including the faculty/staff during campus tours, pre-optometry meetings, and overall presentation of SCCO’s program has truly impacted my choice and trust in enrolling with SCCO.
I like to balance my time between school, family, and myself. In my free time, I usually try to catch up with some friends, go on social media, and do some self-care exercises at the gym. I have been working on myself more during my gap year in terms of health, so I invested in a gym pass for fitness and have been eating better. I also love to hang out with my friends and go to concerts, and KPOP related events when I have the time. Sundays are often spent with family, studying, and watching K-dramas. K-dramas are not only entertaining, but I have learned some Korean phrases and about the culture from watching them. I would also enjoy doing extracurriculars like being a part of the Student Ambassador team. I am delighted to be of assistance to prospective students, as I have always enjoyed taking part in communities that give service to others since grade school.
Bring your positive energy into your optometric journey. I know that the process of getting into optometry school can be very challenging and one can lose determination. Therefore, I would share some of my experiences with different resources I used to continue my ambition for pursuing my goals, and how I got past my challenging moments. Your grades, extracurriculars, experience, and OAT score, as well as your personal statement and interview will cohesively shape you as an applicant. Therefore, you should not dwell on the weaker factors but know your strengths and be confident in yourself as an applicant. If there is anything I can help with, I would be glad to be of help since assisting others is rewarding to me.
Throughout my application process, SCCO was a school that stood out to me the most, with regards to its family-like atmosphere and altruistic students and faculty members. The sense of community that I experienced in my interview, my tour, or even my quick conversations with fellow first- or second-year students, solidified to me that SCCO’s program was fully committed to a student’s wellbeing and how comfortable he/she feels during their postgraduate experience. Choosing SCCO was a no-brainer for me, as I knew that SCCO would soon become a second home to me, with my fellow students and staff members becoming my second family as well.
In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, playing basketball, trying new restaurants, playing video games with friends, and scrolling TikTok for way too long. Additionally, I love going to theme parks, with Six Flags being my favorite park!
Don’t worry too much! The OAT, OptomCAS, and/or finding pre-optometric opportunities can all be overwhelming at times, but NEVER forget why you chose this path! Optometry is one of the most giving professions in the world, and your motivation and passion to pursue the career is the most important factor to consider when going through the process.
I chose SCCO due to the sense of welcoming and community that I felt the moment I expressed interest in the school. From speaking with current students to ambassadors and faculty during meetings, I immediately felt that I belonged and would be supported in every way possible during my education here.
When I’m not studying, I like to go to the gym, explore new coffee shops, and spend time with friends going out to eat or doing fun activities. I also love going to music festivals!
Focus on being well-rounded as a competitive applicant. While scores and numbers do matter, your experiences and skills outside of academics really show who you are as a person and how you interact with others.
I chose SCCO because I have experienced the kindness and professionalism of the students and faculty who have helped me in my application. If the community of SCCO was so ready and eager to help prospective students who aren’t formal students yet, I couldn’t imagine how much more they would be there for students in their program! On top of this, SCCO’s excellence in the optometric program and their high quality of care towards patients showed me that they invest in both the optometric and interpersonal skills of future optometrists. I knew if I chose SCCO, I would have a strong, supporting community and an unparalleled optometric education that equips me with knowledge, skill, and experience. I made the right choice.
When I’m not studying, I like to play the guitar, work out, watch movies or shows, and go out with friends.
Intentionally reach out and connect with the admissions officers, Student Ambassadors, and other SCCO students. Sending an email with questions to a student or setting up a phone call with the admissions team is a wise way to have your questions answered, get your name noticed, and to even build stories with interactions you have with the SCCO family. Also, please DO NOT COMPARE yourself to other applicants or students because “the fastest way to kill something special is to compare it to something else” (Craig Groeschel).
I chose SCCO for several reasons. First, the large alumni network. Two of the doctors I worked with went to SCCO and they had nothing but good things to say about their experiences. Second, the location. The weather in the OC area is great and there is a diverse population in the area. I also have a lot of family near the area, so I am close to my support system. The third and most important reason is the sense of camaraderie that I saw in the interactions between the student ambassadors. I wanted to be in a program where camaraderie is fostered. Seeing the different events that SCCO hosts for the students, and listening to the ambassadors interact with each other really shows that SCCO puts in the effort to make sure their students become a tight-knit community. This is really what sold me on making my decision to attend SCCO.
When I’m not studying, I like to go to the gym, play basketball, go on hikes, and occasionally play video games. I also like to go to different boba spots and restaurants to try different foods.
Don’t only focus on academics, but have well-rounded experiences whether that be volunteering or joining different clubs of different interests. Participating in clubs/extracurriculars during undergrad can make your applications stand out, as it shows you can juggle school work with those extracurriculars. This is an indication that you can likely handle the workload of optometry school.
When I interviewed for SCCO, I was initially terrified and entirely too focused on trying to do well. Though I began as a bundle of nerves, I loosened up and enjoyed the experience when I realized how kind my interviewer was. Dr. Cotter helped me feel like I was speaking to someone I could trust, who respected me as well, and who genuinely cared about me as a person, rather than just an applicant. I had a glimpse into the student-professor dynamic at SCCO in my interview and it stands up to what I now know about the staff! I had also reached out to student ambassadors to ask about what it was like to go to the university, especially as a commuter, and I only heard positive reviews. Together, the friendliness of the faculty and the openness of the students helped me see that SCCO was a place where I could thrive!
When I am not studying, you can catch me laying on the grass at a nearby park, walking around an art museum in LA or going on a boba run. During quarantine, I picked up a film camera and have been loving taking pictures of my friends and family! I love traveling, finding new restaurants, and going to concerts, but on my lazy days I also enjoy spending the day at home with my dogs watching Netflix and eating snacks.
Though it is important to study hard and do well in undergrad classes, I would say it is more important to have a good understanding of the field of optometry and why you want to be an optometrist! Whether you have experience in the field of optometry through shadowing or volunteering, truly understand your answer for "Why optometry?". Also do not be afraid to reach out to student ambassadors from each school that you are interested in so that you can see what being a student there is actually like.
While weighing my options for optometry school, I found myself craving an environment that fostered a positive student life and culture on campus. I immediately saw that SCCO had an encouraging and welcoming student body through my interactions with the student ambassadors. Each and every one of them was so on fire and enthusiastic about their love for SCCO. Since starting classes, I have been blown away by the commitment of the faculty to cultivate a healthy and fun student life experience!
I'm obsessed with California weather so if I'm not in lecture, you will find me outside! I love going on walks in my neighborhood, trying new outdoor patios and good food, and picking up a new hobby, every now and then. My new favorite activity is disc golfing!
Take a risk! I was very nervous to move across the country for optometry school but it has been the greatest decision of my life! I am so proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and I feel like I found a new forever home in Fullerton. I already know the next four years are going to be some that I look back on with so much joy.
When I think of my ideal and dream school and where I am at right now - it would be SCCO. Going to undergrad at UC Irvine, I realized that I loved being close, yet far enough from my family and loved ones. I also love and enjoy living in Southern California, but aside from SCCO being close to home and my loved ones, there were many other factors that played into why I chose to attend this school. Throughout the application and research processes, I found SCCO so intriguing to me; from the way students and staff constantly gush about the school and how former students (now optometrists) talk up this school to me. The pre-interview videos that I watched warmed my heart and I officially concluded that my heart and mind were set on this specific program. The most intriguing thing to me was seeing how tight-knit the community is: from how the cohorts are somehow involved/work together, to how students and staff interact with each other, and the way past students and current student ambassadors talk about how much they adore SCCO. On top of the amazing community I have been able to observe, I also see firsthand how prepared and knowledgeable SCCO graduates are right out of the program. The program appears to prepare you well to work in the real world by providing amazing education, and I am looking forward to studying late nights with my fellow classmates and creating these lifelong bonds I keep hearing about. SCCO all around was the perfect school for me because of the focus on its students, whether that be our health, education, involvements, relationships or preparation for the real world - this school seems to have it all.
When I am not spending my time with my head stuffed into my textbooks or straining my eyes from watching lectures, I most likely am out of the house to remove myself from that stressful environment. The gym is a place I enjoy going in order to stay healthy, but also to clear my mind. It helps me forget the stress and overwhelming situations I am in to focus on solely working out. Exploring new food places is also a joy of mine because I often do not have an appetite when I am studying. Taking a break here and there to go out and eat with my friends is a nice way to get food into my system, all while distracting my mind. If I do not feel like leaving the comforts of my home, I will FaceTime my parents or friends to have a nice catch-up talk or do nail art of some sort. Overall, I find talking to others or finding ways to distract myself to be the most comforting thing to do when I am stressed and engulfed by my studies.
The first thing I wish someone had told me is to take it day by day and to not let it stress or overwhelm me. I found myself getting so overwhelmed by applying and trying to be competitive throughout the past four years and constantly comparing myself to others to ensure that I would be good enough. That ended up being so detrimental to myself and ruined the joys of undergrad. One important thing to keep in mind is that you should get involved in organizations that you are passionate about. It will help you thrive and fulfill you, whether that be community service, research, teaching, etc. When it comes to studying, everyone does it differently. For the OAT, I set aside my whole summer to prepare for it, but I know others do it while in school or working. Everyone knows themselves best and what their limits are, so finding a schedule that works best for you and sticking to it will be helpful in preparing for this exam. Finally, the application and interview processes are often overwhelming and discouraging, but the one thing to keep in mind is that being unapologetically yourself and showing your genuine interests in optometry is the best way to shine through to schools.
I chose SCCO because I heard nothing but positives about the education and prestige. As one of the oldest optometric educational facilities, it's clear that the curriculum is well established, and the school produces the finest of optometrists. I also believe administrators at this school truly treat students as potential future colleagues, are respectful, and vigilant in ensuring the students are going to be academically successful.
I enjoy swimming, meditating, and hiking. I also like attending events planned by my classmates on the weekends.
I chose SCCO for the encouraging, communication-focused environment. I felt supported by SCCO early on in the application process when they offered me help before I was ever an official student or applicant. The faculty were all so welcoming and joyful on interview day it totally put me at ease. My main goal is to be someone who joyfully serves others every day, and at SCCO I knew I would be surrounded by faculty and students that emulate those same values.
In my free time I like spending time in the sun, rock climbing, hiking, surfing, and working out (I'll also never turn down a nap).
Tackle the things that scare you a little. Understand areas of your application that are a little weaker and do not be afraid to reach out for help! In my experience lots of people are excited to help, but I know asking for help can be the scariest part.
Additionally, put the importance on getting better, not on results. Learning and becoming a better future doctor are the important parts, so put the focus there. If you study your best, do your best to serve others, and reach out every day, the long-term results will be a byproduct.
I chose SCCO because their program consisted of everything I was looking for: the inter-professional learning environment, how the clinical hours are split over the four years, no curve grading to ensure there isn't a competitive feel amongst the students, prioritization of mental health and student wellness, and more. However, the main reason I chose SCCO was the impact the interview had on me. The true sense of community I was able to feel from a mere virtual interview day was unlike any other school. Along with the warm and welcoming feel from the faculty and students, this was exactly what I wanted for optometry school, knowing these next four years would be the most challenging academic years yet. Lastly, the personal emails from the Dean and Mrs. Kraning were just the cherry on top for my decision. I truly feel like SCCO will be a home away from home for me.
I like to listen to music, go to concerts, spend time in nature, meditate, watch a good TV show or movie, and spend time with friends and family. I prioritize self-care at the same level as my studies because without it I am a lot more prone to burn out and lack of motivation.
Apply early if possible. Consider retaking the OAT if they are not confident in your scores or GPA if time permits. Get involved with optometric related activities outside of school; these can include joining/starting pre-optometry club, optometry technician positions, shadowing, optometry focused summer programs (I participated in SHPEP, which solidified my decision to pursue optometry), etc. Experiences relating to optometry I think are key, so prospective students can learn exactly why they want to pursue this career and learn if it is a good fit for them. This will also aid them in the interview process, as they will genuinely be able to answer why optometry with confidence from their experiences. Experiences not relating to optometry such as community service, pediatrics, health disparities, and more are also helpful. Several transferable skills can be obtained from these, which are important in being a good optometrist/optometry student.
I chose SCCO because it stood out from every optometry program that I applied to. Despite being the farthest optometry school from Michigan, when I came for a tour following my interview I instantly felt at home and began to picture my next four years on campus. The faculty and staff were all so welcoming and made me feel less like an applicant and more like a future family member. While the statistics and curriculum prove that SCCO is an extraordinary choice for optometry school, what really makes SCCO stand out from other schools is the ability of their staff and students to provide a welcoming environment for future students. This not only makes for a smooth transition for students experiencing a big change (or move) into graduate school, but it creates a sense of comfortability that allows students to learn and grow alongside each other.
When I'm not studying I love to go to the gym, read books, and hang out with my friends whether that be at home, going out for dinner, attending concerts, or hanging out at the beach.
It's very important to build an application that has strengths over multiple areas. For example, if your OAT score is a weak point, it is important that your GPA, involvement, and optometric experience show your strengths. Being a competitive applicant doesn't mean being perfect across the board. What it means is that you show the characteristics, ability, and dedication that will help you to become a successful student.
I can go on and on about why I chose SCCO, but I must limit myself to a few reasons. One reason is the faculty at this school. They are easy to talk to and have an outstanding balance of professionalism and friendliness. Their intentions are pure, and they actively seek what's best for the student while accommodating them accordingly. Second, the abundance of resources SCCO has online for prospective students also steered me towards this school. The SCCO's Admissions Blog was my holy grail throughout the application process. The blogs eased my anxiety and insecurities and motivated me to push through every step to achieve my dream of practicing optometry. I am incredibly grateful for the abundant amounts of resources SCCO's Admissions Team has curated for all applicants. The feeling of staying in California, my birthplace, is also very comforting. I have a massive bias for California and would love to network more here while exploring SoCal since I've only lived and experienced life up north.
When not studying, I focus on my physical health- whether that involves planning my meals for the week, going to the gym, or enjoying a meditative experience while applying a face mask before a nice warm shower. I spend my time catching up with people who are near and dear. Maintaining healthy relationships and communicating thoughts aids our mental health and helps us not miss out on significant milestones we've both reached. I love to keep up to date with major trending topics and news stories during this time, be aware of what's happening outside my small local bubble, and be a well-informed citizen. What I'm not too proud of, but feel great pleasure from, is splurging on a lovely dining experience or online shopping during my free time.
Time management is a great skill when preparing to be a competitive applicant. Dedicate a certain amount of time to studying for the OAT and completing your applications. But most importantly, know when to call it a day and use your time to take care of yourself and enjoy life outside the application process. Remember to keep your head high throughout the journey. You've come this far with grit and integrity; save that same energy.
I was first drawn to SCCO due to its geographical location, extensive alumni network, and early clinical exposure. But I ultimately chose SCCO due to its strong sense of community. When reaching out to current students and alumni, I got a sense that the faculty truly cared for their student’s well-being and success. SCCO students also valued togetherness and wanted to succeed together. It was important to me to have a community that built each other up, and was not busy competing with each other since the optometric journey is challenging enough as it is. The preparation process and interview experience only confirmed the sense of community and care I felt when I first talked to alumni. I’m so happy with my choice!
I like to spend time with my friends and family, read webtoons, play drums, and binge-watch a good series.
Don't compare yourself to your friends, people on the internet, or anybody around you. You are going at your own pace, and you will surely get to your goal! Next, set a realistic timeline of things you need to accomplish such as studying for the OAT, writing a personal statement, and turning in apps. Lastly, be true to yourself and be proud of all that you have accomplished! Your hard work and love for optometry will surely show, so just be yourself and relax during your interviews.
I chose SCCO for the excellent faculty, the updated curriculum that includes an interprofessional education component, the modern technology incorporated into classes, and the Ketchum Health facility. Another reason I chose SCCO is because various doctors that I have shadowed and worked for are SCCO alumni. They serve as role models to me, not only for their success but for their kindness, professionalism, and desire to provide high-quality care for their patients.
When I am not studying, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends (and my two dogs!!). One of my favorite pastimes is watching the sunset at the beach and setting up a picnic. I also like to try out new coffee shops and restaurants around Orange County. I also love to travel. In the past year I have gone to Hawaii, Texas, Washington and Costa Rica.
To be a competitive applicant, assess your strengths and weaknesses so you can try to balance any shortcomings with other accomplishments. For example, if you were to graduate with a low GPA or low grades in prerequisite coursework, try to study thoroughly and score high on the OAT to show mastery of the same content. Additionally, get involved in an on-campus pre-optometry club or to take on a leadership position within an organization of your choice to show responsibility and dedication.
When searching for a program that would suit my needs, a determining factor for choosing SCCO was its sense of community and uplifting environment. These next four years of optometry school will undoubtedly be challenging and demanding, but I feel reassured that SCCO's support system will encourage and push me to succeed in their program.
I also chose SCCO for its excellent interprofessional education and clinical exposure. It is important to me that I train under a program that highlights the significance of professional collaboration and exposes its students to various partnerships within the university.
I like reading, exercising, exploring with my friends, and playing with my dogs!
Be yourself! There is no cookie-cutter approach to being the perfect applicant, so prioritize the experiences that peak your interest and explore new opportunities to gain a well-rounded understanding of the profession.
From my personal experience, I feel welcomed coming into SCCO! The community is supportive, and I have no doubt that I will be able to strengthen my skills and achievements due to the immense support that SCCO provides for their students and alumni. In addition, I am interested in the interprofessional education (IPE) that SCCO provides. Growing up, I had severe eczema and allergies and when I found out they could be linked to the development of my keratoconus, it stimulated my curiosity. It fascinates me how other health conditions can relate to one another, and the steps different health professions interact with one another to help a patient. I felt that the IPE curriculum aligns with my background and interests as it would allow me to collaborate with other professions and work on my interprofessional and communication skills.
During my free time, I like to build mechanical keyboards! Keyboards normally start with a base, and are able to be customized with just about anything. This gives me the opportunity to incorporate my own aesthetics to an item that I use almost every day. Not only do I enjoy building mechanical keyboards, I also love to hang out with my friends and family by grabbing boba! I also like to wind down on my free time by watching Korean Dramas.
Try to be as involved as you can by volunteering/shadowing or working! Putting yourself out there is the best way to grow and it is important to find ways to enjoy what you are doing because if you do, you will get the most out of the experience.
Embody your accomplishments and reflect on how much you’ve grown. There may be plenty of tough moments during the application process but remember that you have come a long way. Everyone’s journey is different. You will shine in your own way.
I chose SCCO because of how highly all of the optometrists I have encountered spoke about this program. I shadowed a low vision optometrist who went to SCCO and have worked closely with many optometrists who did residencies at SCCO. All of the staff and faculty that I have talked to so far are so accomplished, but have managed to remain humble and kind to prospective students. As a Southern California native, I felt at home when I visited the campus, and I could see myself growing into a better version of myself at this school. Not to mention, SCCO possesses state-of-the-art technology and presents many opportunities for students to do community-based outreach, which are things that I believe will enhance my education and shape me to be a knowledgeable practitioner.
I love to read, go on walks in nature, hang out with my friends for game nights or at the beach, and explore new coffee shops.
I believe that your experiences working with patients, shadowing optometrists, and being an active member in your community is more powerful than what is on your undergraduate transcript. Not only does being active in the eye-care community help you to understand the profession more, but it will instill a deep sense of passion and purpose to help fuel you through the long study sessions ahead of you. Whether it's shadowing, leading a low vision support group, or working with a non-profit, listening to patients and their experiences will undoubtedly help ignite your drive and make you a more compassionate future practitioner. I think the admissions staff also appreciate an applicant that is passionate and driven more than a 4.0 wallflower!
