Dilemma.

[Jay12]

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Hi guys,
I'm so happy, I got an invite from ICO....However, happy as the occasion might be, I'm sort of in a dilemma. When trying to find a date to interview in December, most of the dates have been taken (but this period is also during my final exam time 🙁 ) However, there are a lot of dates readily available in January. So my question is, is interviewing in January too late? or should I go in December, but risk jeopardizing studying for my finals......

Thanks guys.

 

[JackCM]

I would try to go in December if possible, but I don't think January is too late. December would of course be nicer because you will find out sooner. Can't you study at the airport or while traveling or something? I had a test the day after my interview and I found that studying in the airport was actually easier than at home since I didn't have the internet or TV to distract me.

 

[prettygreeneyes]

If December doesn't work, January shouldn't be a problem. Now - if we were talking March - then perhaps there might be an issue. Get in as soon in January as you can.

Good luck!

 

[Jay12]

thanks for the reply you guys.
I was just a little worried, since I've read somewhere in this forum that roughly 60% of the seats are usually taken once January rolls around (in ICO's case). I just don't want more competition to compete against for a limited number of seats available.....but yet again, it's only a month, or even less, of a difference between December and January correct 😛?

Oh well, whatever happens, hopefully I will be prepared.

Oh yeah, for those of you whom have interviewed, what resources (if any) did you use to prep for the day?

Thanks.

 

[mtrlOATgal]

-do research about the college on their website, talk to current students there
-read up on current issues in optometry and that state and your own in case they ever ask about politics and optometry programs
-be prepared to be asked anything no matter how insignificant you may think it is from your application
-know about their research and residencies- they like talking about that

-check out all questions on sdn forum and do mock interviews with an admissions counsellor who can give you feedback on the impression you give him or her- this is best because they dont know you just like the adcom!

-i read the interview column on the sdn forum to prep for the interview mentally

-wear a suit

-have smart questions ready!

 

[RichardOD]

from what i've hear is that the bulk of applications being completed is around winterbreak time. Probably because the students have time to do there applications because they have no school. I would recommend getting your interview as early as possible, because you wanna beat this influx of applications. But the only bad part of it is, if the committee has to meet again to make the final decision on your acceptance, you might not get word of an acceptance until next year, because committees have a hard time getting together during this time period because teachers are busy doing finals for the optometry students and then its winter break. I would still apply early, theres just a chance it'll just be a prolonged excruciating wait for acceptance, but that may just be me because i'm the most impatient person. I think the most stressful time during my whole application process was the time period between the interview and acceptance. For NOVA it was only 8 days, but it was most stressful worried 8 days. BUT DO the EARLIEST INTERVIEW for sure!