Apologies for making you wait forever for Part II to my guide to Optometry School Applications. This past month has been hectic with trying to figure out housing situations and attempting to enjoy summer before classes begin in August. More on those fun topics soon, but for now let's discuss the best part of applying: OptomCAS!
Ok - so if you're a pre-Optometry student and are getting ready to apply, here is my number one tip: Review OptomCAS!!! Make an account as soon as possible. Creating an account before your cycle is the best way to get acclimated to the site and find out how it works. Since the 2013 cycle just began, but you're applying for Fall 2014, create an account! It is 100% free and nothing is official until you hit submit. I did this right before my application cycle began and it helped A LOT. Seriously, I got about half of my questions answered and figured out how OptomCAS functions BEFORE I even created my actual cycle's account. There are many weird details that you won't think about (What can I put in Honors and Activities? Do I just upload my resume? Do I have to create a narrative for every school?), and you need to be informed of how your information needs to be put into the system. This is really important when it comes to confirming transcripts and letters of recommendation. If you input something wrong, it will take longer for OptomCAS to approve your application and get the application sent to your schools.
In theory, for our tech-savvy generation, online application submission should be a breeze. And, in theory it is. However, when you're stressed and want to submit your paperwork ASAP it is very important that you know how the website works so you can quickly get everything done. I should point out that I was wanting to apply and submit my application early (which is what all Optometry websites, schools, and current students will recommend). If you are tech-savvy or are comfortable with applying later when the OptomCAS staff will be busy with the overload of paperwork people have submitted (and therefore will not be as likely to quickly answer your questions), this may not be worth it. But, for me, wanting to be aware of what I was getting myself into was important. Plus, it takes about 2 minutes to create an account. And it's FREE!!!
When you are ready for the official submission process, make sure all of your ducks are in a row for letters of recommendation, personal statement, and the pre-reqs required for each school. OptomCAS does not (nor should they) keep track of each schools requirements. We are applying and entering a professional program and therefore we must be proactively aware of the requirements needed to get it. What made my process easier was printing off a paper copy of my transcripts, personal statement, and pre-req lists for each school. This will come in handy when you are required to manually in-put every course you took in undergrad. Yeah, that's right. EVERY course. Not just pre-reqs. Having a paper copy allows you to visually check off every course you enter. On another note, it helps you determine which schools you really are interested in. Maybe you don't have all the pre-reqs necessary for a certain school. Maybe you do, but realize a particular school has other pre-reqs that you don't want to complete. If you have those types of feelings towards a particular school's pre-reqs, maybe it isn't the right school for you to apply to. By knowing that early, you can save yourself some money. There is a $45 fee to send your application to a school. That adds up quickly, so to save yourself some money and time, consider the schools early on.
So, to sum up, make sure you are prepared for OptomCAS. The submission process is already stressful with the knowledge that what you input could make or break you getting into the school of your dreams. By putting forth a few minutes to create an account, getting questions answered, and printing off a paper copy of your transcripts, you will have more time to relax and enjoy the process. Plus, it will make you that much more prepared for Part III: Interviews!
June 11, 2012
Optometry School Application Process Part I
I was recently asked by someone how the Optometry school application process went so seemingly smooth for me. After being shocked that I somehow effectively covered up my 24/7 stress for 9 months, I sat down and wrote out how I made it work without always being overwhelmed.
I have decided to divide up my process into 3 parts to make it easier to follow along:
I. Preparation
II. Submission
III. Interview
Today I will discuss the "Preparation":
I first started exploring the idea of Optometry in the fall of 2010. A few family friends and co-workers had mentioned the career thinking it would be a good fit for my quiet, but friendly personality. An old family friend was a private practice Optometrist, so I contacted him and asked if I could shadow for a day. After 1 visit I could see why people thought of me when they thought of Optometry, but I still wasn't convinced. I enjoyed how the Optometrist could create a conversation with the patient, analyze the problem, solve it, and improve the person's eyesight within one visit. But, it was sooo routine. My OCD side loved this, but I wondered if I would get bored in the long run. So, I contacted a few other Optometrists in the area, at larger practices and HMOs, to see if I would like a faster pace setting.
Loved it. Specifically, all of the eye diseases I was exposed to in a single day of observation. Not just cataracts, not just astigmatisms, but also detached retinas (post-opt), macular degeneration, and pink eye (last one, not so fun). I was hooked and wanted more. So, I looked into what was necessary to apply to Optometry school. Holy moly, a lot!
Apparently I needed to take an OAT (Optometric Admissions Test)? Three letters of rec, a personal statement, at least 30 hours of observations, and wait... I had to take another psychology course? Yikes. I realized I was not prepared for applying to enter with the Fall 2011 class. So, what did I do? I prepared for Fall 2012. And made a Timeline checklist (these months were during the year of 2011 to enter the following fall):
So, Kaplan course started in January and went through April of 2011. Early on I spent 2-3 days a week studying for a couple hours with the other days either relaxing, working on a very rough draft of my personal statement, and confirming letters of rec. In other words, I multi-tasked like no ones business. I also committed to a test date for mid-May (a few weeks after the course ended). By sticking a proverbial carrot in front of myself, I had more determination to follow through with the late night study sessions as time went on. By April, I left the personal statement alone, ignored everything, and became good friends with the librarians.
After a celebratory drink for completing "the beast", I double checked my pre-req situation and signed up for a summer online psychology course. Since I had given some time in February towards my personal statement, I didn't have to waste extra time figuring out how to start the essay. I was able to look at my rough draft from a new perspective.
Because stress was over taking my life, I logically decided to take a nice break and go to my family reunion in Durango, CO. I didn't think about Optometry, schools, or applications during this week in June. It was a great distraction and because of my preparation in earlier months, I knew I would be ok. If you plan early, breaks are more enjoyable and won't feel like a time waster. And, they are nice goals to look forward to (stick that carrot in front of you)!
After the glorious week off, I got back to work on my personal statement. I actually took longer with this than I initially planned for and didn't complete the statement until mid-July. In the end I spent about a good month editing, re-editing, reviewing, and word crunching to make it "me". This couldn't have happened without many people reading and providing feedback. Other people have great insight about grammar, flow, and oh yeah, cool qualities about you that you sometimes forget!
Once I was done with the statement, did a last confirmation with my LORs, I was ready to submit. And have a good drink.
So, while I was stressed from January until July, I was able to manage my time and multi-task early on in order to make May through July not seem as stressful to me. Next time, the submission process!
Until Next Time,
powerkat
I have decided to divide up my process into 3 parts to make it easier to follow along:
I. Preparation
II. Submission
III. Interview
Today I will discuss the "Preparation":
I first started exploring the idea of Optometry in the fall of 2010. A few family friends and co-workers had mentioned the career thinking it would be a good fit for my quiet, but friendly personality. An old family friend was a private practice Optometrist, so I contacted him and asked if I could shadow for a day. After 1 visit I could see why people thought of me when they thought of Optometry, but I still wasn't convinced. I enjoyed how the Optometrist could create a conversation with the patient, analyze the problem, solve it, and improve the person's eyesight within one visit. But, it was sooo routine. My OCD side loved this, but I wondered if I would get bored in the long run. So, I contacted a few other Optometrists in the area, at larger practices and HMOs, to see if I would like a faster pace setting.
Loved it. Specifically, all of the eye diseases I was exposed to in a single day of observation. Not just cataracts, not just astigmatisms, but also detached retinas (post-opt), macular degeneration, and pink eye (last one, not so fun). I was hooked and wanted more. So, I looked into what was necessary to apply to Optometry school. Holy moly, a lot!
Apparently I needed to take an OAT (Optometric Admissions Test)? Three letters of rec, a personal statement, at least 30 hours of observations, and wait... I had to take another psychology course? Yikes. I realized I was not prepared for applying to enter with the Fall 2011 class. So, what did I do? I prepared for Fall 2012. And made a Timeline checklist (these months were during the year of 2011 to enter the following fall):
- Prepare for OAT and take by end of May
- Find 3 Letters of Recommendation, 1 being an Optometrist by end of February
- Begin rough draft of personal statement in February and refocus attention after OAT exam. Have final draft complete by end of June/early July.
- Double check prerequisites by end of March and take any courses if necessary during summer/fall
- Submit application on OptomCas by end of July
So, Kaplan course started in January and went through April of 2011. Early on I spent 2-3 days a week studying for a couple hours with the other days either relaxing, working on a very rough draft of my personal statement, and confirming letters of rec. In other words, I multi-tasked like no ones business. I also committed to a test date for mid-May (a few weeks after the course ended). By sticking a proverbial carrot in front of myself, I had more determination to follow through with the late night study sessions as time went on. By April, I left the personal statement alone, ignored everything, and became good friends with the librarians.
After a celebratory drink for completing "the beast", I double checked my pre-req situation and signed up for a summer online psychology course. Since I had given some time in February towards my personal statement, I didn't have to waste extra time figuring out how to start the essay. I was able to look at my rough draft from a new perspective.
Because stress was over taking my life, I logically decided to take a nice break and go to my family reunion in Durango, CO. I didn't think about Optometry, schools, or applications during this week in June. It was a great distraction and because of my preparation in earlier months, I knew I would be ok. If you plan early, breaks are more enjoyable and won't feel like a time waster. And, they are nice goals to look forward to (stick that carrot in front of you)!
After the glorious week off, I got back to work on my personal statement. I actually took longer with this than I initially planned for and didn't complete the statement until mid-July. In the end I spent about a good month editing, re-editing, reviewing, and word crunching to make it "me". This couldn't have happened without many people reading and providing feedback. Other people have great insight about grammar, flow, and oh yeah, cool qualities about you that you sometimes forget!
Once I was done with the statement, did a last confirmation with my LORs, I was ready to submit. And have a good drink.
So, while I was stressed from January until July, I was able to manage my time and multi-task early on in order to make May through July not seem as stressful to me. Next time, the submission process!
Until Next Time,
powerkat
March 16, 2012
Pinch Me
It's Friday! TGIF. Ahh, we worked it out with our blood, sweat, and tears and finally arrived at this blissful day. The weekend is here and St. Patrick's Day is near. Will the sun come out in this rainy weather, make a rainbow, and let me find a pot a gold? Optometry school isn't cheap.
You know it's gonna be a good weekend. Make sure to wear green. Or do you want to get pinch? :)
Until Next Time,
powerkat
 |
| cousins finding a pot of gold in 2002 |
Until Next Time,
powerkat
March 14, 2012
Pi Day!
Happy Pi (3.14159265...) Day!
 |
| find out more! |
Can you have your pie and eat it too?
I sure am going to try.... mmm, apple pie. pecan pie. chocolate pie. pumpkin pie. any pie will do.
WHY you should go to Optometry School
I realized I posted why not to go to Optometry school recently, so I thought I would share some positive reasons as well to give balance.
What made me decide to go into the profession of Optometry?
1. I enjoy working with people, especially one-on-one situations where I can make a stronger connection. You don't get much closer to someone when you're looking into their eyes and they can smell what you ate for lunch. Invest in mints people!
2. The human body has always fascinated me. I still can't get over how intricate the human eye is when it comes to nerves, muscles, and tissue repair!
3. Being able to work regular hours in a health care profession to allow me to have options later in life (ie balancing work and family)
4. Specifically for Optometry: you can have a direct impact on someone during their evaluation.
5. It isn't as long as medical school (seriously, I like learning, but not for that long).
6. You don't have many emergency situations involving blood and guts though I have witnessed a kid throw up (it was flu season).
7. Glasses are sexy.
#7 for the win! Ok, maybe I just think that, but they are pretty amazing when you think about the physics (totally just lost a reader...).
What you should realize is that regardless of what you are pursuing, if it is Optometry, Medicine, Philosophy, or English Lit., you must really ask why. Why do you want to do a job for the next +40 years? Is it for money? The ability to help others? The prestige? Whatever the reason, whatever the goal, find the reason why and you'll be able to succeed.
Enough corny, inspirational pep talk for now. But seriously, think about the why.
Until Next Time,
powerkat
What made me decide to go into the profession of Optometry?
1. I enjoy working with people, especially one-on-one situations where I can make a stronger connection. You don't get much closer to someone when you're looking into their eyes and they can smell what you ate for lunch. Invest in mints people!
2. The human body has always fascinated me. I still can't get over how intricate the human eye is when it comes to nerves, muscles, and tissue repair!
3. Being able to work regular hours in a health care profession to allow me to have options later in life (ie balancing work and family)
4. Specifically for Optometry: you can have a direct impact on someone during their evaluation.
5. It isn't as long as medical school (seriously, I like learning, but not for that long).
6. You don't have many emergency situations involving blood and guts though I have witnessed a kid throw up (it was flu season).
7. Glasses are sexy.
#7 for the win! Ok, maybe I just think that, but they are pretty amazing when you think about the physics (totally just lost a reader...).
What you should realize is that regardless of what you are pursuing, if it is Optometry, Medicine, Philosophy, or English Lit., you must really ask why. Why do you want to do a job for the next +40 years? Is it for money? The ability to help others? The prestige? Whatever the reason, whatever the goal, find the reason why and you'll be able to succeed.
Enough corny, inspirational pep talk for now. But seriously, think about the why.
Until Next Time,
powerkat
March 13, 2012
Weekend Update
Apologies for my lack of frequent/daily postings. Sometimes you just have to live life and stop being plugged into the system.
When I unplug myself I am instantly transported back to being a kid. Anyone from Generation Y can probably relate. Growing up we actually played outside and only the lucky kids had Nintendo Game Boys or Mario Brothers. We drank in the sun and made mudpies, built forts, rolled in the grass until we itched like crazy (or maybe that was just me - hay fever allergies anyone?). We actually had to call our friends' house phones to see if they were available to play and wrote letters we mailed to Grandma.
So, to follow the post subject, Weekend Update, what did I do? I unplugged from the technology, sat inside, watched the rain pour, read a book, worked out, finished the taxes, found recipes for homemade granola (keep an eye out for a future post on that adventure), and... bought a car!!
 |
| Subaru Impreza |
I am moving to Car City (southern California) in only a few months and as I currently survive by biking, walking, or the generosity of my parent's lending the car, this was a must-buy. After careful 3 months of research and frustrating searches, I finally found the car I wanted at a great price.
No name yet, but this bundle of joy will make me very happy. Especially since it gets 37 mpg on the highway. So, in a weird twist, thank you technology!
Until Next Time,
powerkat
March 6, 2012
Rose Tinted Glasses
Have you ever experienced a regular day but viewed it as magical almost surreal? Like you've traveled into a different dimension and looking at the world from a new perspective.
This is what happens to me whenever I have a day off from work that isn't due to sickness, federal holiday, or vacation. Granted, the types of days off I just listed (minus the sickness option) are more fun that having to run weekday errands I can't do during the weekend. Bore.
So, that brings me to my Monday adventures! You would think going through the application, interview, and acceptance process would be enough to attend Optometry school. Nope, you also must provide current, notarized optical, immunization, and total health history records to the school you will be attending in the fall. Totally not a big deal, but with my identity theft paranoia and the fact these forms needed to be notarized I wanted to get these official forms in person. Which therefore meant I had to take a day off work. Score!
Slept in, ate some yummy oatmeal with a pumpkin spice cook (hello, pumpkin is good for you. stop judging), worked out, got soaked in the rain as I ran around town getting these forms completed, and had just enough time to grab a Chai tea.
However, it was probably around the time between being completely drenched and wrapping my hands around the warm mug that I was hit with a realization. There is a whole other culture that exists outside of the work day. Yeah, I know there are people who are out of work, don't work, or can't work, but as a working person I often forget about the daily opportunities I don't have access to because I am at work. Therefore, when I do have access to taking the time to simply sit down and enjoy a cup of tea I become a giddy kid again. These tiny moments seem insignificant to a person who has the day off, but make a random day magical to me. When I notice these happy moments I wonder, is anyone else thinking the exact same thing as me right now? Do they know how lucky they are to be in a magical moment?
And then I think, 'magical moment, really?' I swear, it was only Chai.
However, those people who aren't working would probably be giddy to spend a day with a job. I guess we all want to put on rose tinted glasses and view our worlds in a brighter way than they really are.
In the mean time, I at least am one step closer to Optometry school!
Until Next Time,
powerkat
This is what happens to me whenever I have a day off from work that isn't due to sickness, federal holiday, or vacation. Granted, the types of days off I just listed (minus the sickness option) are more fun that having to run weekday errands I can't do during the weekend. Bore.
So, that brings me to my Monday adventures! You would think going through the application, interview, and acceptance process would be enough to attend Optometry school. Nope, you also must provide current, notarized optical, immunization, and total health history records to the school you will be attending in the fall. Totally not a big deal, but with my identity theft paranoia and the fact these forms needed to be notarized I wanted to get these official forms in person. Which therefore meant I had to take a day off work. Score!
Slept in, ate some yummy oatmeal with a pumpkin spice cook (hello, pumpkin is good for you. stop judging), worked out, got soaked in the rain as I ran around town getting these forms completed, and had just enough time to grab a Chai tea.
However, it was probably around the time between being completely drenched and wrapping my hands around the warm mug that I was hit with a realization. There is a whole other culture that exists outside of the work day. Yeah, I know there are people who are out of work, don't work, or can't work, but as a working person I often forget about the daily opportunities I don't have access to because I am at work. Therefore, when I do have access to taking the time to simply sit down and enjoy a cup of tea I become a giddy kid again. These tiny moments seem insignificant to a person who has the day off, but make a random day magical to me. When I notice these happy moments I wonder, is anyone else thinking the exact same thing as me right now? Do they know how lucky they are to be in a magical moment?
And then I think, 'magical moment, really?' I swear, it was only Chai.
However, those people who aren't working would probably be giddy to spend a day with a job. I guess we all want to put on rose tinted glasses and view our worlds in a brighter way than they really are.
In the mean time, I at least am one step closer to Optometry school!
Until Next Time,
powerkat
March 5, 2012
Weekend Update
How was your weekend? Not long enough? I agree.
The days were filled with adult responsible activities that made my days off from work seem lack luster. Definitely did not put a hop in my step. The upside? I made yummy bruschetta pizza to lighten my dreary mood.
2. In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, sliced basil, oil, garlic, thyme, vinegar, salt and pepper. Spoon over pizza. Garnish with additional basil if desired.
The days were filled with adult responsible activities that made my days off from work seem lack luster. Definitely did not put a hop in my step. The upside? I made yummy bruschetta pizza to lighten my dreary mood.
no after shot because I was too hungry...
Paired with a glass of wine, warm fire, and my latest leisure book, Fast Food Nation, my Sunday night was the weekend cap I was desperately searching for.
I love how cooking delicious food and enjoying a nice read can instantly improve my mood. Now, if only the sunshine could come back so I could take this on a hike! Soon, aka 4 months from now, the rain will stop and I'll get my wish.
Until Next Time,
powerkat
Bruschetta Pizza (courtesy of Taste of Home)
Ingredients
1/2 pound reduced-fat Italian sausage
1 prebaked 12-inch pizza crust
1 package (6 ounces) sliced turkey pepperoni
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1-1/2 cups chopped cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Additional fresh basil leaves, optional
Directions:
1. In a small
skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
Place crust on an ungreased baking sheet. Top with pepperoni, sausage
and cheese. Bake at 450° for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted. 2. In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, sliced basil, oil, garlic, thyme, vinegar, salt and pepper. Spoon over pizza. Garnish with additional basil if desired.
March 4, 2012
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Some people designate certain foods for specific seasons of the year. For example, soup season typically begins in mid-fall and lasts until the end of winter. Who really wants hot soup on a +100 humid summer afternoon?
I am all for consuming foods during their peak season (um, tomatoes really aren't suppose to be red and available ALL year people... think about that). However, I am a sucker for cookies and a sucker for the fall. Hence, I proceeded to make some of the best Pumpkin Spice Cookies.
You've got nutmeg, cinnamon, ground cloves, vanilla, sugar, pumpkin, and... um do I really need to go on?
Pumpkin Spice Cookies (from allrecipes.com)
Ingredients - Cookies
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients - Glaze
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
This recipe is great if you have left over pumpkin puree. Why do you have this sitting around your house? Probably because you just made pumpkin banana bread AND pumpkin cinnamon chip muffins, and you still have some of that yummy fall spice puree in your fridge.
It is begging you to eat it and think wonderful fall thoughts even in March.
Until Next Time,
powerkat
I am all for consuming foods during their peak season (um, tomatoes really aren't suppose to be red and available ALL year people... think about that). However, I am a sucker for cookies and a sucker for the fall. Hence, I proceeded to make some of the best Pumpkin Spice Cookies.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies (from allrecipes.com)
Ingredients - Cookies
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients - Glaze
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and white sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.
This recipe is great if you have left over pumpkin puree. Why do you have this sitting around your house? Probably because you just made pumpkin banana bread AND pumpkin cinnamon chip muffins, and you still have some of that yummy fall spice puree in your fridge.
It is begging you to eat it and think wonderful fall thoughts even in March.
Until Next Time,
powerkat
March 1, 2012
Attempting Change
Blog has moved! If you are looking for the Adventures of a Blue-Eyed Powerkat head to this address: www.powerkat.blogspot.com!
Hopefully the kinks in the system will be worked out soon and you can go back to reading my rambling thoughts
Until next time,
powerkat
Hopefully the kinks in the system will be worked out soon and you can go back to reading my rambling thoughts
Until next time,
powerkat
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