Post - Graduate

Taking a gap year after obtaining an undergraduate degree is becoming more common among many applicants to optometry school. Some students choose to take the extra time for a variety of reasons: to pursue a master’s degree, to finish up prerequisites, to take the OAT, or to gain work experience. According to the UC Berkeley Optometry Admissions Committee, “a gap year is considered ‘real world’ experience, [and] it can improve...competitive advantage for admission.” Below are some helpful tips to keep post-graduates on track to apply to optometry school. (Source: https://optometry.berkeley.edu/admissions/preparing-for-admission/undergraduate-timetable/)

What To Do

OAT Prep

Choose a test date and create a study schedule

Prerequisite Completion

Consider finishing any remaining prerequisites at a community college

Shadowing

Set goals for your experience with shadowing
Shadow in different settings such as private practice, corporate, or hospital-based

Work Experience

Consider finding work in an optometrist’s office or working as an optometric technician
Become financially stable to prepare for graduate school

For more insight into postgraduate applicants, SCCO students from the Class of 2016 listed off various activities they did during their time off before applying to optometry school. (Source: https://optometryadmissions.com/2012/09/24/taking-a-break-between-undergrad-and-optometry-school-a-student-perspective/)

Volunteered abroad in Thailand
Visited friends throughout the US
Road trips to Colorado, California
Improved baking and cooking skills (no more top ramen!!)
Developed financial skills and budgeting
Worked full-time jobs at 50 hours/week
Shadowed Optometrists for full days
Made trips out of each interview experience
More time to focus on the application and personal statement
Watch the TV shows I missed during college (no more reruns)
Completed a triathlon
Spend quality time with friends, family, loved ones, and pets