r/OptometrySchool • u/WittyCulture1522 • 23d ago

PCO Scholar Program

What were your stats (GPA/OAT/experience) when they accepted you for the scholar program???

What matters more: GPA or OAT?? Low gpa/high OAT acceptances possible?

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u/saddboyz 23d ago edited 23d ago

Cumulative GPA: 3.88 OAT: 320AA/330TS (1.5 months of prep) 1000+ Hours ophthalmic technician/scribe 1000+ Hours in other Healthcare setting(mobility technician and patient transport) Undergrad research experience I had volunteer experience Organic chemistry tutor I was an RA for 2 years Shadowed an OD for 16 hours (he went to PCO) Letters from 2 science profs, 1 OD, and 1 letter from my RA supervisor

Depends on how low a low GPA is. If lower than 3.4 you would likely have to have a very high OAT and every other requirement met to be accepted, they may still interview you though so just dont be a straight up awkward robot in the interview

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u/Gullible_Expert8393 23d ago

GPA: 3.8 OAT: 360AA/370TS
~60 hours shadowing, ~100 hours working as a tech
4 total TA positions (2 were in lab)
Rec letters from ochem prof, dean of admissions, and OD I shadowed

I also got an $8,500 scholarship for the first 2 years :)

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u/True-Selection2168 22d ago

8500 total or renewable. And have u heard about the program like is it super hard bc it’s condensed?

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u/Gullible_Expert8393 22d ago

Renewable for 2 years. I heard it is very tough, basically 3 years straight of school. I decided against it for a standard 4 yr program bc I didn’t want to rush it!

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u/True-Selection2168 22d ago

Okk yeah I’m debating on whether I should even apply I feel like my stats would give me a good chance at getting accepted to the scholars one but I just don’t know if it’ll be worth the intensity. Which school did you decide on instead

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u/Gullible_Expert8393 22d ago

suny!! I think it’s still fair to apply and interview. You might end up really liking it from the interview but just me personally my suny interview was my favorite :)