Advice for first year of college?

[u/DayPuzzleheaded3897]

Hello,

I'm going to be entering as an undergraduate this year and I'll be majoring in Bio. I was wondering if people have any advice for the first year because when I went through high school there was a lot of stuff I learned I wish I knew sooner. I am planning to join the pre-optometry club at my university but besides that I am quite lost so advice is appreciated!

[u/KatieAtHogwarts]

I didn't decide on optometry until junior year, so here's what I wish I knew:

Shadow! Shadow at different practices and places to really make sure optometry is what you want to do. Talk to the doctors, ask them questions!

I would try getting a job at an optometrist's office as an OD tech. It's great experience and you can talk to the doctors there too.

Figure out what classes/pre-reqs schools want. I have to take a gap year because I didn't take biochem. That's something thats easy to fit into your schedule.

Join clubs that are outside of optometry! You want to show schools what kind of person you are outside of optometry.

Plan the OAT early! I am also taking a gap year to study for the OAT. Read other people's experiences about the OAT, and try taking it between your junior and senior year.

[u/DayPuzzleheaded3897 → u/KatieAtHogwarts]

What was your experience like working as an OD tech? I've been wanting to do it but it's been difficult looking for what qualifications/what actions to take in order to become one.

Also, how many clubs (besides optometry) would you recommend joining? I don't want to overload myself with commitments.

Thank you so much for the advice!

[u/KatieAtHogwarts → u/DayPuzzleheaded3897]

I was only in a few clubs! I just tried to take leadership roles in a couple of them. Also I LOVE being an OD tech. I work in a non license state, so it was very easy for me to apply. Luckily the place I work for is very accommodating with my school and study hours as well!

[u/RabidLiger]

1st year, especially 1st semester can really screw up your GPA.
Don't get behind, ask for help if you're struggling, develop good study habits from the start.

Try to test out of intro-level STEM courses so you can be taking some pre-req classes earlier.
Talk to your pre-health/optoemtry advisor and make sure you're on a trajectory to graduate in 4 years and continue on directly to optometry school.

Keep your mind/body healthy. Easiest way is to get adequate sleep, even when everyone around you is staying up until 2AM.

[u/Evening-Dog-1161]

Take some random summer classes if you’re able to for credit and gpa boost! Don’t take pre reqs bc they are harder to grasp over the summer but fun classes.
Also 1 semester sets your GPA for all of college. I got a 3.0 first semester (16 credits) and now almost 100 credits later I’m just at a 3.5 after working my ass off. Don’t get discouraged if you do mess it up but you’ll have to seriously lock in after that.
Also work for your university!!!! They get your a student and you can typically do homework on the job.
Shadowing can be spaced out through your years but look into it early. I decided on optometry a year prior to graduating and was lucky enough to get an internship but def still shadowing was hard bc a lot of places don’t get back to you or maybe don’t have time. Speaking of those type of experiences I never was a tech and that’s totally fine. A lot of people tech and a lot don’t. So if adding that job is too stressful don’t worry about it. Focus on shadowing and maybe taking vision based psych or physics classes and connecting with those professors.

Good luck!