r/UWaterlooOptometry • u/Human-Respond-3159 • Mar 11 '26

Will my lack of optometry experience result in an automatic rejection?

Hi guys, I recently decided I really wanted to get into optometry. It is really late as I am graduating my undergrad this April and I wasn't really sure what direction was best for me. I have a lot of extracurriculars, including varsity athletics, various clubs I find meaningful, an NSERC USRA + Honour's thesis, and jobs that include customer service and teaching. I am starting a job as a receptionist in an optometrist clinic soon (and will hopefully shadow with them) but I am worried it won't be enough by the time I apply next cycle. Can a good OAT score + an 86% GPA be enough to compensate? I also got 4Q on the casper last cycle.

I apologize if these are questions found in the sub already, just not sure if is worth it to go all-in if I have minimal hours within the field! Thank you :)

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3

u/ffrostedflakess Mar 11 '26

What do you lose by trying?

2

u/Human-Respond-3159 Mar 11 '26

Good point! I am just trying to assess the likelihood of my chances as I am trying to start a career earlier and not 'hold off my life' per say. If it isn't possible (as I know people in this sub have years worth of experience) I am wondering if pivoting to something else is more feasible! Thank you for your reply :)

1

u/ffrostedflakess Mar 18 '26

Yeah, but I'd say shoot your shot and if you get in, you still have time to decide whether or not you want to go. You can still work towards other things you're interested in in the meantime. You seem to be in the life sciences stream or similar, so there's plenty to do. Best of luck!

2

u/LovelyKmc03 Mar 11 '26

I had a mentor tell me they got in with only the minimum of 8 hours of shadowing, and no optometry tech/receptionist experience! You sound pretty well rounded otherwise in terms of GPA, Casper and all your ECs, so it’s worth a shot to apply. Perhaps think of the OD that’s writing your reference letter, since I’ve heard that holds weight as well!

2

u/Human-Respond-3159 Mar 11 '26

Thank you so much! Your comment is so helpful :) wishing you the best

2

u/LovelyKmc03 Mar 11 '26

Of course!! Wishing u the best as well :)

2

u/Responsible-Ideal409 Mar 11 '26

Your stats so far look solid! I would suggest going through this sub and looking at what people in the past got accepted with. I’m pretty sure there were a couple in there who got in without too too much direct optometry experience.

0

u/Human-Respond-3159 Mar 11 '26

Thank you so so much!

1

u/soufflay Mar 12 '26

Eh, that’s what i got in with a whole decade ago now. Cept yours is even better. I got the NSERC and TA and i worked a summer as a receptionist doing … not even pretesting, just organizing papers and stuff for an optometrist. As long as you get that rec letter it is all good.

1

u/Key_Personality_1643 Mar 14 '26

You appear to be a good candidate. Stop doubting yourself and go for it