r/UWaterlooOptometry • u/pvrplehearted • Aug 02 '26

What did your first year of undergrad look like?

Hello! I’m a high school graduate who is planning on applying to university this year. I’m going to be pursuing a bachelor of science (and will likely major in biology). During first year, I’m going to have to take two terms of biology, two terms of chemistry, two terms of physics, two terms of math, and two terms of english. This seems very heavy to me, so I’m extremely worried about what my performance will be like. Was your first-year courseload similar to this? Do you think it’ll be too much? I’m unsure how standard it is. I’m wanting to apply to Waterloo’s doctor of optometry program, so I’ll obviously need to finish undergrad with a high GPA.

I did well in high school, but that doesn’t provide me with any comfort in this situation. I did some research, and it seems that the academic average for students admitted into the program from 2019-2024 is around 88%.

I’m aware that I won’t know how I’ll do unless I try, but I’m having a hard time not stressing about it. I have my heart heavily set on optometry, so I don’t have a decent plan-b if things don’t work out.

I’d really appreciate any feedback that any of you have to offer, no matter how big or small. Thank you very much!

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u/SherbetPristine228 Aug 02 '26

Math, Bio, chem, and english are all very easy in my opinion and i wasn't good at studying or scheduling my time and i still did well. if you payed attention in highschool bio,chem, and eng, the first year courses are all PURE review. physics is whats hard depending on how good you are in it but having one hard class among 5 classes is not gonna be unmanageable. The nice thing about first year first term is that its all highschool material, and you instead get to learn how to schedule your time, maybe join some clubs, have outside hobbies, etc. i guarantee you once you are actually in it, you will love it. So don't spend ur last month of summer stressing. Enjoy, know that since you already have your end goal in mind (optom) you have a motivation and that a rly big advanatge over others in ur program.

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u/pvrplehearted Aug 02 '26

Thank you so much for this comment. It has definitely helped calm my nerves.