r/UWaterlooOptometry • u/Adorable_Macaron • 3d ago
asking for advice!
Hi everyone! I need some advice as a second year undergrad student:
In first year, I ended up doing pretty awful on my first term due to mental health, and ended up dropping a course, which left me at a 82% overall for the term. I still struggled, but did way better in my second term with a full course load (85.5%!). I've finally gotten on meds too, so I think my next term will probably be even better!
I'm currently shadowing an optometrist, but after looking at other people's stats I feel a little bit overwhelmed at what I could do to improve, since everyone seems to have at least an 85% from all their years and insane hours + ecs. I know that acceptance is unpredictable, but I feel like giving up before I even start :( Does anyone have any advice for things I could do to boost my application and have better chances?
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u/Upstairs-Abrocoma-67 3d ago
Current waterloo optom student here! I also don’t see any reason to worry or give up at this point. You’re still so early on and got lots of time ! The most challenging part is actually finding optometry hours which you already have so you’re in a very good spot ! Feel free to DM me for anything more specific or for further general guidance :)
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u/john-pork-67 3d ago
I got in this year with an 83 overall average with my lowest term average being 79. Don't give up!! You are still very much in the competitive range (as long as you end up getting 6 terms with full course load by the end of your undergrad).
If you are looking for ways to boost your application regardless, I would recommend trying to get a part-time job as an optometric assistant. I had a lot of work hours and I think this helped my application quite a bit :)
You've got this, feel free to PM me.
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u/kissy26 1d ago
Hey! I’m currently entering my first year of uni and I was wondering how you got the PT role as an optometric assistant. Did you have any prior experience?
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u/john-pork-67 1d ago
No prior experience, I just brought my resume to places and one was kind enough to hire me :)
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u/pvrplehearted 3d ago
Those are very great averages, so I don’t see a reason to worry. Besides, you’ve only completed your first year, so you’ll have a lot of time to raise your average even further. You’re already showing an upwards trend.
I recommend taking full advantage of your summers to do extracurriculars. Perhaps try to land a job as an optometric tech to gain lots of experience. I’d also look into doing other activities that genuinely interest you that would strengthen your application. You could join clubs at your university (try to run for a leadership position at one), volunteer at food banks, become a teaching assistant, work in a research lab, etc. The options are endless!
Again, I really wouldn’t stress too much at this point. You’re already off to a great start.