Hello,
Recently I have set my sights on pursing a career in optometry. I’m a junior biology major but my gpa is not that high i have a 3.1. What i’I’m most worried about is not being able to keep up with the classes if I do get accepted. I’m having anxiety just thinking about the future. When I first decided to change to pre-optometry I was ridiculously happy and hopeful but now I’m scared that I wont be “smart” enough. Any thoughts on what i should do to shift my mindset to be excited about the future again? Thank you.
It would seem that the average for Optometry school applicants is 3.3
http://www.opted.org/about-optometric-education/professional-o-d-programs/applicants-and-advisors/student-profile-prerequisites/
Just buckle down and work hard. People’s eyes are getting worse and worse, so optometrists are going to be in high demand.
The competition for optometry school is getting in. For most of the schools, the acceptance commitment goes both ways. You have committed to them but they have also committed to you. Their intent is for you to graduate and practice optometry. Not that it is going to be a walk in the park but it is a very different experience than undergrad. You will be learning your profession which is more practical and exciting.
Regarding being “smart” enough, it depends on where you go to school. Look at the stats for Western, AZCOPT, Indiana, PCO (Salus) and see if those might be a better fit for you.