Exposure and Experience
Advanced Placement
Check with individual schools whether they recognize Advanced Placement (AP) as college-earned credit. Not all do. It is better to view any earned credits as qualifying to enroll in upper division courses rather than as “testing out” of prerequisites.
Access to Classes
Upper-division courses, particularly in the sciences, tend to be in high demand. Many departments give priority to students declared in specific majors over those needing prerequisites for healthcare programs. Keep in mind that registration policies and procedures for impacted courses can change, so check the department’s website or contact the program coordinator to ask about course enrollment processes.
Repeating/Dropping Courses
When you repeat a course, only your most recent grade is used when Western calculates your GPA. However, the class still shows up on your transcript. Although some students think that repeating a course will help them get into professional schools, this is almost always untrue. Professional schools will take into account all college-level coursework when performing their own calculation of your GPA, and this will include any courses you have repeated at Western. Still, in some circumstances it may be appropriate to repeat a course so talk to an advisor to be sure. Also, dropping a course can have an impact on eligibility for financial aid, scholarships, and athletic participation so consider your options carefully and speak with an advisor before making a decision.
Community Involvement
What students pursue outside the classroom will be considered by professional programs along with what is accomplished in the classroom. Some agencies that welcome WWU pre-health students as volunteers include the Sea Mar Community Health Center, the Unity Care NW Community Health Center, and a variety of adult care facilities in the area. Each year, an “Internship and Volunteer Fair” occurs on campus so that students can explore and network for volunteer opportunities. Your volunteer experience does not necessarily need to be healthcare related, but should be in something you are passionate about and interested in. Find experiences that allow you to serve your community and learn more about how to relate to others different from yourself.
Shadowing
Students should gain shadowing experience with a non-relative optometrist to develop awareness of the profession and generate a professional letter of recommendation. For their first shadowing experience, students often ask a family friend, their own optometrist, or someone with a personal connection to shadow. Many students have also had success calling local optometry offices to ask whether they can shadow. Since optometrists tend to run their own practices, they have the flexibility to allow shadowing. You may need to call several so don’t be discouraged if it takes some time.
Optometry Admission Test
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is administered year round at Prometric test sites. Applicants typically take the exam within the year before anticipated admission. OAT information is available at ada.org/en/oat.
Research
Research experience is not required to develop a strong application for professional school, but can be a great way to enhance your application if you are interested. Many opportunities exist both on campus through individual departments and programs, and off campus. Contact your major department, or speak with a faculty member about participating in undergraduate research.
Letters of Recommendation
Western does not participate in a committee letter process for professional programs, so it is important for students to develop a good relationship with faculty members, supervisors and volunteer coordinators throughout their time as an undergraduate in order to have strong letters of recommendation.
Note: The above information is for preliminary advising purposes only. We encourage students to meet with a Health Professions Advisor on a regular basis to develop an individualized plan.
