10 Tips for Tackling Optometry School (Part 1)

August 29, 2022

As a new school year is about to begin, thousands of students will be starting their journeys to become optometrists. Through social media and in-person interactions, former ASCO intern Michelle Vaca (an incoming OD1) had the chance to talk to multiple upperclassmen optometry students from across the country. Michelle asked them what is one tip they would give an incoming optometry student and she has compiled a top 10 list of tips they shared for tackling optometry school.

Make sure to check back to our blog soon as more tips get revealed!

  1. Take advantage of your school’s resources
    Most optometry schools have tutoring service available if you feel you need some extra help in a subject. Take advantage of all the resources your school has to offer whether that be subscriptions to newsletters or renting books out at the library. Your professors are also a great resource even if it is just to have a pleasant conversation. Everyone at school just wants to help you succeed, so use your resources!
  1. Use a planner
    With so many classes, it is important to use a planner. Whether that be on your phone or on paper, it is essential to write down appointments, assignment due dates, and exam dates so you can plan your days and weeks.
  1. Triage your classes
    You are going to be taking at least 20 credits a semester. Realize what your strong classes are and which classes you need to dedicate more study time. This will allow you to better plan out your study days.
  1. Understand, don’t memorize
    In undergrad, you have been taught to memorize and to regurgitate information. While sometimes that may be necessary in optometry school, it is more important to understand what you are learning. If you do not understand, you cannot apply the information to your patients. As such, it is important to grasp information rather than just try memorize everything.
  1. Network, network, network
    Optometry school is a place where you will meet professors and alumni from different scopes of practice. Have a resume ready and connect with people. You never know, a connection could help you get a job after graduation.