u/ClassKooky4545

Hi everyone!

I’m an incoming optometry student and I’m currently trying to purchase my required equipment before starting school.

I was wondering if anyone has recommendations on where to buy affordable equipment (new or gently used), or if there are any resources/groups where students commonly find equipment.

I’m mainly looking for student essentials like a retinoscope, ophthalmoscope, trial lens set, trial frame, etc.

Any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I’m 24F and currently at a major crossroads. I recently took the MCAT but don’t have my score back yet.
I was accepted into another healthcare professional program that offers a great lifestyle, a respected career, decent income, and I would be finished in about 4 years. The downside is that the debt-to-income ratio is concerning (about the same med school except you're not making physician salary) and there is a ceiling on earning potential compared to some physician specialties, also I’m not passionate about it.

My long-term dream has always been dermatology. I understand how competitive dermatology is, and I’m not naïve about the difficulty of getting there. My concern is more about the uncertainty and timeline.
If I pursue medicine, I’m worried that I could spend another year applying (or potentially a 2nd cycle if I don’t get accepted) and end up becoming an attending in my mid-30s. I know many people start later, but as a woman who wants marriage and children, I worry about balancing training, fertility, family life, and having time with my parents as they get older.
On the other hand, the idea of choosing the safer route and always wondering “what if?” scares me.
For those who are physicians, dermatologists, or went through a similar decision, any advice? Or regrets?

Was it worth it?

Can I PM you? (NOT medical advice) just life questions.

Thank you in advance!

Hi everyone!

I'm in the Katy/Houston area. I've been calling and visiting dermatology offices but haven't had much luck finding someone who allows shadowing.

Does anyone know of a dermatologist in the Houston or Katy area who is open to letting a pre-med student shadow even for just one day? I'd really appreciate any recommendations or contacts. Thank you!

All the derms I’ve called and visited to not offer shadowing.
Any advice?

Do you think I should retake my MCAT in 2 weeks?

Hi everyone,

It's been a week since I took the MCAT (I took a break lol), but I'm planning to start studying again on August 1 if I decide to retake on August 15, which would give me about two weeks to review and practice.

The problem is that I feel like I absolutely bombed CARS. It was much harder than any of my practice exams, and I ended up guessing on a lot of passages because I ran out of time.

The other three sections honestly felt about the same as my recent full-lengths. I'm worried CARS may have pulled my score down significantly.

I know it's soon and i dont have my score yet, but I have a hectic school schedule starting August 17th, so this would be the only time I can retake.

Any advice or experiences? Thank you!

Is there a free full practice test where they score you for CASper? (that's free lol)

Hey everyone,
I got my Texas real estate license about a year ago but put it on inactive after leaving my brokerage while I focused on school. I’m planning to reactivate it because I already have a family friend who wants me to represent them.
They’re looking to lease a commercial space for a coffee shop, so I’d be representing them as the tenant’s (buyer’s) agent. This would be my first commercial transaction.
I’m looking for a brokerage in Texas that’s:
Affordable (low annual/monthly fees)
Allows commercial transactions
Has a broker who’s willing to answer questions and help guide me through my first commercial deal
For those with experience:

Which Texas brokerage would you recommend?
Is there anything I should look for or avoid when choosing a brokerage for my first commercial lease transaction?
Any advice for a first-time commercial tenant rep would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!