u/Kind_Rock7428

I’m writing my personal statement and have had a few people review it. But, I got feedback that I didn’t have an “aha” moment for optometry. For context, I formatted my statement more about why the experiences I’ve had have helped me decide that optometry is what I want to do. But, I don’t have like a specific moment where I was like “I want to look into optometry as a potential career”. I kind of just figure out what I liked/didn’t like, optom seemed to check the boxes and I went on to get experience which reaffirmed my decision to pursue it.

I don’t want my personal statement to show lack of passion etc and it be a reason that admissions doesn’t want to go forward. Any advice?

I am submitting 4 LORs. I have two from optometrists that are already complete, 1 from a professor that has confirmed they will have it complete. My 4th is a faculty I did a research project with and they had agreed to write one. But, I haven’t heard back from them since sending the optomcas request despite emailing a follow up. Can I submit my application without this one recommendation or is this a question that’s dependent on the school? Bc I’ve hit the requirements for the LORs (ones that are completed) so will they still take a look at my application even tho it’s technically not complete.

Wanted to get opinions from people that largely didn’t get help from their parents. My parents have run into pretty significant financial difficulties themselves and they are not going to be able to help me pay for optometry school (will have to use loans). I’ve had to fund everything based on money from teching. I know a lot of people get help from their parents to go to school and what not, but that’s not really something that would work for me. I want the honest truth about whether optometry is worth it from people in similar situations. It’s a huge financial investment and I know I will have to work hard myself. For context, I have pretty good stats to get into a good school nearby which means I can live at home. But still I’m thinking abt my parents financial burdens and if something happens in my 4 years of schools—how I won’t even be able to work and help out. I feel like most of my apprehension for taking on optometry school comes from the fact that I don’t have a plan B or a fall back. I’ve worked very hard to pursue this career and I have the passion for it, but the financial aspect is scaring me.

Please help!!
Does anyone know if UCI’s writing center looks over personal statements for grad programs. I graduated in 2025 so I was wondering if they helped out alumni?

Is it true that Berkeley’s optom class is pretty much filled by those who apply by the early decision window? I’m not sure I can make that deadline due to OAT score not being uploaded yet and LORs. Would I still have a shot during reg admission?

Did you feel 100% ready to take the OAT come exam day? I feel like my practice test scores are where I want them to be but I still don’t feel like I know everything to the best capacity just because there’s so much to know for each section

Took two sets of practice tests and scoring abt a 300 total on both of them even though I feel like I’ve been studying and putting in the work. I think my bio score will significantly improve but my OAT is in a month. I am aiming for at least a 330, does this seem doable in that time frame? I’m honestly stressing out