SCCO Video

Admissions Officers share the 6 things SCCO looks for in Competitive Applicants, and Student Ambassadors share things they did to help stand out throughout the admissions process (some of the things they did will surprise you, and hopefully encourage you to think outside the box when applying to grad school!). Watch the Recording.

We all have those nagging thoughts in the back of our minds that threaten to hold us back from pursuing our dreams. No matter how hard we try or how much we achieve, it just never seems like enough as we compare ourselves to others. Join Admissions Officers and Student Ambassadors as we discuss how to focus on our strengths, stop comparing ourselves to others, and how to handle Imposter Syndrome during the Admissions Process. Watch the Recording.

Learn more about our program, the admissions process, what we look for in competitive applicants, and timeline tips for those considering applying this time of the year. then Connect with Current Students. The perfect event for pre-optometry clubs to host a watch party, or for individuals who aren’t involved in a club to join our community for support! Watch the recording here.    

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of adding grad school applications to your busy schedule? Whether you're an undergrad balancing classes or a professional managing work and other responsibilities, our Student Ambassadors understand your challenges. Join current students as they share their experiences of juggling classes, clubs, family obligations, jobs, application preparations, OAT prep, interviews, and more. They did it, and you can too! Watch the Recording

Student Ambassadors share practical tips on how they studied for (and crushed) the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT). They'll share resources they found helpful, how they mapped out their study plan, tips for managing stress and anxiety surrounding the process and more! PLUS we'll be raffling off an OAT Test Prep Book for those in attendance! Watch the Recording. 

SCCO's Admissions Officers and Student Ambassadors co-host to share more about SCCO's interview process, how to prepare for your 1-on-1 interview with a faculty member, and what to expect on your interview day at SCCO! Watch the Recording. 

As Admissions Officers, one of the most common questions we get (or sense) from prospective students is "What mistakes do people make on their application that cause them to not get into optometry school?" In this webinar, we covered what SCCO looks for in competitive applicants and the most common mistakes people make in their application that hold them back from getting an interview invitation. We also shared tips on things you can do throughout your application to help you stand out! The presentation takes place for the first 30 minutes, then officers answered questions from the audience live. Watch the Recording.

What makes a grad school essay stand out? Is it a catchy intro? A tear-inducing story with a happy ending? Some sort of shock factor? Possibly, but what reviewers really want to see goes beyond these flashy “go-to’s." In this 30-minute webinar, Admissions Officers shared the mindset behind writing compelling, stand-out grad school application essays as well as a few automatic “deal-breaker” mistakes to avoid. Watch the recording.

Applying for grad school can be overwhelming no matter what your background is, but for those who don't have family members who have paved the way, it can be hard to even know where to start. Nearly half of the students at MBKU identify as "first generation" in some way. Meet some Student Ambassadors who've navigated the path and learn how to blaze the trail for your family with their guidance, tips and encouragement! Two of MBKU’s admissions officers also identify as 1st gen and shared their experiences and insight as well. Watch the recording.  

Not sure if you should take a Gap Year? Already took a gap year or two...or three... or more? Decided to make a Career Change after college? You're not alone! Student Ambassadors shared how they overcame their struggles and adversities after taking 1 or more years off after undergrad, and admissions officers shared how  you can highlight your unique characteristics because of your interesting background! Watch the recording.  

Want to know more about what life is like as an Optometry Student at SCCO? Join Student Ambassadors to learn more about Clubs, Classes, Clinic, Community Service and more. Click here to watch the recording.

At the time of recording, our Student Ambassadors had just completed 2 weeks of finals and were streaming live during their Spring Break to serve you! Admissions Officers were also the call to address questions. Topics covered ranged from student life, finding housing, tips for balancing classes with extra curricular activities to who to have write letters of recommendation, when to apply, and more! Watch the recording. 

Admissions Officers shared what SCCO looks for in Competitive Applicants and the top 3 most common (and easily avoidable) mistakes we frequently see in applications. We also addressed questions submitted prior to the event and asked live. Watch the recording.

Join Out-of-State Student Ambassadors and SCCO's new Director of Admissions who joined us from New York as they share about topics such as “Moving Tips + Things to Consider", “How to Find Roommates and Housing”, “Things You Don't Want to Overlook When Looking at Schools" and more! Watch the recording.

Looking for a presentation for your pre-optometry or pre-health club to join to learn more about SCCO? Don’t have a club but want a way to get connected and learn more about SCCO? You're in the right place! Admissions Officers and Student Ambassadors co-hosted this event to share stories and real-life examples of SCCO's curriculum, community service, clinical opportunities, ways to get involved on campus, and more. The students also took guests on virtual tours as we broadcasted live from campus. Whether you're coordinating a watch party or viewing solo, we hope this gives you a glimpse into your future as an optometry student at MBKU! Watch the recording.

Planning to complete undergrad then start optometry school a few months later but nervous about how to apply while still in school? Still deciding if you want to take a gap year or not? Join Student Ambassadors as they share their journeys and how they juggled classes, clubs, working on their application, preparing for the OAT, interviews and more. They did it and you can too! Watch the recording.

We all have those nagging thoughts in the back of our minds that threaten to hold us back from pursuing our dreams. Am I enough? Do I have what it takes to get through grad school? Did that term I messed up on ruin my chances of getting into optometry school? Join Admissions Officers and Student Ambassadors as we get real about how to own your past and embrace the present so you can pursue your future as an optometrist! Watch the Recording.

Looking to apply early next cycle? Whether you're applying for the first time or reapplying, admissions officers shared ideal timeline options, tips to be a competitive applicant, and additional resources to help you prepare to apply early! Watch the recording.

A recent Alumni who did over 400 hours of community service takes the audience on a fun and engaging "choose your own adventure" tour of his service experiences as a student at SCCO. Watch the recording.

Whether you're considering applying late in the cycle or gearing up to apply for the next one, this 60-minute presentation provides information to help you decide what the best route is for you. The presentation includes what we look for in competitive applicants, suggestions for how to evaluate whether or not you should apply now or later, and open Q&A on a wide range of topics submitted by event attendees. Watch the recording.

This dynamic virtual event was designed to empower pre-optometry club leaders and those hoping to start a club on their campus! In this FREE workshop, led by SCCO Admissions Officers and Student Ambassadors, we provided insight and practical strategies on how to build and lead a thriving pre-optometry club on your campus. From leadership structure to recruitment tactics, meeting planning to professional development, we covered it all! While the event was designed to help leaders start the academic year off strong, the content is helpful year around!

Click here to request access to the SEE Resource Hub which will get you access to the event recording, presentation slides, and other SEE resources and downloadable content!

This event, hosted in person and virtually on July 27, 2024, was specifically designed for those preparing to enter optometry school in the next 1-2 years. Get tips and timeline advice from admissions officers, hear what SCCO looks for in competitive applicants and how to highlight your strengths in your application, watch a mock interview, learn about SCCO's program, hear presentations about Optometry Legislation, Interview Day Tips & attire and more! Watch the event from start to finish, or choose the topics that you find most helpful!

• Orientation (8:00) |  Explanation of the event (start here if you're planning to watch the entire event from start to finish)
• Admissions 101 (6:00) |  Admissions Officers walk through a live OptomCAS application and provide tips along the way
• Competitive Applicant 101 (36:00) | Admissions Officers explain the 6 things we look for in competitive applicants and discuss where we look for these qualities as we review applications
• SCCO 101 (19:00) | Admissions Officers share an overview of SCCO's Program
• Finding the Right School for You (16:50) | Student Ambassadors share what factors they considered when choosing an Optometry school as well as insight into things they think you should know when making your choice
• Elevate Your Mindset Around Applying (12:30) | Admissions Officers dive into our admissions philosophy "SCCO will not admit you unless we're confident we can help you become a Doctor of Optometry" 
• Elevate Your Understanding of Legislation and Advocacy (10:40) |  SCCO's Trustee Elect of the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) shares about the importance of advocacy, experiences she's had so far as an SCCO student, as well as how to get involved in the scope of practice expansion 
• Competitive Applicant 102: A Sneak Peak Into Advanced Procedures Courses at SCCO (11:00) | A faculty member shares about specialty courses taught during 3rd year and explains how we prepare our students for lasers, injections, and suturing
• Competitive Applicant 102: Mock Interview (29:00) | A faculty member interviews a current student while admissions officers "time out" the interview to point out what the student did well, and how you can highlight your strengths during your interview
• Competitive Applicant 102: Interview Attire Interactive Session (10:50) | Interactive Interview Attire Game + tips on dressing for success while sticking to a budget
• Admissions Wrap Up (17:30) | An Admissions officer explains how to apply, what is needed to apply, how to leverage our review cut offs to plan your ideal timeline, how to be a competitive applicant, and additional resources to help you navigate the graduate school admissions process

The Optometry Open House is geared toward those who want to learn more about the profession, the admissions process, and SCCO's program. This event was held in person and virtually on April 27, 2024, and included presentations from the admissions team and current students, and faculty. Feel free to watch the event in order, enjoy the event recap video or pick and choose which presentations you'd like to watch based on the descriptions.

• Watch the Event from Start to Finish (2 hours 7 minutes)
• Watch the Event Recap Video (1:30)
• Welcome + Event Overview (7:15) | Explanation of the event, and overview of our University's history and commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility and Interprofessional Education at MBKU
• What Exactly Does An Optometrist Do? (34:00)  |  And admissions officer and faculty member break down the definition of an Optometrist, explore ways to practice, and walk through case studies and health conditions to explain what the role of an Optometrist is in healthcare.
• Overview of SCCO’s Program and Clinical Exposure (20:15)  |  Admissions officers provide insight into the optometry program, as well as student support services, how SCCO prepares our students to have some of the highest national board pass rates in the nation and more.
• Community Service Local and Abroad (17:30)  |  Current students share photos and stories from service opportunities around the corner and around the world. From Garden Grove to Vietnam, Anaheim to Africa, SCCO loves to serve!
• Student “Day In the Life” Slideshow and Panel (30:00)  |  Student Ambassadors walk through activities they participate in each of the 4 years at SCCO, which sharing photos and experiences along the way.
• Wrap Up + Overview of Admissions Process (11:30)  |  An Admissions officer explains how to apply, what is needed to apply, application timeline tips, how to be a competitive applicant, and additional resources to help you navigate the graduate school admissions process

This event was created for students, by students! SCCO's Student Ambassadors created this event to let prospective and admitted students walk in their shoes to get an idea of what it's like to be an optometry student at MBKU. We held campus tours, hands-on demos, taught guests some basic service skills they can use during vision screenings, and more! Most of the event was hands-on and took place all over campus, but the students did come together to walk guests through a "week at a glance" regarding schedules, extra curricular activities, support services, and more. You can watch the Student Life presentations here, and watch the brief event recap video here.

Students who were exploring the health professions joined us to:

• Learn about our fully integrated model of Interprofessional Education at MBKU
• Hear Overviews of each Program and Profession at MBKU (Optometry, Pharmacy, and PA)
• Meet Admissions Officers and discuss the application timeline and tips for being a competitive applicant
• Experience hands-on labs led by Faculty and Student Ambassadors
• Explore the Campus 

Click here for more information and to review event recording and admissions presentations about what it takes to become an OD, PharmD, or PA.

Join 4th year student, Maeve McDonnell and 6 different faculty members for our Specialty Spotlight Series. They'll take you inside the University Eye Center at Ketchum Health for an in-depth look at the six specialties listed below to share about typical patient demographics, demonstrate equipment and technology utilized, as well as provide an overview of what a “day in the life” of an Optometrist who practices in this specialty might look like. This is a great way to learn more about optometry’s scope of practice! Click the links to watch these 60-minute event recordings.

• Cornea Contact Lens  |  Recorded Live on February 22, 2023
• Comanaging with Opthalmology  |  Recorded Live on March 2, 2023
• Primary Care and Ocular Disease  |  Recorded Live on March 9, 2023
• Low Vision Rehabilitation  |  Recorded Live on March 14, 2023
• Pediatrics  |  Recorded Live on March 23, 2023
• Vision Therapy  |  Recorded Live on March 30, 2023