For Aspiring Optoms
ADVICE I wish that someone had given to me!
I had my interview over Zoom in 2023 (so it could be different next year Manchester are trying to push for on campus interviews).**Interview typically lasts 15 - 20 minutes (unless you have a chatty interviewer 🤭)
I managed to get an offer now just waiting to sit exams. If I remember I will try to update how it went!
Manchester do not really look at your personal statement (though some interviewers might) . They're more interested in your UCAS application as a whole and if you mess up on the interview you will be fine. They usually get back to you a little over 2 weeks (MAP applicants usually hear back within a week or less).
This interview typically asks around 5+ questions. You won't be asked scenario questions like in Aston + Plymouth University interviews.
So MAIN 2 questions asked:
1). Why Manchester? (have good reasons i.e it's a city campus does that attract you? local hotspots?**it's a prestigious establishment/russel group)
2). Why Optometry? (you may have to elaborate on reasons you included in later questions.
Some questions that were asked are:
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (NHS? Private Practice - Boots/Specsavers?)
What can optometrists do to improve healthcare?
How has Covid affected Optometry *Practices ?(financial? the public leaving their houses. Though in 2024 may not be that relevant)
Do you know what the GOC is? (Inform yourself about the General Optical Council)
Be informed about what modules you might cover in the course. You may be asked on what you are looking forward to/ not looking forward to.**And can link to give me a weakness about yourself?
Note: not everybody has the same set of questions, they mix it up a little so you might get some similar questions asked and some different to your friends.
When asked questions, I am telling you from EXPERIENCE, you are in NO RUSH! Breathe and take your time when answering the questions. Also don't try to read off a sheet (they can tell if you do and will confront you🤣), try keep your answers free flowing.
DO NOT RUSH FOR THIS PART! Your mental maths skills might be assessed too: simple fractions to decimals, and numbers as percentages. No calculator allowed they say or pen and papers They are not bothered if you took 7 secs to answer or 35 secs as long as you come to a reasonable answer. HOWEVER if at any point you feel that you have answered a question wrong, you can ask at the end to change your answer.
If you are looking for no interview universities Huddersfield, Bradford and Cardiff are great choices. But don't be thrown off by interviews, I don't want to scare you 😁😂
Some basic preliminary questions will be asked BEFORE the actual questions are asked e.g are you okay with treating real patients in clinics? are you okay with working with other students to test skills on each other?
Those who struggling for an Optometry Personal Statement structure here is are some ideas:
1. 3/4 sentences about REASON to study optometry
2. WIDER READING (its not necessary but you could read journals like Optometry Today), WORK EXPERIENCE (this does not necessarily have to be carried out in a practice, it could be online short courses like MOOCs. More info on UniFrog), if you are a STUDENT AMBASSADOR, ACCESS PROGRAMMES
3. Optional: can link optom to your A Levels. Practicals ? Biology topics that you are interested in? (Can Place this paragraph as your 2nd or 3rd depending on how it flows)
4. Extra curricular activities (if you feel it flows you can add this in with your work experience paragraph)/ Part time jobs
5. Overall conclusion of why would you would be great candidate for this course.
When talking about yourself mention the qualities you will need and HAVE when talking to patients, empathy, importance of inclusion, good communication, respect.
Note: Though it's obvious 😭 in your PS do not write specific university names e.g I want to study Optometry at Huddersfield because ..... As this will be sent to all the unis you apply to read. Just write I want to study optom at degree level in university to further my ....
One thing also I learned the HARD WAY! The character count on the UCAS website and Microsoft Word is DIFFERENT!
I had my interview over Zoom in 2023 (so it could be different next year Manchester are trying to push for on campus interviews).**Interview typically lasts 15 - 20 minutes (unless you have a chatty interviewer 🤭)
I managed to get an offer now just waiting to sit exams. If I remember I will try to update how it went!
Manchester do not really look at your personal statement (though some interviewers might) . They're more interested in your UCAS application as a whole and if you mess up on the interview you will be fine. They usually get back to you a little over 2 weeks (MAP applicants usually hear back within a week or less).
This interview typically asks around 5+ questions. You won't be asked scenario questions like in Aston + Plymouth University interviews.
So MAIN 2 questions asked:
1). Why Manchester? (have good reasons i.e it's a city campus does that attract you? local hotspots?**it's a prestigious establishment/russel group)
2). Why Optometry? (you may have to elaborate on reasons you included in later questions.
Some questions that were asked are:
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (NHS? Private Practice - Boots/Specsavers?)
What can optometrists do to improve healthcare?
How has Covid affected Optometry *Practices ?(financial? the public leaving their houses. Though in 2024 may not be that relevant)
Do you know what the GOC is? (Inform yourself about the General Optical Council)
Be informed about what modules you might cover in the course. You may be asked on what you are looking forward to/ not looking forward to.**And can link to give me a weakness about yourself?
Note: not everybody has the same set of questions, they mix it up a little so you might get some similar questions asked and some different to your friends.
When asked questions, I am telling you from EXPERIENCE, you are in NO RUSH! Breathe and take your time when answering the questions. Also don't try to read off a sheet (they can tell if you do and will confront you🤣), try keep your answers free flowing.
DO NOT RUSH FOR THIS PART! Your mental maths skills might be assessed too: simple fractions to decimals, and numbers as percentages. No calculator allowed they say or pen and papers They are not bothered if you took 7 secs to answer or 35 secs as long as you come to a reasonable answer. HOWEVER if at any point you feel that you have answered a question wrong, you can ask at the end to change your answer.
If you are looking for no interview universities Huddersfield, Bradford and Cardiff are great choices. But don't be thrown off by interviews, I don't want to scare you 😁😂
Some basic preliminary questions will be asked BEFORE the actual questions are asked e.g are you okay with treating real patients in clinics? are you okay with working with other students to test skills on each other?
Those who struggling for an Optometry Personal Statement structure here is are some ideas:
1. 3/4 sentences about REASON to study optometry
2. WIDER READING (its not necessary but you could read journals like Optometry Today), WORK EXPERIENCE (this does not necessarily have to be carried out in a practice, it could be online short courses like MOOCs. More info on UniFrog), if you are a STUDENT AMBASSADOR, ACCESS PROGRAMMES
3. Optional: can link optom to your A Levels. Practicals ? Biology topics that you are interested in? (Can Place this paragraph as your 2nd or 3rd depending on how it flows)
4. Extra curricular activities (if you feel it flows you can add this in with your work experience paragraph)/ Part time jobs
5. Overall conclusion of why would you would be great candidate for this course.
When talking about yourself mention the qualities you will need and HAVE when talking to patients, empathy, importance of inclusion, good communication, respect.
Note: Though it's obvious 😭 in your PS do not write specific university names e.g I want to study Optometry at Huddersfield because ..... As this will be sent to all the unis you apply to read. Just write I want to study optom at degree level in university to further my ....
One thing also I learned the HARD WAY! The character count on the UCAS website and Microsoft Word is DIFFERENT!
Original post by Anonymous
ADVICE I wish that someone had given to me!
I had my interview over Zoom in 2023 (so it could be different next year Manchester are trying to push for on campus interviews).**Interview typically lasts 15 - 20 minutes (unless you have a chatty interviewer 🤭)
I managed to get an offer now just waiting to sit exams. If I remember I will try to update how it went!
Manchester do not really look at your personal statement (though some interviewers might) . They're more interested in your UCAS application as a whole and if you mess up on the interview you will be fine. They usually get back to you a little over 2 weeks (MAP applicants usually hear back within a week or less).
This interview typically asks around 5+ questions. You won't be asked scenario questions like in Aston + Plymouth University interviews.
So MAIN 2 questions asked:
1). Why Manchester? (have good reasons i.e it's a city campus does that attract you? local hotspots?**it's a prestigious establishment/russel group)
2). Why Optometry? (you may have to elaborate on reasons you included in later questions.
Some questions that were asked are:
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (NHS? Private Practice - Boots/Specsavers?)
What can optometrists do to improve healthcare?
How has Covid affected Optometry *Practices ?(financial? the public leaving their houses. Though in 2024 may not be that relevant)
Do you know what the GOC is? (Inform yourself about the General Optical Council)
Be informed about what modules you might cover in the course. You may be asked on what you are looking forward to/ not looking forward to.**And can link to give me a weakness about yourself?
Note: not everybody has the same set of questions, they mix it up a little so you might get some similar questions asked and some different to your friends.
When asked questions, I am telling you from EXPERIENCE, you are in NO RUSH! Breathe and take your time when answering the questions. Also don't try to read off a sheet (they can tell if you do and will confront you🤣), try keep your answers free flowing.
DO NOT RUSH FOR THIS PART! Your mental maths skills might be assessed too: simple fractions to decimals, and numbers as percentages. No calculator allowed they say or pen and papers They are not bothered if you took 7 secs to answer or 35 secs as long as you come to a reasonable answer. HOWEVER if at any point you feel that you have answered a question wrong, you can ask at the end to change your answer.
If you are looking for no interview universities Huddersfield, Bradford and Cardiff are great choices. But don't be thrown off by interviews, I don't want to scare you 😁😂
Some basic preliminary questions will be asked BEFORE the actual questions are asked e.g are you okay with treating real patients in clinics? are you okay with working with other students to test skills on each other?
Those who struggling for an Optometry Personal Statement structure here is are some ideas:
1. 3/4 sentences about REASON to study optometry
2. WIDER READING (its not necessary but you could read journals like Optometry Today), WORK EXPERIENCE (this does not necessarily have to be carried out in a practice, it could be online short courses like MOOCs. More info on UniFrog), if you are a STUDENT AMBASSADOR, ACCESS PROGRAMMES
3. Optional: can link optom to your A Levels. Practicals ? Biology topics that you are interested in? (Can Place this paragraph as your 2nd or 3rd depending on how it flows)
4. Extra curricular activities (if you feel it flows you can add this in with your work experience paragraph)/ Part time jobs
5. Overall conclusion of why would you would be great candidate for this course.
When talking about yourself mention the qualities you will need and HAVE when talking to patients, empathy, importance of inclusion, good communication, respect.
Note: Though it's obvious 😭 in your PS do not write specific university names e.g I want to study Optometry at Huddersfield because ..... As this will be sent to all the unis you apply to read. Just write I want to study optom at degree level in university to further my ....
One thing also I learned the HARD WAY! The character count on the UCAS website and Microsoft Word is DIFFERENT!
I had my interview over Zoom in 2023 (so it could be different next year Manchester are trying to push for on campus interviews).**Interview typically lasts 15 - 20 minutes (unless you have a chatty interviewer 🤭)
I managed to get an offer now just waiting to sit exams. If I remember I will try to update how it went!
Manchester do not really look at your personal statement (though some interviewers might) . They're more interested in your UCAS application as a whole and if you mess up on the interview you will be fine. They usually get back to you a little over 2 weeks (MAP applicants usually hear back within a week or less).
This interview typically asks around 5+ questions. You won't be asked scenario questions like in Aston + Plymouth University interviews.
So MAIN 2 questions asked:
1). Why Manchester? (have good reasons i.e it's a city campus does that attract you? local hotspots?**it's a prestigious establishment/russel group)
2). Why Optometry? (you may have to elaborate on reasons you included in later questions.
Some questions that were asked are:
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (NHS? Private Practice - Boots/Specsavers?)
What can optometrists do to improve healthcare?
How has Covid affected Optometry *Practices ?(financial? the public leaving their houses. Though in 2024 may not be that relevant)
Do you know what the GOC is? (Inform yourself about the General Optical Council)
Be informed about what modules you might cover in the course. You may be asked on what you are looking forward to/ not looking forward to.**And can link to give me a weakness about yourself?
Note: not everybody has the same set of questions, they mix it up a little so you might get some similar questions asked and some different to your friends.
When asked questions, I am telling you from EXPERIENCE, you are in NO RUSH! Breathe and take your time when answering the questions. Also don't try to read off a sheet (they can tell if you do and will confront you🤣), try keep your answers free flowing.
DO NOT RUSH FOR THIS PART! Your mental maths skills might be assessed too: simple fractions to decimals, and numbers as percentages. No calculator allowed they say or pen and papers They are not bothered if you took 7 secs to answer or 35 secs as long as you come to a reasonable answer. HOWEVER if at any point you feel that you have answered a question wrong, you can ask at the end to change your answer.
If you are looking for no interview universities Huddersfield, Bradford and Cardiff are great choices. But don't be thrown off by interviews, I don't want to scare you 😁😂
Some basic preliminary questions will be asked BEFORE the actual questions are asked e.g are you okay with treating real patients in clinics? are you okay with working with other students to test skills on each other?
Those who struggling for an Optometry Personal Statement structure here is are some ideas:
1. 3/4 sentences about REASON to study optometry
2. WIDER READING (its not necessary but you could read journals like Optometry Today), WORK EXPERIENCE (this does not necessarily have to be carried out in a practice, it could be online short courses like MOOCs. More info on UniFrog), if you are a STUDENT AMBASSADOR, ACCESS PROGRAMMES
3. Optional: can link optom to your A Levels. Practicals ? Biology topics that you are interested in? (Can Place this paragraph as your 2nd or 3rd depending on how it flows)
4. Extra curricular activities (if you feel it flows you can add this in with your work experience paragraph)/ Part time jobs
5. Overall conclusion of why would you would be great candidate for this course.
When talking about yourself mention the qualities you will need and HAVE when talking to patients, empathy, importance of inclusion, good communication, respect.
Note: Though it's obvious 😭 in your PS do not write specific university names e.g I want to study Optometry at Huddersfield because ..... As this will be sent to all the unis you apply to read. Just write I want to study optom at degree level in university to further my ....
One thing also I learned the HARD WAY! The character count on the UCAS website and Microsoft Word is DIFFERENT!
thank you so much for this honestly!! Also if you dont mind me asking, what actually made you choose optometry? I want to study it at uni but a side of me is quite scared because its not as popular of a career path.
Original post by garlicnherb
thank you so much for this honestly!! Also if you dont mind me asking, what actually made you choose optometry? I want to study it at uni but a side of me is quite scared because its not as popular of a career path.
Hi, so I have always been interested in Science from High School, one day in Year 9 everything just clicked I finally understood the topics that I was learning about, so I wanted to do something science or healthcare based career. I wasn't interested in studying medicine and being a doctor or nursing, but I do like dealing with people to help them. (Also I didn’t know career aspects for bioscience degrees - I did not want to do research after university.)
One day during my annual optician appointment, I was very intrigued about the work environment in the Specsavers I was in, it did feel quite like a GP surgery patient room and I got the feeling ‘Oh, I can help these people’. There were patients of all ages with the same problem - vision. From that visit onwards, I monitored what the staff were doing and how they worked as a team to prescribe you your glasses, and I knew that I wanted to be the one behind the microscope looking into the eye.
As well, this is the type of degree you do for a specific job. There are many environments to work in like the NHS, Eye hospitals (Manchester Royal Eye Hospital) and private practices: Boots, Specsavers, Vision Express, Asda Opticians. You can also specialise like becoming a paediatric optician in a hospital, an optician who helps with diabetic patients, research projects into glaucoma.
Original post by Anonymous
ADVICE I wish that someone had given to me!
I had my interview over Zoom in 2023 (so it could be different next year Manchester are trying to push for on campus interviews).**Interview typically lasts 15 - 20 minutes (unless you have a chatty interviewer 🤭)
I managed to get an offer now just waiting to sit exams. If I remember I will try to update how it went!
Manchester do not really look at your personal statement (though some interviewers might) . They're more interested in your UCAS application as a whole and if you mess up on the interview you will be fine. They usually get back to you a little over 2 weeks (MAP applicants usually hear back within a week or less).
This interview typically asks around 5+ questions. You won't be asked scenario questions like in Aston + Plymouth University interviews.
So MAIN 2 questions asked:
1). Why Manchester? (have good reasons i.e it's a city campus does that attract you? local hotspots?**it's a prestigious establishment/russel group)
2). Why Optometry? (you may have to elaborate on reasons you included in later questions.
Some questions that were asked are:
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (NHS? Private Practice - Boots/Specsavers?)
What can optometrists do to improve healthcare?
How has Covid affected Optometry *Practices ?(financial? the public leaving their houses. Though in 2024 may not be that relevant)
Do you know what the GOC is? (Inform yourself about the General Optical Council)
Be informed about what modules you might cover in the course. You may be asked on what you are looking forward to/ not looking forward to.**And can link to give me a weakness about yourself?
Note: not everybody has the same set of questions, they mix it up a little so you might get some similar questions asked and some different to your friends.
When asked questions, I am telling you from EXPERIENCE, you are in NO RUSH! Breathe and take your time when answering the questions. Also don't try to read off a sheet (they can tell if you do and will confront you🤣), try keep your answers free flowing.
DO NOT RUSH FOR THIS PART! Your mental maths skills might be assessed too: simple fractions to decimals, and numbers as percentages. No calculator allowed they say or pen and papers They are not bothered if you took 7 secs to answer or 35 secs as long as you come to a reasonable answer. HOWEVER if at any point you feel that you have answered a question wrong, you can ask at the end to change your answer.
If you are looking for no interview universities Huddersfield, Bradford and Cardiff are great choices. But don't be thrown off by interviews, I don't want to scare you 😁😂
Some basic preliminary questions will be asked BEFORE the actual questions are asked e.g are you okay with treating real patients in clinics? are you okay with working with other students to test skills on each other?
Those who struggling for an Optometry Personal Statement structure here is are some ideas:
1. 3/4 sentences about REASON to study optometry
2. WIDER READING (its not necessary but you could read journals like Optometry Today), WORK EXPERIENCE (this does not necessarily have to be carried out in a practice, it could be online short courses like MOOCs. More info on UniFrog), if you are a STUDENT AMBASSADOR, ACCESS PROGRAMMES
3. Optional: can link optom to your A Levels. Practicals ? Biology topics that you are interested in? (Can Place this paragraph as your 2nd or 3rd depending on how it flows)
4. Extra curricular activities (if you feel it flows you can add this in with your work experience paragraph)/ Part time jobs
5. Overall conclusion of why would you would be great candidate for this course.
When talking about yourself mention the qualities you will need and HAVE when talking to patients, empathy, importance of inclusion, good communication, respect.
Note: Though it's obvious 😭 in your PS do not write specific university names e.g I want to study Optometry at Huddersfield because ..... As this will be sent to all the unis you apply to read. Just write I want to study optom at degree level in university to further my ....
One thing also I learned the HARD WAY! The character count on the UCAS website and Microsoft Word is DIFFERENT!
I had my interview over Zoom in 2023 (so it could be different next year Manchester are trying to push for on campus interviews).**Interview typically lasts 15 - 20 minutes (unless you have a chatty interviewer 🤭)
I managed to get an offer now just waiting to sit exams. If I remember I will try to update how it went!
Manchester do not really look at your personal statement (though some interviewers might) . They're more interested in your UCAS application as a whole and if you mess up on the interview you will be fine. They usually get back to you a little over 2 weeks (MAP applicants usually hear back within a week or less).
This interview typically asks around 5+ questions. You won't be asked scenario questions like in Aston + Plymouth University interviews.
So MAIN 2 questions asked:
1). Why Manchester? (have good reasons i.e it's a city campus does that attract you? local hotspots?**it's a prestigious establishment/russel group)
2). Why Optometry? (you may have to elaborate on reasons you included in later questions.
Some questions that were asked are:
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (NHS? Private Practice - Boots/Specsavers?)
What can optometrists do to improve healthcare?
How has Covid affected Optometry *Practices ?(financial? the public leaving their houses. Though in 2024 may not be that relevant)
Do you know what the GOC is? (Inform yourself about the General Optical Council)
Be informed about what modules you might cover in the course. You may be asked on what you are looking forward to/ not looking forward to.**And can link to give me a weakness about yourself?
Note: not everybody has the same set of questions, they mix it up a little so you might get some similar questions asked and some different to your friends.
When asked questions, I am telling you from EXPERIENCE, you are in NO RUSH! Breathe and take your time when answering the questions. Also don't try to read off a sheet (they can tell if you do and will confront you🤣), try keep your answers free flowing.
DO NOT RUSH FOR THIS PART! Your mental maths skills might be assessed too: simple fractions to decimals, and numbers as percentages. No calculator allowed they say or pen and papers They are not bothered if you took 7 secs to answer or 35 secs as long as you come to a reasonable answer. HOWEVER if at any point you feel that you have answered a question wrong, you can ask at the end to change your answer.
If you are looking for no interview universities Huddersfield, Bradford and Cardiff are great choices. But don't be thrown off by interviews, I don't want to scare you 😁😂
Some basic preliminary questions will be asked BEFORE the actual questions are asked e.g are you okay with treating real patients in clinics? are you okay with working with other students to test skills on each other?
Those who struggling for an Optometry Personal Statement structure here is are some ideas:
1. 3/4 sentences about REASON to study optometry
2. WIDER READING (its not necessary but you could read journals like Optometry Today), WORK EXPERIENCE (this does not necessarily have to be carried out in a practice, it could be online short courses like MOOCs. More info on UniFrog), if you are a STUDENT AMBASSADOR, ACCESS PROGRAMMES
3. Optional: can link optom to your A Levels. Practicals ? Biology topics that you are interested in? (Can Place this paragraph as your 2nd or 3rd depending on how it flows)
4. Extra curricular activities (if you feel it flows you can add this in with your work experience paragraph)/ Part time jobs
5. Overall conclusion of why would you would be great candidate for this course.
When talking about yourself mention the qualities you will need and HAVE when talking to patients, empathy, importance of inclusion, good communication, respect.
Note: Though it's obvious 😭 in your PS do not write specific university names e.g I want to study Optometry at Huddersfield because ..... As this will be sent to all the unis you apply to read. Just write I want to study optom at degree level in university to further my ....
One thing also I learned the HARD WAY! The character count on the UCAS website and Microsoft Word is DIFFERENT!
Thank you!!
Do you know what the salary of an optometrist is in the UK? and if we go into a managerial role is the salary greater?
Original post by Anonymous
ADVICE I wish that someone had given to me!
I had my interview over Zoom in 2023 (so it could be different next year Manchester are trying to push for on campus interviews).**Interview typically lasts 15 - 20 minutes (unless you have a chatty interviewer 🤭)
I managed to get an offer now just waiting to sit exams. If I remember I will try to update how it went!
Manchester do not really look at your personal statement (though some interviewers might) . They're more interested in your UCAS application as a whole and if you mess up on the interview you will be fine. They usually get back to you a little over 2 weeks (MAP applicants usually hear back within a week or less).
This interview typically asks around 5+ questions. You won't be asked scenario questions like in Aston + Plymouth University interviews.
So MAIN 2 questions asked:
1). Why Manchester? (have good reasons i.e it's a city campus does that attract you? local hotspots?**it's a prestigious establishment/russel group)
2). Why Optometry? (you may have to elaborate on reasons you included in later questions.
Some questions that were asked are:
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (NHS? Private Practice - Boots/Specsavers?)
What can optometrists do to improve healthcare?
How has Covid affected Optometry *Practices ?(financial? the public leaving their houses. Though in 2024 may not be that relevant)
Do you know what the GOC is? (Inform yourself about the General Optical Council)
Be informed about what modules you might cover in the course. You may be asked on what you are looking forward to/ not looking forward to.**And can link to give me a weakness about yourself?
Note: not everybody has the same set of questions, they mix it up a little so you might get some similar questions asked and some different to your friends.
When asked questions, I am telling you from EXPERIENCE, you are in NO RUSH! Breathe and take your time when answering the questions. Also don't try to read off a sheet (they can tell if you do and will confront you🤣), try keep your answers free flowing.
DO NOT RUSH FOR THIS PART! Your mental maths skills might be assessed too: simple fractions to decimals, and numbers as percentages. No calculator allowed they say or pen and papers They are not bothered if you took 7 secs to answer or 35 secs as long as you come to a reasonable answer. HOWEVER if at any point you feel that you have answered a question wrong, you can ask at the end to change your answer.
If you are looking for no interview universities Huddersfield, Bradford and Cardiff are great choices. But don't be thrown off by interviews, I don't want to scare you 😁😂
Some basic preliminary questions will be asked BEFORE the actual questions are asked e.g are you okay with treating real patients in clinics? are you okay with working with other students to test skills on each other?
Those who struggling for an Optometry Personal Statement structure here is are some ideas:
1. 3/4 sentences about REASON to study optometry
2. WIDER READING (its not necessary but you could read journals like Optometry Today), WORK EXPERIENCE (this does not necessarily have to be carried out in a practice, it could be online short courses like MOOCs. More info on UniFrog), if you are a STUDENT AMBASSADOR, ACCESS PROGRAMMES
3. Optional: can link optom to your A Levels. Practicals ? Biology topics that you are interested in? (Can Place this paragraph as your 2nd or 3rd depending on how it flows)
4. Extra curricular activities (if you feel it flows you can add this in with your work experience paragraph)/ Part time jobs
5. Overall conclusion of why would you would be great candidate for this course.
When talking about yourself mention the qualities you will need and HAVE when talking to patients, empathy, importance of inclusion, good communication, respect.
Note: Though it's obvious 😭 in your PS do not write specific university names e.g I want to study Optometry at Huddersfield because ..... As this will be sent to all the unis you apply to read. Just write I want to study optom at degree level in university to further my ....
One thing also I learned the HARD WAY! The character count on the UCAS website and Microsoft Word is DIFFERENT!
I had my interview over Zoom in 2023 (so it could be different next year Manchester are trying to push for on campus interviews).**Interview typically lasts 15 - 20 minutes (unless you have a chatty interviewer 🤭)
I managed to get an offer now just waiting to sit exams. If I remember I will try to update how it went!
Manchester do not really look at your personal statement (though some interviewers might) . They're more interested in your UCAS application as a whole and if you mess up on the interview you will be fine. They usually get back to you a little over 2 weeks (MAP applicants usually hear back within a week or less).
This interview typically asks around 5+ questions. You won't be asked scenario questions like in Aston + Plymouth University interviews.
So MAIN 2 questions asked:
1). Why Manchester? (have good reasons i.e it's a city campus does that attract you? local hotspots?**it's a prestigious establishment/russel group)
2). Why Optometry? (you may have to elaborate on reasons you included in later questions.
Some questions that were asked are:
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (NHS? Private Practice - Boots/Specsavers?)
What can optometrists do to improve healthcare?
How has Covid affected Optometry *Practices ?(financial? the public leaving their houses. Though in 2024 may not be that relevant)
Do you know what the GOC is? (Inform yourself about the General Optical Council)
Be informed about what modules you might cover in the course. You may be asked on what you are looking forward to/ not looking forward to.**And can link to give me a weakness about yourself?
Note: not everybody has the same set of questions, they mix it up a little so you might get some similar questions asked and some different to your friends.
When asked questions, I am telling you from EXPERIENCE, you are in NO RUSH! Breathe and take your time when answering the questions. Also don't try to read off a sheet (they can tell if you do and will confront you🤣), try keep your answers free flowing.
DO NOT RUSH FOR THIS PART! Your mental maths skills might be assessed too: simple fractions to decimals, and numbers as percentages. No calculator allowed they say or pen and papers They are not bothered if you took 7 secs to answer or 35 secs as long as you come to a reasonable answer. HOWEVER if at any point you feel that you have answered a question wrong, you can ask at the end to change your answer.
If you are looking for no interview universities Huddersfield, Bradford and Cardiff are great choices. But don't be thrown off by interviews, I don't want to scare you 😁😂
Some basic preliminary questions will be asked BEFORE the actual questions are asked e.g are you okay with treating real patients in clinics? are you okay with working with other students to test skills on each other?
Those who struggling for an Optometry Personal Statement structure here is are some ideas:
1. 3/4 sentences about REASON to study optometry
2. WIDER READING (its not necessary but you could read journals like Optometry Today), WORK EXPERIENCE (this does not necessarily have to be carried out in a practice, it could be online short courses like MOOCs. More info on UniFrog), if you are a STUDENT AMBASSADOR, ACCESS PROGRAMMES
3. Optional: can link optom to your A Levels. Practicals ? Biology topics that you are interested in? (Can Place this paragraph as your 2nd or 3rd depending on how it flows)
4. Extra curricular activities (if you feel it flows you can add this in with your work experience paragraph)/ Part time jobs
5. Overall conclusion of why would you would be great candidate for this course.
When talking about yourself mention the qualities you will need and HAVE when talking to patients, empathy, importance of inclusion, good communication, respect.
Note: Though it's obvious 😭 in your PS do not write specific university names e.g I want to study Optometry at Huddersfield because ..... As this will be sent to all the unis you apply to read. Just write I want to study optom at degree level in university to further my ....
One thing also I learned the HARD WAY! The character count on the UCAS website and Microsoft Word is DIFFERENT!
This is extremely helpful thank you. I have an interview for optometry at plymouth soon and you mentioned that they ask scenario questions. Would you be able to give any examples? Would appreciate it a lot, Thanks.
Thank you so much for this!
I also have an interview with Plymouth coming up! Are you able to please let us know what the scenario questions are like?
Thanks!
I also have an interview with Plymouth coming up! Are you able to please let us know what the scenario questions are like?
Thanks!
is it possible to apply with abb
Original post by Anonymous #2
This is extremely helpful thank you. I have an interview for optometry at plymouth soon and you mentioned that they ask scenario questions. Would you be able to give any examples? Would appreciate it a lot, Thanks.
hii i’ve got an interview with plymouth as well how did urs go? how were the questions like ?
Original post by littleroody
Thank you so much for this!
I also have an interview with Plymouth coming up! Are you able to please let us know what the scenario questions are like?
Thanks!
I also have an interview with Plymouth coming up! Are you able to please let us know what the scenario questions are like?
Thanks!
hii i’ve got an interview with plymouth soon as well how did urs go? how were the questions like ?
Original post by af_kkkk
hii i’ve got an interview with plymouth soon as well how did urs go? how were the questions like ?
Hi there! 😀
I'm a current student here at Plymouth and, although I don't study the same subject, I'm more than happy to answer any general questions you might have! We also have lots of course reps and staff members on our Unibuddy page too!
Best of luck with your interview! 🙂
-Alfie, University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep
Hey all!
Good luck with your interviews, I'm sure you'll do great!! 🙂
If you have any questions about studying at Bradford then please do feel free to ask me, or you can also chat to current Optom student Iqra with any specific course questions here.👋
Becky
Good luck with your interviews, I'm sure you'll do great!! 🙂
If you have any questions about studying at Bradford then please do feel free to ask me, or you can also chat to current Optom student Iqra with any specific course questions here.👋
Becky
Original post by af_kkkk
hii i’ve got an interview with plymouth soon as well how did urs go? how were the questions like ?
Hiya
I ended up cancelling mine 😅
I got offered from 4 closer unis so I ended up pulling out of Plymouth
Sorry I can't be of more help!
Original post by littleroody
Hiya
I ended up cancelling mine 😅
I got offered from 4 closer unis so I ended up pulling out of Plymouth
Sorry I can't be of more help!
I ended up cancelling mine 😅
I got offered from 4 closer unis so I ended up pulling out of Plymouth
Sorry I can't be of more help!
omg no worries! which unis have u got offers from? which one do u think you would like to go to ?
Original post by Anonymous #1
ADVICE I wish that someone had given to me!
I had my interview over Zoom in 2023 (so it could be different next year Manchester are trying to push for on campus interviews).**Interview typically lasts 15 - 20 minutes (unless you have a chatty interviewer 🤭)
I managed to get an offer now just waiting to sit exams. If I remember I will try to update how it went!
Manchester do not really look at your personal statement (though some interviewers might) . They're more interested in your UCAS application as a whole and if you mess up on the interview you will be fine. They usually get back to you a little over 2 weeks (MAP applicants usually hear back within a week or less).
This interview typically asks around 5+ questions. You won't be asked scenario questions like in Aston + Plymouth University interviews.
So MAIN 2 questions asked:
1). Why Manchester? (have good reasons i.e it's a city campus does that attract you? local hotspots?**it's a prestigious establishment/russel group)
2). Why Optometry? (you may have to elaborate on reasons you included in later questions.
Some questions that were asked are:
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (NHS? Private Practice - Boots/Specsavers?)
What can optometrists do to improve healthcare?
How has Covid affected Optometry *Practices ?(financial? the public leaving their houses. Though in 2024 may not be that relevant)
Do you know what the GOC is? (Inform yourself about the General Optical Council)
Be informed about what modules you might cover in the course. You may be asked on what you are looking forward to/ not looking forward to.**And can link to give me a weakness about yourself?
Note: not everybody has the same set of questions, they mix it up a little so you might get some similar questions asked and some different to your friends.
When asked questions, I am telling you from EXPERIENCE, you are in NO RUSH! Breathe and take your time when answering the questions. Also don't try to read off a sheet (they can tell if you do and will confront you🤣), try keep your answers free flowing.
DO NOT RUSH FOR THIS PART! Your mental maths skills might be assessed too: simple fractions to decimals, and numbers as percentages. No calculator allowed they say or pen and papers They are not bothered if you took 7 secs to answer or 35 secs as long as you come to a reasonable answer. HOWEVER if at any point you feel that you have answered a question wrong, you can ask at the end to change your answer.
If you are looking for no interview universities Huddersfield, Bradford and Cardiff are great choices. But don't be thrown off by interviews, I don't want to scare you 😁😂
Some basic preliminary questions will be asked BEFORE the actual questions are asked e.g are you okay with treating real patients in clinics? are you okay with working with other students to test skills on each other?
Those who struggling for an Optometry Personal Statement structure here is are some ideas:
1. 3/4 sentences about REASON to study optometry
2. WIDER READING (its not necessary but you could read journals like Optometry Today), WORK EXPERIENCE (this does not necessarily have to be carried out in a practice, it could be online short courses like MOOCs. More info on UniFrog), if you are a STUDENT AMBASSADOR, ACCESS PROGRAMMES
3. Optional: can link optom to your A Levels. Practicals ? Biology topics that you are interested in? (Can Place this paragraph as your 2nd or 3rd depending on how it flows)
4. Extra curricular activities (if you feel it flows you can add this in with your work experience paragraph)/ Part time jobs
5. Overall conclusion of why would you would be great candidate for this course.
When talking about yourself mention the qualities you will need and HAVE when talking to patients, empathy, importance of inclusion, good communication, respect.
Note: Though it's obvious 😭 in your PS do not write specific university names e.g I want to study Optometry at Huddersfield because ..... As this will be sent to all the unis you apply to read. Just write I want to study optom at degree level in university to further my ....
One thing also I learned the HARD WAY! The character count on the UCAS website and Microsoft Word is DIFFERENT!
I had my interview over Zoom in 2023 (so it could be different next year Manchester are trying to push for on campus interviews).**Interview typically lasts 15 - 20 minutes (unless you have a chatty interviewer 🤭)
I managed to get an offer now just waiting to sit exams. If I remember I will try to update how it went!
Manchester do not really look at your personal statement (though some interviewers might) . They're more interested in your UCAS application as a whole and if you mess up on the interview you will be fine. They usually get back to you a little over 2 weeks (MAP applicants usually hear back within a week or less).
This interview typically asks around 5+ questions. You won't be asked scenario questions like in Aston + Plymouth University interviews.
So MAIN 2 questions asked:
1). Why Manchester? (have good reasons i.e it's a city campus does that attract you? local hotspots?**it's a prestigious establishment/russel group)
2). Why Optometry? (you may have to elaborate on reasons you included in later questions.
Some questions that were asked are:
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (NHS? Private Practice - Boots/Specsavers?)
What can optometrists do to improve healthcare?
How has Covid affected Optometry *Practices ?(financial? the public leaving their houses. Though in 2024 may not be that relevant)
Do you know what the GOC is? (Inform yourself about the General Optical Council)
Be informed about what modules you might cover in the course. You may be asked on what you are looking forward to/ not looking forward to.**And can link to give me a weakness about yourself?
Note: not everybody has the same set of questions, they mix it up a little so you might get some similar questions asked and some different to your friends.
When asked questions, I am telling you from EXPERIENCE, you are in NO RUSH! Breathe and take your time when answering the questions. Also don't try to read off a sheet (they can tell if you do and will confront you🤣), try keep your answers free flowing.
DO NOT RUSH FOR THIS PART! Your mental maths skills might be assessed too: simple fractions to decimals, and numbers as percentages. No calculator allowed they say or pen and papers They are not bothered if you took 7 secs to answer or 35 secs as long as you come to a reasonable answer. HOWEVER if at any point you feel that you have answered a question wrong, you can ask at the end to change your answer.
If you are looking for no interview universities Huddersfield, Bradford and Cardiff are great choices. But don't be thrown off by interviews, I don't want to scare you 😁😂
Some basic preliminary questions will be asked BEFORE the actual questions are asked e.g are you okay with treating real patients in clinics? are you okay with working with other students to test skills on each other?
Those who struggling for an Optometry Personal Statement structure here is are some ideas:
1. 3/4 sentences about REASON to study optometry
2. WIDER READING (its not necessary but you could read journals like Optometry Today), WORK EXPERIENCE (this does not necessarily have to be carried out in a practice, it could be online short courses like MOOCs. More info on UniFrog), if you are a STUDENT AMBASSADOR, ACCESS PROGRAMMES
3. Optional: can link optom to your A Levels. Practicals ? Biology topics that you are interested in? (Can Place this paragraph as your 2nd or 3rd depending on how it flows)
4. Extra curricular activities (if you feel it flows you can add this in with your work experience paragraph)/ Part time jobs
5. Overall conclusion of why would you would be great candidate for this course.
When talking about yourself mention the qualities you will need and HAVE when talking to patients, empathy, importance of inclusion, good communication, respect.
Note: Though it's obvious 😭 in your PS do not write specific university names e.g I want to study Optometry at Huddersfield because ..... As this will be sent to all the unis you apply to read. Just write I want to study optom at degree level in university to further my ....
One thing also I learned the HARD WAY! The character count on the UCAS website and Microsoft Word is DIFFERENT!
If you get the maths questions wrong (out of pure nervousness and now regret it) will that affect whether you get in or not? Thank you!
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