A series of articles written by SCCO Student Ambassadors.

My Interview Experience at SCCO

by SCCO Student Ambassador, Jonathan Kwok

I still remember how nervous I was when I went to my in-person interview for SCCO. It was hectic for me. I remember postponing my immunology midterm since it was the same day as my interview. I even had to head back up to UC Davis for my human physiology midterm the next day. However, I have no regrets about making the decision to experience my SCCO interview in person.

My family and I drove down to Fullerton on Sunday for my Monday interview. I was so nervous the whole drive to LA. I was tossing and turning in my hotel bed that night because I couldn’t stop thinking about potential interview questions and how to answer them. Time flew by and the next thing I knew, I was at the parking lot by the Warren and Carol Low Student Union.

I didn’t really know what to expect during the interview day. While I was dreading the interview, I was slightly relieved because other interviewees were just as nervous. I promise almost everyone is nervous, and it can be reassuring to know you’re not the only one feeling that way. The staff and faculty at MBKU were super friendly (which I soon realized was the norm!) as they handed out our name tags and we headed inside the student union building. I sat together with other applicants and met with the student ambassador at our table (shoutout to Ashley!). I got to know more about my peers and chatted with the student ambassador about what life was like as a student at SCCO. I got to know more about campus life and student clubs. It was fascinating to hear about the clinical method classes that students were taking. The student ambassador also reminded us that it was a good sign to get selected for an interview and told us that the school just wants to know you as a person as well. It was very reassuring to hear words like that before the interview. Then we got to meet President Schornack who gave us a warm welcome before we were called into our interview.

You probably don’t believe me, but the interview went by like a blink of an eye. It did not feel like 40 minutes. I got to talk to Dr. Sawamura and the whole experience felt more like a fun conversation than an interview. We were then whisked away to tour the campus where we got to try out using the slit lamp, which was super cool. After that, it was time for lunch where we got to chat with more fellow applicants. The day ended with a tour of Ketchum Health where we got to see and explore state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The whole experience at SCCO – the tour, food, and getting to try the slit lamp – was worth the trip. I felt that I got to know the faculty more, and what student life would be like. It wasn’t just an interview, but rather an experience of how I would feel at MBKU.

After getting through the whole interview process, the best advice I can give is to just relax and enjoy the process (even though it’s easier said than done, I know!). The SCCO interview experience was certainly enjoyable, at least for me. I think it is important to remind yourself to be proud that you are selected for an interview. The admissions team has gone through your application and already believes that you are academically competent and have the experience to be a successful optometry student. Believe in yourself: you have already gotten this far! Like Ashley told me before my interview, most schools and the faculty also just want to get to know you on a more personal level. Nonetheless, be prepared to talk about why you want to pursue optometry and why you are interested in this school. What have you done so far to pursue optometry? What unique experiences have you had that make you who you are today? Remember that there is no “right” answer. Be confident because nobody knows you better than you know yourself. Relax and be proud of everything you’ve done so far.

Thank you for reading and don’t hesitate to reach out to me at jonathankwok.scco27@ketchum.edu if you have any questions!

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