A series of articles written by SCCO Student Ambassadors.

From Community College to Optometry School: Navigating Doubt

by SCCO Student Ambassador, Linh Doan

In a perfect world, the path to optometry school would be smooth sailing. It would be easy peasy with no hiccups along the way. The reality is: the journey can be difficult and nonlinear for many of us, me included.

Not long ago, I was that high school senior who felt devastated after receiving college rejection letters. Did I think it was the end of the world? Yes. Were my hopes and dreams of becoming an optometrist shattered? Yes. Was I overreacting? In hindsight, yes. If you can relate in any way, know that you’re not alone. Let me tell you that there is hope!

Taking a detour from my original plan of beginning at a 4-year university, I enrolled in a community college instead. At the time, all I could feel was doubt about my future. I worried that I’d no longer be a competitive applicant for graduate school. Little did I know that my train of thought was false and that my decision to attend community college would become a huge stepping stone toward my dream of attending optometry school.

With small class sizes, flexible class schedules, and accessible guidance counselors, community college was the perfect fit for me. Not only was I able to get to know my professors, but I was also able to easily enroll in optometry school prerequisites and gain valuable optometric experience as a full-time student by working during the day and taking advantage of the courses offered in the evening. This experience taught me how to utilize my resources and make the most out of my situation.

Despite the plot twist in my journey, my path through community college was a blessing in disguise. It helped me recognize that my worth and capabilities are not solely based on external factors such as the name of my school – it’s my personal self-discipline and drive that determines it all. I soon developed a positive growth mindset and realized that no matter where I’m at, there’s always room for improvement and a chance to succeed. This shift in paradigm helped me overcome self-limiting beliefs and doubts throughout my journey. Before I knew it, I was able to successfully transfer from community college to my undergraduate college of choice (UCI) and now into my dream optometry program at SCCO.

At the end of the day, our journeys will all be different. Whether you start at a community college, 4-year university, or as a nontraditional student, some disappointment and failure will likely be on the horizon. But how you bounce back and persevere will shine through. Optometry schools will recognize and value that. Imperfect applicants DO make perfect applicants, so keep going!

Statistically speaking, the odds are in your favor. If you’re in need of more reassurance, know that approximately 70% of applicants make it into at least one optometry school. Here’s a screenshot from OptomCAS if you don’t believe me.

So, take a deep breath in, let it out, put your best foot forward, and know that luck is on your side. Have faith that what’s meant for you will not pass you by. You’ll end up exactly where you’re meant to be. Maybe that place will be right here at SCCO!

Click here to read Student Ambassador bios on our website!