The path to optometry isn’t always a straight line. For some students at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Drexel University, it begins with a plan for medical school, months of Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) preparation, and ultimately, the realization that another healthcare profession was a better fit.

In this second installment of our three-part series exploring the different admissions tests PCO accepts, we talked to current students who initially prepared for the MCAT before discovering that optometry. They shared what prompted them to reconsider their plans, how they found their way to PCO and what advice they have for prospective students weighing their own healthcare career options.

Maheder Kore ‘28OD

When did you first decide you wanted to pursue a healthcare career?

I became interested in pursuing a healthcare career during my undergraduate years as I explored different ways to combine my interests in science, patient care, and service. I knew I wanted a profession where I could work directly with patients and make a meaningful impact on their quality of life.

At the time you took the MCAT, what career path were you planning to pursue (e.g., medical school, a specific specialty)?

When I first registered for the MCAT, I planned to pursue medical school. I had committed to the medical school pathway and began preparing for the MCAT months before taking the exam. At that time, I was still exploring different areas of healthcare and was interested in a career that allowed me to diagnose, treat, and build relationships with patients.

What factors led you to reconsider medical school and explore optometry instead?

During my undergraduate experience, I became involved with the pre-optometry club, which introduced me to the profession of optometry and allowed me to learn more. Through this exposure, I became interested in the unique role optometrists play in patient care, including diagnosing and managing ocular disease, improving vision, and developing long-term relationships with patients.

Initially, I considered switching to the OAT (Optometry Admission Test) after deciding to pursue optometry, but I learned that PCO accepts MCAT scores as part of the admissions process. Since I had already invested time preparing for the MCAT, I decided to continue with my MCAT pathway. Ultimately, my decision to pursue optometry was based on my growing interest in the profession and the type of patient care I wanted to provide.

What advice would you give to students who are preparing for the MCAT but are unsure whether medicine is the right fit?

I would encourage students to explore all healthcare professions before feeling committed to one specific path. Preparing for the MCAT is definitely an investment, but taking the exam does not mean you are limited to only one career option. Your experiences and interests of different professions may evolve over time.

I suggest using the time before applying to gain exposure to different healthcare professions through shadowing, student organizations, volunteering, and conversations with current professionals. 

What experiences would you recommend students seek out before deciding between medicine and optometry?

I would recommend students shadow both physicians and optometrists to understand the similarities and differences between the professions. Observing patient interactions, clinical decision-making, and the day-to-day responsibilities of each career can provide valuable insight.

Joining pre-health organizations, attending career panels, volunteering in healthcare settings, and speaking with current students are also great ways to learn more. My own experience with the pre-optometry club was what helped me discover optometry and realize it aligned well with my interests and goals.