Southern California College of Optometry

I completely disagree with the last post. First, the school, doesn't have dorms. Rather they have REALLY NICE townhomes that they rent out to students. They are highly desired because they are right next door to the school and are large, beautiful, and much nicer than the housing a normal student might get. Anyway, I was on the waiting list for half a year, and turned down my offer to move in because I found a nice place really nearby that I liked. (There is ample housing at many of the nearby apartment communities.) Tuition prices are high, but comparable to any other optometry program. I am an out of state student. The facts on the opted website show that tuition rates for all the school I could go to are (in thousands of dollars): 44, 26, 32, 25, 29, 31, 32, 32, 35, 26, 25, 48, 28, 30, 25, 22, SCCO is 26 K, so it is actually quite reasonable. The professors are great, in my opinion, except for one professor, who is a research guru and not very personable. The rest are very friendly, seem happy to help me, and they treat me as a future colleague and professional, not just a student. In my opinion, they are SCCO's greatest asset. And remember, professors are people too. They sometimes get along better with certain people more than others. I don't expect them to be my best friend, but I do expect them to be fair. And they are. I 100% believe that my grades were fairly given. Also, our curriculum is pretty good. I just heard this morning from Dr. Alexander, the president, that our board pass rates are: Part 1: 92% Part 2: 98% Part 3: 99% Not bad, eh? Anyway, for what it's worth, I feel like it was the right choice for me, and I am glad that I am here. Pros: Caring faculty, beautiful weather, well rounded student body Cons: No seasons-- Only sunny. Hectic student schedule. more

This is the worst school I have attended for many reasons - ""dorms"" have a 2 year wait list to get into, rent and tuition prices are insanely high, and the school and town are very conservative. The worst parts about this school are the professors - they are unfriendly, absorbed in their own research, and criticize and blame students who are trying to learn. Most of the work is busywork, and scholastic success is not dependent upon how much you understand, but rather on how much the teachers like your personality. If you get one bad grade and the professors don't favor you, you will be kicked out of school mercilessly. Save yourself $40,000 a year plus interest and go to any of the other 18 optometry schools in the U.S., or even go to the one opening in Pomona in 2009. It will be a better decision, trust me! Cons: unsympathetic, uncaring faculty members more