Low OAT but ok GPA

Hi everyone,
Please help! I just took my OAT today and I didn't do well. The score is 280, but I finished my BS with GPA=3.4 (only 1 C) and having 2 yrs of experiences in the field. Should I apply to optometry schools? Do you think I have a chance to be accepted? Which school? I also can get very strong recommendation letters from one optometrist and two ophthalmologists.
Any thoughts? Please help.
Thank you very much.

Well, at this point in the game it may be difficult, but you've still got a shot. I'm not going to sugarcoat it, but 280 is not a good score at all. Some schools may ask why you got under 300 in a certain section and be okay with it, but 280 overall...take it again is what you will hear. BUT, if you don't care where you go then it doesn't matter...someone will probably take you.

Gotta remember that even though you have a 3.4 not all GPAs are created equally and that is why standardized tests exist. Personally I don't think experience working in the field makes a huge difference, it just shows that you are obviously dedicated and informed on the profession (which can be deciphered from an interview). However, like I said, apply...you'll probably get at least 1 interview, but I can almost promise you will be told to re-take the OAT.

UIWSO sent a mass email out last May asking for people to apply right at the last minute. The new schools seem to take whatever they can get to pay tuition. Puerto Rico's OAT is avg is below 300, so how is your Spanish? Good luck and feel free to correct me, pretty much everything I've said is opinion.

Thank you very much.

I won't sugar coat it either. You won't get in. I applied last year with a 3.4, GREAT EC's and 10 years of experience in the field. I got a 290 and wasn't given a shot. The best thing to do is to keep studying over the next couple of months, and re-take it while some topics are still fresh on your mind.

I'm actually in the exact same boat as you. I got the same OAT score. I'm not going to say I'm the strongest candidate by any means, but there is something the schools like about me. I'm currently in the application cycle for the 2011 entering class and I have two interviews lined up. One for ICO on Jan. 28th and the other for IUSO on Feb. 18th.

But I did also get a no from SCO because my OAT is below 300. I'm currently waiting on 3 more schools to finish looking over my application.

So...maybe it's possible. But who knows. At least I have been given two chances.

Good luck to you! It could definitely be a risk, but I would still apply. And of course, try and improve your OAT. 👍

When you guys say you got a 290 and a 280, are you saying your averages like TS and AA are 280 , 290 or you got a 290 on one of the sections.

I hope your interveiw went well. I'm applying there as well, I would like to know if you got accepted? If you don't mind me asking.

Opt2011 said:

I'm actually in the exact same boat as you. I got the same OAT score. I'm not going to say I'm the strongest candidate by any means, but there is something the schools like about me. I'm currently in the application cycle for the 2011 entering class and I have two interviews lined up. One for ICO on Jan. 28th and the other for IUSO on Feb. 18th.

But I did also get a no from SCO because my OAT is below 300. I'm currently waiting on 3 more schools to finish looking over my application.

So...maybe it's possible. But who knows. At least I have been given two chances.

Good luck to you! It could definitely be a risk, but I would still apply. And of course, try and improve your OAT. 👍

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How did your interview go. I'm on the same boat and really worried if I'l get offered an interview with that score. My gpa is a 3.7 and I have 2 yrs of shadowing and 1 yr work experience at LensCrafters.

DId you hear back from any schools?