advice on applying

[Serena85]

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Hey everyone I need some advice....

I want to retake my OAT in May this year because I was not happy with my scores I took last week. However, my intentions were in applying to optometry school for this cycle. Do you think that if I submit my application through OPTCAS would optometry schools wait for me to retake the OAT for hopes in getting in this year or should I just apply for the next cycle? If so how do I go about letting them know I plan to take the OAT in May and hope they would consider me for an interview? I know it is already really late in applying and chances are slim anyway... what do you all think?

 

[WaveofShadow]

If you don't mind me asking, what was your score?
It may be worth applying with the score you've got while retaking the OAT in the hopes that you do better for next cycle.

 

[chocol8]

It really depends on the rest of your app. What was your score like? I can't remember exactly where, but I remember there was a section that asked if I was planning on retaking the OAT... I think it was in one of my supplemental applications (maybe SCO, not sure). NOVA gives you until June to take your OAT, so perhaps that's a possibility for you. I don't see the harm in applying this cycle, as you have nothing to lose (other than $$ 🙁 lol). Feel free to PM me, I applied late this cycle as well.

 

[Serena85]

If you don't mind me asking, what was your score?
It may be worth applying with the score you've got while retaking the OAT in the hopes that you do better for next cycle.

Hi, I scored 290 on TS and 300 AA My first time taking it and i'm really disappointed in my low scores

 

[Serena85]

It really depends on the rest of your app. What was your score like? I can't remember exactly where, but I remember there was a section that asked if I was planning on retaking the OAT... I think it was in one of my supplemental applications (maybe SCO, not sure). NOVA gives you until June to take your OAT, so perhaps that's a possibility for you. I don't see the harm in applying this cycle, as you have nothing to lose (other than $$ 🙁 lol). Feel free to PM me, I applied late this cycle as well.

Score TS 290 and AA 300 really low 🙁 i'm so willing to retake it tho.. i may just submit and still retake it and hopefully they'll see that and willing to interview at least.

 

[WaMi]

I'll definitely have to agree with chocolate up there; if money isn't really an issue, then you have nothing to lose. Although you are applying late, there is still a chance, because your app isn't just your OAT scores. A lot of things factor into the decision, such as GPA, shadowing experience, extracurriculars, leadership roles, etc. The fact that the OAT deadline for some schools is June 1st, there definitely is still a chance. Good luck!

 

[saiwahhh]

OP, i think GPA and extracurriculars might help others give you better advice.

i think a question you need to ask yourself is will studying now until the retake give you enough time to score better? if not, study until july, take the test, apply as soon as optomcas opens, get accepted, and enjoy a year off before optometry school starts.

applying this late could result in a lot of wasted money. retaking oat, submitting apps, flying out to interviews, blah blah blah. just my opinion tho

 

[chocol8]

applying this late could result in a lot of wasted money. retaking oat, submitting apps, flying out to interviews, blah blah blah. just my opinion tho

This is definitely a good point too. I think it's best to decide if you think it would be worth it to go through all that and risk being rejected since its late in the cycle. You could give it a go and potentially save yourself a year if you DO get in, or you can just dedicate this time to kill the OAT on your next go.

 

[WaveofShadow]

I definitely think that the OAT is not something that should be rushed (I postponed mine twice!) so it's good advice not to try and get one in real quick on the hopes that it might overwrite your current score, which, I'm sorry to add, is probably too low for many schools.
Obviously OAT score isn't everything and I have heard of people with your score being accepted, but I would definitely advise submitting your app if you can the way it is, and then beefing yourself up with whatever you need and trying again next cycle if you don't get in.

(Not to completely derail the thread but choco I noticed you're from Toronto. Me too! Did you get in anywhere? If so, where?)

 

[chocol8]

Hey! Congrats on Waterloo! 🙂

I actually JUST e-submitted my app... I decided that I would hold back a year and save myself the $ by redoing the OAT if necessary, but after emailing some schools they said my score was not bad and that I should apply. If the US doesn't work out, I will try for waterloo next year for sure.

It is very strange though... I emailed some schools again less than a week after i submitted, and I think somehow they've been able to access my application without it being officially mailed. I wanted to ask them about it, but decided not to. Does anyone know if they can do that?

 

[WaveofShadow]

Thanks Choco! 😀
Maybe they were able to see parts of your application? Online parts were enough to give them some info or something. I know that just a week or two after I submitted my supplementary without even having my OAT done they sent me an interview invite.

Also you say you're not competitive enough for Waterloo but that's what I thought too to be honest. I only submitted my app to Waterloo on a whim 'cause I figured I'd have maybe a chance in hell but I was going to work hard to better my application for the 2012 cycle.

Definitely focus on doing well on your OAT when you write it and who knows maybe I'll see you in September next year!

 

[stix]

Serena, if your GPA is high (3.6 or over), then i would say apply this cycle. OAT is not everything, but they raise a eyebrow if it's less than 300. GPA will offset that. This is assuming your shadowing and extra's are in order too. Otherwise, what's the rush? - next cycle is good too.. really, your OAT should be 320 or better with a 3.2 or higher and exc. refs/shadowing etc.. hope this helps... good luck.