Apply before taking the OAT or after?

[SadPanda]

Trying to figure out the application procress for optometry school, wondering which is better, to apply and send everything (except OAT scores) in early and take the OAT after, or take the OAT before I apply. I've heard different things, don't know which is true. Sidenote: my gpa is around a 3.0 if that matters but ive been scoring fairly well on prac OAT test. I'm scared that my gpa will be too low and without a OAT, they'll just toss out my app. If anyone can answer these questions that would be a big help. ty all 🙂

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[odforme]

I would apply first and then take the OAT, with the rolling admissions process it is important to get in early. Some schools will still interview you without your OAT scores. When are you planning to take it?

 

[JeffChou]

It is important to get your file in early. Although it's unlikely with a low gpa, there is a chance of interviewing before your OAT scores are in. The best thing to do would be to take the OAT in the summer right before you apply and apply with a complete application right when the admissions period begins.

 

[SadPanda]

Since apps start in Sept? I was gonna take the OAT's close to there a month or so later.

 

[prettygreeneyes]

Get your app in ASAP. Take the OAT soon, but not before you feel confident in your ability to do well. (You want to take that thing once, trust me!)

 

[mtrlOATgal]

which schools will allow interviews without a complete application?

 

[deleted112134]

Yea, I'm wondering the same thing: do MOST schools interview without OAT score???

 

[daysend85]

I'm not sure about the other schools, but PCO accepts applications without OAT scores. I know because that's what I did. You definitely want to get your app in ASAP. If you can send in an incomplete app, the people who don't do that are making a mistake.

 

[daysend85]

A clarification: I was offered an interview without OAT scores.

 

[WannabeOD083]

Me Too! I had my application to PCO by mid-august, they were my first choice. I was offered an interview by mid-september, and interviewed the very beginning of October without OATs or LOR (due to a miscommunication on PCO's end). Getting yourself in the game early is ALWAYS to your advantage. My OATS the first time a week after my interview were sub-par so I was placed on hold and retook them (side note...take them a second time ONLY if you are prepared, they want to see progress) I was on hold till March when I re-took the OATS improved my score signif. and was accepted late april. The moral of the story...each time I called they told me being on hold gave me priority. So get that app. in asap..I applied to New England in October as a back up..and it was to late..I was offered an interview, but was told it would be for the wait-list.