Apply early or wait till next semester?

[adviceseeker]

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Hi everyone!
I need some serious advice on applying to optometry school (ICO). I'm wondering if I should apply asap (I've heard this can help your chances of admission, but to what extent?) or wait till my application will be stronger (around mid January). I've seen several versions of my question, but the difference seems to be a little larger in my case. My GPA now is a 3.26, at the end of this semester it should be a 3.38. (Haven't calculated my science GPA, but it's a little lower.)
Also, I haven't taken the OAT yet, but undoubtedly I will do better the longer I have to study.
Even more, I haven't had much optometry experience (about enough to know I like the field). So that could also be increased with more time.
What do you think? Are most seats for the upcoming year usually filled by January? I really appreciate any advice that might be given.
Thanks!

P.S. Unrelated, but do optometry schools consider GRE scores along with OAT scores if you have taken them?

 

[richard86]

In my opinion, I think you should apply early to increase your chances.. Just send them additional information as you gain more shadowing experience and an updated transcript as well. I've read some other posters say that they applied prior to having their OAT scores.

 

[asmaka19]

Hi everyone!
I need some serious advice on applying to optometry school (ICO). I'm wondering if I should apply asap (I've heard this can help your chances of admission, but to what extent?) or wait till my application will be stronger (around mid January). I've seen several versions of my question, but the difference seems to be a little larger in my case. My GPA now is a 3.26, at the end of this semester it should be a 3.38. (Haven't calculated my science GPA, but it's a little lower.)
Also, I haven't taken the OAT yet, but undoubtedly I will do better the longer I have to study.
Even more, I haven't had much optometry experience (about enough to know I like the field). So that could also be increased with more time.
What do you think? Are most seats for the upcoming year usually filled by January? I really appreciate any advice that might be given.
Thanks!

P.S. Unrelated, but do optometry schools consider GRE scores along with OAT scores if you have taken them?

Although I'm just starting the process myself.........do you have enough optometry experience to be able to talk about in an essay? if I were you I would DEFINATELY apply now as opposed to waiting to mid-january. Your GPA is competitive and you can always follow up and send your semester transcript when it's out to the schools you applied to.
You can also correspond with the schools and let them know of your new optometry experiences.

 

[asmaka19]

P.S. Unrelated, but do optometry schools consider GRE scores along with OAT scores if you have taken them?

Considering they don't care about consider MCAT scores, I highly doubt it!

 

[adviceseeker]

Thanks for the input 🙂

 

[adviceseeker]

Has anyone heard of any data available that would show average GPA's/ OAT scores for accepted applicants grouped into month of application? I haven't come across anything like that, but it would be helpful.
Thanks again!