Apply now or later?

[eafutureeyedoc]

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I just started my senior year at UNC-Chapel Hill. My GPA is 2.93 and I think with my course load this semester it is very feasible for me to pull it up to a 3.0 by Dec. (Had a really hard time with organic chem, ruining my GPA - took it again at UNC-G and got an A. Also retook Anatomy at UNC-Ch and got a B+ the second time. UNC-Ch doesn't do retake grade replacements.). I just took the OAT for the first time last week without really studying and did ok. Here are my scores:
QR 330
RC 310
BIO 320
GC 300
OC 310
PH 280
TS 300
AA 310
I am scheduled to retake the OAT over Thanksgiving break and purchased OAT destroyer and am thinking of purchasing Chad's videos and plan to study 4 days a week up until then. Since I did average-ish without studying I feel that I could do really well after studying for 3 months. Plus, I had only taken Physics I at the time and am currently taking Physics II, so that should help raise that score as well. I also have worked as an optometric technician for two years, shadowed at a few different offices, and am president of our school's pre-optometry club.

My question is, should I go ahead and apply now with my very borderline GPA and OAT scores, or should I apply over winter break when my GPA and OAT scores will be higher? Is that too late to apply? I would like to attend fall 2015 if possible. My first choices are NOVA or PCO. Thanks!

 

[ShiauKapow]

Former UNC student here,

Based on your stats, I'd honestly wait until December to apply (or whenever you retake the OAT). Since your GPA will not change much between now and then, the thing you really need to focus on is that OAT score. I think it's a common consensus now that a low GPA can be offset by a high OAT score - so knock that OAT out of the park!

When I was applying to schools last year, I've learned that you can never be too "late" in applying. I started applying to schools in late February and got interviews/accepted at 4 out of the 5 of the schools I was looking into. That being said, I would not follow my footsteps because the earlier you apply the better your chances! I'd start filling out that OptomCas as much you can then when you get your scores/GPA, you can just enter in those numbers and be done!

Good luck on applications!