help needed

[hopefulopstuden]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello, I am interested in optometry and am currently a senior. I have an average GPA and a low 300 OAT score. I was hoping someone could give me some advice on
1. if I should take the OAT exam again
2. if I should take a year off and raise my science GPA then try to apply
3. or if I should just try applying and then if I do not get in reapply within a year?

please help, your time and responses are appreciated greatly
thank you

 

[Tony.]

Hello, I am interested in optometry and am currently a senior. I have an average GPA and a low 300 OAT score. I was hoping someone could give me some advice on
1. if I should take the OAT exam again
2. if I should take a year off and raise my science GPA then try to apply
3. or if I should just try applying and then if I do not get in reapply within a year?

please help, your time and responses are appreciated greatly
thank you

I dont get it. Why would you NOT apply with the numbers you have?
What do you have to loose? think about it.
APPLY MY FRIEND AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS! you'll never know unless you dont try. the competition is pretty tough but it wont hurt you to send in those applications....

 

[JennyW]

I dont get it. Why would you NOT apply with the numbers you have?
What do you have to loose? think about it.
APPLY MY FRIEND AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS! you'll never know unless you dont try. the competition is pretty tough but it wont hurt you to send in those applications....

I agree. While your application won't be the top one, you must apply. This is a good life lesson as well. Whether you are applying to school, for a job, for a loan, or WHATEVER, you SHOULD NEVER REJECT YOURSELF! Always apply and let THEM reject YOU.

Jenny

 

[cpw]

I would apply as well... give it a shot. Apply to at least three different schools. If they reject you , they reject you... but you can be in the process of retaking a handful of classes and the OAT during the application process (just in case). Good luck ! 🙂

 

[rpames]

If by "average" you mean ~3.00, and your OAT is above a 300...you more than likely will be accepted. Take a look at the range of GPA accepted at the schools, http://www.opted.org/info_profile2.cfm

Most schools have a low GPA close to 2.5 or 2.6. I'm not saying they should have GPA tha low, just that they do. Always remember, and average schools GPA is made of numbers above and BELOW that.

Make sure you shadow a doctor of three, but you should be fine.

I always say shadow more than one doctor for more than just a couple hour spot. This is to not only get a good letter of rec, but to make sure this is what you want to do.

 

[KaBlamO]

imo, gpa is very relative considering some went to ivy leagues or more reputable schools, while some went to mediocre ones or community colleges for the prerequisites. i think it's pathetic how optometry schools do not implement a handicap for calculating the gpa, and they just look at the numbers with an unwritten handicap. blah, just my $0.02

 

[rpames]

I don't think any program, med, dent... have an "official" handicap for what school you go to. But I have been told by a faculty at an osteopathic school that your undergrad is considered. I made the same argument you made to him while working for him; "My school is more difficult then school X, blah...blah...blah." He said when reviewing candidates for final acceptance they do look at the school.