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[deleted957549]

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Hi

 

[Jejera]

Hey there! Just looking at your GPA, shadowing experiences, and memberships alone show your dedication and hard work. I think that you should consider what schools you're attending, and what minimums they have. For example, UAB recommends a minimum of 40 hours of shadowing in every mode (private practice, commercial, partnership..etc). Overall, I think you are in good shape. The first thing they look at is your GPA, and OAT, and then they look at all the other things. I definitely think you have a great shot of getting in in general. Remember though, don't drag out your application too long. If you wait until January/February to apply, you may be jeopardizing your chances of getting in.

 

[Jejera]

SUNY is my first choice. I think I have a shot at getting in, based on the class of 2018 profile stats:

Total Students: 98

Overall GPA: 3.51

Pre-Req’s GPA: 3.38

Total Science OAT: 346

Female: 71

Male: 27

Asian: 32.65%

My overall GPA (3.55) isn't super high, because of some mess-ups that occurred last semester (I was taking orgo 2 and physics 2 at the same time), but it seems like it's still good enough -- and for the record, I got an A- and a B+ in orgo 2 and physics 2, respectively. My science GPA is about a 3.6 right now.

SUNY recommends that you take microbiology, A&P, and biochem. I've taken microbiology and A&P and got A's in both. I'm currently taking biochem, and I see myself getting an A or an A-.

I'm an Asian, female bio major, so I'm not all that unique in terms of background, but I hope that won't hurt my chances too much. I also haven't done any kind of hospital volunteering, though I am doing a pre-health internship next semester at a hospital (although I won't be shadowing any optometrists).

I'm scheduled to take the OAT on Dec. 2nd, but honestly I don't feel ready. Based on this info, do you think I should take a gap year? That would allow me to improve my GPA, have more time to study for the OAT, get better-quality letters of rec, shadow more, and do more volunteering. Do you think I'm a competitive candidate for SUNY as it stands?

So I myself did not apply to SUNY, but I have a friend who was admitted with a 310 OAT, and a bit lower GPA. I think what might have helped her get in is that she applied early. I think as long as you make over a 300 on the OAT (which you will) you should definitely be in good shape. I got into all the optometry schools I applied to, and I have not volunteered at a hospital since high school, and to be quite honest I don't know of any optometry schools that want you to shadow an optometrist at a hospital since its such a hard job to come by. I think with everything you said, you still got a good shot at getting into SUNY. I say you should apply this year. Right, youll be paying however much for that application, but its a good shot to take. If anything, worst case scenario they turn down your application, you can ask them what you need to improve on for the next year. I dont think the fear of possibly getting rejected or being placed on hold (which I doubt willl happen to you if you score 300+ OAT) should deter you from applying. If you apply, theres a good chance you will get in. If you dont, use it as an opportunity to strengthen your application for the following cycle.

 

[AcademicEyes]

I think you should apply. Don't worry about what you don't have, and go in with the mentality that you're a strong candidate, because you are. Aim for 330+ on your OAT (higher is better of course), and of course try to submit your application sooner rather than later.

I don't know many people who felt "ready" to take the OAT. What are you using to study? What will be different about how "ready" you feel if you take a gap year and potentially have to balance your work/volunteer and study schedule with more difficulty than right now? If you're doing Kaplan and have gotten 330+ on your practice tests, I would say go for it now.