Is reschedule the OAT to February too late?

[London22]

I have my OAT scheduled for the end of this month and already submitted 2 applications to schools. After reviewing practice tests I am stressed about having enough time to review the problems I'm getting wrong. I think it might be in my best interest to reschedule rather than bomb the test and take it a 2nd time but I'm not sure..

1. If I reschedule to take it in February will schools that I already applied to look down on that? I put November on the OAT planned date that they ask for. Should I call them to let them know or would they see that I rescheduled through my OAT pin number?
2. Will taking the OAT in February affect other schools decisions in interviewing me? I would like to submit to a couple other schools this week.

I have a strong application background with lots of optometry experience. However, the problem is I took 2 gap years while working in the optometry field and have to learn a lot more material than I had thought. I am scoring well on Math, Reading and Gen Chem (330s on OAT achiever tests) however I need a LOT more review on Bio, Physics and Orgo. (scoring around 250s...bad I know) I think I might have enough time to review the remaining subjects with the next 2 weeks left however I definitely won't have enough time to take more practice tests and review the answers I'm getting wrong on top of that.
I have a strong feeling I won't score great...and will have to risk retaking it in February anyways if I take it this month. If I do take it in February-ish I will continue to study hours each day from now until then.

Help please 🙁 any advice much appreciated

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[Brisks]

Personally, I would take it at the end of this month, because it's a good time to apply and have your scores sent (vs. Feb when seats are filled even more) plus I'm sure you'll be fine, don't worry too much! Just study and apply yourself well, so test day won't be as bad (it's usually easier than some practice tests). Try taking the ADA practice test right now to see where you're at. That's usually said to be a good indicator. Also, if you really don't feel prepared then can't you take it in December and/or January?

1) Schools shouldn't look down on it, but obviously they'd have to wait for your OAT scores. You don't have to let them know (they'd find out when you've sent them the scores), but letting them know would make sure they have on file that you're taking the test then.

2) Taking it in February won't necessarily affect any schools' decision in interviewing you, however, some schools would want the scores on file to be invited for an interview, so you'd get an interview around February.

I have my OAT scheduled for the end of this month and already submitted 2 applications to schools. After reviewing practice tests I am stressed about having enough time to review the problems I'm getting wrong. I think it might be in my best interest to reschedule rather than bomb the test and take it a 2nd time but I'm not sure..

1. If I reschedule to take it in February will schools that I already applied to look down on that? I put November on the OAT planned date that they ask for. Should I call them to let them know or would they see that I rescheduled through my OAT pin number?
2. Will taking the OAT in February affect other schools decisions in interviewing me? I would like to submit to a couple other schools this week.

I have a strong application background with lots of optometry experience. However, the problem is I took 2 gap years while working in the optometry field and have to learn a lot more material than I had thought. I am scoring good on Math, Reading and Gen Chem (330s on OAT achiever tests) however I need a LOT more review on Bio, Physics and Orgo. (scoring around 250s...bad I know) I think I might have enough time to review the remaining subjects with the next 2 weeks left however I definitely won't have enough time to take more practice tests and review the answers I'm getting wrong on top of that.
I have a strong feeling I won't score great...and will have to retake it in February anyways if I take it this month. If I do take it in February-ish I will continue to study hours each day from now until then.

Help please 🙁 any advice much appreciated

 

[LUC78]

I am in the same boat! I was scheduled to take it this week, but after taking diagnostics was scoring far below what I wanted. I was torn between just taking it, then retaking in February if needed or moving the date. I decided it would probably look better if I just took it once in December instead of worrying about retaking. If you've already covered content hopefully 4-6 weeks should be ample time to review.

 

[skra7]

^ Yeah I was going to say, if you do want to reschedule why not just take it end of December/beginning of January? That is more than enough time to bring up your scores in those 3 sections. A 330 on the achiever exams is amazing btw, they are known to be much harder than the real exam.

Also keep in mind that if you take it in February and end up wanting to retake (which I don't think you would) you'd have to wait until May, which by then most classes are full.

 

[London22]

Thanks everyone!! So the reason why I thought of retaking in February was because if I take it the end of this month and then score poorly (lets say below 300 overall) then most likely the schools will ask me to take it again. (or would some just flat out reject me for the bad score? not sure how that works)
However if I bomb this month there's the 90 day period to retake the OAT a 2nd time. I wouldn't be able to take the 2nd test until end of February. Fortunately this would make it in time before most school deadlines.

Do you think I should just review, take another practice test this week and gauge it? Then if I 100% decide to reschedule, January-ish looks much better than a poor November score or waiting until February?
Anyone know the latest that someones taken the OAT and got accepted? April/Mayish?

Any tips on improving Orgo and Physics scores? I feel like I know nothing when I review or do problems. With physics it's mostly I forget the formulas. If I know the formula I'm usually all set, however since they aren't provided on the exam there's at least 30 formulas to keep track up. With Orgo....oh man I seriously don't remember anything or know where to start.

Sorry for the questions overload. On a side note I hate being on the edge with this ahh. I was actually planning on applying over a year ago but was in over my head with work and then moving to be closer to work. The OAT really caught up with me. So my mindset now is I have to do everything I can to 100% make sure I get in to school

 

[Brisks]

I don’t think you should be testing with the mindset of that you’ll be retaking it already. Just kill it first time around whether that’s now or in December/January. Plus with a year of knowing you’d be applying, early planning would’ve helped, including early application and OAT.

Check specific school application and OAT policies, they’ll let you know the latest date to be able to submit the OAT. Also, if you do poorly and NEED a retake then some schools with let you know that or they’ll wait for you to retake it and then invite you/accept you.

 

[London22]

I don’t think you should be testing with the mindset of that you’ll be retaking it already. Just kill it first time around whether that’s now or in December/January. Plus with a year of knowing you’d be applying, early planning would’ve helped, including early application and OAT.

Check specific school application and OAT policies, they’ll let you know the latest date to be able to submit the OAT. Also, if you do poorly and NEED a retake then some schools with let you know that or they’ll wait for you to retake it and then invite you/accept you.

True you're right I should just prepare as much as I feel ready and confident to take it. I think right now I'm worried about retaking since I don't feel comfortable, which is a signal I should probably just extend it by another month or so so that I don't have to get in that mess. I believe I still fell in the early application bracket. It's just the OAT missing

 

[Brisks]

True you're right I should just prepare as much as I feel ready and confident to take it. I think right now I'm worried about retaking since I don't feel comfortable, which is a signal I should probably just extend it by another month or so so that I don't have to get in that mess. I believe I still fell in the early application bracket. It's just the OAT missing

Yeah, you applied fine. It’s just the OAT timing. I’d say postpone a month or two if you need it. Personally, I would not want to take it twice making it twice as long of a process and twice as costly. Just put in more study time and it’ll reflect on your scores which I’m sure will be great. Best of luck.

Also, in the end it’s ultimately down to you and your own decision with what you’re comfortable with.