Low GPA question and next step

[hkk19]

Hi, I just graduated with a 2.97 GPA (canadian) which might end up being around 3.0 when optomcas calculates it. Studying the stats shows me thats pretty low so I want to do something to improve it. I can start a second undergrad degree program in the sciences which can make my gpa go up to 3.2 max ( i have ALOT of credits from my first degree). Or, I can just spend a couple of months prepping for the OAT and hoping for the best to kill it. My main concern is time and money. The second degree will involve relocation and cost around 25K for two years, and I'd be applying for optometry next year as opposed to this year. I'm hoping you guys can help since optom schools I called just told me acceptance ranges, and that 2.9 has been accepted before and I should just focus on my OAT. I just feel that it's risky and will cause me a lot of anxiety to put all my eggs in the OAT basket which pushes me to the second degree option ($$). For people who have had similar stats, any help would be appreciated!! Thank you for your time

 

[SunA21]

I think if you're a strong candidate in everything besides your GPA (lots of shadowing experience, clear dedication to optometry in extracurriculars, good letters of rec) and you can explain why your GPA is that low, and you can do well on the OAT, you have a shot, especially at schools which seem to have lower average stats for incoming students (Puerto Rico comes to mind though I haven't done much research). But my worry is that you may not be able to do well on the OAT if your GPA is reflective of your academic ability, rather than being low because you had bad life circumstances or something like that. Hope that helps.

 

[thisboy]

Let me guess, you went to U of T?