my stats..need some advice!

[physicslover]

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Hey all, I know my stats aren't very good so my chance of being accepted is very low, especially since I have not applied yet. I was just wondering whether you guys think I should try this year, or just start fresh the next year. And what schools should I try to apply to with my stats?

My GPA is 2.9 and has been improving each year for a trend.
My OAT Scores
QC: 290
RC:300
Bio: 290
Chem: 320
Orgo:280
Physics: 340
Total science : 310
AA: 300

* on a side note, I am completely surprised by the way my marks are distributed. I was constantly scoring low on physics and chem on my Kaplan and really well on RC and bio. I also found a lot of the bio questions on the OAT, were not really covered in the Kaplan course. Just my opinion *

I also have great extra-curriculars- involved in optometry clubs and more, good shadowing experience and was involved in vision science research assistant. Also good LORs. Would the vision science research help me in any way? My GPA has been improving each year.

So whaddya guys think? I know things aren't looking great for me especially since I waited so long to apply. I was so confused about whether I should apply or not cause I was convinced my GPA was too low to even apply and I thought that schools required the OAT to apply. Sigh. Anyways, any help would be much appreciated! Don't have many people doing Optometry up here so this is all the advice i get! 🙂

 

[physicslover]

I hate to say this, but you will not be accepted during this application cycle with those statistics. Personally, I don’t think you have a shot at the next application cycle without retaking the OAT exam. With a low grade point average, you will need to attain high OAT scores (probably at least 330 AA?). You should retake the OAT exam when you feel absolutely confident your scores will drastically improve. Maybe shoot for May or June. Make sure you apply early and study hard the next several months. Keep trying to boost that grade point average if you have the chance. Best of luck to you!

thanks for the advice. Is it true that Optometry schools will notify if you OAT score is too low and make/suggest you retake it? What conditions do that occur under then?

 

[nc2tarheels]

Your oat is low....but I'd be more concerned about gpa. 3schools told me that they don't even open your app unless you have a 300 AA and a 3.0.

 

[Eyed]

u can compare them with my stats.
I applied with a 2.9 and 350 AA 360 TS last year, got interviews, and was placed on hold and later rejected from every school i applied to. over 2 years of experience, good letters from profs and doctors I'm reapplying this year with above 3.0, was placed on hold for grades but recently updated them. so ill let u know how it goes....

 

[bigdumy]

And my stats...

Last year applied with 2.8 and 340/350. Interviewed at SUNY and Midwestern. Placed on hold at SUNY and later declined by both. No optometry work experience.

This year applied with 2.9 and 320/320 on new scale. Interviewed at NOVA, put on hold and declined. Interviewing at PCO shortly. Six months optometry work experience. I don't like my chances this year either. You may want to boost that GPA to a 3.0 and/or improve your OAT scores.

 

[Eyed]

OMG OMG OMG!! haha sorry, just got a phone call from salus that i'm accepted!! its SUCH a relief for me. i'm been fretting over this for over a year, and i must say for those of you all who were denied acceptance, just keep at it!! I recently interviewed at NOVA, and was place on hold shortly after.. and still waiting (urgh!)

big dumy- wow, i'm surprised u interviewed at SUNY with a 2.8, I heard they dont even look at your file with <3.0. Honestly, don't give up hope. What they really want to see is an increase in your GPA. Best of luck to you =)

 

[physicslover]

congratulations eyed! thanks for all the advice guys! will get in contact with schools about my stats..!

 

[physicslover]

And my stats...

Last year applied with 2.8 and 340/350. Interviewed at SUNY and Midwestern. Placed on hold at SUNY and later declined by both. No optometry work experience.

This year applied with 2.9 and 320/320 on new scale. Interviewed at NOVA, put on hold and declined. Interviewing at PCO shortly. Six months optometry work experience. I don't like my chances this year either. You may want to boost that GPA to a 3.0 and/or improve your OAT scores.

bigdumy, did you have a lot of extra-curricular or optometric experience?

 

[nc2tarheels]

a 2.9 is close enough........especially with OAT scores like that! Congrats!

 

[bigdumy]

Eyed- Congrats!

Physics- I would say I have a "fair" amount of extraC. I'm not sure what would constitute a lot or a little.