Need Advice for Pre-Opt

[Jdrizzleeee]

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So I decided to become Pre-Opt really late in the game. I am going to graduate this May and I'm thinking about still trying to cram the OAT and applications for the admissions for 2016 fall.

My cumulative gpa is 3.4 with a 3.2 science gpa. Played d1 for 4 years. Over 200 hours of volunteering (non-medical). over 40 hours of shadowing, but haven't taken the OAT.

Is there any chance I could still take the OAT and apply?
Also, I have not taken Calc 1 or stats but plan to take them both next semester.

 

[Nimsss]

APPLY!! You don't have to have taken the OAT to apply. Send in your Optomcas and let the schools know that you're going to be taking the test soon. It's still doable!

 

[EA2006]

Yes you could. I know for the 2015 cycle, UAB only had about half their class filled in January, so you can definitely get in. All your numbers are competitive enough to get an interview, and now it comes down to how much time you have to study for the OAT. I wouldn't take it if you have less than one month to study. Ideally, I would say you want three months to really cover everything you need for the OAT.

At the end of the day, if you feel comfortable enough with the material, take it. Just remember that there is always another year coming around, and there is nothing wrong with waiting for the 2017 class.

 

[ODpookie]

You definitely still have a chance! Get the rest of your application together and submit it as fast as you can and just let them know that you will be taking the OAT soon. You also have competitive scores so that will help 🙂

 

[Jdrizzleeee]

What if I take it end of December? Or when do you guys suggest?

 

[EA2006]

That sounds good. Like the others said, go ahead and apply. You have plenty of time.

 

[ODpookie]

What if I take it end of December? Or when do you guys suggest?

I think the earlier you take it the better since I think they don't invite you for interviews till they have the marks but if that's the only time that works for you i'm sure that would be fine too

 

[funkycoldOD]

You should definitely apply! My application wasn't complete until January 13th last year and I still got interview offers at every school I applied to. Your GPA is strong -- study hard for the OAT and you should definitely get some interviews. Good luck!

 

[Jdrizzleeee]

You should definitely apply! My application wasn't complete until January 13th last year and I still got interview offers at every school I applied to. Your GPA is strong -- study hard for the OAT and you should definitely get some interviews. Good luck!

Can I take calc 1 and stats in the summer?

 

[ODpookie]

Can I take calc 1 and stats in the summer?

I'm almost 100% sure you can't. All your pre-requisites have to be completed by the end of the standard term before the year you get in! So spring and summer classes that year won't be accepted for prerequisites

 

[SunA21]

All your pre-requisites have to be completed by the end of the standard term before the year you get in! So spring and summer classes that year won't be accepted for prerequisites

I'm pretty sure that's not the case...I haven't looked into it in detail but that doesn't sound quite right.

 

[OptomStud321]

I'm almost 100% sure you can't. All your pre-requisites have to be completed by the end of the standard term before the year you get in! So spring and summer classes that year won't be accepted for prerequisites

This is incorrect. I just interviewed at three places and I'm missing three prereqs. They all said I have until the end of the first summer semester next year to complete them. That's like up until 2 months before school starts.

 

[ODpookie]

My bad! Sorry for the misinformation 🙂

 

[funkycoldOD]

Can I take calc 1 and stats in the summer?

Yes, you can definitely take them in the summer and still get accepted! The schools will give you a "conditional acceptance" -- meaning you are accepted provided you have all your pre-reqs done come time to start classes in August. It's no different than a flat-out acceptance, you still definitely have a seat in the class and everything, you just have to make sure you send your transcripts when you finish the classes.

 

[Jdrizzleeee]

This is incorrect. I just interviewed at three places and I'm missing three prereqs. They all said I have until the end of the first summer semester next year to complete them. That's like up until 2 months before school starts.

Which schools?

 

[Jdrizzleeee]

Yes, you can definitely take them in the summer and still get accepted! The schools will give you a "conditional acceptance" -- meaning you are accepted provided you have all your pre-reqs done come time to start classes in August. It's no different than a flat-out acceptance, you still definitely have a seat in the class and everything, you just have to make sure you send your transcripts when you finish the classes.

Do you know of some schools that definitely do this? Cause I think I've run into some that need classes finished before summer

 

[OptomStud321]

Do you know of some schools that definitely do this? Cause I think I've run into some that need classes finished before summer

The schools that I am between are NOVA and SCO. I'm pretty sure that it's also true at Salus. I'm accepted to all three and they all of them said that I could take them next year. Nova and SCO said the first semester in the summer before school would be ok. That being said, they "request" that you have them all finished by May. It's not mandatory though. I also know someone who is currently at SCO who took biochemistry in the summer before she went to school and I'm pretty sure she finished only a month before school started.

 

[OptomStud321]

My bad! Sorry for the misinformation 🙂

It's okay 🙂

 

[funkycoldOD]

Do you know of some schools that definitely do this? Cause I think I've run into some that need classes finished before summer

I'm currently at UMSL, they let plenty of my classmates do this. I was also accepted to SCO and NECO under the same conditions.

 

[Jdrizzleeee]

I'm currently at UMSL, they let plenty of my classmates do this. I was also accepted to SCO and NECO under the same conditions.

what did you get on the oat?

 

[funkycoldOD]

what did you get on the oat?

I got a 320 overall. The biggie is to make sure none of your sciences are below 300