need advice!!

[JHawk623]

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I am scheduled to take the OAT on the 19th. However, due to the sudden death of my 26 yr. old brother on Aug. 26th, my focus on studying for the test has greatly diminished. I took the OAT last Feb. for the first time and scored a 280. I know I can score better. The problem is, should I go ahead and take the test this month with or take my chances with the 280? I am applying to UMSL, IU, SCO, NOVA and NSU and I have a 3.7 GPA, excellent letters of recommendation, good extracurr. and I have worked for an optometrist for a year. I am just concerned that I my lack of studying could cause my score to decrease and really hurt my chances. Any advice/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[r_salis]

Hi JHawk,

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. My brother-in-law passed away last year, also at a very young age, so I understand some of what you must be going through.

As far as the OAT is concerned, if you want to give it another shot and feel like you would do at least as well as you did on the last one, I'd go for it. First, though, talk to an admissions counselor at each of the schools (or at least the schools you are *really* interested in), explain the situation and ask for their advice. Find out what the penalty would be for doing poorly, given your circumstances, and see how much it would matter. More importantly, you'd be giving them a sort of heads-up about it before you take the exam, which would be much better than trying to explain away your scores after receiving them in December if they turned out worse than you'd hoped.

Good luck!

 

[cpw]

Gosh, what to say. I'm so incredibly sorry to hear about your loss. It must be heart breaking.

On the OAT.. all I can say is give it a shot. If your scores turn out okay.. then no harm done. If they don't end up where you want them to.. make phone calls. Let schools know your situations. Most schools will be accomodating and hear what you have to say. The ones that won't probably aren't places you'll be happy for the next four years anway.

GOOD LUCK JHAWK!