Non traditional student

[swerv804]

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Was wondering what you guys thought about my situation. I am a non traditional student who attempted school back in 98 and left my sophomore year with a horrible 1.67 GPA. I started a successful career in sales management for about nine years. I returned back to school and finished with a BS in biology while maintaining a 3.2 GPA. I completed the OAT which so so scores; 300 in TS and AA. My cGPA with my first attempt at school leaves with a GPA of 2.69. Am I going for a long shot here?

 

[q1we3]

300 and 3.2 is on the low side so you might need to retake the OAT and score 330 or above. If you can do that it will make things a lot easier for you. You can still apply and see what happens but its already November so some of the seats are already taken. My advice would be take the OAT again and apply by August of next cycle. Again, you can try this cycle but the odds will be low especially for established schools.

 

[optoapp2012]

Was wondering what you guys thought about my situation. I am a non traditional student who attempted school back in 98 and left my sophomore year with a horrible 1.67 GPA. I started a successful career in sales management for about nine years. I returned back to school and finished with a BS in biology while maintaining a 3.2 GPA. I completed the OAT which so so scores; 300 in TS and AA. My cGPA with my first attempt at school leaves with a GPA of 2.69. Am I going for a long shot here?

Where do you want to go? I wouldn't worry about your grades from back in 1998. Yea that makes the cumulative GPA look worse, but I imagine most (or all) schools will weed those scores out and just look at your more recent performance.

I do agree with the other person that retaking the OAT will certainly help you. A 300 is okay and you can get into places with that GPA and OAT score, but it all depends on where you are really hoping to go. Did you just take the OAT recently? If you did, then waiting 3 months to take it again and apply would probably set you so far toward the end of the app cycle that admission is unlikely. You could always advise schools that you are planning to take it again (write that in your app if there's a spot for "Is there anything else you like us to know?" or "Is there anything about your grades you'd like to explain" --> this is also a great place to talk about your performance in 98 vs. now).

Bottom line is that you have shown improvement, plus you have some good life and work experience. They aren't looking for a whole class of 22 year olds with a bio degree and no work experience (those applicants are just fine too - but diversity in the class is a good thing!).

 

[swerv804]

Thanks for the encouraging advice. Schools I am looking into are AZCOPT, NOVA, ICO, UMSL, and MCPHS.

 

[optometrygirl29]

HEAD UP!! I am in a similar boat except my GPA is pretty bad bc i didnt retake a couple courses that were not relevant to my degree early on coming in to college i hada 3.45 but i failed intro to music and it wasnt required for my degree. and took some time off to work in the field i have been working in the field for over 8 years and my GPA is an abissmal 2.7(not officially calculated by Optomcas). I know its on the low end but they like people who have a great business sense as well as great scores and truthfully all the feedback i get from schools are positive. I havent taken the OAT but i will be here in a couple weeks. I think you have a great shot!

 

[ODgirl2020]

Hi,
I noticed you are applying to MCPHS, I'm a current optometry student there! My advice is to submit a well-thought and well-written essay about yourself. If you get the interview, be confident that you have had the life experiences that will help you succeed in the future. At MCPHS it's not about age, it's more about personality and professionalism. Goodluck with your applications! Hope to see you for a tour!