OAT Prep Calculation

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When would you recommend taking the OAT?

  • Earlier (June 29th)

    Votes: 2 33.3%
  • Later (July 28th)

    Votes: 4 66.7%

  • Total voters
    6

rwhyke

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Hi all,

I had a value calculation question about when I should take the OAT. Currently, I'm schedule to take it on June 29th. I picked this date so that I could begin submitting applications on day one of the application cycle for 2024. That being said, I feel like I'll be reasonably prepared to take it on that date. I was wondering, though, would it possibly be more valuable to delay taking it one month to July 28th, and therefore adding roughly 50 hours of study time (I'm working full-time in July or it would be more than 50). It's basically impossible to value what 50 hours of targeted studying means to your composite OAT score, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it increase something like 15-25 points. Additionally, that job in July will be in an optometry setting and I suppose that'd add value to the application should I wait until the end of July. I guess that the final question would be:

Do you think it would be more valuable to apply to optometry school on July 1st with a 320 AA, or to apply on August 1st with a 345 (Again, I'm being generous with the improvement to see if it would be worth it assuming a large jump in score).

Also just for clarification, by value I guess I mean: Increased odds of getting into schools in the south/southeast (Houston, UAB, Southern), chances of first-year scholarships, etc.

Thanks for the input!
Have a blessed day
 
July is still early to apply. Also if you're looking for scholarships the higher the score the better but if you feel prepared by june 29th to get a high enough score then I wouldnt delay it an entire month. You might get burnt out/unmotivated. Maybe somewhere inbetween if you think june is too early
 
what's your GPA and extracurriculars like?

EDIT: I ask this because these are also factors i'm sure they take into account for scholarships
 
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what's your GPA and extracurriculars like?

EDIT: I ask this because these are also factors i'm sure they take into account for scholarships
At least for me the only thing they took into account was academics. 350/340 oat
 
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At least for me the only thing they took into account was academics. Over a 3.8 and 350/340 oat


if you don't mind me asking, what kind of scholarships were you offered with your stats and at which schools?
 
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