Optometry newbie here, need help with deadlines.

[Foodee123]

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I recently decided optometry school, after tons of research. I'm just a little confused about deadlines and best months to take tests, asks for letters of recs etc. I know deadlines are based on the school you choose. I am very interested in SUNY school of optometry. I am currently studying for the OAT and hoping to take it in August. If I wear to take it around that time, when do I apply and submit stuff?
Thanks in advance to whoever offers assistance!

 

[Midnightopt1.2]

Hi, congrats on your decision. I believe Optometry is a little hidden gem.

-So to start of each cycle is around 9 months or so. The general application (Optomcas) opens July , and you can look at which programs request what information from you. Everything gets submitted to optomcas, and then secondaries from specific school itself. So for example this July it opens for 2021 cycle, when you would start Fall 2021.
I would suggest to create an account in this July and start to look at the personal statement and slowly fill out the application. It will take time, so dont be overwhelmed just take your time.
-In regards to letters of recs. You need usually 2 but optomcas does give you the option of 4 the most. (Most programs wants at least one OD & one science professor)
- Most of the deadlines are after Febuary of the starting year, so if you start your application this year you should be good. Also you can find deadlines on specific programs on the optomcas website.
-In regards OAT, goodluck. Don't loose hope and test yourself (timed full tests). Use free Kaplan tests (online) also on FB there is " 2020 Official DAT Destroyer and OAT Destroyer Study Group" - if you can join , there is ton of free questions and pdf bio review.

Lastly attaching a guide I found online. Might help categorizing some ideas and help in filling out the applications.

Goodluck.

 

[Foodee123]

Om

Hi, congrats on your decision. I believe Optometry is a little hidden gem.

-So to start of each cycle is around 9 months or so. The general application (Optomcas) opens July , and you can look at which programs request what information from you. Everything gets submitted to optomcas, and then secondaries from specific school itself. So for example this July it opens for 2021 cycle, when you would start Fall 2021.
I would suggest to create an account in this July and start to look at the personal statement and slowly fill out the application. It will take time, so dont be overwhelmed just take your time.
-In regards to letters of recs. You need usually 2 but optomcas does give you the option of 4 the most. (Most programs wants at least one OD & one science professor)
- Most of the deadlines are after Febuary of the starting year, so if you start your application this year you should be good. Also you can find deadlines on specific programs on the optomcas website.
-In regards OAT, goodluck. Don't loose hope and test yourself (timed full tests). Use free Kaplan tests (online) also on FB there is " 2020 Official DAT Destroyer and OAT Destroyer Study Group" - if you can join , there is ton of free questions and pdf bio review.

Lastly attaching a guide I found online. Might help categorizing some ideas and help in filling out the applications.

Goodluck.

Omg thanks sooo much! You have no idea, how much you ve helped me!
I have one question. Right now I'm studying to know content and doing a few quizzes after each video on Chad's course saver. After studying each subject thoroughly, I plan on then doing a bunch of questions. Then after take some time tests like the OAT, will that be a good study tactic? Please feel free to share how you studied for the test if you ve taken it already. Once again, thank you soo much!

 

[Midnightopt1.2]

So i took the OAT twice. First was after I completed a kaplan course; for me it didn't work that much since I used it as a material review instead of practicing questions. Then the second time, I mostly did a overview of all subjects that did questions. The key factor is that when you get a question wrong, look at why you got it wrong and learn from it. Write it down and repeat that type of question later on to see if you improved. I always struggled with the timing of the actual exam, because for some reason I was fine when i did the practice exams but during the actual oat time flies by without realizing.

Chads course saver is great, he explains it efficiently and quickly. Your plan is good for chemistry, but also try to do similar procedure for bio and physics. You would want at least 290 in physics, but most programs will understand if physics is lower than other scores since that is usually the average.

Really what I found worked the best, was questions. Not memorizing what answer should be , but knowing why you got it right or wrong. So first worry about material, knowing how to solve most questions and then focus on timing.

Resources:
-Mini subjects test

Dr. Romano's FREE DAT Tests

Time yourself with 40 excellent problems written by Dr. Romano!

orgomanonline.com

-More subjects test (provides explanations with each question)- you have to sing up but its free
Home
- remember the dat fb group. (it helped me a lot) and there is pdf downloads within the group; like bio review; bio mnemonics.

Attached
- score sheet so can check your progress.
- practice tests

Lastly, if you have any questions in regards the application , ect. don't be afraid to ask. I did so much research when I applied so it might be easier for you.

 

[Foodee123]

So i took the OAT twice. First was after I completed a kaplan course; for me it didn't work that much since I used it as a material review instead of practicing questions. Then the second time, I mostly did a overview of all subjects that did questions. The key factor is that when you get a question wrong, look at why you got it wrong and learn from it. Write it down and repeat that type of question later on to see if you improved. I always struggled with the timing of the actual exam, because for some reason I was fine when i did the practice exams but during the actual oat time flies by without realizing.

Chads course saver is great, he explains it efficiently and quickly. Your plan is good for chemistry, but also try to do similar procedure for bio and physics. You would want at least 290 in physics, but most programs will understand if physics is lower than other scores since that is usually the average.

Really what I found worked the best, was questions. Not memorizing what answer should be , but knowing why you got it right or wrong. So first worry about material, knowing how to solve most questions and then focus on timing.

Resources:
-Mini subjects test

Dr. Romano's FREE DAT Tests

Time yourself with 40 excellent problems written by Dr. Romano!

orgomanonline.com

-More subjects test (provides explanations with each question)- you have to sing up but its free
Home
- remember the dat fb group. (it helped me a lot) and there is pdf downloads within the group; like bio review; bio mnemonics.

Attached
- score sheet so can check your progress.
- practice tests

Lastly, if you have any questions in regards the application , ect. don't be afraid to ask. I did so much research when I applied so it might be easier for you.

Wow thanks so much! Such a lifesaver! I will deff come with more questions.