Optometry school questions

[foreverhungrytho]

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Hello everyone

I am planning on applying to optometry school this coming up cycle (so applying in the summer). I just have some questions regarding getting ready.

1. Is there a certain amount of optometry experience (hours) that is required or recommended (shadowing, working, volunteering)? I'm looking into shadowing, and possibly getting a job in the field. Planning on starting this month, and continuing all throughout the cycle.

2. Is there a deadline for the OAT exam? If I plan to apply this coming up cycle (2018-2019 for entry of 2019), could I take the exam in June or July, and still have time to apply early? That is what I'm planning on doing. Can you apply and take the exam (and submit scores) after?

3. What is a good amount of time to study for the OAT exam? How long do people usually study?

4. Am I too late to start getting ready to apply for optometry school? Assuming I have everything in for the app, and my OAT/gpa are good, will I be fine?

Thank you.

 

[pineapple1]

1. No, there isn’t a set amount of required hours, but schools pretty much expect you to have some exposure to the field. So shadowing/getting a job would be extremely beneficial!

2. If you take the OAT in June or July, that is plenty of time. I took mine in August and still was considered an early applicant when I submitted my application in September. Keep in mind that you have to wait 90 days to retake it if needed though.

3. Most people probably spend around 3 months or so studying, but some spend way longer and some spend way shorter. Just depends on how fresh the material is in your mind.

4. You're not too late at all! Considering the application cycle for next year hasn't started yet, you've got more than enough time. Good luck!!!

 

[foreverhungrytho]

1. No, there isn’t a set amount of required hours, but schools pretty much expect you to have some exposure to the field. So shadowing/getting a job would be extremely beneficial!

2. If you take the OAT in June or July, that is plenty of time. I took mine in August and still was considered an early applicant when I submitted my application in September. Keep in mind that you have to wait 90 days to retake it if needed though.

3. Most people probably spend around 3 months or so studying, but some spend way longer and some spend way shorter. Just depends on how fresh the material is in your mind.

4. You're not too late at all! Considering the application cycle for next year hasn't started yet, you've got more than enough time. Good luck!!!

Thanks for the reply! So it doesn't matter if you take your OAT after the app submission then right?

 

[pineapple1]

Thanks for the reply! So it doesn't matter if you take your OAT after the app submission then right?

Nope! Not at all. Some schools extend interviews without OAT scores if your GPA/everything else looks good. But admittance would probably be contingent on a decent OAT score.

 

[foreverhungrytho]

Nope! Not at all. Some schools extend interviews without OAT scores if your GPA/everything else looks good. But admittance would probably be contingent on a decent OAT score.

Perfect, thanks again!