Question on when to apply

[Pulse0021]

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I will be a senior next year but with a couple of classes with C- I have decided to retake a few classes pushing me back a semester to graduate on time. So I will most likely be staying here for a whole 5th year. I was just wondering when people who have been through this before think would be the best time to take the OATs and apply.

My schedule next year will hopefully look like this
Fall:
Microbio
Orgo 1
Retake
Lit

Spring:
Molecular
Orgo2
Retake
Retake

and then 5th year i will basically just be doing GPA boosters and taking biochem

so i was thinking taking the OAT the summer after my 4th year and then applying as soon as it opens up for that following year. If that is the way it works what does everyone think?

 

[withinvision]

Sounds like a solid plan. Make sure your GPA is 3.0 or higher and the earlier you apply, the better. If you apply as soon as the cycle opens, your chances are maximized. Do NOT wait until Feb/March to complete/submit your application because in my opinion, it really hurts your chances. I know people who submitted all the information in January and who can't get interviews until early March with some schools. As an aside, make sure your know the deadlines and do your homework/research too - it'll help you in the long run.

 

[Getonit]

Hey, You want to take the OAT in the summer, so try to take it before July, latest: July. OptomCAS application starts in July. It will take you a while to do the application (the essay took me only a life time and a half). If you want, you could start working on the essay, getting confirmation on LOR from professors (Very important), etc etc. It takes OptomCAS about 4 weeks to process things and send out to the colleges. The colleges will take 1-2 weeks to process everything. Some have secondaries which will also take time. So my honest advice would be: Work on the essay now during your free time, since the essay I assume is the same and make a plan that way you take the OAT between July and send your application in by early July. I know its hard, considering you don't have much time to study if you wait to take the exam after you graduate, but it makes a HUGE difference when you apply if you GPA or OAT score is that not great. Besides, you can always retake the OAT just in case even after submitting the application. I noticed students get away with lower stats when they apply in July vs those who wait.

 

[Pulse0021]

Ya I was planning on taking the OAT April/July of next year after I was done with my Orgo. And then I would get my application done as soon as possible. We have a pre health committee here so I would get my interview with them probably after 1st semester is over next year.

What is the essay about so I can get started working on it?

 

[love4eyes]

Ya I was planning on taking the OAT April/July of next year after I was done with my Orgo. And then I would get my application done as soon as possible. We have a pre health committee here so I would get my interview with them probably after 1st semester is over next year.

What is the essay about so I can get started working on it?

Taken from the OptomCAS official website (under Instructions):
The essay for OptomCAS is “Please describe what inspires your decision for becoming an optometrist, including your preparation for training in this profession, your aptitude and motivation, the basis for your interest in optometry, and your future career goals.”

Start formulating your Personal Statement. If you haven't shadowed an optometrist yet, I think it will be advisable so that you may back-up your claims. 👍That is just one of the essays you'll do. There will be others so I suggest doing a bit research to the different institution (in terms of Supplemental essays) as others have suggested here.

 

[Pulse0021]

Thanks I have looked for where it says that on the site but cant find it. It might be because I am actually not applying so I cant get to the instructions place

 

[love4eyes]

Thanks I have looked for where it says that on the site but cant find it. It might be because I am actually not applying so I cant get to the instructions place

Your welcome. 👍

For future reference on finding the said information and more goodies about OptomCAS:
1. go to: "http://optomcas.org/"
2. Click "Login to the 2011-2012 OptomCAS Application"
3. Then, look for "Instructions" on the left side.

You don't need to sign-up in obtaining those info. I hope that helps. Have an awesome day!