Realistically, Do I stand a Chance?

[terry2356]

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I am Canadian University student. I have completed total of 8 courses out of 40 that are required for me to get my undergrad degree in General biology. When I enrolled in first semester in University from high school , I had no idea what I wanted to do so I slacked off and was not serious about my studies. Upon getting bad grades , I took some time off from University and did job shadowing and I feel Optometry is right for me. Do I have a chance to get into Optometry school?

What range of GPA is good combined with a good/average OAT score for admission? I am not picky about attending a specific school, I am willing to go to any school that accepts me. I am planning to study my ass off now to get good grades.

Here are my grades.

Calculus I D
Introductory Statistics C
Introductory Chemistry C
English 124 C+
English 120 B
Punjabi Language (Humanities elective) A
Introductory General Biology B-
Introductory Computing Science A-

I am planning to repeat Calculus I course at different University. Do I need to repeat the courses I got Cs in or take higher level course and get an A?

Thanks

 

[Jonbrout]

That's a hard call my friend. I'd say you certainly still have a chance, but I won't tell you not to worry about those low grades. Think of it this way, if you took those courses (C's and below) over and got A's in all of them (assuming you honestly think you are capable) how good that would look when applying and how it demonstrates your dedication to becoming an optometrist. I mean after all, you are still pretty much a freshmen, and have much room to improve.

 

[stoikiometry]

I recommend retaking the first three, including the stat and chem even though there isn't a school that would reject them on being too low. Are you attending another university for all your courses now? If not, retake calc at the same university, unless doing your best this time will get you the same grade. Although you report both grades on optomcas, the first one won't be included in your gpa calculation. Repeating calc at a different university will not 'replace' the first calc, i.e. your repeat grade from elsewhere will be averaged with that D.

 

[Commando303]

I am Canadian University student. I have completed total of 8 courses out of 40 that are required for me to get my undergrad degree in General biology. When I enrolled in first semester in University from high school , I had no idea what I wanted to do so I slacked off and was not serious about my studies. Upon getting bad grades , I took some time off from University and did job shadowing and I feel Optometry is right for me. Do I have a chance to get into Optometry school?

What range of GPA is good combined with a good/average OAT score for admission? I am not picky about attending a specific school, I am willing to go to any school that accepts me. I am planning to study my ass off now to get good grades.

Here are my grades.

Calculus I D
Introductory Statistics C
Introductory Chemistry C
English 124 C+
English 120 B
Punjabi Language (Humanities elective) A
Introductory General Biology B-
Introductory Computing Science A-

I am planning to repeat Calculus I course at different University. Do I need to repeat the courses I got Cs in or take higher level course and get an A?

Thanks

It seems to be often that some person will share a series of bad grades, then ask whether, if she or he "turns it all around," she or he will have a chance of being accepted into a given professional program. The first thing you should wonder is, will you really suddenly pull in an "A+" or an "A" in every course simply because you've directed yourself at a field? It isn't a sure thing you will. Consider your application could contain what you already have, and, even upon working and trying very hard, some "B"s and even "C"s. Realistically, I think this is how you should approach your candidacy.

Will this leave you competitive? Maybe; I'm not sure. Here's a link to statistics concerning O.D.-program applicants; you should be able to use the document (the second page covers G.P.A.s) to navigate yourself through what you're asking:

http://www.opted.org/files/Applicant.pdf.

If nothing else, after considering everything, you may wish to contact the admissions offices of the schools to which you might like to apply.

Good luck.