Retaking the OAT

[Namaste92]

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So I am applying for the fall 2016. I got an email today from Marshall B. Ketchum (former SCCO) that my OAT scores are not competitive enough. Though, my GPA is competitive, they are "advising that I retake my OAT in order to be a competitive applicant and on track to receive an interview. My scores are 300AA and 310TS - I think they are concerned with my reading comprehension score which was 260........ I have always struggled with reading and even with the practice tests. Anyways, reading is not my strongest point clearly.

My dilemma is that I don't know WHEN I should take this test again... I am currently taking biochem and physio and 2 more classes for my health science major. I would like to take the test again before the Berkeley deadline, which is Dec 1. BUT my biochem final is on Decemeber 1. So its like.. should I focus on my current course and screw Berkeley's deadline, or should I just push through it, study for the OAT again IN addition to my other classes.. I JUST DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO 🙁 I have mixed emotions.


my 90 days will be up around October 10, so I know I have to sign up again through ADA. But do i have to sign up after my 90 days or should i sign up now and await my eligibility code to sign up for prometric?

 

[Namaste92]

I FORGOT TO MENTION that I have worked at Lenscrafters for over 2 years and I am currently working at a private optometry office... so my experience and volunteer I thought was sufficient enough, but now I just do not know...

 

[SunA21]

Optometry school sounds rigorous enough that schools would indeed be wary of admitting a student who might struggle a lot during school (I imagine lots of reading is involved) and possibly be unable to pass the NBEOs. You don't have to have your OAT done before the Berkeley deadline! You can still submit the application without your updated OAT score! Just make sure to let them know you will definitely retake to try for a higher score. Call them and ask what they recommend!

I don't know how the 90 day limit works, though, since I haven't retaken the OAT. anyone else know?

 

[Namaste92]

Thanks for your reply, but I just emailed Berkeley and they said they actually will not accept the score after the deadline.

Optometry school sounds rigorous enough that schools would indeed be wary of admitting a student who might struggle a lot during school (I imagine lots of reading is involved) and possibly be unable to pass the NBEOs. You don't have to have your OAT done before the Berkeley deadline! You can still submit the application without your updated OAT score! Just make sure to let them know you will definitely retake to try for a higher score. Call them and ask what they recommend!

I don't know how the 90 day limit works, though, since I haven't retaken the OAT. anyone else know?

 

[SunA21]

sorry about the misinformation 🙁

 

[NAUeyes]

You cannot sign up until after your 90 days is what i hear! I would just push through it if you really want to make the Berkeley deadline. It is going to suck and it is going to be hard but if you are really interested in Berkeley you gotta do what you gotta do! As soon as you can sign up I would and get you date set, that way you are more motivated to start studying!

 

[Namaste92]

You cannot sign up until after your 90 days is what i hear! I would just push through it if you really want to make the Berkeley deadline. It is going to suck and it is going to be hard but if you are really interested in Berkeley you gotta do what you gotta do! As soon as you can sign up I would and get you date set, that way you are more motivated to start studying!

thanks 🙂