Serious advice

OATBooster | The Ultimate OAT Resource
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
O

optgal

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Feb 9, 2013
Messages
99
Reaction score
0
Members do not see this ad.
Hi everyone:

I have a 290 and a 3.0 overall and 2.95 science. I took my OAT in February which is very late in the cycle and I am on hold at RSO/NECO and was rejected from western... I want to know if I apply in July with these OAT scores..do I have a better chance of getting in since July is the beginning of the next cycle and February was late in this cycle? Maybe I don't have to retake?
 
optgal said:
Hi everyone:

I have a 290 and a 3.0 overall and 2.95 science. I took my OAT in February which is very late in the cycle and I am on hold at RSO/NECO and was rejected from western... I want to know if I apply in July with these OAT scores..do I have a better chance of getting in since July is the beginning of the next cycle and February was late in this cycle? Maybe I don't have to retake?
Click to expand...

Yes you do have a chance absolutely. Applying by Feburary is late and your chances get smaller and smaller the later you apply because most schools are already filling up their class that have rolling admissions (except I think UC Berkeley). 290 is not a bad score. If I we're you I would try and take it again and really focus on doing well on your 2nd attempt. And then apply as soon as the next cycle opens. If you apply very early the next cycle, (I'm talking about within the first 2-4 weeks or earlier) you should have a good chance of getting interviews. But yes, I would plan on retaking the OAT, try to get at least a 300. Just my opinion though 🙂

Good luck!
 
Last edited:
Hello. 🙂 I agree with the previous poster. You have another 3 months until July and if you study right I think you can def increase your score. If you get higher than 300 that can guarantee you some good spots anywhere. If you got a 290 on your first test I am sure you can do much much better on the second. Just so your can feel more confident.
 
The reason I am asking is bc I know people getting into RSO with these scores who applied in August but I don't want to take a chance.
 
Hi,

Is applying like in the month of August considered very early for most schools? I plan on taking the OAT August 1st.
 
Yes it is until September is very very early I would assume
 
paasnaas said:
Yes you do have a chance absolutely. Applying by Feburary is late and your chances get smaller and smaller the later you apply because most schools are already filling up their class that have rolling admissions (except I think UC Berkeley). 290 is not a bad score. If I we're you I would try and take it again and really focus on doing well on your 2nd attempt. And then apply as soon as the next cycle opens. If you apply very early the next cycle, (I'm talking about within the first 2-4 weeks or earlier) you should have a good chance of getting interviews. But yes, I would plan on retaking the OAT, try to get at least a 300. Just my opinion though 🙂

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Ummmm....290 is a pretty bad score, hate to break it to you. Especially for applying in February. 300 is 50th percentile if I remember correctly (I took mine 2 years ago) but most schools want 320 on both or higher. 290 on one section is ok but overall, you need to retake.
 
From what I have heard, a lot of people get in with 290, but maybe their GPAs are higher. Still, I think that applying earlier will make a world of difference. That's probably what did you in this year.
 
If you have a low oat but high GPA, schools overlook it and vice versa.
Low stats for both unfortunately for both just signify an under qualified applicant.
 
if i were you, i would def retake the test 🙂
 
When did RSO email telling you, that you are on hold? RSO just posted on there official facebook page that they are still accepting applications. It says to email them. I would do that and check where you stand again with them. You did do the supplemental application,right? its due may 31st.
 
I did e mail RSO and they said they've reviewed my app however are currently holding it under more review as more apps come in
 
Thanks for all the comments...if anyone else has any suggestions let me know! Or PM me
 
Hey optgal,

Like everyone says Apply Early next cycle and you might get in, work on extra cirrcular, thats always a bonus. depending on how your OAT score is broken down, you may have to retake

good luck with your holds, i do hope you get in, My GPA is similar to yours and however I did pretty good on my OAT, may I know the break down of your OAT Scores?
 
My oat breakdown was:

BIO: 320
CHEM: 270
OC: 270
RC: 280
QUANT: 270
PHYS: 290
TS: 290
AA: 280
 
you should be able to easily raise this score to a 300 with just a little more practice. RC should be the easiest, try downloading rocket reader to help getting you to read faster and just keep practicing that you get done reading within 8 min and answering questions in 8 min. I use to look at the timer and if i didn't finish reading in 8 min, then i would go straight to answering questions.

Keep practicing Bio since it is your strong section, but don't stress on it more than the others.

If you are having trouble with chem and organic, you made need more refreshers on certain subjects, i really suggest youtube videos to help you relearn subjects.

Physics and QR just require practice. Don't get stuck on memorizing just equations. However there is some you do really need to know. That you will notice are used the most.
 
Yes I plan on doing chads for GEN/OC...bio I just used Kaplan! And physics I need to continue practicing...quant is all word problems so I need to find a book w those! And RC I don't know why I suck at that!
 
i think rc should be able to give you the most points fast and easy to practice, since you can pretty much go to barnes and nobles and grab any oat/dat/mcat book and practice doing a reading section and answering questions. Its all about knowing how to look for keywords and the main point in each paragraph.
 
optgal said:
My oat breakdown was:

BIO: 320
CHEM: 270
OC: 270
RC: 280
QUANT: 270
PHYS: 290
TS: 290
AA: 280
Click to expand...

I definitely agree with the others that you should study and re-take the OAT this Summer, then apply early. Schools are looking for at least a 300 on BOTH AA and TS, not just one or the other. Sbopt had some good advice! Good luck!
 
Actually I was planned to take microbio/physics this summer...so I'm doing that then taking my Oat In September...that wont be too late right?!?
 
I would try Oct. and give yourself atleast 3 mo from finishing school. But i think early is still considered till Nov. depending on where you apply. If you are applying to schools who apps end in Feb then i would try for atleast 6 mo before app is due.
 
optgal said:
Hi everyone:

I have a 290 and a 3.0 overall and 2.95 science. I took my OAT in February which is very late in the cycle and I am on hold at RSO/NECO and was rejected from western... I want to know if I apply in July with these OAT scores..do I have a better chance of getting in since July is the beginning of the next cycle and February was late in this cycle? Maybe I don't have to retake?
Click to expand...
A little late but how did you get wait listed for NECO with those stats? I thought they are pretty competitive in terms of who they want and look at numbers pretty closely?
 
.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
  • Question Question
Gap year advice?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
lizll3105
Need Advice
Replies
1
Views
2K
KHE
K
S
OAT Breakdown & Advice
Replies
0
Views
2K
sahana.gopal
S
E
OAT Advice/Experience
Replies
0
Views
1K
EyeEnthusiast
E
S
Reapplicant Advice
Replies
4
Views
2K
kln16
K
Top