Should I send my application?

[kefronn]

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Hi everyone,

I am not sure if I should send my application in yet. My GPA is 3.17 and the science GPA is ~2.8. I have good recommendation letters from my optometrist that I worked with for 4 years and shadowed 2 years and 3 other professors. I have worked in the optical industry since I was 17 as a opthalmic lab technician and sales associate. I have shadowed 2 different optometrist, the first was the one stated above at a retail location and currently shadowing another optometrist at his private practice. And I don't have any E.C. I don't know if I should wait til I get my OAT scores, scheduled for 11/13, before I submit my application. I plan on doing extremely well on the OAT to make up for my lack of GPA and E.C. Do you think submitting in my application without OAT scores will be looked over and not even be considered for an interview? Or do I even have a chance of getting in even if I do extremely well on the OAT? Schools I plan on applying to are ICO, PCO, SUNY, and NECO. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[csandova]

ICO and PCO both interviewed me without OAT scores, my GPA is higher than yours though and I have EC's. SUNY and NECO will wait for your OAT scores to decide.

 

[Loptometriste]

I am applying with a GPA of 3.1 and several years working for optometrists and ophthalmologists. Have not taken my OAT yet. I submitted my application last week and it will be sent to ICO, UIWRSO, IAUPR. Will let you know how it goes.

 

[kefronn]

My only concern is if I submit it without my OAT scores the schools will look over my application and see that my GPA and E.C is not as competitive as other applicants and not be considered an interview... ;\

And I know it's kind of late sending the application now so would it make sense just to wait til I take the OAT and then send my application (knowing that it will make my application stronger)? Or would it be too late to send it in November??

 

[BradleyROD]

I would call the schools. I have found all the admission coordinators very helpful. Call and ask away. They wont ask for your name and write you down or anything. Can't hurt. Best of luck

 

[Loptometriste]

I submitted my application, but it has not been mailed. I wanted to get it out before it was "too late." I have not yet taken my OAT.

 

[optomgirl578]

My only concern is if I submit it without my OAT scores the schools will look over my application and see that my GPA and E.C is not as competitive as other applicants and not be considered an interview... ;\

And I know it's kind of late sending the application now so would it make sense just to wait til I take the OAT and then send my application (knowing that it will make my application stronger)? Or would it be too late to send it in November??

If you have your optomcas application all filled out and ready to go, except for the OAT score, then you should definitely submit it now! Just make sure you indicate under the OAT score section that you PLAN TO TAKE the exam in November. This way, the schools will know to put your application on hold and wait to review it until after they receive your official scores. Know that it takes about a month for optomcas to process your application and send it out to the schools you designate. So if you submit it now, it prob won't be sent out until sometime in mid-november, which is actually perfect for you because you will have completed your OAT by then.

 

[kefronn]

If you have your optomcas application all filled out and ready to go, except for the OAT score, then you should definitely submit it now! Just make sure you indicate under the OAT score section that you PLAN TO TAKE the exam in November. This way, the schools will know to put your application on hold and wait to review it until after they receive your official scores. Know that it takes about a month for optomcas to process your application and send it out to the schools you designate. So if you submit it now, it prob won't be sent out until sometime in mid-november, which is actually perfect for you because you will have completed your OAT by then.

I wasn't aware that you could do that. I would def. send it in ASAP. Thank you and everyone else that helped