Stressed please help!

[moonlight1342]

Hey guys I am applying to this current cycle unfortunately I applied a bit late like around December 1st, because I wasn't sure to send with my old OAT scored from August which were 260 AA/250. I retook it on December 11th and got no difference basically with 270AA/260.

My gpa after the Optomcas calculation is 3.0 overall (college transcript 3.2) and 2.8 for science I am currently taking microbiology, biochemistry, and orgo lab which I believe I have an A grade in most of them. Today I received an email of rejection from NECO and that was very discouraging and stressing. I applied to PCO, and MCPHS (which I am on the waitlist ). should I apply to other back up schools?


what are my chances and what should I do ? I need the most help I can get and advices please! I know I am weak candidate with these stats, but idk what to do? my extra activities are 50+ hrs of shadowing, Chem lab TA, An optometric assistant and training to become a scribe.

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[2025eyedr]

Your gpa looks good ! As you know the OAT is low but still will work. Look up all the school's last admitted OAT scores. This will give you good backup programs to consider. I'll do some checking 🙂

 

[2025eyedr]

Lower OAT scores accepted by these schools in no particular order are: Rosenberg, P. R., Pa CO, UMSL, MCPHS, KY, Western, MW-Chicago. All are under 310 average and some even under 300! Hope this helps some 🙂

 

[moonlight1342]

Your gpa looks good ! As you know the OAT is low but still will work. Look up all the school's last admitted OAT scores. This will give you good backup programs to consider. I'll do some checking 🙂

Omg thank you so much I literally had anxiety attacks because of how scared I am ! I really appreciate this!

 

[moonlight1342]

Lower OAT scores accepted by these schools in no particular order are: Rosenberg, P. R., Pa CO, UMSL, MCPHS, KY, Western, MW-Chicago. All are under 310 average and some even under 300! Hope this helps some 🙂

Thank you so much for taking the time to help out !! PCO did seem to accept low oat as well but idk ! I will wait on MCPHS for now and if anything I will apply to the others as well!

 

[preoptooo]

I would also consider taking the GRE, since almost all schools accept that now.

 

[preopt2019]

hey did you hear back from PCO??

 

[rubes08]

Hey! Not sure if you are done applying but honestly making sure you have the experience/shadow hours/ good involvement with the community, a strong Personal statement along with strong recommendation letters I feel like will increase your chances of at least getting interviews and opening the door for you to let your personality shine through. If your school of choice isn't an option right now and you're really set on getting in there then I would recommend retaking the OAT - take your time. If you have to apply next cycle it's okay - I know it seems like everything is Go go go but if you're committed to getting in you will b/c that'll shine through in your interviews. Be confident, put in the work, say it out loud that you will get into optometry school and you will be a doctor of optometry and manifest it girl.

You got this!

 

[shevchenko277]

Your GPA is decent and you have great optometric experience, extracurricular activities and shadowing. However, I think your OAT score is a little low. It’s possible that you can still be accepted this cycle but it may be best to retake the OAT one more time. DAT Bootcamp and coursesaver is best prep for the exam. There’s standardized board exams in Optometry school and some studies show a correlation with OAT scores even though I don’t necessarily agree with that. You can do it, good luck!

 

[AspiringEyeDoctor]

Any update were you accepted into any schools I am in a similar position

 

[moonlight1342]

hey did you hear back from PCO??

Hey I got an email actually few days ago of an invitation for an interview which got me very excited! HBU?

 

[moonlight1342]

Hey! Not sure if you are done applying but honestly making sure you have the experience/shadow hours/ good involvement with the community, a strong Personal statement along with strong recommendation letters I feel like will increase your chances of at least getting interviews and opening the door for you to let your personality shine through. If your school of choice isn't an option right now and you're really set on getting in there then I would recommend retaking the OAT - take your time. If you have to apply next cycle it's okay - I know it seems like everything is Go go go but if you're committed to getting in you will b/c that'll shine through in your interviews. Be confident, put in the work, say it out loud that you will get into optometry school and you will be a doctor of optometry and manifest it girl.

You got this!

Thank you so much !! I have gotten an interview at PCO few days ago and couldn't be happier ! hopefully I could make it!

 

[moonlight1342]

Any update were you accepted into any schools I am in a similar position

Hey ! Not yet! I got an interview application for PCO few days ago but I am still listed as a waitlist for MCPHS cause of my OAT scores even thought I thought they don't require them.

 

[wildcow]

Hey ! Not yet! I got an interview application for PCO few days ago but I am still listed as a waitlist for MCPHS cause of my OAT scores even thought I thought they don't require them.

How fast did MCPHS get back to you? I submitted my app last weekend and I havent had any update from them. I also got an interview offer from PCO a few days ago and I'm super excited!

 

[moonlight1342]

How fast did MCPHS get back to you? I submitted my app last weekend and I havent had any update from them. I also got an interview offer from PCO a few days ago and I'm super excited!

so they didn't really get back to me but when you submit your application, they reply with an email that has a link to the portal where you can check your status. I checked mine and it said waitlisted so I emailed them and they said I waitlisted because of my OAT scores but everyone else mentioned that they don't require it so I am confused.

 

[wildcow]

so they didn't really get back to me but when you submit your application, they reply with an email that has a link to the portal where you can check your status. I checked mine and it said waitlisted so I emailed them and they said I waitlisted because of my OAT scores but everyone else mentioned that they don't require it so I am confused.

Oh I see, I also got that email but there is no status. the checklist is just filled :/ LOL actually I just checked and I'm on a waitlist to interview?? so strange who knew there was such a thing haha. Oh well...

 

[moonlight1342]

Oh I see, I also got that email but there is no status. the checklist is just filled :/ LOL actually I just checked and I'm on a waitlist to interview?? so strange who knew there was such a thing haha. Oh well...

yes ! that's exactly what shows for me too! I am waiting to hear any updates from them.