Suny oat req

[cserra87]

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thanks

 

[blysssful]

How recent are those scores?

If you are in the camp where you want your options (between NOVA and SUNY) your only choice is to retake the exam. It is a pain, however, it seems that the general trend is that most people do better the second time around. And I don't think the schools look down on taking the test twice assuming you do better the second time around (many more retakes is probably different).

I think the best mentality is to plan for the worst but hope for the best.
*PERSONALLY* I would find out how fast NOVA is about letting you know your status after your interview. If you were to find out in a week or less, then I would wait to hear from NOVA before going forward with anything else. That is assuming you would be equally happy at either school. If NOVA doesn't give quick responses, then either start filling out the secondary applications for the other schools, or plan on retaking the OAT ASAP. This way, if you don't get into NOVA you aren't stranded without an acceptance too late in the cycle.

 

[kayy]

in my experience, nova gets back to you within the week. i would ask fran tho...see when their next board meeting would be from your interview date.

 

[cserra87]

thanks

 

[browneyed]

cserra,
I actually was in a similar situation as you. I had a 290 on RC (but over 340 for the other sections). I emailed SUNY, and the admissions rep said they look for scores above 320 in most sections. When I said I had a low score for RC, they said they would accept it if I were a non-native speakers (which is NOT the case). I called SUNY just yesterday, and it turns out that i have an interview apparently! (although I haven't gotten the official invite yet). They circled my low score, but mostly, it seems like they're just going to ask me about that score and NOT have me retake it. I say you should call them and find out! 🙂

 

[cserra87]

well brown eyed girl, i did even better then call... I went there, which is when i got the news 🙁 i was devastated, good luck on your interview, im glad it worked out for you.. Hopefully after my second time around I'll have the same opportunity

 

[Arctic]

I really admire your motivation cserra, your first scores weren't even much lower than what you will need for SUNY, so obviously I think you can do well enough for SUNY on a retake, but here is my question: What if you get accepted somewhere else (besides Nova) would you just say, alright I'm going there?? I'm just curious is all, but definitely good luck!

 

[cserra87]

thanks

 

[OD4eyes]

I totally understand where you are coming from. I actually participated in a 6 month research project with a faculty member at SUNY and have sat in for clinical boards at the school. Besides, institutional, corporate, and private office experience, I have a decent GPA. However, this did not matter as much to Dr. Johnson when I told him my OAT scores.
The 1st time I had taken the OAT, last yr of Sept'08, I did awful🙁. Since I was familiar with some of the faculty at the school, I was able to schedule a one-on-one chat with Dr. Johnson. I never forgot what he told me. It was as if he had put a curse on me or somewhat as a predestination. He looked at my scores, and he told "Well, we like to see 300 and above... but admissions start to get worry when students have to take the test more than 3 times." And this was only the first time I took the test. I did improve my score the 2nd time but retook because I had envision myself going to SUNY and still need 300 and above in every section. The pressure, stress and anxiety only decreased my scores the 3rd time I retook. I realize now that it is more important for me to become an OD. Most of the doctors I work for are from SUNY and remind me that it doesn't matter where you go to school, as along as you are able to apply your education and keep up with the profession you can be a great OD.
I will probably retake but not for SUNY.
If you retake, try to envision success and remind yourself that you will be a great OD one day with SUNY or not. Best of Luck to you!👍

 

[Commando303]

If the test really is giving you a great deal of trouble, consider taking a preparatory course, such as that offered by Kaplan — this will be costly, indubitable, but it might help your score.

 

[IcanSEEanOD]

.

 

[cserra87]

thanks

 

[OD4eyes]

"Well, we like to see 300 and above..." I was told that in March, I got 300 or above on every section, now I'm told 320 on every section. I'm shooting for 350 on everything for my upcoming test.. just in case they "up the anty"

Hello,
Did SUNY send you an email telling you to retake in order to be consider for the entering class of 2010? I just recieved an email from them, which stated that they have looked at my application and I must retake the OATS if I want to be considered for the entering class in 2010. However, the next time I can retake is Dec 11. I fear NECO, PCO and ICO will tell me the same thing. My biggest problem in this test has been CONFIDENCE especially in RC and Bio. I probably will retake but I know that last year class was filled by November. However, this is the 1st year that SUNY is participating in optomcas, thus the class may fill up earlier or later this year.
I will retake and hope for the best. I do have an interview with PCO and will have to see what they recommend.
Good Luck!!!

 

[cserra87]

thanks

 

[blysssful]

well I actually went in and spoke to someone and they advised me to retake my OATs. By the way, how do you know that last years class was full by November? Because from my talking to admissions of various schools including SUNY, while they recommed early application, they say that you have until March to apply. I don't think any school would tell you that if they anticipated not having any spots left by November. I'm just thrown off because on these forums everyone seems to be panicking as though November is incredibly late, however for re-assurance I have spoken to the individual schools and they said its perfectly fine and thats when the application process is in full swing because right now is still just the start. Please let me know where you heard that from because you're starting to worry me. thank you

SUNY's 2013 class wasn't full by November. HOWEVER, if you're applying in November, you might not get an interview until January, in which case the class probably would be full.

A first year classmate at SUNY interviewed for the entering class of 2012 very early into the cycle (i.e. two years ago). She hadn't taken her OAT yet and was essentially told by Dr. Johnston that with scores above ~320 (or something to that extent), she would be accepted without a problem. Dr. Johnston told her to make sure she was really prepared for the OAT so she wouldn't need to worry about taking them again. She wasn't filled with a sense of urgency due to the reassuring nature of her discussion and the thought that she had already interviewed-- it seemed like a place was being held for her. She studied for the OAT, then sent in her great OAT scores in January. She was rejected because the class was full. She is now in the class of 2013 (see, life still goes on).

If you get waitlisted, the chances of you getting in aren't terrible... especially because SUNY offers a 100% refund on their deposits (or at least they have in the past).

Point being, get everything in ASAP and/or apply to more schools.

 

[blysssful]

Check out this thread from last year:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=604794

 

[OD4eyes]

well I actually went in and spoke to someone and they advised me to retake my OATs. By the way, how do you know that last years class was full by November? Please let me know where you heard that from because you're starting to worry me. thank you

I spoke to admissions advisor from SUNY and they told me that the class was filled by the end of November last year and they were still receiving applications in December. SUNY is based on rolling admissions like many other schools. I still encourage you to retake but keep your options open. NOVA and especially PCO (opened since 1919) are great schools.

I really see myself happy in SUNY, PCO, and ICO. Thus, I will retake because these are competitive programs and hate to settle for less.
BE POSITIVE!!!!!!! I cannot stress that enough and stay focus. 🙂

TO BE GREAT IS A CHALLENGE!!!!! 👍

 

[OXYod]

I am interviewing with SUNY in 2 weeks. My OAT scores are average/a bit above average. In ochem I got a 270, everything else 300-340. Good gpa at a competitive school.

It is possible that SUNY may tell that I will only get in if I retake my OAT and improve? Is is possible that they will accept me now?

I'm trying to keep up the OAT studying to potentially retake it in Nov., but it's is hard to stay motivated when I'm excited for the interview!

Any advice?

Thanks all!

 

[OD4eyes]

I am interviewing with SUNY in 2 weeks. My OAT scores are average/a bit above average. In ochem I got a 270, everything else 300-340. Good gpa at a competitive school.

It is possible that SUNY may tell that I will only get in if I retake my OAT and improve? Is is possible that they will accept me now?

I'm trying to keep up the OAT studying to potentially retake it in Nov., but it's is hard to stay motivated when I'm excited for the interview!

Any advice?

Thanks all!

Go to the interview and rock it. However, to be honest SUNY is extremely anal with test scores. Be prepared for they will tell you to retake.
Good Luck!