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!👍