Switching from premed to preOD

[ARM_Z]

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Need advice. I have given MCAT and it doesn’t seem like I will get a good score, and if I were to get a low score, I was thinking about staying in healthcare and going optometry. I don’t want to come off as not passionate and selfish, but just getting into med school is really hard and expensive, and I want to maximize my chances of staying in healthcare.
I finished my BA in Molecular and cell biology last month. Is it possible to study for OAT before next cycle and also get experience under OD?
Any help would be appreciated.
AM

 

[Optogal]

Need advice. I have given MCAT and it doesn’t seem like I will get a good score, and if I were to get a low score, I was thinking about staying in healthcare and going optometry. I don’t want to come off as not passionate and selfish, but just getting into med school is really hard and expensive, and I want to maximize my chances of staying in healthcare.
I finished my BA in Molecular and cell biology last month. Is it possible to study for OAT before next cycle and also get experience under OD?
Any help would be appreciated.
AM

The OAT is a far far "easier" exam than the MCAT on the topics that they overlap. If your marks are decent, you will be competitive for optometry school.

Don't fear that you will look like someone who's second choice is optometry. There's lots of schools looking to fill a lot of spots. Not everyone will be the A+++ candidate who wanted to be an optom since they were in elementary school. Everyone in professional school admissions knows that candidates are considering more than one career.

 

[ARM_Z]

Thank you that makes me feel better. I also heard some optometry schools accept MCAT. Is that true?

 

[Optogal]

Thank you that makes me feel better. I also heard some optometry schools accept MCAT. Is that true?

I have no idea. I imagine by their admission requirements, the answer is no. If an applicant were to produce a stellar MCAT score, I'm sure it would be viewed well. But could it replace an OAT? I'd have to see it to believe it.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Frequently Asked Questions – ASCO

optometriceducation.org

What standardized exams do the schools and colleges accept?​

All schools and colleges of optometry will accept the OAT. Many schools and colleges will also accept the GRE, MCAT, DAT, or PCAT in lieu of the OAT. Applicants are encouraged to contact the schools and colleges for their exam requirements.