To apply or not to apply

[KHE]

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There seems to be many threads where the poster debates as to whether they should apply or not apply to a particular school for any of a number of reasons but usually relating to some borderline stats.

In general, I would say you should always apply because you never want to reject yourself. If you're going to be rejected, let the schools reject you.

Now, obviously there is some level of honesty needed here. If you have a 2.2 GPA and a 250 OAT, it's probably not worth the expense of the application fees and the aggrivation of badgering people to write you recs and the hassle of writing an essay but in general, apply. Don't reject yourself.

And that's for anything in life. Not just optometry school.

 

[sammyboy]

That is really well said and very true.

Just to add, and it may not even be worth mentioning, but not all schools are looking for the same/identical applicant. Obviously, all schools want strong, bright, and motivated applicants. For example, it seems SUNY has their heart set on a particular high OAT minimum (at least higher than most schools). Therefore if your OAT is boarderline, like mine, you can save yourself the time and money by not applying to that particular school...unless you plan to re-take the exam or that is your number one choice. Some schools favor the overall application....and so on. But KHE is absolutely accurate in the fact that it would be senseless to limit yourself by not applying for one reason for another (other than not being a competitive candidate).

 

[achirum]

That is really well said and very true.

Just to add, and it may not even be worth mentioning, but not all schools are looking for the same/identical applicant. Obviously, all schools want strong, bright, and motivated applicants. For example, it seems SUNY has their heart set on a particular high OAT minimum (at least higher than most schools). Therefore if your OAT is boarderline, like mine, you can save yourself the time and money by not applying to that particular school...unless you plan to re-take the exam or that is your number one choice. Some schools favor the overall application....and so on. But KHE is absolutely accurate in the fact that it would be senseless to limit yourself by not applying for one reason for another (other than not being a competitive candidate).

Do you have a number? I am just curious.

 

[sammyboy]

I believe SUNY prefers the applicant to have nothing less than 320 or 330 per section, however, one lower section will not kill you.

 

[blazenmadison]

There seems to be many threads where the poster debates as to whether they should apply or not apply to a particular school for any of a number of reasons but usually relating to some borderline stats.

In general, I would say you should always apply because you never want to reject yourself. If you're going to be rejected, let the schools reject you.

Now, obviously there is some level of honesty needed here. If you have a 2.2 GPA and a 250 OAT, it's probably not worth the expense of the application fees and the aggrivation of badgering people to write you recs and the hassle of writing an essay but in general, apply. Don't reject yourself.

And that's for anything in life. Not just optometry school.

Well said. 👍