What are my chances? Should I retake the OAT?

[JH104172]

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Hi all,

I'm seeking advice on whether I should retake my OAT or not. I'm planning to apply for the upcoming cycle when applications open again in June. I'm very iffy because my GPA is not the greatest and I would really like to get an acceptance the first try (who doesn't right?). Here are my stats at the moment:

Cumulative GPA 3.13
Sci GPA 2.79

QR 270
RC 310
BIO 290
Gen Chem 350
O Chem 330
Physics 300
TS 320
AA 310

I have 10+ hrs of shadowing, 2 summers of TA experience, 2 weeks of study aboard where I shadowed an optometrist, elected board member of pre-med society at school and almost 3 years of work experience at an ophthalmologist office, and participated in a bunch of volunteer events.

I compared my scores with the 2013 profile of acceptances and I seem to be RIGHT at the average scores for the schools I plan to apply. ANYWAYS, next application cycle starts in 3 months which means if I were to retake the OAT.. I can still get it done in time. Should I retake the exam? Or do you guys think I have a good enough chance with my stats now? Your advice/opinion would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[lets]

Well, retaking it will increase your chance of getting in, so why not? Most of the materials in OAT are learned anyways, just take a month of two to review and do some practice questions.

 

[Loptometriste]

Depends what your first choices are. Retaking it is probably not a bad idea since you have some below 300. It probably wouldn't hurt to call an admissions officer and find out their recommendations.

 

[mexifin29]

Hi all,

I'm seeking advice on whether I should retake my OAT or not. I'm planning to apply for the upcoming cycle when applications open again in June. I'm very iffy because my GPA is not the greatest and I would really like to get an acceptance the first try (who doesn't right?). Here are my stats at the moment:

Cumulative GPA 3.13
Sci GPA 2.79

QR 270
RC 310
BIO 290
Gen Chem 350
O Chem 330
Physics 300
TS 320
AA 310

I have 10+ hrs of shadowing, 2 summers of TA experience, 2 weeks of study aboard where I shadowed an optometrist, elected board member of pre-med society at school and almost 3 years of work experience at an ophthalmologist office, and participated in a bunch of volunteer events.

I compared my scores with the 2013 profile of acceptances and I seem to be RIGHT at the average scores for the schools I plan to apply. ANYWAYS, next application cycle starts in 3 months which means if I were to retake the OAT.. I can still get it done in time. Should I retake the exam? Or do you guys think I have a good enough chance with my stats now? Your advice/opinion would be greatly appreciated!!

Your test scores really arent bad. Theyre actually pretty identical to mine and I got into all 5 schools that I applied to. I'd retake it thought because your science gpa is low not to mention that 10 hours of shadowing really isnt anything.

 

[JH104172]

Your test scores really arent bad. Theyre actually pretty identical to mine and I got into all 5 schools that I applied to. I'd retake it thought because your science gpa is low not to mention that 10 hours of shadowing really isnt anything.

I haven't really thought about my shadowing hours. Thanks for you bringing that up. I'm definitely going to get some more shadowing time in.

 

[JH104172]

Depends what your first choices are. Retaking it is probably not a bad idea since you have some below 300. It probably wouldn't hurt to call an admissions officer and find out their recommendations.

My choices are RSO > MCPHS > PCO > SUNY > WUO. I know my chances for SUNY are slim to none but it doesnt hurt to try. I'll give the schools a call and see what they recommend. Thanks!

 

[Loptometriste]

RSO and MCPHS are realistic options. I think you'll make it in. Like you said, apply in July. Write a good essay and maybe some more shadowing at different type of practices would be a good idea. Best of luck.