What are my chances?

[Miniii18]

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Hi all,

I graduated with a 2.9 overall and 2.7 science in Biochemistry & Business Admin. I have about ~6 years worth of experience volunteering in different hospitals, 1 year of research experience, and as of now I'm shadowing a private practice of 3 optometrists. I will be taking anatomy & physio this summer. I plan to schedule my OAT's in August and apply sometime then. Is that too late? What do you think my chances are for western, scco, berkeley, midwestern, and pacific? thank you for the help.

 

[Optomchick]

Hi all,

I graduated with a 2.9 overall and 2.7 science in Biochemistry & Business Admin. I have about ~6 years worth of experience volunteering in different hospitals, 1 year of research experience, and as of now I'm shadowing a private practice of 3 optometrists. I will be taking anatomy & physio this summer. I plan to schedule my OAT's in August and apply sometime then. Is that too late? What do you think my chances are for western, scco, berkeley, midwestern, and pacific? thank you for the help.

You can add the summer class in your GPA if you apply after your class is over, which hopefully will raise the GPA. As far as the OAT, you're cutting it really close b/c you will not be able to retake it since you have to wait at least 3 months after the first time...it won't hurt your chances to apply in september over july. Applying "early" is really any time before January.

 

[Shnurek]

Very low chances. 2.7 in science are you kidding?

 

[Optomchick]

Very low chances. 2.7 in science are you kidding?

I had a 2.8 science, stop being such a downer 😛 That one girl got into Berkeley with a 2.9 anything is possible! (although I think she was a minority)

 

[Blondiechick919]

Hi all,

I graduated with a 2.9 overall and 2.7 science in Biochemistry & Business Admin. I have about ~6 years worth of experience volunteering in different hospitals, 1 year of research experience, and as of now I'm shadowing a private practice of 3 optometrists. I will be taking anatomy & physio this summer. I plan to schedule my OAT's in August and apply sometime then. Is that too late? What do you think my chances are for western, scco, berkeley, midwestern, and pacific? thank you for the help.

Unlikely for SCCO and berkeley if we're being honest. One A&P class won't improve your GPA since you already graduated. If you knock your OAT out of the park you could get into the 2 new schools, I have no idea what Pacific's standards are like. I would apply earlier than august as soon as the app cycle opens if I were you and send my OAT scores later, and also apply way more broadly. I'm assuming you are in california by the schools you mentioned, but I would add PR, maybe PCO and some of the other newer schools to your list. If your school has a pre-opt or pre-health counselor or something that can help you, I would also ask their advice.

 

[Shnurek]

I had a 2.8 science, stop being such a downer 😛 That one girl got into Berkeley with a 2.9 anything is possible! (although I think she was a minority)

Are you doing OK with your classes?

Just because you can get in with a 2.7 sGPA MAYBE doesn't mean it is wise to go. You may get in because many students are reconsidering professional schools because of tuition going up like crazy and subsidized loans being cut. Therefore there are more slots now than ever before and not as many interested students.

What if you do not do well on your 6 science classes course load in optometry school? What if you do not pass the national board exam? Will you end up being a grumpy instructor making $70,000 at an optometry school with $200,000 in debt or whatever you take out because you cannot pass the national board exam? (I know at least 2 at my school) Who knows. I definitely wouldn't risk going if I had a 2.7 sGPA unless I completely did not study in undergrad and just partied the whole time and I knew I could make it up with strenuous studying.

And yes as sad as it is, the color of your skin may give you an advantage or disadvantage in getting into professional school.

 

[Optomchick]

Are you doing OK with your classes?

Just because you can get in with a 2.7 sGPA MAYBE doesn't mean it is wise to go. You may get in because many students are reconsidering professional schools because of tuition going up like crazy and subsidized loans being cut. Therefore there are more slots now than ever before and not as many interested students.

What if you do not do well on your 6 science classes course load in optometry school? What if you do not pass the national board exam? Will you end up being a grumpy instructor making $70,000 at an optometry school with $200,000 in debt or whatever you take out because you cannot pass the national board exam? (I know at least 2 at my school) Who knows. I definitely wouldn't risk going if I had a 2.7 sGPA unless I completely did not study in undergrad and just partied the whole time and I knew I could make it up with strenuous studying.

And yes as sad as it is, the color of your skin may give you an advantage or disadvantage in getting into professional school.

Well maybe the person will do better in Opt school, studying harder/not partying as much.

 

[Paceye]

I'm in a similar situation as you..I have applied to the same schools and my gpa is just slightly higher. Have you had any luck hearing back from schools? And if you don't mind sharing what were your oat scores? I had 300/300 so I'm not too sure what my chances are for this cycle:/

 

[Tonometry]

For this cycle its too late, for next year cycle your got a good early start, GPA wise your on the bottom end (dont worry there are many like you, take me for example) but if you do good in OAT you have a chance definately. you got good ECs. Some of the older school like berkley probably not.

Do optometry if you have the passion for it, it is oversaturated (base from what the ODs ive shadow says and ive shadow quite a few) and the tuition you'll be paying will not make it worth it if your concern about money. theres much more profittable health related profession with less cost + less requirments.

There will be those who tell you, you cant and those who tell you that you can, and as you know theres some truth to both sides, so good luck!

 

[fLuxe]

I'm in a similar situation as you..I have applied to the same schools and my gpa is just slightly higher. Have you had any luck hearing back from schools? And if you don't mind sharing what were your oat scores? I had 300/300 so I'm not too sure what my chances are for this cycle:/

I thought you had gotten into Pacific?

 

[paasnaas]

Your GPA may hurt you but I've read a lot of people get in with those type of GPA's, it's not uncommon, but it's difficult. I believe that most schools will first look at your GPA and OAT first and if you don't make the cutoff, then they may not consider looking at your entire application. I think your top priority should be to really do well on the OAT. I think you should dedicate as much time as you can to prepare for this because this can make the difference of getting an interview or not. I think you need to aim at least 310's or above on all subjects to have a good chance. The 2nd thing is apply early, VERY EARLY! This will increase your chances greatly. Apply as early as possible.If you can, start studying now for the OAT. Select a date and go for it. This will keep you focused because if you just 'plan' to take it in august, then more than likely you will end up taking it later. What you get on your OAT will be more important than how well you do in anatomy and physio. Instead of taking the summer to take those classes, maybe use it to prepare for the OAT and take it before the end of the summer so you can still apply early?! Just my opinion. I ended up finishing my anatomy and physio requirements after I applied. I first focused on doing well on the OAT.

 

[TheMotivator]

What is considered early when applying? Application cycle opens July 1st.

 

[optgal]

Before November I would say