When should I apply?

[jdom29]

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Hi guys, so my gpa is pretty bad ~3.07 (cumulative), I.really messed up my freshman year because I was going through a lot thus my gen. chem grades are pretty bad (but I passed), and i worked really hard to push my gpa above a 3.0 and show improvement in the sciences. Also, I will be taking biochem this summer and taking the OAT late August (i've been studying for it for a few weeks now and if I really need to retake it, I will probably due so in January). Also, I have some volunteer experience and have participated in clubs (if this strengthens my application at all) I was just wondering, if i want to optimize my chances of getting into optometry school, when would be the absolute best time to apply?

 

[319671]

Hi guys, so my gpa is pretty bad ~3.07 (cumulative), I.really messed up my freshman year because I was going through a lot thus my gen. chem grades are pretty bad (but I passed), and i worked really hard to push my gpa above a 3.0 and show improvement in the sciences. Also, I will be taking biochem this summer and taking the OAT late August (i've been studying for it for a few weeks now and if I really need to retake it, I will probably due so in January). Also, I have some volunteer experience and have participated in clubs (if this strengthens my application at all) I was just wondering, if i want to optimize my chances of getting into optometry school, when would be the absolute best time to apply?

i would say late aug bc ur app won't really be considered w/o your oats

 

[nc2tarheels]

i would say late aug bc ur app won't really be considered w/o your oats

Correct, but go ahead and apply so that the verification process that is handled through optomcas is finished. It sometimes takes them weeks at a time to process all of it. When you get your OAT scores, it's easy to send those (most schools will let you scan/email a copy or even fax it to them).

 

[Rhodopsin]

Completely agree, it's gonna be better to submit your Optomcas before worrying about the OAT due to the way it's processed. I've heard on the Studentdoctor forums before about people's applications being considered even without OAT scores- like that people will get interviews conditional on OAT scores. (maybe schools don't do this anymore? I don't know. Likely it depends on your gpa anyways)

Correct, but go ahead and apply so that the verification process that is handled through optomcas is finished. It sometimes takes them weeks at a time to process all of it. When you get your OAT scores, it's easy to send those (most schools will let you scan/email a copy or even fax it to them).

 

[nc2tarheels]

I recieved several interviews without them having my OAT scores. I emailed my scored to a couple of schools.

 

[Rhodopsin]

Ahh thanks for that info! Yeah I took my OAT about 6 months before I actually put in my Optomcas in January- it all turned out well in the end, but in hindsight I learned that it's more favorable to apply first! Don't do what I did haha 😉 apply sooner!

I recieved several interviews without them having my OAT scores. I emailed my scored to a couple of schools.