When to take OAT?

[auroraboy]

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Hi

I just wrote my MCAT couple weeks ago...and I started shadowing an Optometrist after that. Now I realize that I would like to go into optometry instead of medicine. so I had a few questions..

When can I write my OAT? Do I reallly need much preparation?( considering I studied for MCAT and was making scores of 12-15 in PS and 11-13 in BS)

What is the process of registering for an OAT exam?

also, do a lot of Canadians apply to US optometry schools? I am a Canadian and Waterloo is the only optometry school I know of...

I know these are really simple and stupid qustions but I didnt know where to start.

thanks!

 

[lovelydisaster]

Well, first off, can I ask, why optometry? Why did you want to switch after you've actually gone through in studying your butt off and actually taken the MCAT?
Regarding when to take the OAT, it really depends on the school you want to apply to because some schools have certain deadlines for OAT scores to be sent in. Some just take it before they apply, others wait until after they submit their documents. You just need to mind the deadline. Since you already studied (hardcore I'm assuming) for the MCAT, I don't think the OAT is harder than the MCAT, so you should probably take it soon before you lose all of the stuff you've memorized already.
Go to opted.org for resgistration information. From there, they'll take you to the Prometric exam site.
Yes, Canadian students apply to US schools all the time. GL

 

[auroraboy]

Well, first off, can I ask, why optometry? Why did you want to switch after you've actually gone through in studying your butt off and actually taken the MCAT?
Regarding when to take the OAT, it really depends on the school you want to apply to because some schools have certain deadlines for OAT scores to be sent in. Some just take it before they apply, others wait until after they submit their documents. You just need to mind the deadline. Since you already studied (hardcore I'm assuming) for the MCAT, I don't think the OAT is harder than the MCAT, so you should probably take it soon before you lose all of the stuff you've memorized already.
Go to opted.org for resgistration information. From there, they'll take you to the Prometric exam site.
Yes, Canadian students apply to US schools all the time. GL

thanks for the reply!

I got a chance to shadow an optometrist after the MCAT and now I think optometry is the way to go!

 

[dukeopt]

thanks for the reply!

I got a chance to shadow an optometrist after the MCAT and now I think optometry is the way to go!

Firstly, I would think really hard about switching. Visit multiple optometrists, think about the job outlook and how salaries vary in different locations, if you want to do private practice or corporate, etc. As for the OAT, I would schedule it within 2 weeks if you can. You can take a practice test on opted.org that is very similar to the actual test. You'll probably only need a week to get familiar with the format of the OAT, but you should have all the knowledge you need. Any other questions? Good Luck!

 

[JMU07]

I have a good friend who is doing the same thing - she took the MCAT, wasn't too sure about her score, asked me for advice, shadowed a couple of ODs and decided to take the OAT. She took her MCAT in May, and she's signed up to take the OAT in a week or so. I think if you studied well for the MCAT you won't need as much time to prepare for the OAT.

 

[eyeloveu]

You might really want to think about this decision carefully. Are you choosing a different field b/c your scores were low on the MCAT and you are looking for something else based on that? You should also prepare yourself for Opt schools asking why you decided to go into Optometry after committing to Medical school enough that you actually took the MCAT. What was it about Optometry that drove you to make this change? These are questions that you should prepare to answer if given the opportunity to have an interview with an Opt school.

 

[auroraboy]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I did study really well for the MCAT..I mentioned my practice scores in 1st post...anyways, realistically how much time would i need to study for OAT? I did look at sample questions..seem pretty comparable to standalones on the MCAT. Also, i'm OK with math (engineering background)

so i was thinking of studying hardcore for about 2 weeks, just reviewing all the science stuff. I'm planning on using the MCAT books for this purpose. Is there anything else I need beside these books?

How about sample tests.. where can I get those?

thanks again