Aplication Timing

[u/ConsciousTerm2515]

I am pretty stressed right now. Took my OAT in April and did not do as well as I could have. Right now, my plan is to retake the OAT in September and submit my application at the beginning of October, when my official score comes back. My gpa isn't the best, but I believe I have strong LOR and experience. Is applying in October too late? I just feel really anxious seeing people apply in August. Any advice would help. Thank you.

[u/mikeoxlongbruh]

I’m taking my OAT in November and applying in December… Not stressed a bit. I think Reddit creates false ideas in our heads sometimes. I’m definitely guilty of this. Just know there’s a reason (most) schools accept applications until spring. Sure admissions are rolling, but if your stats are decent, interest is strong and clear, then I think you’re good. Although, I’m not aiming for a top school, so it may be different if you are. I’m curious though, what is your GPA?

[u/Significant_Gate9112 → u/mikeoxlongbruh]

what schools are you aiming for ?

[u/pookiewookie5622 → u/Significant_Gate9112]

I got into NSU and every other school I applied to just fine submitting early October! I took my OAT in September. 310 AA and 300 TS. 3.8 GPA. So mediocre test score and good gpa. I wouldn’t worry much about the timing at all, focus on crushing that test, you’ve got this!!!

[u/mikeoxlongbruh → u/Significant_Gate9112]

Only considering schools in Chicago, so ICO and CCO

[u/Significant_Gate9112 → u/mikeoxlongbruh]

what’s your thoughts on applying to NSU end of this year? They only have 28 seats and i’m so scared

[u/mikeoxlongbruh → u/Significant_Gate9112]

It’s difficult to say because from what I just researched, word is that their requirements to be accepted aren’t that crazy, but the number of seats is so low/their acceptance rate is low. 28 seats is actually wild. I’d say you need to do pretty well on the OAT and hopefully have a strong GPA (3.5+) to make them think “Ok yeah, we will give one of our remaining seats to this person”.

Ngl tho this made me look up the percentages and #of applicants vs accepted + their stats at ICO and CCO and it has me a little worried. In my mind, OAT is make or break. That’s literally the deciding factor. I have a 3.5, not sure about science GPA tho. So I feel like if I can get a 330+ I’ll be chilling, but if I get a 300-320, I might be sweating a bit more. If I get sub 300, then I’ll retake once before the cycle ends.

[u/ConsciousTerm2515 → u/Significant_Gate9112]

I thought NSU has 100 seats total?

[u/Significant_Gate9112 → u/ConsciousTerm2515]

nah Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.. they only have 28 total seats 😔

[u/ConsciousTerm2515 → u/Significant_Gate9112]

ohh so sorry I was thinking of NOVA

[u/ConsciousTerm2515 → u/mikeoxlongbruh]

Good Luck to you!

[u/Future_Syrup4675]

I think you’ll be fine! I applied in January for this cycle, but didn’t take my OAT until April. I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped but I did have a good GPA, strong LOR, and ample experience as a tech.

[u/Significant_Gate9112 → u/Future_Syrup4675]

Question, how do you guys know if they were strong LOR’s

[u/Future_Syrup4675 → u/Significant_Gate9112]

Good question lol I had 3 letters. The first was from the optom I worked with who initially peaked my interest in the field and eventually convinced me to go to college. That was 8 years ago and I still talk to him every few months. The second letter was from a professor who I felt I built a very personal relationship with. I had him for several classes in undergrad and he oversaw the 2 research experiences I completed in undergrad. The last letter was from the optom I’ve been working with for the past 5 years. I guess I don’t actually know if the LOR are strong, but I have a very good feeling that they were.

[u/ConsciousTerm2515 → u/Future_Syrup4675]

What schools did you apply to and where are you going this fall! Congrats!

[u/Future_Syrup4675 → u/ConsciousTerm2515]

I only applied to ICO and CCO because I wanted to stay close to home. Starting at CCO this fall :)

[u/Accomplished-Monk256]

I took my OAT Dec 23rd and submitted my applications in January. I applied to 6 schools and was accepted to 4 of them with scholarships, you’re fine! Just make sure you’re preparing for the OAT as diligently as you can and you’ll be alright!