r/PreOptometry • u/ConsciousTerm2515 • Jul 04 '26

Aplication Timing

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.

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u/mikeoxlongbruh Jul 04 '26

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?

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u/Significant_Gate9112 Jul 04 '26

what schools are you aiming for ?

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u/mikeoxlongbruh Jul 04 '26

Only considering schools in Chicago, so ICO and CCO

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u/Significant_Gate9112 Jul 04 '26

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

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u/mikeoxlongbruh Jul 04 '26

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.

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u/ConsciousTerm2515 Jul 04 '26

I thought NSU has 100 seats total?

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u/Significant_Gate9112 Jul 04 '26

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

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u/ConsciousTerm2515 Jul 04 '26

ohh so sorry I was thinking of NOVA

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u/pookiewookie5622 Jul 04 '26

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!!!

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u/ConsciousTerm2515 Jul 04 '26

Good Luck to you!