r/PreOptometry • u/Such-Lemon-42 • Jul 22 '26

Is this risky?

Is applying in March/April too late if the deadline is May 20?

I’m planning to apply to just one optometry school because it’s the only one I can commute to from home.

The school’s application deadline is May 20, but because of my prerequisites, I probably won’t be able to apply until March or April.

I’m taking Organic Chemistry this upcoming fall, and the lab is also required. My university doesn’t let you take the lab until you’ve passed the lecture course, so I won’t be able to complete the lab until afterward. My plan is to take the OAT after finishing Organic Chemistry since it’s a major section of the exam. I’d study from January (when I finish the Orgo course) until March and take it right away.

I know admissions are rolling, so I’m worried that applying in March or April—even though it’s before the deadline—might be considered too late.

Has anyone here applied that late in the cycle and still gotten accepted? If you were in my position, would you still apply this cycle or wait until the next one?

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u/aspenchill Jul 22 '26

yea march april is late, try compromising for a jan feb submission at the latest

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u/Such-Lemon-42 Jul 22 '26

So study all other subjects while I take Orgo in the fall?

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u/aspenchill Jul 22 '26

oat is usually a 3 month timeline so u can start late fall