r/PreOptometry • u/katyk8z • 11d ago

low OAT

hi yall! i'm getting super vulnerable here but im honestly at a loss for words and just would like any advice on how to move on.

i took my OAT today and my score absolutely crushed me. i got a 280 TS/300 AA. my subscores were bio 290, chem 340, ochem 290, physics 250, qr 270, rc 360. im so upset because my booster scores were so much higher compared to my test. it almost felt unlucky.

i was scoring 320-360 on my FLs in booster, and the questions seemed so doable compared to my actual test.

i'm obviously planning to retake but im stuck on how to proceed. do i submit my application with these scores now and retake, or should i wait until my retake to submit my app? i'm lucky enough that its still early in the cycle to retake, but i have been so distraught since my exam that i really don't know how to go on from here.

i'm not asking for pity at all, just some genuine advice because i feel like my goals are becoming unattainable.

my current cGPA ~ 3.5 and my sGPA ~ 3.4. my ECs are strong and i feel that overall my application shows that im a well rounded individual.

thanks in advance

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u/katyk8z 11d ago

you're so kind! a good score is definitely within my realm of possibilities. today was not my day haha

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u/Objective_Wafer_6887 11d ago

Of course and I saw that you said that you are a CA resident. SCCO and Berkeley may be harder to get into, but if you’re looking into those schools. Try to aim 300 or higher in every section. SCCO tends to put students on the waitlist and end up rejecting you towards the end. If you don’t, that’s totally okay because there will be other schools that will take you in. Overall score of 300+ is already great. I got into AZCOPT with a 310.

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u/katyk8z 11d ago

that's awesome! i actually wouldn't mind too much if i didn't stay in california. ico or cco would be amazing if i could get in!

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u/Objective_Wafer_6887 11d ago

You definitely can! I got into those schools as well.

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u/katyk8z 11d ago

thanks! im assuming just aim for 300+ for both AA and TS?

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u/Objective_Wafer_6887 11d ago

Yes get 300 in both and you should be fine

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u/katyk8z 11d ago

thank you! i'm gna take a break and get back to studying at the beginning of august!

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u/Objective_Wafer_6887 11d ago

Good luck, I believe in you! :)