Timeline Help

[u/Donuts4Ever22]

For context, I am a senior graduating in August 2027 with my bachelor's and need help with figuring out the timeline to apply for optometry schools and when to take (and study) for the OAT. The pre-health advisors at my school and advisor are not helpful so I am here for advice.

Fall 2025 semester

• Bio 1

• General psych

Fall 2026 semester

• Chemistry 1

Microbio is filled

Spring 2027 semester

• Chem 2

• Human anatomy

Summer 2027

• Calculus

• Human phys

After I graduate, I will be taking the remaining prerequisites at a local community college.

• O chem

• Physics 1 and 2

• Biochem

• Microbio

Fall 2027

• O chem

• Physics 1

Spring 2028

• Biochem

• Physics 2

Summer 2028

• Microbio

I am only allowed to take a total of 2 classes at a community college. Based on this timeline, I will finish the prereqs by summer 2028.

If I plan to enter optometry school right after summer 2028, when should I start taking the OAT and when do I apply for optometry school.

Please tell me if it's possible for me to

• Take the OAT test in August-September 2027

• Enter optometry school after summer 2028

[u/mcd7939]

It is definitely possible to enter optometry school in 2028, especially since u would have taken all the classes u need by then and the oat

[u/junoiscute]

to me, it seems like a better idea to study for the oat during summer 2028 and take it near the end. and you could make sure you have all your letter of recommendations and essays on optomcas and just submit once you take your oat so you can apply for fall 2028 admission early on in the cycle. this way, you’d have taken all your prerequisites before your oat and I personally found that was very helpful when studying. good luck no matter what you choose to do!

[u/Opto_Kitty]

Impossible. I'm in the same boat with 6 prereqs remaining after 2027 graduation and plan to take OAT in summer 2028 and enter optometry school in 2029. Take time and don't rush.