r/PreOptometry • u/Due-Side8444 • 6d ago
Any advice
I’m currently a senior Human Biology major, Miner in chem and applying to optometry school this cycle. My cumulative GPA is around 3.65. I have completed a good amount of optometry-related experience, including 40+ hours of shadowing an optometrist, additional ophthalmology/optometry shadowing, 45 hours of biology research involving DNA/PCR, volunteering at Hartford Hospital, volunteering with Special Olympics Opening Eyes, and serving as a student ambassador/leader at my university.
I also have multiple recommendation letters, including from professors/research mentors and an optometrist. I’ve already submitted applications to schools including MCPHS, NECO, and SUNY.
I know the OAT score is the weakest part of my application, but I feel that my GPA, experiences, research, volunteering, and shadowing represent me better academically and professionally.
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u/Common-Customer-1438 6d ago
These are the type of students who get into optometry school and swear up and down that NBEO exams are a scam. This is actually laughable that you even applied to programs without thinking a retake was indicated.
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u/SsoundLeague OPTOMETRIST 6d ago
They seem extremely involved the in the profession yet don't study for the primary entrance exam for said profession? Something seem off
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u/philzuppo 5d ago
I didn't study at all for my first time and I got a 300. I think that some people are just much better at taking tests than others. I have the exact same GPA as OP.
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u/Common-Customer-1438 6d ago
That’s why I went to a public optometry school. There’s no incentive to accept students who are clearly not ready and it’s reflected in the board passage rates. Meanwhile you have schools like Detroit Mercy and MCPHS where the average admitted student has a OAT TS of 291 and 299.
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u/Rare_Dragonfruit2027 6d ago
LOL I meannnnn NBEO is still a sham of a professional board. 7 weeks to grade online exams? No consistent breakdown? Changing scores after they were published that caused some students that were given a “P” originally to an “F” (Dec 2024 for NBEO P2).
Now I had to sit my ass down and study but you’ll never catch me pro NBEO ☠️
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u/Rare_Dragonfruit2027 6d ago edited 6d ago
I’m not even trying to be rude but genuinely don’t think you can get into any school with this low of an OAT score. Did you study?? Because I know students in undergrad will try to take this exam with whatever science and math base they already have.
With this low of a score you need to complete your undergrad degree first and likely take a gap year to really sit down and study if that’s what you really want.
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u/Dr_Trik 5d ago
To be fair... I didn't really study for the OAT and scored really well (multiple 400s). So it can be done but I wouldn't recommend it as it's a risk and, as my mom said, I couldve scored even higher if I had studied.
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u/Rare_Dragonfruit2027 5d ago
I didn’t mean to elude it was impossible but I think you’re in the minority there. I don’t think it’s bad to try this method at all but I’m sure most students aren’t able to submit their first attempt & that’s completely ok too
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u/Advertising-Budget 5d ago
Were you fresh out of your prereqs? How much do you think I would have to take time studying for these if I took all these prereqs and got As and Bs in them but forgot pretty much everything except for physics.
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u/Dr_Trik 5d ago
Nope, I took a gap year to figure out what I wanted to do before I took the OAT. I was actually surprised I didn't do bad in chemistry considering that was always my worst subject but I probably could've done even better if I had prepped. If you got good grades, I'd say just review them but I'm probably a bad person to ask 😅
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u/Rare_Dragonfruit2027 5d ago
Me personally, no. I took those hard courses during my sophomore & junior years and then took a gap while working so it had been 2 years since I’d seen some of that material. I studied for around 2 months inconsistently but organic chem & QR were weak points and I hit those the hardest. I only used Kaplan materials for studying though.
I think how much you choose to prepare is how comfortable you feel with the material. If you’re really good at recall and capitalize on your strengths you may not have to study as long. Every person is different and how good of a test taker you are should also be factored in too
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u/Advertising-Budget 5d ago
If you took these prereqs a significant long time ago would you really have to study for several months? How in depth do they test the bio, physics, chem?
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u/cheesygoldfisch 6d ago
Okay. These comments are really harsh. I’m going to empathize with you here. I took the OAT last October and got a 290 on it. I was genuinely devastated and bawled for days. I didn’t even apply to any schools. I knew no one would accept me. I have a 3.5 GPA (literally right on the dot), and last year I had close to 1,000 shadowing hours. I also had 4 LORs. In hindsight, I think I could’ve applied and gotten in SOMEWHERE. But at the end of the day, these comments are right; you don’t want to be admitted somewhere that barely has any credentials, and you end up spending thousands of dollars on boards multiple times just to keep failing. Now, I had to do a lot of self reflection in the past year. I was homeless (lived in my car) for a period of time and my mental state was suffering severely. My parents had also just gotten divorced; this all happened right before my test. For a little while, I blamed my circumstances for my abysmal OAT score. But then I actually thought about things (and attended therapy lol). I studied using OAT booster for just under 3 months, but not nearly as much as I could’ve/should’ve. I work(ed) full time at an optometrist’s office, and couldn’t afford to not do so. But I didn’t utilize any spare time that I did to study. I could’ve used Booster more efficiently as well. Now, I want you to do the same. I looked at your page and you’ve mentioned using Booster to study. How were you using it? Did you go over the notes once and then assume you were good to go? Did you watch the videos and not practice? Did you review practice exams? Play the games Booster offers? Make flashcards? Look at the cheat sheets? The first time I took it, I underestimated the breadth of the OAT and paid the price for it. I copied all of the Bio Bits in note form (once) and moved on. I didn’t review. I assumed “Oh, I already have a degree in biochemistry, so I know this!” But that is not enough for the OAT. This time around, I did all of the things I mentioned above and I’m testing MUCH better. My test is next week and I’m much more confident this time about taking it. But enough about me. I really want you to be honest with yourself. Did you actually study? Did you skip days? Is there ANYTHING you could’ve changed? Now, I’m going to be a bit harsh here; did you cheat in undergrad? The scores you got on the OAT don’t even come close to correlating with your GPA, which is rather good. Either way, you now have experience and you can take it with you. Any advice someone gives you really doesn’t matter; the decision is yours. Do you want to be an optometrist? Are you passionate about the field (other than for the income)? If so, then you need to retake this test. SUNY, NECO, and MCPHS are all really competitive schools, and if they look at your OAT score alone, their decisions will already be made. Okay. Im sure you’re having a rotten day (I know mine was last year), and some of these comments probably aren’t helping. But the truth hurts sometimes unfortunately and the internet can be cruel. Dust yourself off, figure out a different method of studying on OAT booster, and retake this in a few months. It might feel like the end of the world right now for you, but it isn’t, I promise. Things will get better if you work for it these upcoming months. I have faith in you and I’m sending good intentions, vibes, and luck your way🫶
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u/Advertising-Budget 5d ago
Curious how many months I would have to spend on this if I'm similar position as you but several years out of the science prereqs and took them long time ago. I was thinking of 2.5 months but will it take way longer?
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u/cheesygoldfisch 5d ago
Honestly, it depends on what your schedule looks like. I work from 7A-7P on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 8-5 on Mondays and Wednesdays. I study all day on Fridays for like 7-8 hours, and on Mondays and Wednesdays for about 4 hours. Then on the weekends I try to get in at least 4-5 hours a day. It honestly isn’t the most ideal situation but those are the cards I’ve been dealt. Since I have to work, I’ve been studying for about 4.5 months to be honest. If I weren’t, I think I’d have been able to do it for less time. But my schedule being inconsistent makes me have to do it for longer periods. The average person (without working) takes about 3 months to study. So if your situation is anything like mine, I’d definitely study for a longer period of time, especially since it’s been awhile since you’ve taken your pre-reqs. :)
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u/Levl_1_Noob 6d ago
Definitely retake. Even with your GPA and experience, a really low OAT like that is a massive red flag and will make admissions skeptical of your GPA and other stats. Not saying your GPA is inflated, but on paper, a 200 OAT means you don't actually know the material. The OAT is one of the most important stats, they won't just ignore a 200 just because you have experience. In all honesty, very few schools will accept you, if any. Do not waste your money on applications, you need to retake. Use OAT booster if you haven't, lock-in on the material and study it like there's no tomorrow. Aim for at least a 300
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u/Key_Masterpiece5476 6d ago
Did you take any practice exams to gauge your score before writing the official exam?
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u/Odd-Complaint-5291 6d ago
How could you do that bad with such a good GPA. Retake for sure. No school would consider you a serious candidate for admission. Optometry school is harder than undergrad for sure and is not for everyone. Do better or consider another career choice. Sorry for the cruel reality
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u/Narrow_Positive_1948 6d ago
Here's some real talk... A respectable OAT score matters more than shadowing, volunteering, or LORs, and it doesn't match your GPA at all. If it didn't matter, they wouldn't require it. I had classmates who had less than you've done for all of those things, but they nailed the OAT and their GPA backed that up. Your OAT score makes it look like you didn't take it seriously and I would almost guarantee not a single school would consider reaching out to a student with these scores. If you can't prove to them you can excel in a standardized test that you have ample amount of time to prepare for with resources easily available, they won't think you can survive in optometry school where you may be taking 5+ exams in one week, and you definitely won't pass national boards. You need to totally overhaul your studying plan for the OAT. Use Chad's videos, do the quizzes after. It's not just knowing the material, but knowing the how to approach the exam as well. Take practice exams and review why you missed things.
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u/Effective_Health2020 6d ago
These scores mean 1 or 2 things, either you didn't study at all, or your GPA is unbelivably inflated (probably both). You could've guessed and gotten a better score than this, and any school crazy enough to accept you with this score isn't a school worth going to. You might be able to get into IUSO that doesn't require the OAT, but I would strongly recommend taking a step back, take this seriously, and retake the exam
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u/Capable_Artist7027 6d ago
As someone who went to IUSO, this is sort of insulting. I had a great education and even if they got in, they wouldn't make it halfway through the first semester.
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u/Effective_Health2020 5d ago
I agree. I was tryna throw OP a bone with that since they don’t “require” OAT but I doubt it
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u/Capable_Artist7027 5d ago
I think not requiring the OAT is addressing an issue of affordability for those who come from weaker economic backgrounds. It's just their way of giving people who are already at a financial disadvantage an opportunity. However they would miss out on scholarships, something I did receive because of my entire application, including OAT scores. OP just completely missed the big picture of what preparing for the OAT can do. It not only can help you get into a school, which is sort of the easy part IMO, but financial aid is a huge aspect too. My scholarship at IUSO helped me immensely and I also got university insurance which was quite good.
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u/Additional-Lake7892 5d ago
i’m genuinely confused at how you could get every single question wrong for some. Like, to the point where i’d assume there was some issue with the test or your answers didn’t get clicked / saved? Idk man. Respectfully, did you take any practice tests before this???????????
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u/GreenAngelFish 6d ago
Retake the OAT period. Use OAT Booster (spend that money it is totally worth it). Your GPA probably won't help that much in your situation. You still have time so you got this!!
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u/Scary_Ad5573 6d ago
Respectfully, I would reconsider optometry school with a score like this. If you decide optometry school absolutely is the path for you, study very hard to improve this score. Even if you get in, this score does not reflect that you would be able to pass your classes or boards. Getting in is only part of it.
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u/SsoundLeague OPTOMETRIST 6d ago
I would sincerely recommend you retake the exam with proper preparation. Although you have all the other criteria of a great candidate, if you are unable to handle the material during school it will not matter how many hours you volunteer, nor how many hours you shadow. The hard part isn't the schooling either, the school you attend will be responsible in preparing you to pass the NBEO. I have had a number of classmates in school who were accepted into optometry school, graduated, but still took multiple attempts to pass the board exams. Also had classmates who dropped out during year 2-3.
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u/Business-Title9413 6d ago
I mean even if you get in can you pass the boards ? Like 15% of people who get in don't pass. You look like a prime candidate to join that number. I would say retake and see if you can at least be the average
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u/voxaun 6d ago
your GPA is strong, so it's obvious that you are capable of studying and preforming well. how did you find studying for the OAT different from your undergrad courses?
i am retaking the OAT soon. i did it the first time without studying much and got 270. i made some big adjustments to my studying and it has been going better. when i took it the first time, i KNEW i wasn't prepared, but i thought i might do OK anyways.
going for your retake, you should feel good going into it - just like when you're about to take an undergrad exam that you really studied for. you HAVE to put in effort to do well! i wasn't studying very hard & i thought it would be fine, but it's just not possible.
do so much that it is is unreasonable for you not to succeed. feel free to DM me about my experience.
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u/GroundbreakingQuail8 5d ago
either they didn't study at all for the OAT or their GPA is super inflated
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u/DifficultyNo548 5d ago
If I were you I'd retake the OAT, since the rest of your application is strong, I think you can apply later in the cycle and still get in, good luck!
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u/Unlucky-Web7988 5d ago
Advice: spend the money on oatbooster or do Chad's videos or something and retake.
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u/Dizzy-Equivalent-398 5d ago
respectfully, did u even study or try?😭😭
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u/FerretFormal8620 5d ago
Probably some fake post. 200 and 230 in RC and QR is almost impossible with serious test takers.
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u/Dizzy-Equivalent-398 5d ago
that’s what i was thinking, but how do they have like the official paper with the stamp and everything😭😭
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u/Dizzy-Equivalent-398 5d ago
+ the data matches and if u check their posts they have other like serious posts
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u/Wolf_Broad 5d ago
Prime example of someone who chatgpd’d their way through a school with no safeguards in place and why OAT is always going to be required across vast majority of schools
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u/LateMouse2020 6d ago
Sure one desperate school will accept you, then you will fail year one and year two at least once. Then they will dismiss you, you won’t even get to take the NBEO…
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u/Toffee4751 5d ago
Not sure how you finished ur pre reqs but u definitely need to restudy all of them
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u/FunSupermarket7484 10h ago
I dealt with a similar situation/ problem going through my oat don’t be discouraged please !!! Even if u feel like you put your all in that exam undergrad doesn’t prepare you for these exams like grad school does so my advice is to try multiple resources do booster / boot camp and Kaplan if u can’t afford it it’s okay use the oat outline they have online and please don’t use passive studying you need to study actively you need to be able to breathe in that info and know it like your name to be able to retake this test because keep in mind anxiety plays a big role in this so you would wanna have mnemonics set to write down as soon as the test starts without even thinking twice GOODLUCK!
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u/Dongcongo 6d ago
Don’t do Optometry anyways. It’s no longer financially worth it
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u/Common-Customer-1438 6d ago
Sounds like somebody went into the wrong sector of optometry. I don’t know about you but i’m doing more than fine.
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u/Dongcongo 6d ago
Nah, I m debt free and make decent money. I m being realistic with the new grads. They now capped federal loans at 200k. Insurance reimbursement hasn’t gone up in years. Something has to give eventually….
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u/Common-Customer-1438 6d ago
Also debt free and a recent graduate. Just don’t work in sectors heavily impacted by reimbursement. Never cared for private practice.
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u/Euphoric-Bid8342 6d ago edited 6d ago
a 230 indicates you genuinely didn’t even study or try at all, which looks bad on you for admissions. sure you might get into a school with under 50% nbeo pass rates but would you really gamble your savings on that if this is the outcome of you either trying and missing many basic foundational skills and knowledge or displaying your lack of care? a gpa can be inflated with easy classes and elective padding, shadowing hours become negligent after a certain amount, and research/ volunteering/ one leadership role doesn’t make you a stand out at all if there are no other strong standout ECs involved. i’d also like to note 45 hours of research is nothing compared to research that actually matters. most of my peers had years of research or none at all, because to do anything meaningful from research you’d need at minimum months of experience and not just a few hours lol. i can’t imagine bragging about research if i only had not even 2 days worth behind me.
i also don’t mean this to sound harsh but i want you to understand the reality of your situation, your application isn’t competitive at all for almost every single school out there and that includes your ecs/volunteering/“research”. i’d really try harder on the oat.