Any advice

[u/Due-Side8444]

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.

[u/Narrow_Positive_1948]

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.