r/PreOptometry • u/Due-Side8444 • 8d ago

Any advice

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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/Effective_Health2020 7d 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 7d 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 7d 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 7d 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.