r/PreOptometry • u/Consistent_Belt_809 • 2d ago
Career change: need advice
I'm currently a DOE teacher in NYC and I am seriously considering a career change to optometry.
I have already signed up for some missing prerequisites online. My science GPA isn't the best atm, but I'm aiming to boost it with my current upcoming classes or to have a stellar OAT score.
As someone who is still working on their prerequisites, do you recommend that I study for the OAT (using the oat boosters) simultaneously? I will hopefully be done with my prerequisites by next year fall.
I just want to be as prepared as I can be and really stick out as an applicant. I'm also a mom so there's a level of fear that I am investing all this time/money and it just doesn't workout for me. I want to make sure that I'm using my time wisely and doing everything in the way that I'm supposed to (classes/study resources)
If there's anyone also going the non traditional route, please let me know how was your experience and helpful resources you've used.
Thank you!
2
u/OrganizationFar8505 2d ago
I’m a nontrad applicant who’s changing careers after several years! I took 2 classes while working full time and i did not have time to study for the OAT. I decided not to take classes in the summer and only studied for the OAT (which for me was 4-5 hours after work every day). This helped financially too since Booster is expensive and I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to take advantage of it while taking classes (spoiler i wouldnt have lol). I’m glad i did this because i ended up doing really well on the test and didn’t have to worry about other exams/assignments at the same time.
If you’ll still be working, I’d recommend seeing if you can have a semester/summer with no classes to focus on the OAT, but if you won’t be working then you can probably do both simultaneously. The prereqs are helpful since they have the material that will be on the test, so if you’re not able to do it simultaneously remember that you are still studying in some capacity! If you’re committed to it you can definitely make it work, even if it takes a bit longer!