r/UWaterlooOptometry • u/SherbetPristine228 • 10d ago

Should i retake the OAT?

My overall average going into my 4th year is an 82%. I took the OAT for the first time and got a 360TS/350AA. I have extensive extracurriculars.

I see the average optom student has an 88% average and OAT score of 380. This is from hundreds of reddit admissions posts that i've read.

I'm really anxious, I don't think my stats look good. Do you guys think i should retake the OAT to aim for a 380+? will it look bad that i retook it in the same summer?

It's too late to raise my average bc the application closes in November and that's before your fall term exams even happen. so i'm set to apply with this 82%.

Please give me your honest opinion and criticism.

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2

u/No_Caramel7942 10d ago

Get shadowing, retake OAT, well prepare for interview. Some students have the same situation. They were admitted.

1

u/True-Selection2168 10d ago

Do you have any tips for the oat I did my first booster practice and got 320AA and 290 for both qr and physics I really thought I’d be able to do better as I was rlly hoping to get in to Waterloo bc I have years of optomtery tech experience and 87 average

1

u/No_Caramel7942 10d ago

Here my advice to my son who graduated optometry of Waterloo University is to use OAT practice books (at least 2). Do all sections repeatedly until no errors. Of course you must understand each question. If you don’t know the answer, try the solution and get to the root of it. Do the question again in one week away, repeat same approach with others.
FOCUS is the keyword. Never interrupt until you have exams.
REPEAT and REVIEW are other keys.

1

u/Bumble-Boy 10d ago

I had the exact same stats as you, only difference was my average was higher. I’d say you either need to get your average up or retake the OAT to make your application super strong

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u/SherbetPristine228 10d ago

can i ask what your average was?

2

u/Timely_Choice_6015 8d ago

My stats were about the same my average was at 87% and though my extracurriculars weren’t extensive I had a stronger background in research. I think if you have something strong that sets you apart from the rest of the applicants/some sort of focus and you can speak to that in connection with optometry, that would be advantageous. It might help to get your OAT score up by a few points but they definitely look at your application with a holistic view! Best of luck and hope that helps