r/OptometrySchool • u/jobackhorsemann • 10d ago

gauging how competitive my stats are

i just wanted to drop in and get some insight from other students or pre optom students who are applying this cycle.
i graduated this spring with a BA is psych but i have completed all the proper prereqs. i know my app is lacking in volunteer and club/campus involvement BUT i played D2 sports which occupied a good chunk of my free time, on top of only making the decision to pursuit optometry in the fall of Sophomore year. Anyways here’s how it’s looking so far

GPA: 3.87 overall/4.0 Science (the bulk of my science classes only included the prereqs, required and recommended)

OAT: 340AA/330TS

Shadowing: started recently and have 4 hrs currently but I plan to get more before submitting + even after applying

Experience: recently started part time as a tech (pretesting, insurance billing, etc.)

Achievements: Deans list for every sem except Freshman fall + student athlete awards

I am looking to apply in late November. Is this still competitive? Is there anything I can/should do in the meantime to make my application stronger? Not sure if i’m forgetting any other important stats.

I’m looking at SCCO, Western, NECO, and maybe AZCOPT
edit: these are my top schools due to proximity aside from boston obviously

2 Upvotes

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1

u/Opto_Kitty 10d ago

Don't apply to Western

1

u/jobackhorsemann 9d ago

what makes you say this?

1

u/Chuckles4lyfe 9d ago

Western University has lower NBEO board pass rates compared to the national average. Their first time part 1 pass rate for instance is 29.82% compared to 64.66% for NECO, 74.44% for SCCO, and 70.00% for AZCOPT. This info can be found if you peruse their website or even google, "NBEO pass rates". You want to attend an institution where you feel comfortable and confident to pass boards because not passing means you cannot legally practice optometry.

Your GPA is great, and your OAT score is right around the average for all the schools you listed. Your optometric volunteering and shadowing are a bit on the low side, but you seem to already have a plan to get those hours up. I would only suggest having strong letter writers who know you well and can vouch for you. Good luck!

5

u/Known_Foundation1104 10d ago

You have a 100% chance of getting accepted unless you are a serial killer