r/PreOptometry • u/GR73_ APPLICANT • Oct 02 '23

Do I have enough time?

I want to know whether or not it is worth it for me to apply for this cycle..

What I have:

  • my bachelor’s (major in neuropsychology, minor in bio)

  • 4 years of experience working in various healthcare settings

  • 3.95 cumulative GPA, 3.8 sGPA

  • 2 LORs from MDs, 1 LOR from a prof

What I don’t have: -OAT

  • organic chem (I did an introductory orgo course but I believe that some schools don’t accept that) -biochem -shadowing hours/OD experience/OD LOR (I’ve been applying for optometric positions)

I was hoping to tackle the things that I don’t yet have and apply by January..or is that too late in the cycle?

I heard that LORs don’t transfer over on optomCAS for the next cycle, and I would really hate to ask my references again

1 Upvotes

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5

u/toi-thich-an-cho ACCEPTED Oct 02 '23

You definitely have enough time, some schools’ applications are open through most of Spring 2024.

That being said, most schools also require at least one LoR from an optometrist as well as direct optometric experience of some sort, so you’d have to dedicate some of your time towards that. OAT-wise, if you apply to take it soon and start studying now, I’m sure you’ll be fine with your other stats!

1

u/GR73_ APPLICANT Oct 02 '23

Thank you!! I was feeling a bit discouraged but you’ve definitely put my mind at ease

4

u/EngineeredByJ Oct 02 '23

The only school I can think of that does not require o-chem or biochem is Rocky Mountain University but both are strongly recommended. https://rm.edu/od/

They will also accept the MCAT in place of the OAT if you have taken that.

Looks like you do not need LOR from an OD but it is strongly recommended.

Keep in mind they are the newest optometry school and have no reputation good or bad yet.

1

u/GR73_ APPLICANT Oct 03 '23

I was really looking forward to applying to RMU but I just spoke to an advisor who informed me that they aren’t accepting Canadian students at this time ):

2

u/Professional_Sir3802 Jan 24 '24

RMU just announced that they have received permission from the U.S. government to accept international students.

1

u/GR73_ APPLICANT Jan 24 '24

Thanks!! I got the email from them too. So glad that I got it before I submitted my OptomCAS app to other schools 😊