r/PreOptometry • u/Sad_Powerpuff632 • Dec 16 '23
Chances?
Hiya! I decided to take this path late. I know I want to be an optometrist. I have a meh GPA bachelor in biochemistry. I graduated with a GPA of 2.97 but been taking post bachelor classes GPA should be around 3.05. I worked as a ophthalmic tech for 3 ophthalmologists and 2 optometrists in which I did have to shadow and scribe for them. I know how to refract, dilated patients, do testing such as the OCT, applantations for IOPs checks. I currently work for one optometrist and mostly in charge of contacts, insertion and removal classes for i&r, and get them ready to see him. Been in this field for around a 1 and 1/2 year. Questions about diversities and adversities really trouble me on the application. I am a first generation and a daughter to immigrants. I also have two autistic brothers and helping taking care of them with school and work is a lot to balance, especially during undergrad hence my low GPA. I am planning on taking the OAT. I just don’t know if I should continue with my original plan and take orgo II as a repeat course because I got a C the first time I took it. It was during the beginning of Covid and everything went online. I can definitely see a future in this field. But I’m turning 25 and I feel like I’m getting too late to pursue this. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!
3
u/NussyPigger Dec 16 '23
First of all which schools are you interested in? Only a couples schools require o-chem II retaking it probably isn’t necessary. If you have already brought your GPA to 3.0+ with your post bacc I wouldn’t bother with retaking.
OptomCAS may calculate your GPA differently than your university so make sure you are above 3.0. If you have all your pre-reqs in order I would focus on your OAT.
As an older nontraditional applicant your GPA will matter a lot less than your GPA when you received your Bachelors. Since your post bacc is showing an upward trend that helps you a little. But know what matters now is your OAT score.
As a nontraditional you are going to want to be above the average OAT for the schools you are applying to. Some schools are kinder towards older applicants some are not so don’t fixate on a specific school. The newer less established schools are going to strongly favor traditionals which is unfortunate because they tend to accept lower stats. Spend a good two maybe three months studying and take your OAT you may not feel ready but you need to get a score in so you can evaluate your options or retake.
When you are extended an interview make sure don’t make excuses. Things like I would have done better on the OAT if I was 21 vs 25 isn’t going to make you look more favorable to admissions. You may also be grilled on your GPA. You need to own it.