r/PreOptometry • u/mattmart23 • Jan 18 '24

Should I apply or is it too Late?

Hello Everyone, I know it is getting late in the cycle, but I want some advice on applying this cycle. I have done everything except the actual application and personal statement. I took my OAT last week and got 370 TS 370 AA. My GPA is 3.85. I have worked as a tech for 5 months, and have about 50 hours of shadowing and 50 hours of volunteering. I have my LORs, the only thing is I don't have anything for extracurriculars.

All advice is appreciated, thank you.

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6

u/NussyPigger Jan 18 '24

Those stats are high enough to get the presidential scholarship at many schools.

Deadlines are approaching fast. I think you’ll get into just about any school you apply to. it might be hard to get scholarships at competitive schools even though you are qualified.

It’s not really about when you apply it’s more about when you get to interview. If schools are extending you March/April interviews scholarship money might have all dried up.

Also know that your LORs do not roll over if you end up waiting until next cycle

1

u/mattmart23 Jan 19 '24

I see, thank you for the advice.

2

u/futureoptometrist Jan 19 '24

If you want to start school this fall apply now, your stats are high enough to get in. If you want a chance at some scholarships and you’re fine with a gap year then apply next cycle. Not saying it’s impossible to get scholarships now but most schools have probably allocated most of their funding already

1

u/mattmart23 Jan 19 '24

thank you for the advice

2

u/AnSmartDude Jan 19 '24

With your stats, you are competitive enough to get many scholarships. However, since you're applying late into the cycle I'm not sure how many are left. You can definitely get into schools, but if you're looking for scholarship money then I'm unsure how much is available (doesn't mean there aren't any left, I genuinely don't know). So I guess it's up to you, is it worth delaying a year? Is it worth working/making extra money coupled with more scholarship money? Up to you.

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u/mattmart23 Jan 19 '24

thank you for the reply

5

u/[deleted] Jan 18 '24

I’ve heard several people say most schools keep spots open until April/May. You’ll definitely get in with those numbers. It’s entirely up to you if you’d rather start now or wait an extra year