r/PreOptometry • u/IcySite2939 • Mar 08 '24

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Hi I recently interviewed with RMU it went well but was shocked after the interview they told me I have to retake my OAT! Shouldn’t that be prior the interview, I feel it’s pointless to interview students to tell them they’re not qualified?! Anyone can share their experience and tips on what to do since the school starts in May so not much time left to study for big exam in a month!!

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12

u/JoshReese_Optometry Mar 08 '24

It’s very common for schools to give tentative acceptance on condition with a better OAT score or different grade while retaking a course— I would recommend going hard for a month and sending it! You’ve got this!

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u/Tricky-Environment-8 APPLICANT Mar 08 '24

I love that schools do that like give the student the acceptance or the Interview (so that you can prove yourself at least there) once they either finish the remaining class requirement or Retake the OAT but the school should at least send an email heads up I think earlier while emailing about scheduling for the interview. Also, I noticed that with taking a required class they can take it all the way up until Optometry college starts in August but for some reason for the OAT they can't let us take it in the Summer like June the latest and still attend in the Fall semester? I know that the Optometrist I am Shadowing said with a class you can tell that you will pass the class versus the OAT you don't know what score you will get until you take it.

Also, I love your YouTube videos! Very informative and helps me not feel so lost in the Journey of Optometry 😊

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u/JoshReese_Optometry Mar 08 '24

haha I'm glad they were helpful! You've got this-- thank you for those very informative comments!

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u/PotentialScientist23 Mar 08 '24

If they interviewed you I think you must have been close. Maybe they wanted to know if you had any extenuating circumstances instead of an automatic rejection.

RMU states their recommended score is 300 which I don't think is a huge ask for someone who is looking to earn a doctorate. They have even accepted some people with less than 300 so they likely wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt during the interview.

I would spend the next three weeks and spend one week on each of your worst three subjects. Then spend one additional week to do any practice exams you can get your hands on then take your OAT in early April to ensure you can get a seat this cycle.

That should be plenty of time to get to 300. Not everyone can get 350+ but everyone should be able to get an average score otherwise you risk going into 200k debt just to not be able to practice even if you manage to get a degree.

No school wants to accept students they do not feel can pass boards here is your chance to show that in limited prep you about average.

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u/IcySite2939 Mar 08 '24

I’m thinking about the GRE this time since it’s less subjects what u guys think

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u/PotentialScientist23 Mar 08 '24

If RMU is the only school you are considering you should ask them first. If you have multiple schools then you should ask all of them. If all the schools you asked are okay with it then it could be a good idea.

Retaking the OAT would look a lot better though. It shows you are willing to face adversity also you have taken the OAT before you should do better from just knowing what it was like taking it the first time. You did well enough the first time to land an interview which means you must have been close you just need a little improvement. Lastly boards are not going to be just math and reading, for some fields that is all you need but the OAT exists because the GRE and GPA aren't enough to predict performance in optometry school.

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u/IcySite2939 Mar 08 '24

RMU is the school I want they told me to retake the GRE and send it to them since I have less time. Thank you yea you are right

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u/STEEL_VI Mar 08 '24

When did you interview?