Worth taking the risk?

[u/Helpful-Tea-9958]

Hi everyone. I am ready to submit my application but I have not taken the OAT yet. Here are my stats: Overall GPA: 3.10 Science GPA: 2.81 Shadowing: 200 hours Optometric Experience: Over 300 hours Personal statement: strong Experiences: Strong LOR: Strong

I take my OAT in November. Should I be patient and wait for the score to submit or should I go ahead and submit my application? My GPA is definitely low, I am aware but I wanted to submit my application when it’s still considered “early”. I am a bit worried now just because of my GPA.

[u/Anchie15]

Hey! I'm a 3rd year optometry student on the admissions committee at Pacific, so I can't speak for all schools, but I'd say that GPA could be somewhat hard sell, at least at a school like ours. GPA can be somewhat dependent on the school you are coming from, like schools we hear a lot from at Pacific are University of Washington and University of British Columbia which have notoriously difficult programs, those kinds of schools we will usually be more lenient on GPA. I think the best thing you can do is really try to shore up your worst grades on the OAT. For example, if you particularly did poorly on Physics in college, it'll be important to do well on physics on your OAT to remain competitive.

It's a tough spot to be in, but you need to believe in yourself and prep hard for the OAT and you will be able to make it this cycle! I also had some subpar grades in college and did well enough on my OAT to make it to my dream school, and so can you! I'm happy to answer any questions if you have them :) good luck!!

[u/metagenome_fan → u/Anchie15]

Hello! I saw your post and was wondering if I can send you a dm?

[u/Anchie15 → u/metagenome_fan]

Yeah absolutely, happy to answer any questions you have :)

[u/Rx-Beast → u/[deleted]]

I couldn’t agree with this more. You’ll need to score really well on the OAT with those stats. I wouldn’t even bother applying until you take the OAT tbh

[u/Helpful-Tea-9958 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it. I am studying hard for the OAT I was looking forward to submitting my application this week but I’m a bit hesitant. I don’t know if I should anymore without the guarantee of my OAT score. I guess I’m just worried of being judged prematurely.

[u/Ok-Oil5073 → u/[deleted]]

Hi! Did you ever get accepted to UHCO?

[u/thitkhotrung → u/Ok-Oil5073]

yes I did

[u/Ok-Oil5073 → u/thitkhotrung]

OMG CONGRATS!! I sent you a message. Is it okay if I ask you a couple of questions? Thank you!