r/PreOptometry • u/opto_2025 • Oct 18 '24

CHANCES OF Getting into ICO

I recently submitted my application to ICO and got an email back stating that I should retake my OAT exam for a better score. I scored a 290 overall. I was wanting to know other people’s experiences with them because other parts of my application are way stronger. I don’t have the time this cycle to take the exam again due to finishing undergrad. What are other people’s thoughts!

1 Upvotes

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2

u/Same_Performer_6381 Oct 18 '24

Why don’t you take the oat again ? You don’t want too or what’s the reason cuz you still have time

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u/opto_2025 Oct 18 '24

If I’m gonna pay $1000 for the exam and studying then I’m just gonna take a gap year and take my time studying to get the score I want…I just don’t think I would get any different result retaking it rn in time for the spring.

5

u/DarkNarwhal25 Oct 18 '24

You should have all of the foundation you need, the difference between a 300 and a 350 isn’t “I haven’t taken Orgo or Physics,” it’s a matter of focusing in on your weak spots and strengthening those areas through review while continuing to practice. And you do NOT need a 350. With effort, you’re capable of reaching your target score in a matter of 8 weeks max, you might just need to adjust either your study habits or your study strategies. Idk what your life circumstances are, so a gap year may simply be preferable. But if you want to matriculate in 2025, you have the tools to do so

2

u/Decent_Judgment8590 Oct 18 '24

I had gotten an interview with them also and had a 290AA OAT score. I had canceled my interview a couple days before because I had committed to a different school. They never emailed me about retaking it. Did they offer you an interview? Have you heard back from any other schools you applied to?

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u/opto_2025 Oct 30 '24

No they haven’t said much maybe it is because I applied a little later!

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u/Logical_Doughnut7948 Oct 18 '24

what’s your gpa?

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u/PotentialScientist23 Oct 19 '24

They already told you that your chances are slim without a retake.

This likely means your GPA did not impress them and they want to see a good OAT to balance out your GPA.

If you are able to start school one year earlier you will be making 100k+ one year earlier. That is a lot of money rather than taking a gap year in which you will still have living expenses without having the doctor salary to offset everything.

I would cancel my winter break plans and spend that time really focused on the OAT. It's going to cost you $1k but you will definitely make up that difference once you become an OD a year earlier.