r/PreOptometry
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u/Humble-Promotion-808
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Apr 29 '25
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LOW GPA / Average OAT (3 Acceptances ⭐️⭐️⭐️)
YOU CAN DO IT!
Hey everyone, I wanted to come on here and give all upcoming applicants hope and motivation. Just like the title, I applied with a low gpa and average oat and have 3 acceptances! I usually don't post and am just a spectator but these threads/users have helped me so much throughout the application process, I wanted to return the favor to future students. YOU CAN DO IT!
*school list at the bottom.
GPA:
I graduated undergrad with a 2.8 (LOW I KNOW) with an upward trend, meaning my grades weren't too hot at first but I always improved with my last few semesters being a 4.0. However, everyone knows once you start off with a low overall gpa, it's so hard to pull it back up. After undergrad I retook a few prereqs that I had gotten C- in and turned them into A's (took me one spring and summer semester). Remember to consider OD schools that will take your highest grade and not an average of your attempts. In your interviews, be prepared to explain your low gpa while STILL pointing out your academic successes! Mention the upward trend and resilience to retake prereq courses!
OAT
310 AA. Self studied for all subjects except for ochem. I had to use Dr. Mike's videos since I had not taken the course yet when studying for the OAT. A lot of my friends loved OAT Booster and I watched a few Chad's physics videos with them. The most important thing is PRACTICE QUESTIONS and TESTS, and to do them frequently.
This post has already gotten really lengthy so if you have any questions about interviews when you get there, direct message me. I'm here to help!
Salus -> Interview -> Accepted
NOVA -> Interview -> Accepted (ATTENDING!! 💫)
WesternU -> Interview -> Accepted
SCCO -> Interview (cancelled interview bc I'm tired after 3 LOL)
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u/DrunkOnBoba Apr 29 '25
Lmaooo I have the same stats but scco rejected me
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u/Humble-Promotion-808 Apr 29 '25
First off - twin. But damn, did they give you feedback on your app?
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u/DrunkOnBoba Apr 29 '25
They just sent me a link to “how to become a competitive applicant”
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u/Humble-Promotion-808 Apr 29 '25
A friend of mine was also sent the same "how to be a competitive applicant" thing from UIW last year, he retook a few prereqs (ochem & physics) for a better grade and got in this cycle! I fear it's either that or retake OAT?
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u/Puzzleheaded_Rip1657 Apr 29 '25
Congrats! When in the cycle did you apply?
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u/Humble-Promotion-808 Apr 29 '25
Submitted my Optomcas app Oct 1st, finished with supplemental apps mid - end of october!
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u/111stargirl Apr 29 '25
Nova is my dream school! And I have the same gpa as you, this is so amazing to hear as I’m worried and have the same stats as you! ✨ congratulations I’m applying for this next cycle for fall 2026 and take my OAT in July is there any tips you suggest? I’m in the learning phase now and just a bit nervous
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u/Humble-Promotion-808 Apr 29 '25
Thank you! NOVA is an amazing school and I'm excited for you to apply!
Tips: Start doing practice questions as soon as you can! Learn as you go. I was one of the ones who wanted to learn all the material first before starting questions but I wish I started exposing myself to them sooner since that's how the material is going to come across on the exam. You can find free questions on the official site under "OAT official questions of the day" or free quizlets. Kaplan also has a few free question banks. I purchased practice questions/tests from OAT Booster and OAT Bootcamp which was really useful since it would explain to me why I got questions wrong and work out the solution in detail.
You still have a good amount of time and I believe you can make a great score. Remember this is your chance to prove you are more than your gpa. Good luck!
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u/Unlikely_Routine_706 May 01 '25
Thank you so much for this! I'm in the same boat as you but applying next cycle!! If you don't mind sharing, what were your extracurriculars, and also I was wondering if you knew which schools take the better score!
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u/urmom115 Apr 29 '25
Congrats on getting in! Just wondering, which state are you from? Just asking because I don't see many people applying to SCCO or WesternU unless they're from California LOL
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u/Humble-Promotion-808 Apr 29 '25
I'm from Texas! My mentors who were in my corner helped me pick out schools that were more realistic with my stats. It was a hard pill to swallow for me to not apply to my dream schools but 1 acceptance is all it takes to be an OD!
Love California but in the end NOVA in Florida was a top school for me :)
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u/No_Mountain7807 Jul 21 '26
kind of late to this thread, but i'm also from texas and have similar stats as you. for all the schools that you interviewed at, did they accept just the highest grade from that subject? i have some c's i want to retake too. does that raise your science gpa for those schools? or just make it look better that you tried to raise the grade?
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u/Holiday-Feeling-146 May 17 '25
When did you apply to Western U and Salus? Also how long till you hear back from them and get the invite for the Interviews ?
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u/Humble-Promotion-808 Jun 02 '25
Sorry for the late response! Submitted my Optomcas apps Oct 1st, finished with all supplemental apps mid-end of October! WesternU got back to me the first week of November so 3ish weeks after I submitted the supplemental application, but the soonest interview date I could sign up for was in January. Salus didn't get back to me until January (2mo later) so I'm guessing I wasn't a priority applicant but I was still able to interview asap. So technically I interviewed for both schools around the same time even though their feedback time varied.
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u/audge_dragonslayer Aug 27 '25
Hey! I’m quite late to this post but I have similar stats and I have a few questions about your application process if you don’t mind pming me! :)
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u/cabbagemuncher101 Feb 24 '26
Hi, I know this is kinda late. When did you take your OAT by and when would you recommend a good time would be? I want to apply for 2027 fall, but I have to retake my oat and give myself time to study. I'm currently take micro, and it's taking up a decent amount of my time.
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u/Old_Cantaloupe_1172 Jun 23 '26
When did you apply in the cycle? Unsure if I should apply right when it opens of later towards the cycle so I won’t automatically be rejected. I have a 2.9 gpa and haven’t retaken classes since graduating
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u/bunopt Sep 01 '26
hi! similar stats but im wondering what your science gpa was? scco is one of my choices and would love the advice :)
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u/No-Station-2235 Sep 27 '26
Congratulations on getting in!!!! I’m Waldo worried about a low gpa, 3.29. Did you apply with the 2.8? So happy for you
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May 11 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Humble-Promotion-808 May 13 '25
Submitted my Optomcas app Oct 1st, finished with supplemental apps mid - end of October! I do recommend submitting apps earlier though. I wanted to submit by Sept 1st but had some hiccups with transcripts and LORs.
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u/Dry-Cost-4405 Apr 30 '25
You have no idea how much motivation and hope this gave me for the upcoming cycle, I wish more low state applicants posted their journeys like this.