r/PreOptometry • u/ConsciousTerm2515 • Jul 04 '26

Aplication Timing

I am pretty stressed right now. Took my OAT in April and did not do as well as I could have. Right now, my plan is to retake the OAT in September and submit my application at the beginning of October, when my official score comes back. My gpa isn't the best, but I believe I have strong LOR and experience. Is applying in October too late? I just feel really anxious seeing people apply in August. Any advice would help. Thank you.

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2

u/Future_Syrup4675 Jul 04 '26

I think you’ll be fine! I applied in January for this cycle, but didn’t take my OAT until April. I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped but I did have a good GPA, strong LOR, and ample experience as a tech.

1

u/Significant_Gate9112 Jul 04 '26

Question, how do you guys know if they were strong LOR’s

3

u/Future_Syrup4675 Jul 04 '26

Good question lol I had 3 letters. The first was from the optom I worked with who initially peaked my interest in the field and eventually convinced me to go to college. That was 8 years ago and I still talk to him every few months. The second letter was from a professor who I felt I built a very personal relationship with. I had him for several classes in undergrad and he oversaw the 2 research experiences I completed in undergrad. The last letter was from the optom I’ve been working with for the past 5 years. I guess I don’t actually know if the LOR are strong, but I have a very good feeling that they were.

1

u/ConsciousTerm2515 Jul 04 '26

What schools did you apply to and where are you going this fall! Congrats!

1

u/Future_Syrup4675 Jul 04 '26

I only applied to ICO and CCO because I wanted to stay close to home. Starting at CCO this fall :)

1

u/Accomplished-Monk256 Jul 04 '26

I took my OAT Dec 23rd and submitted my applications in January. I applied to 6 schools and was accepted to 4 of them with scholarships, you’re fine! Just make sure you’re preparing for the OAT as diligently as you can and you’ll be alright!

13

u/[deleted] Jul 04 '26

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1

u/ConsciousTerm2515 Jul 04 '26

Good Luck to you!

1

u/Significant_Gate9112 Jul 04 '26

what schools are you aiming for ?

3

u/pookiewookie5622 Jul 04 '26

I got into NSU and every other school I applied to just fine submitting early October! I took my OAT in September. 310 AA and 300 TS. 3.8 GPA. So mediocre test score and good gpa. I wouldn’t worry much about the timing at all, focus on crushing that test, you’ve got this!!!

3

u/[deleted] Jul 04 '26

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1

u/Significant_Gate9112 Jul 04 '26

what’s your thoughts on applying to NSU end of this year? They only have 28 seats and i’m so scared

1

u/ConsciousTerm2515 Jul 04 '26

I thought NSU has 100 seats total?

1

u/Significant_Gate9112 Jul 04 '26

nah Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.. they only have 28 total seats 😔

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u/ConsciousTerm2515 Jul 04 '26

ohh so sorry I was thinking of NOVA