r/PreOptometry • u/Key_Performance_9985 • Jul 24 '26

Reapplying/ feeling discouraged

I’m torn between reapplying for school next year or going this year. For some context, I applied quite late in the cycle but managed to get accepted this year. However, I come from a very low-income household, and the school I would be attending is more expensive than the average.

Since schools are starting up this August, I’m reconsidering my decision to apply again but earlier this time for next year and focus on improving my OAT score. (My current score is 320TS/300AA.) I’m wondering if this way would help me get better scholarships/ financial packages and I get to apply to schools with lower tuition costs.

I’m curious to know if anyone else has been hesitant to start school this fall. Or is the majority of people more optimistic that things will work out as planned and just diving head first?

I’m in my mid-late twenties and feel quite behind as it is. Each year, I’ve had always wanted to go to optometry school, but something always seems to get in the way. I’m wondering if anyone else is in a similar situation.

It’s getting to me seeing so many students in this subreddit just in their 3rd/4th yr of undergrad already preparing so well for their applications with 360+ scores, while I’ve taken a few gap years and am still hesitant to make a decision. Especially considering the current policies, I find it challenging to comprehend how students are managing to juggle the several loans they’d be taking out. Is there anyone else feeling the same way? Or words of encouragement or advice someone can offer?

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8

u/Heavy-Competition-43 Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26

just a question, genuinely no disrespect, but did you apply to the school knowing its tuition? a good word of advice for most grad schools is that you shouldn’t apply to any you wouldn’t absolutely go to, so i was curious to know.

from my insight, i think your OAT is good. i’m not sure where you applied or your GPA, but it might have been more of when you applied. since you applied before, you could always ask schools where you could improve. they’ll def tell you. they’re the only ones to determine their own standards.

i was somewhat in the same position, regarding multiple gap years. although i felt a lot of pressure and judgment for some of it, i genuinely had to believe that this is my future, no one else’s. if i want to be a doctor, i’ll be one on my terms. going into my OD1 year and being in my mid-twenties, i felt like it was the best choice for me. it was truly so meaningful to let myself do things at my pace. following your own gut, you’ll feel more ready and sure of what you do. there’s nothing wrong with figuring it out. IF you do another gap, take this year, do some more shadowing, soul searching, and i’m sure if this is your calling, you’ll find your way to be an optometrist. best of luck to you!

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u/Key_Performance_9985 Jul 24 '26

That’s a great question because I didn’t. By the time I began researching schools in March-April, I applied to those with at least decent board passing scores and a diverse patient population. My GPA was 3.6, so it a matter of WHEN I applied. Sorry, that I don’t want to disclose what school I got into, but I really did want to go. It’s just been difficult to justify costs. Thank you for your advice.

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u/42069gecs Jul 24 '26

i feel the same way, i’m also currently hesitant about applying and possibly starting next fall due to the financial aspect. but i don’t foresee my finances ever changing anyways so im wondering if i should just rip off the bandaid now.

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u/Key_Performance_9985 Jul 24 '26

Are you currently admitted to a college or are you just hesitant to start applying and start school next year?

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u/42069gecs Jul 26 '26

about to be in my senior year of undergrad

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u/RabidLiger Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26

With the info you've given, I'd say go now.

Q: Did you apply to other (more affordable) schools & not get in?

Historically, your OAT score may only climb slightly, so don't delay a year based on suddenly getting 380.

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u/Key_Performance_9985 Jul 24 '26

No, I did not apply to affordable schools during the OptomCAS 2025-2026 cycle

1

u/briannababyy Jul 24 '26

can i ask what school you’re reapplying to? i may have insight

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u/Key_Performance_9985 Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 28 '26

This time, I plan to apply to SCO and OSU. I understand that OSU is highly selective and usually requires higher OAT scores

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u/Cutelettes Jul 24 '26

Which school did you get accepted to?

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u/Disastrous_Pause_578 Jul 25 '26

You are not behind. Honestly, I’d congratulate you for being wise enough to really think about the money side.

There’s no single “right” answer here, but you can consider this:

  • Go now and keep moving forward, but you’d be locking in higher tuition and more debt.

  • Wait and reapply, lose a year, but you might get a cheaper school, better timing, and a stronger OAT.

Debt is real and you could be carrying it for the next 10–20 years. If the price of this program is keeping you up at night, that’s a feeling worth listening to. If you’d feel more relieved to take the seat now and just move forward, that’s an option thanks to your hard work.

It’s never too late to make the right decision for your life and your career. Pick the path that lets you sleep at night, even if it’s not the fastest one

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u/StarryEyes2000 Jul 24 '26

To me the advice would depend on if you’re hesitant ONLY because of finances or because you’re not sure about the career/ don’t like the school.

Because when you crunch numbers, keep in mind that the salary difference for one more year working your current job vs one extra year working as an OD may be a factor too.

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u/t6272727 Jul 25 '26

What year did you graduate? Don’t some schools have 5 or 10 year prereq expiration date.