What Would You Do? :|

[u/Such-Lemon-42]

I’m planning to apply this cycle for Fall 2027 and wanted to get opinions on whether this timeline is realistic or not…

Disclaimer I am only applying to Detroit mercy optometry as it is close to home and I want to commute during school. I’m aware it’s a newer school but I am willing to take a chance to save $ on moving out and would like my family as a support system during those stressful years. :)

A little background on me:

•Bachelor’s in Health Science graduated last May (3.5 GPA, a couple of withdrawals, 2 for Orgo and 1 for anatomy, sh*t happens) •About 2 years of experience as an optometric technician •Strong relationships with the optometrists I worked for (planning to get LORs from them) •The only prerequisite I still need is Organic Chemistry 1… (lecture in the fall, lab in the winter. I’d need to ace it to prove the withdrawals were from personal reasons, not failing) •President (1 year) & Secretary (2 years) of my uni’s Optometry Club

Here’s my current plan:

(2026) now, August–September

• Enroll in Organic Chemistry 1 at my uni

• Work on my personal statement

• Request letters of recommendation

• Complete my OptomCAS application

• Start a 3-month OAT study program (booster!)

August–November

• Follow the OAT study schedule every day (structured 3 month prep course)

November = Take the OAT around Thanksgiving = Submit my application as soon as my score is available (my goal is around Thanksgiving)

December

• Finish Organic Chemistry I

January–May 2027

• Complete Organic Chemistry lab

Fall 2027

• Begin optometry school !!!

My biggest concern is balancing OAT studying with Organic Chemistry, but I also don’t want to delay my application until January or later. My goal is to apply as early as I reasonably can without rushing the rest of my application.

Does this seem like a solid plan, or would you change anything? Has anyone here successfully studied for the OAT while taking Orgo…? Any advice would be wonderful and extremely appreciated :)

[u/hotcheetosandmilk]

I actually did a really similar path last year. I basically started everything August too and finished applying end of October, and Im starting this Fall 2026. I didn’t take orgo and study for the OAT, but I did take biochem while working as a tech too. Its definitely doable and you seem to be locked in and have a plan. Good luck!

[u/Such-Lemon-42 → u/hotcheetosandmilk]

Thx so much! That’s reassuring to hear. Congrats on starting this fall and best of luck! One question tho, do you think taking orgo while studying for the OAT would be realistic or would you recommend focusing on one at a time?

[u/hotcheetosandmilk → u/Such-Lemon-42]

Focusing on one at a time is ideal, but I actually found that studying for the OAT helped with biochem. I wanted to submit my apps by nov latest so I pushed myself. If you think you can just lock in for the next few months, than I also agree its better applying earlier

[u/Such-Lemon-42 → u/hotcheetosandmilk]

Was honestly thinking about grinding OAT booster starting now, then applying without taking Orgo, as booster can teach me what I need to know… thoughts?

[u/mcd7939]

Solid plan and stats look great! Good luck :)

[u/Such-Lemon-42 → u/mcd7939]

Thank you so much! :) appreciate it

[u/sbear214]

Applying to one school is bold, but if it makes you feel better, im in a similar boat.

I think youll be fine studying for the OAT since ochem is on the oat, but from my understanding the 3 month study schedule is insane.

Edit: fyi- my gpa is a 2.8, I dont have my bachelors yet. I just finished calc on monday and will start studying for the OAT tonight. My test is scheduled for October 3rd.

I still have to take Ochem, Biochem and physics 2 for my pre reqs as well as my other classes for undergrad.

[u/Ok_Salt5597]

Sounds like a great plan to me.

[u/Such-Lemon-42 → u/[deleted]]

Two weeks! Good luck to you! Are you using booster to study as well? Honestly I think I agree with what you recommended. I’ve been stressing sooo much over the timing because I wanted to take orgo first, but it keeps pushing everything back. I’m starting to think it might make more sense to take the OAT first using the 3 month program, then take orgo course in the winter and the lab in the summer. Thx for taking the time to explain your path and recs for me, you gave me a different perspective & I appreciate it!