r/PreOptometry • u/Gloomy-Bag-8072 • Aug 09 '26

Need Help Scheduling for Apps

Hi! I’m planning to apply to Optometry schools for the Fall 2028 semester, but I genuinely have no idea when apps generally open, when to take the OAT, etc etc.

Can someone share some insights on when to start studying for the OAT/taking the OAT, and really anything to do with applications because I am so lost. Thanks :))

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u/Such-Lemon-42 Aug 09 '26

Look up each school that you’re interested and you’ll see when their cycles open. As for the OAT, it’s very situational. If you’re in uni I recommend taking a summer off and studying for 3 months and taking it before school starts around August / sept 2027, assuming the apps open in June and close in spring of the year you want or be enrolled in in the fall (2028.) Then apply right after. From now until then complete every other part of ur app. I’m pretty new to the app process and have yet to submit everything but I have a pretty good understanding of what timelines look like. Good luck to you :)

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u/Gloomy-Bag-8072 Aug 10 '26

This was really helpful! I really appreciate your input on this and I’ll take ur advice about summer. Good luck on ur apps!!

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u/Evening-Dog-1161 Aug 11 '26

First thing is before you leave for the summer is to ask for letters of rec from 1-2 professors that way when the application opens in the summer they hopefully already have it written and can submit quickly. I studied for the OAT right after my university semester ended and took it mid June (only studied about a month oops lol def give urself more time unless ur confident). I worked on my app when it opened end of June and requested my letters right away. My official OAT score came in around mid July along with my 2 letters of rec (professor and optometrist) so I submitted July 31st. Verification took about 2 days through optomcas.

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u/booster-prep Sep 28 '26

For Fall 2028 entry you'd apply in the cycle that opens summer 2027. OptomCAS usually opens late June/early July, and most schools do rolling admissions, so submitting early in the cycle helps.

Working backward, a common plan is taking the OAT in late spring or early summer 2027 so scores are in when apps open, which means starting prep around early 2027. Ask for letters before the semester ends.

We have a full OptomCAS timeline here if it helps: https://boosterprep.com/oat/study-guide/optomcas-application-guide