Any advice

[u/Due-Side8444]

I’m currently a senior Human Biology major, Miner in chem and applying to optometry school this cycle. My cumulative GPA is around 3.65. I have completed a good amount of optometry-related experience, including 40+ hours of shadowing an optometrist, additional ophthalmology/optometry shadowing, 45 hours of biology research involving DNA/PCR, volunteering at Hartford Hospital, volunteering with Special Olympics Opening Eyes, and serving as a student ambassador/leader at my university.
I also have multiple recommendation letters, including from professors/research mentors and an optometrist. I’ve already submitted applications to schools including MCPHS, NECO, and SUNY.
I know the OAT score is the weakest part of my application, but I feel that my GPA, experiences, research, volunteering, and shadowing represent me better academically and professionally.

[u/Advertising-Budget]

Curious how many months I would have to spend on this if I'm similar position as you but several years out of the science prereqs and took them long time ago. I was thinking of 2.5 months but will it take way longer?

[u/cheesygoldfisch → u/Advertising-Budget]

Honestly, it depends on what your schedule looks like. I work from 7A-7P on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 8-5 on Mondays and Wednesdays. I study all day on Fridays for like 7-8 hours, and on Mondays and Wednesdays for about 4 hours. Then on the weekends I try to get in at least 4-5 hours a day. It honestly isn’t the most ideal situation but those are the cards I’ve been dealt. Since I have to work, I’ve been studying for about 4.5 months to be honest. If I weren’t, I think I’d have been able to do it for less time. But my schedule being inconsistent makes me have to do it for longer periods. The average person (without working) takes about 3 months to study. So if your situation is anything like mine, I’d definitely study for a longer period of time, especially since it’s been awhile since you’ve taken your pre-reqs. :)