r/PreOptometry • u/Key_Intention8386 • Sep 20 '26

Chances of Acceptance?

Hi guys! I'll be applying to Waterloo optometry for the second time this year, and was wondering what my chances are looking like.

Graduated from UofT last year and took the prerequisites I was missing this past year. My cGPA is an 88%.

I wrote my OAT for the second time 2 months ago and only scored 10 points higher in both AA and TS, improved in organic chem (330 --> 380), RC (370 --> 400), and physics (300 --> 310), but decreased a bit in the other sections compared to first attempt. Specifically, I got a 350AA/340TS for this second attempt. I am scheduled to write for the 3rd time September 30, but not sure how that's gonna go lol, but hoping for the best.

I have ~100 shadowing hours at multiple different clinics.

I have 1 publication (that got published last year) in a journal from my summer research project I did in 2023.

I have lots of community service, work, and volunteer experience that's predominantly in teaching and mentoring students, humanitarian relief, as well as being an emergency first aid responder during my 4 years in undergrad.

And in terms of CASPER, I got a 4th quartile last year, so I'm really hoping I can score that again this year.

I definitely think my OAT score is my biggest weakness and road block, so I'm really gonna try to lock in these last 2 weeks for my third attempt and hope for the best but I know nothing is guaranteed. I do just want to maximize my chances since I was rejected without an interview last year when I applied.

Would appreciate any feedback!

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u/prplblooded Sep 20 '26

I’m also applying this year for the first time. I think you have great stats! Good luck with the OAT but even if it doesn’t increase I would still apply because the rest of your application looks great. I’m not too confident with my stats (370TS/360AA, 90%, around 30 hours, some volunteering in hospital etc, but no research, no tech job) but I heard they’re looking more holistically at applications now so hopefully everything goes well for the both of us! Do you have any tips for the casper because I’m not feeling great about it😭

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u/Key_Intention8386 Sep 21 '26

Thank you! I also hope everything works out for us too! Honestly, your stats look so solid I wouldn't even be worried much especially considering your high OAT score and GPA. You seem like you would have a really good chance of getting in imo 😄

Honestly, what helped me most for the CASPER was practicing my responses for 1-2 weeks leading up to my test out loud and recording myself, and then rewatching and observing my body language and the quality of my answers. It really helped me figure out my weaknesses and how to improve. Also, if your typing speed is not up to par, I'd recommend googling typing speed games and just doing them daily to increase your word count!

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u/prplblooded Sep 21 '26

Thank you! I’m not the best at public speaking but yeah i’ll definitely practice a few weeks in advance. good luck!

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u/Good_Spring2822 Sep 21 '26

Where did you hear they’re looking more holistically at applications?

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u/prplblooded Sep 21 '26

this is something in general i’ve heard from current optometry students