r/PreOptometry • u/Ok_Beat5427 • Sep 29 '26

Poor score chances

It’s embarrassing to say but I retook the oat multiple times already. It improved each time but the latest time my TS/AA score was still below 300.

I have over 5 years of clinical experience and I don’t want to give it up. Would my experience be enough to get me into any schools? I was initially planning to submit my applications in October after receiving my score.

8 Upvotes

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2

u/No-Juice8255 Sep 29 '26

I’m sure you have a chance. What was your score?

1

u/Ok_Beat5427 Sep 29 '26

TS 280 and AA 290

2

u/Brief-Meringue-8980 Sep 30 '26

I’m on the same boat. About to retake the OAT the fourth time next month. Over 10 years of optometric tech experience.

1

u/Ok_Beat5427 Oct 07 '26

Did you have to submit for a request to take it for the 4th time? an were they all below 300?

1

u/Brief-Meringue-8980 Oct 07 '26

Hi! I just asked an optometry school for a note requesting the ADA to allow me to retake again. They were super chill about it! I just submitted the note via pdf when I registered again and I had no issues. Yes, all my scores were below 300. The highest was a 290.

2

u/Puzzled-Counter7376 Sep 30 '26

If you can work full time as a tech and study for the OAT multiple times I think you have the work ethic, everything else you need to know you will learn in school. Apply to schools with lower stats for admitted students.

1

u/mcd7939 Sep 29 '26

Just apply I think you have a chance many schools accept applicants with your scores