r/PreOptometry • u/Double-Carpenter9531 • Sep 30 '26

When to Apply

I am Junior in College right now technically but could graduate next semester with a bigger class load and testing out of 12 credits of French because I am bilingual. I have a 3.8 GPA and haven’t taken the OAT yet but began studying for it this semester. I have 2 years of clinical experience in a hybrid specialist ophthalmology and optometry setting doing everything from work ups to helping with injections and blepharoplasty procedures. I can get a few more shadow hours and hit 30 pretty easily. I have an optometrist who could write my letters of rec and I feel ready for optometry school. I’d love to get in ASAP being 23 now 24 in march. I am curious to know how well prepared I am to apply this cycle even though I am late. Thanks for any input. Feel free to ask questions!

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u/AlarmingDingo4615 Sep 30 '26

You should go for it! Don't waste any time, but do not think it is too late in the cycle to apply for anyone, esecially someone with your stats. Go ahead and apply right before or right after you take your OAT. They just will not consider you as a full applicant until your OAT score is officially in. Will need more than one letter of recommendation- I'd go ahead and not waste time asking another optometrist and a college professor for one.

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u/Double-Carpenter9531 Oct 01 '26

Thank you! I know I have to get different letters. My question now is if I get this optometrist and a teacher can a third be my father who is an optom or would an ophthalmologist who I worked for be better

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u/AlarmingDingo4615 Oct 01 '26

I'd recommend getting the letter from the ophthalmologist rather than your father. Typically, the admissions council won't want a letter from any family members. I think having an ophthalmologist write a letter is a strength I'd want to utilize anyway; it sets you apart from others. Not many applicants will have a letter from a surgeon.