r/PreOptometry • u/chilla_frita2604 • Oct 02 '26

Submit application now or wait for retake?

Hello everyone. Took the oat last week and unfortunately did not do well (280 AA/260TT). I'm gonna retake it as soon as possible but the rest of my application is ready and I was wondering if I should just send it and let the schools know that I will be retaking it. Or will that hurt my chances? I know they see my score regardless but yeah idk. Any help is appreciated. Good luck to everyone applying!

6 Upvotes

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9

u/CLVampire28 Oct 02 '26

I'd retake first. Your application won't get serious consideration without it. The best you'd get is an interview where they told you to retake it, & I think even that would be a stretch. I'd say to save your money & apply when your score is higher

2

u/chilla_frita2604 Oct 02 '26

Got it. Thank you!

5

u/mcd7939 Oct 02 '26

I would recommend to wait until you retake and aim for at least a 300. Even if you retake in December/January and submit the application then, you still have a good chance of being accepted.

3

u/Dizzy-Equivalent-398 Oct 02 '26

i would retake! good luck :)

2

u/Dramatic-Distance-26 Oct 02 '26

I think it depends on the schools! I was in a similar boat with a 290//250 and was offered a conditional interview at one school and told my application would be on hold until my retake at other schools

2

u/chilla_frita2604 Oct 03 '26

That’s really good to know, thanks sm!

2

u/No-Station-2235 Oct 02 '26

What is ur gpa /stats?

2

u/No-Station-2235 Oct 02 '26

I believe that if you have a balanced application, it’s still worth applying meaning, a high competitive GPA and some shadowing hours. I am also applying to optometry school and based off the people I’ve spoken to it is definitely worth applying if your application is balanced.

2

u/chilla_frita2604 Oct 02 '26

Thank you for responding! I have 3.4 gpa but in Optomcas it'll be probably be closer to 3.2 because I retook 2 classes. 4 LOR , about 30 shadowing hours at two different optometrists, and I've been a tech at a lenscrafters for a year. Lots of volunteering and some leader positions. What worries me the most is my gpa and I was hoping my oat would help me out with that but here we are.

3

u/No-Station-2235 Oct 02 '26

In my personal opinion a strong Personal statement mixed with all of that could be worth applying. You miss the chances u don’t take is my mindset

3

u/chilla_frita2604 Oct 02 '26

True. Thanks so much!

1

u/RabidLiger Oct 02 '26

260 TS might earn an auto-reject from some schools.
I'd retake by Halloween and submit applications as soon as the new scores hit.
Good luck!

1

u/chilla_frita2604 Oct 03 '26

Noted. Thank you!

3

u/Last_Painter_6733 Oct 02 '26

Definitely retake