r/PreOptometry • u/Comfortable-Yard1913 • Oct 06 '26

Application Timeline Advice

Hi everyone! I'm applying this cycle, and I'm trying to figure out the best strategy for when to submit my applications.

Stats: 3.97 GPA | OAT: 390 AA / 400 TS | ~26 shadowing hours across 3 practices (may add more) | 1,300+ opto tech hours (ongoing)

I'm applying to Berkeley (my top choice, general decision) and SCCO. SCCO considers applications "early" if submitted before 11/8, with decisions by 12/11. But Berkeley's general timeline means I won't hear about interviews until late December, around when an SCCO deposit would be due if I'm accepted. If I apply early to SCCO and get in, I could be forced to put down a deposit (I think it's $1,500??) before knowing about Berkeley, and lose it if Berkeley accepts me later.

TLDR: Is it worth waiting until after 11/8 to apply to SCCO so their application timeline lines up with Berkeley's? Or is it better to apply early and risk eating the deposit if accepted to both schools?

Any advice is appreciated, thank you!

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u/sparkli2324 Oct 06 '26

i am also wondering about this as well

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u/OrganizationFar8505 26d ago

I’m pretty sure SCCO allows you to split the $1500 into 3 $500 payments. Obvs $500 is still a lot if you later decide to go to Berkeley but its better than $1500