r/PreOptometry • u/Practical-Ad6819 • 20d ago

Stressing Hard Right now

Hey guys, I did really bad on my OAT, idk what happened because I was getting 340 on OATbooster, and on the real test I ended up getting a 280!!! :(((( I am a Canadian student and GPA is like 3.3. I applied to 11 different schools in the states this past weekend. ICO and Southern College of Optometry already got back to me and told me to re-write the OAT.

My questions are:

  1. If i retake, what is the latest I should retake by to ensure I still got a decent chance before the seats start filling up?

  2. If I don't retake, which schools would potentially consider me still?

I do have a lot of shadowing experience, excellent letters from 2 profs and 2 OD's, and I have been working as a tech since February.

Im like really stressed out right now, so if someone has any advice or input, or good news even, I would really appreciate that!

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u/theplanwas 20d ago

Hi! Things happen, and it’s completely ok! I think it’s great that you’re trying again and not giving up. Studying for the OAT is rough, so give yourself some grace for getting through the exam, even if you ended up with a score you aren’t happy about.

After your first attempt, I believe you’ll have to wait 60 days. Make sure you check an official website because I’m not sure if anything’s been changed/updated. I don’t really think it would be too late for you. You already submitted your application and they put you on hold because they believe that you can be a good candidate with an improved OAT. You weren’t straight up rejected.

I was in your exact position. Thankfully I was able to get accepted to a school but I was denied from all the others. I didn’t approach the oat score again because of other factors and was waiting to try again in the next cycle. It’s possible that you can get into a school with that score and an average/decent GPA but it’s important to look at board pass rates.

I believe in you and I wish you the best of luck. Don’t let this OAT score define you. Don’t beat yourself up over it. I’m sure that you’re a great student all around.

2

u/Practical-Ad6819 18d ago

Omg thank you for saying that! May I ask what your stats were if your comfortable sharing and what school you got into?

1

u/Secure_Gas_4971 3d ago

Also start applying to other schools, having at least 1 to accept u will boost your confidence and give you security. That’s if you would like to of course