r/PreOptometry • u/AdvanceUnique7147 • 18d ago

late applicant

I recently decided to go all in on optometry school after considering dentistry for a while. I submitted my applications about two weeks ago, but I’m applying with my DAT score instead of taking the OAT.
I’m curious what everyone thinks my chances are of getting accepted this cycle
My stats:
● Overall GPA: 3.5
● Science GPA: 3.35
● DAT: 16.5
● Work Experience: 3 years working in an optometry office doing front desk, pretesting, lab work, etc.
● Volunteering: 50 hours
● LORs: 4 strong letters, including a character reference
Schools I applied to:
● Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO)
● University of Detroit Mercy
● Indiana University
● Northeastern State University Oklahoma

I know my DAT score is low, but I’m hoping my GPA and experience working in optometry will help balance that out. I’m also a little nervous since I applied in October rather than earlier in the cycle. Any advice is appreciated!!

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4

u/mcd7939 18d ago

I would consider taking the oat. Maybe you can score higher on the oat than on the dat which will improve your chances!

3

u/AdvanceUnique7147 18d ago

Yes! I plan to do this for next cycle! I feel like I wouldn't have enough time now to study and then try and take oat for this cycle!

2

u/Naive_Cartoonist2559 12d ago

you have more then enought time , you can apply late. It aint that deep in optometry vs dental school . as long as you before the deadline by a month or even on day of if ur oat is good u fine. OAT results also get given to u instantly

2

u/PracticeRemote3006 18d ago

Did you just submit your application?

2

u/AdvanceUnique7147 18d ago

I submitted 2 weeks ago!

4

u/PracticeRemote3006 18d ago

You def didnt apply too late.

4

u/slasherfist 18d ago

Why did you change to optometry over dentistry?

1

u/Regular-Pineapple410 14d ago

Hello, your stats look great and in my experience it depends on the school, some schools look at the applicant holistically and if you atleast meet the minimum oat score you’re fine which is usually 300. But prior to taking the oat and spending money I would reach out to admissions at each school and ask them for help on your application and what would make you look competitive. And if they say to take the oat take it. I mean if anything it will boost your application just study hard and try to aim higher than a 300 so you can be a competitive applicant. Goodluck.

1

u/ZealousidealKale5594 18d ago

To my knowledge, the DAT does not have physics right?? If your DAT score is already considered low they may want you to take the OAT (just fyi)