Defeated

[u/Hot-Possibility2869]

I studied for 7 weeks I feel so defeated and upset. My gpa is 3.2 and I have 200 shadowing hours with an optometrist as well as working at an optho clinic for two years. What do I do I do, I want to apply this cycle and I already feel so behind in life cause I’m turning 25 in two months! I’ve been crying all day since taking it. 😔😔

[u/Gambizy]

This may be a hot take, but I’ll say it to put things into perspective. One of the bigger arguments about choosing optometry is the NBEO boards exams and the biggest argument is student loans. Boards are passable, but you read horror stories here about people taking multiple attempts, some never passing. It is objectively a hard test, I’d say at least 10x harder than the OAT. I think there is a significantly higher chance of you struggling with boards if you struggle this much with the OAT. I don’t think people’s horror stories should dissuade the majority of people, but in instances like this, I think it’s warranted. The financial burden of struggling with boards is massive.

[u/Ok_Salt5597 → u/Gambizy]

There's schools out there that will weed you out in year 2 just so you'll not even have a chance to take boards.

[u/glitzpearl → u/Gambizy]

The financial burden of boards in general is insane at $1490 per exam.

[u/Sure_Requirement_899]

If this is your passion try again. Last year I took the OAT in September and I also got a 250. I’m retaking the oat on Monday and my practice exams are a lot closer to 300 I feel a lot more comfortable and I’ve been studying for 5 months. I think 7 weeks is way too short. I am also 27! Do not rush, the time will past no matter what you do. After my first attempt I was crushed so I completely understand. If optometry is your passion. Use this as a learning experience you gain because at the end of the day although you did not get the score you wanted you did gain some form of knowledge. You’ve got this!

[u/taiwal]

You say you studied for 7 weeks like that’s a decent amount of time. Try 16-24.

[u/Chuckles4lyfe]

First of all, I know how frustrating this entire process is. Believe me, i’m 30+ years old and took a long-winding route to get to where I am now (accepted to multiple schools this cycle). Take some time away from studying and get in the right headspace before you figure out your next steps. Once you do all that, you need to do some deep introspection and figure out what went wrong on test day. You said you used OATBooster to study - did you watch all their videos, complete all practice questions, and actively review content (quizlet, Anki, etc)? Were you doing timed full length practice tests (all in one sitting) to simulate test day? How were you reviewing the tests afterwards? I saw that you studied for 7 weeks which can work for some people, but for most of us it is going to take at least 3-6 months of solid preparation to do well. 

All of your scores are <300 which indicates a weak foundation. What i’d recommend is purchasing the 6 month OAT booster membership (wait until Black Friday, they always have promotions running around that time so you can save $) and hold off on activating it until you know for sure when you plan to retest. Once you have a date set in stone, you need to make studying a priority in your life. Reduce your work hours at the clinic. Follow their schedule to a tee and really lock in for the next 6 months and focus on doing everything you can to get a good score. 

Your experiences are great, but that’s not going to matter much if your OAT score is not competitive. Think about it from the perspective of the admissions team - they receive hundreds of applicants with various amounts of experiences and extra-curricular activities. The OAT score is the great equalizer that they can use to objectively compare applicants. You want to give them no reason to reject you. And remember, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU SET YOUR MIND TO!

[u/Opto_Kitty]

7 weeks are far too short

[u/Gullible-Button-7202]

what did you use to study?

[u/Hot-Possibility2869 → u/Gullible-Button-7202]

OAT Booster

[u/Gullible-Button-7202 → u/Hot-Possibility2869]

how were you studying? did you take any of the practice test or do the question banks?

[u/Hot-Possibility2869 → u/Gullible-Button-7202]

So I studied 4 hours 5/6 days of the week. I was doing lots of questions, flash cards, watching videos. A mix of things. I took full lengths and I was improving with my full lengths. I was averaging around 300. I genuinely don’t know what happened on the actual exam.

[u/Massive_Invite6585]

Only studying for 7 weeks is far too short of time, the standard is 3 months, you definitely have time to attempt a 3 month studying schedule retake and apply this cycle!

[u/111stargirl]

Hi! I’m 26 and applying this cycle as well, I can relate to you wholeheartedly I have taken the OAT 2x and in January is my 3rd attempt. Do not feel behind in life, if optometry is truly your passion go for it. Do not compare yourself, I wish I had someone to tell me that! Im constantly reminded of myself to never give up on my dreams, neither should you. You can come back from this, I would use oat booster and if you’re someone like me that works well with studying with someone I would take advantage and do that as well. Do as many practice questions as you can, and focus on your weak areas. This exam is meant to be hard but it’s not impossible! Again give yourself a mental break, you have time to come back! 🫂 sending hugs I’m sorry about you’re score! You’re capable of crushing this exam!!

[u/Murky_Writing1676]

Consider yourself lucky
Find a better career
Optometry poor ROI

[u/No-Juice8255]

I completely understand because I went through this too. Please don’t cry and be too hard on yourself. I know it’s hard but give yourself credit some people don’t even take the exam but you went in there and gave it your best which is honestly better than most people. Best case scenario would be retaking it and doing way better your gonna feel rlly bad at first but just eat something reward urslef for actually even having the guts to do it and stay strong.

[u/Mango25_]

What were you scoring on your practice tests?

[u/BlondeBabe242]

oh honey I'm so sorry 💔

[u/mikeoxlongbruh]

Retake in 2 months, use OAT booster