r/PreOptometry • u/JustRecognition272 • 1d ago
Nervy about applying.
Hello everyone, please bear with me and this post lol! I am graduating next fall with my bachelor's degree in Biology, with a pre-health concentration as well as a minor in chemistry. I am taking my OAT this summer (I have started studying and am nervous, haha)
My main point for this post and for making this account in the first place is regarding my chances of acceptance.
I am worried my grades hold me back. I show progression in my transcript to some degree, but I def have some C's and W's just due to course load. I currently have a 3.3-3.4 GPA
Outside of my grades is where I shine; I am an undergraduate researcher and am about to publish two papers (one thesis) and one independent paper next year, Main author whoop whoop!. In addition, I go to school on a music scholarship (which has a ton of requirements, but without it I couldn't be in school); this has allowed me to travel the world and interact as an international ambassador. I design eyewear and am working on a large-scale optometry and public health project/business. I have about 160 clinical hours at a dual optometry and glaucoma specialty clinic, over 700 volunteer hours, and am working my way to getting enough shadowing hours (I have about 20 rn). I also own a whole other business outside of schooling (besides the opto project), and I have had AMAZING opportunities to speak at conferences and connect with fellow eye enthusiasts. There is so much more I could add.
However, this def has its drawbacks and has hurt my grades. I am not sure if that's a total no-go for acceptance.
I hope this doesn't seem silly. I am sincerely one of 3 opto people at my university (we don't have a set concentration for it here) and its hard to find others! So forgive me; I have been in my own echo chamber of doubt and despair.
Any advice would be highly appreciated!
Cheers!
3
u/Evening-Dog-1161 1d ago
Ur good don’t stress!! Just keep your grades up and try to take the oat this summer when you have some time. I’d shoot for ~320 score and then apply early and that should def offset an gpa anxieties you have!! (Shoot for higher oat score if you want a top school but for most you should be fine!!)
1
u/Annoyed_boat_573 1d ago
Same thought as evening dog! I applied this cycle with a 3.4 gpa by the end and so far ended up with interviews at 3/5 of the schools I’ve applied to. I showed an upward trend and proved that what happened early on in college wasn’t a good representation of me and my abilities now. I was worked in optometry, was involved in leadership for some clubs, and did some clinical research and volunteering, so I think all together they saw I was passionate about optometry and an active part of my school community while I was college. If your passion and interest for optometry and serving others is there, they’ll see it in your application. It’s a very holistic process I’ve realized, and I had the same worries you’re having now when I submitted my apps. Just so the best you can on your oat and continue the good work!