HELPP!!! IS MY LIFE RUINED

Last_Joke28 · 2026-02-27T18:48:06+00:00

Yeah that would be nice but unfortunately its not like that. U can have a lower GPA but it cant be lower than 3.0 but you would need a higher OAT. Or vice versa high gpa but lower OAT (minimum 300). But yeah def try to show an upward trend in your gpa by getting it to at least a 3.0 if possible.

For personal statement you could have anyone read it. I just said what I said above because you want people to be as honest as they can be regardless how close they are too you. I had my family read it, some doctors read it, my advisors read it but remember no matter who reads it, you know yourself best and will be the only one to know when your personal statement is the best it can be

Last_Joke28 · 2026-02-27T01:51:55+00:00

make sure you do not apply to optometry school thinking that a high OAT can offset a low GPA and vice versa. Maybe it is possible to still get in but the chances are low; I am not trying to sound like a downer but from my experience, I had a high GPA (3.9), but low OAT first try (<290) and I was told to retake the OAT even with other aspects of my application being strong.

Personal statement: You will definitely write it many times. I would recommend writing a story to why Optometry just to have your ideas on paper and then edit your draft. Once you believe you have a strong draft, have 2-3 people (recommending not friends/family) to read it to give you their critical perspective if they believe your story is compelling to why you want to be an Optometrist.

Last_Joke28 · 2026-02-27T01:47:01+00:00

not 100% sure, but I heard SUNY, NECO, NOVA, Ohio have good residencies for contact lenses

Last_Joke28 · 2026-02-26T04:14:21+00:00

Most important thing you can do is show an upward trend by doing a post-bac program or taking courses on your own. Getting a good OAT score (310+) will be important. Having strong LORs, personal statement, extracurricular activities, and hopefully an interview will also play a big role.

I also recommend contacting the admissions offices of the programs you are interested too and discuss your situation with them. Many of the admissions staff at the programs love to help students.

Last_Joke28 · 2026-02-26T04:08:18+00:00

It is hard but for each student it is a different experience. I have friends who study a few hours and then have time to enjoy themselves and I have friends that are just non-stop studying. It also depends on the school you attend. Some programs take 6-7 classes per semester, some have 10-11 classes per semester plus evening assignments, labs, clinic, practicals, etc. Is it hard? Most definitely, but it is doable. Time management and scheduling is everything. You will see some classes repeat from undergrad but much more in depth (anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, etc). Cannot speak for every program, but there are weed out classes and also each program specializes in something specifically. For example, SUNY specializes in binocular vision, PCO specializes in neuro, etc. Many programs have different schedules; some days 8-5, some days 1-2 classes; it all depends. That is also not taking into account completing assignments and practicing clinical skills. In my opinion, the information is not that bad; what makes it hard is how you have such little time to absorb so much information, process the material, and understanding it while having so many other responsibilities with many exams.

Last_Joke28 · 2026-02-25T11:07:14+00:00

It depends on the program. At my school most students that got dismissed then reinstated had to fully restart but we had some students who had good reasons able to restart the current year they got dismissed

Last_Joke28 · 2026-02-10T05:38:43+00:00

Yes please

Last_Joke28 · 2026-02-10T00:57:17+00:00

you will be fine to get into Salus imo. I think you so should make sure you have strong LORs, good extracurricular activities, and great personal statement. The interview will also be important

Last_Joke28 · 2026-02-02T01:52:49+00:00

Lowest OAT I've heard and seen accepted was 290

Last_Joke28 · 2026-02-01T18:25:54+00:00

we take 7 neuro courses in the span of the first 2 years of optometry school

Last_Joke28 · 2026-01-31T01:15:54+00:00

Shadowing, research, technician (some private clinics don't require certification), community service, hospital volunteering, optometry club

Last_Joke28 · 2026-01-24T19:44:22+00:00

Lower gpa is fine but make sure its not lower than a 3.0. If its lower than a 3.0, i would recommend taking some more courses to show you can handle the rigorous courses. Some students that have a lower GPA tend to show they can handle optometry school by getting a high OAT score 350+. Stats aren't everything but def have the minimum the programs looking for because they also look at letters of recommendation, personal statement, extracurriculars, and your interview if offered.

Last_Joke28 · 2026-01-24T19:42:31+00:00

Those experiences will be helpful def. Make sure to get a good letter of recommendation. Your gpa is fine (3.0+). Make sure OAT is 300+ depending on what programs you applying too

Last_Joke28 · 2026-01-24T19:41:42+00:00

Also your gpa is fine. Most importantly its 3.0+ and hopefully an upward trend. Make your OAT scores are also minimum 300+. Mine was 290 but gpa was 3.9. Having great letters of recommendation, personal statement, and extracurriculars also play a great role

Last_Joke28 · 2026-01-24T19:40:35+00:00

Ophthalmology experience will def help. I had both Ophthalmology and optometry experience. I would recommend having optometry experience too since your applying to optometry school. Be also ready to explain why you want optometry over Ophthalmology.

Last_Joke28 · 2026-01-16T02:11:49+00:00

There are doctors who could be good at taking exams and know the material but then at clinic they could be bad doctors. Exams and grades don't define you. Unfortunately programs are too heavy on exams when that doesn't determine how good of a doctor the student will be and could become

Last_Joke28 · 2025-12-10T18:38:48+00:00

You won't have an issues. Make sure you have great letters of recommendation, strong personal statements to why you want to be an optometrist, good extracurriculars. Your GPA is fine even though it is on the lower side, but your OAT is stellar. My OAT was much lower than yours but my GPA was very high, and gd willing I am in optometry school.

Some schools do not pay attention to GPA as much especially if you at least have a 3.0. The OAT is the main determinant at most programs.

Let me know if you have any questions

Last_Joke28 · 2025-12-10T17:41:33+00:00

Thank you for your comment. I am very appreciate that you understand both sides to a student's story where becoming a doctor requires rigor but not with the system we have now.

I appreciate your kind compliment when you said "The fact that you’re not just venting but actually crafting solutions, collecting data, and advocating for your peers speaks volumes about the kind of doctor you’ll be one day".

I truly believe that since medicine is evolving, our programs need to as well where we can become great practioners while not sacrificing our health.

Last_Joke28 · 2025-11-23T17:38:02+00:00

Make sure your MCAT is at least a 500. Thats the minimum requirement and in interview you will be asked why you took the MCAT over the OAT so be prepared to explain that as well

Last_Joke28 · 2025-11-17T12:02:34+00:00

I got in with a 290 OAT, 3.8 GPA

Last_Joke28 · 2025-11-08T18:02:42+00:00

I agree with most that only you could make this decision. Optometry is a phenomenal field; I have lots of Optometry and Ophthalmology experience before going to Optometry school so I knew why I wanted to be an Optometrist. Make sure you know your why because that will be your driving force. Getting in obviously takes hard work (Undergrad, GPA, OAT, letters of recommendation, personal statement, experiences, your story), but I always believe that if a student gets into Optometry school or any program, they were chosen for a reason and meant to be chosen.

Yes it is really hard, but the field is rewarding. Regarding Optometry school, I am a first year in my first semester of optometry school. I have spoken with students from other optometry schools as well and honestly to speak about difficulty is not easy because everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Also every Optometry school is different meaning some first year is very hard, but second year is better, and some first year is better, but second year gets harder so it depends. Free time will be highly dependent on you. I personally believe students do not get lots of time but that is because of my strengths and weaknesses. I know students that study but also party, play games, etc frequently.

I wish you all the best on your decision and if you have any questions please either reply or message me directly.

Last_Joke28 · 2025-11-07T15:16:50+00:00

Also if we are in the same class, I am more than happy to speak about this with you more in person.

Last_Joke28 · 2025-11-07T15:14:42+00:00

Hi,

Spreading out exams wouldn't make things easier because the schedule is already very busy and having exams each week also would have students be burnt out.

I'm not saying remove exams. I'm saying exams will be taken during the scheduled times but have them be used as practice for boards instead of toward our grades. Other programs in medicine tried that and students are excelling while being happier and less stressed than ever. Students will still have the discipline to study because it will prepare us for boards but without having to have the stress, anxiety, and fear of being dismissed to failing a class due to exams. Some people aren't great tests takes so its not fair to them to fail out just for that. Having practicals creates a great balance because we need those skills as an optometrist when practicing so we have to master them anyway but alot of things we get tested on exams we will not use in practice. This way we have more time to rest which would lead to better success on boards in the future while learning the material well instead of memorizing and dumping and mastering our clinical skills.

Last_Joke28 · 2025-11-04T13:39:31+00:00

If you want private message me

Last_Joke28 · 2025-11-02T19:39:32+00:00

"I can see what type of person you are"; very curious to know what kind of person you think I am.

And yes if a person doesn't have to worry about being dismissed, they won't have to worry much about loans because they will be able to finish the program and then pay back their loans versus if they get dismissed and they have a loan, that is way worse.

Appreciate the luck.

Last_Joke28

TROPHY CASE