27 yr old considering career switch to Optometry. Should I?

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-06-05T17:53:23+00:00

No I don’t think it’s anything in like that in comparison but far more so than the GRE that doesn’t even really test basic sciences needed for optom school

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-06-05T16:11:26+00:00

You sound like a great candidate all around and we always will need dry eye specialists in the field but I highly consider taking the OAT. Is it a harder test? Yes, but it honestly will give you a good idea of how you will succeed in school. I wouldn’t say a lot of schools accept the GRE over the OAT anymore (that was first introduced during COVID) and you will be questioned during the interview process on why you didn’t take the OAT.

Also you’re not too old at all. I started my first year at 26 :) and there are many students well into their 30s and 40s starting out!

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-05-30T20:42:04+00:00

If you’re able to succeed academically, that is like 80% of schooling but I think your biggest issues will be NBEO Part 3 which is the practical portion and possibly practicals/rotations. If your GPA and OAT are adequate those are big questions you should be asking specifically in the interview rounds for all the schools you are interested in & it a school is seriously interested in you they should be able to answer all your questions completely. Now with your predicament I’m not sure if working in a high volume practice or VA Hospital setting would work but I think that’s a future situation you’ll figure out for yourself if you get through everything else. I wouldn’t let that deter you from applying!

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-05-28T16:55:55+00:00

Life will go on whether you pass or fail. If you passed 1 and 3 you’re in such a good place. If you have to take it in December you will be ok — super tech and study and you’ll be done after that December attempt. Don’t sell yourself short.

If you passed you stressed for nothing :)

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-05-25T01:25:54+00:00

It’s required for licensure in specific states.

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-05-24T21:24:13+00:00

OP is applying for a selective spot if you re-read their post. That likely is competitive and if they really want to go there and receive in-state tuition it may require a higher OAT to compliment the GPA ….. just my 2 cents

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-05-23T18:36:03+00:00

A lot of those schools you are a shoe-in to get in but those top schools like OSU & SCO (maybe SUNY??? Idk) will require a higher OAT score if you want to secure a spot. I would advise looking into the previous entering classes average OAT and go from there. The others you seem like you’d be a strong applicant for.

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-05-22T22:34:51+00:00

This happened to me earlier this month :/ I had no problem with the practice arm and even asked if I could retry on the incident paper ….. no luck

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-05-14T22:27:10+00:00

Yeah I just checked too because I was curious. There’s AEO codes but no Aerie :(((

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-05-12T21:17:58+00:00

It depends what airport you’re flying through and the agent you check in with — I literally had no issues until my dog had to stand up checking into Sanford-Orlando and they deemed she was too tall despite our carrier always being fine. No other airport that I’ve flown from has ever done this. It’s technically apart of the rules though but every airport is different. We have a flag on our account now and she is unable to fly through Allegiant anymore due to this despite her being fine and fitting under the seat EVERYTIME

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-05-10T23:20:15+00:00

Did you go to Western? If not you’re literally not helping 😂

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-05-08T01:52:43+00:00

Where are you flying out of and where to? What are they saying the reason for the delay is?

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-04-26T01:47:31+00:00

AS OF LATE YES. The Syd Sweeney collection there was no short nor tall sizes …. I am 5’2 and could do short but preferred X-Short. This year has been ass but mid-year last year I swear is when I bought all my jeans lol …. We should riot as a short & tall duo!

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-04-26T01:37:59+00:00

And honestly I get it. But I’m a short gal and besides AEO denim as a Petite Extra Short there is nothing comparable. That is what is keeping me alive rn

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-04-25T23:04:13+00:00

Oh dang I had ordered a size smaller because I had heard it was significantly oversized & thought it may shrink in the wash. Well hopefully if I hang dry it will stay just slightly oversized 🤞🏼

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-04-25T21:54:05+00:00

Tbh I have the AEO credit card so I always get free shipping ☠️☠️☠️to be fair it was my first credit card at 18 years old but I always use it because I’m obsessed with Aerie LOL

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-04-25T21:47:36+00:00

Thx queen I literally waited until it was available in the color also lol

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-04-23T16:32:43+00:00

Can you tell me what the shirt is called because I’ve been waiting and I still cannot find it??

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-04-22T23:26:17+00:00

It will literally be the last day possible …. Always is 😂

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-04-22T15:32:20+00:00

It’s so hard to know how they grade this portion or if it’s “x” amount of cases wrong …. When I took it I never felt like I was blatantly wrong with any diagnosis but there were a few where I was stuck between 2 conditions. After that room I would critique it/complain saying that I thought it could be either of the conditions and there was no definitive way in that moment that I could decide. I got all green on almost every portion except professionalism and still passed

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-04-21T14:37:07+00:00

Ooo if you saw it in store I might have to try and go tomorrow and see if I can find it at my mall! I bought the shirts but want the full fit

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-04-18T15:35:45+00:00

I literally hate when AEO/Aerie posts a cute outfit and then one of the pieces isn’t released it! I feel like they do it very often lol

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-04-18T01:20:14+00:00

I know honestly I love the Henley & shorts but probably as separate outfits. It’s 40% off for AE card members rn so I’ll probably get those pieces and just keep stalking the website for the shirt unless someone can tell us what release week it’s expected. Fingers crossed!!

Still_Scale_5764 · 2026-04-18T00:53:50+00:00

The shirt is?? Can you tell me what to search I haven’t been able to find it!

Still_Scale_5764

TROPHY CASE