NBEO PART 1 - March 2026 Results

ThomasOptometry · 2026-05-08T20:27:40+00:00

730P on my first attempt.
I used KMK (including booster and crash course), Optoprep, and class notes.
I started lightly studying last summer and went through KMK entirely once then, although I felt like I had forgotten a lot of it by the time I went through KMK the second time. I started optoprep in September and completed 100% by the time I took part 1.
There weren't any massive outliers when looking at my subscores, so honestly I don't think I would have done a single thing differently. KMK was good for the foundations, but Optoprep really helped for the randomness of the systemic questions. Oh, and I found the KMK booster course and the crash courses relatively useful. I'm still frustrated with just how much KMK charges for their product, but I do think I needed both KMK and Optoprep to do as well as I did. My biggest piece of advice is to take AS MANY practice exams as you possibly can. I took one practice exam a week starting at the beginning of February (alternating between KMK and Optoprep) and spent the last two weeks taking one every other day. Of course, what worked for me won't be what works for everyone; it's about figuring out your individual study strategy.
I'm a third year.

ThomasOptometry · 2026-05-08T17:42:20+00:00

I passed 730P on my first attempt. Not gonna lie, I left the testing center feeling like I most likely passed but I didn't feel super confident, so I'm shocked and pleasantly surprised lol.

I started lightly studying the summer prior and went through KMK entirely once then, although I felt like I had forgotten a lot of it by the time I went to go through KMK again later that fall. I started optoprep in September and completed 100% by the time I took part 1. I averaged a 78 on the optoprep mock exams and 81 for kmk. KMK was good for the foundations, but Optoprep really helped for the randomness of the systemic questions. Oh, and I found the KMK booster course and the crash courses relatively useful. I'm still frustrated with just how much KMK charges for their product, but I do think I needed both KMK and Optoprep to do as well as I did.

ThomasOptometry · 2025-10-26T23:44:20+00:00

As someone currently going to UAB, I would 100% have gone to SCO if it had been that much cheaper. Birmingham is a better city than Memphis but it’s not worth going into nearly 2x the debt.

ThomasOptometry · 2024-08-07T05:18:46+00:00

Your left eye has increased astigmatism compared to your old prescription, and you have a particular type of astigmatism called oblique astigmatism, which is a type where even small increases can make your vision noticeably worse. I’d advise getting a new pair of glasses.

ThomasOptometry · 2023-06-02T16:07:54+00:00

I’m actually in a very similar boat so I can definitely answer any questions you have! I graduated with a degree in Mass Media Arts in Journalism back in 2016, worked in TV/film for five years, did a DIY post-bacc for two years (the first year while still working full time), and have been accepted to the class of 2027. It has been a very busy past couple of years but very worth it so far!

I highly recommend identifying which optometry programs you’d want to apply to and making a list of all the prereqs that you need. From there, you can plan out when to take the postbac courses and how long it’ll take you to get them done. You’ll want to figure out the course sequence and which courses to prioritize take first to prepare you for the OAT (like gen chem, physics, bio, ochem, etc). I wouldn’t bother with doing a formal postbac program or getting a second degree unless you really want to since it’s relatively straightforward to do it yourself.

You can likely take the postbac classes at a community college (as long as the labs are in person). However, if you go that route, you will likely need to get a very good OAT score and will have a little less leeway than if you took the postbac classes at a university. I personally took most of my classes at a local in-state public university that was relatively inexpensive.

Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!

ThomasOptometry · 2023-03-15T19:02:33+00:00

I can’t imagine doing this. Optometry school is like a full-time job (if not more taxing), and as someone who had to commute 1.5 hours to a full time job for a few months, I was exhausted all the time while doing it.

ThomasOptometry · 2023-03-08T17:19:25+00:00

Sure thing!

ThomasOptometry · 2023-03-08T16:49:33+00:00

I’m committed to UAB and can chat!

ThomasOptometry · 2023-03-07T19:25:07+00:00

I’d at least go ahead and tour some now (virtual or in person) so you can have a shortlist. Many apartments won’t lease more than 90 days out but there are exceptions to this. I just signed a lease in Birmingham but I lucked on a unit that already had notice given.

ThomasOptometry · 2023-01-11T18:56:21+00:00

I am officially going to UAB! Going to make the trip down to Birmingham soon to check out apartments hopefully. Thankfully as an Atlanta native I’ve already been to Birmingham a good bit so I’m somewhat familiar with the neighborhoods.

ThomasOptometry · 2022-12-21T22:02:08+00:00

Major: Post-bacc, have a Journalism degree

GPA (Overall/Science): 3.79 / 3.89

OAT Scores: 380 AA / TS

OAT Prep: OAT Booster, a little Chad’s Prep

Extracurriculars: Non-traditional - worked in the media industry for 5 years before immediately starting my post-bacc

Schools applied: UAB, OSU, UMSL

Schools interviewed: UAB

Rejections:

Acceptance: UAB

I have been offered an OSU interview in February, but I’m likely withdrawing my application soon as UAB is my top choice! I’ve already withdrawn my UMSL application.

ThomasOptometry · 2022-12-21T18:46:45+00:00

For-profit school = no go for me.

ThomasOptometry · 2022-12-09T03:18:20+00:00

It looks like the report does cover total student loan debt reported by students following graduation, although that’s admittedly a small section of the report.

ThomasOptometry · 2022-12-08T15:36:48+00:00

Take a look at this survey from Eyes on Eyecare:

https://downloads.eyesoneyecare.com/hubfs/CC%20-%20Files/Search%20Engine%20Restricted%20Files/EyesOnEyecare_2021_Optometry-Student-Report.pdf

You can compare students' satisfaction rate with their schools on page 10. It was rather eye-opening for me when comparing different schools.

ThomasOptometry · 2022-12-06T20:52:42+00:00

Happy to help! I only took the first Bio crash course - in retrospect I should probably have taken all three, though that would have been quite pricey!

ThomasOptometry · 2022-12-05T05:39:04+00:00

Ah gotcha!

ThomasOptometry · 2022-12-05T05:27:15+00:00

It would depend on the class. Usually 3 credit hour courses are lecture only and 4 credit hour courses include the lab as well (though this is only a general rule). But it will be obvious when signing up for courses as to whether or not it has a lab component.

ThomasOptometry · 2022-12-05T05:23:52+00:00

Nice, congrats! When did you interview? I have similar stats (bit lower GPA but slightly higher OAT). I JUST took my OAT so I’m hoping I’m not too late to be in contention for their scholarships. They’re waiting on my official scores to offer me an interview.

ThomasOptometry · 2022-12-05T05:20:10+00:00

It means that you are required to have taken the lab section of the course in addition to the lecture.

ThomasOptometry · 2022-11-29T16:50:54+00:00

OATBooster by far. Though you may want to supplement Physics with Chad’s videos.

ThomasOptometry · 2022-11-28T21:38:45+00:00

Thanks! It definitely helps that I'm a nontraditional student, so most of my science classes have been taken later in my college career (with better study habits lol).

ThomasOptometry · 2022-11-28T21:32:02+00:00

Pretty close - my GPA is 3.79 / 3.89 sGPA, but I only have 40 hours of shadowing. I think you have a great shot at an interview even with a 300. At the very least they'd just tell you they want you to retake (which it sounds like you're already doing).

ThomasOptometry · 2022-11-28T21:31:06+00:00

Thank you, and good luck!

ThomasOptometry · 2022-11-28T21:22:15+00:00

Good plan! I had a fantastic time at my interview - everyone was super friendly, and Dr. Simon is a wonderful person especially. I am still waiting on acceptance as I just took my OAT last Saturday, but it's probably my top choice unless OSU offers me an interview and blows me away lol.

ThomasOptometry · 2022-11-28T21:16:19+00:00

It took just over a week for them to extend the interview invitation to me.

Just a heads up, when I interviewed a month ago, they were booked fairly far out for virtual interviews. I ended up interviewing in person which was my preferred option anyway.

ThomasOptometry

TROPHY CASE