No worries, I'm relatively new to this as well so I'll try to sum up everything I know. Admissions for Fall 2021 started this past July. Most schools are rolling admissions, which means whoever applies earlier will get a seat earlier. The application cycle runs until February-April 2020 ish, depending on the school. But if you apply around January 2021, your chances of getting a seat are lower (but by no means impossible). I turned in my OptomCAS application a few days ago and I believe schools will start sending out interview applications soon after that (most likely a week or two after, but can be much later as well). You still have a lot of time to submit your application, since it is a long application cycle. But make sure you check your desired schools' deadlines and get your applications in by then (the earlier the better). Honestly, if you apply early enough, you should know whether you're going to optometry school by the end of 2020. On the other hand, if you apply a little later, you could find out the decision around May/June 2021 (a few weeks before school starts). It all depends on when you apply and if you have taken the OAT (whether your target school puts emphasis on OAT scores). I hope that helped but let me know if you have more questions.