Need advice: 3 OAT attempts, improving GPA instead of only focusing on another retake
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation or has experience with optometry admissions.
I’ve taken the OAT three times, and now ASCO requires additional documentation before I can register for another attempt (such as a letter from an admissions advisor recommending that I retest or reapply). The problem is that I graduated several years ago, so I no longer have access to a university health professions advisor who could write that letter.
Since my last application cycle, I’ve shifted my focus toward improving my academic record. I’m currently retaking science prerequisite courses to raise my science and cumulative GPA while continuing to work as an optometric technician. I’ve been in the field for several years and have gained a lot of hands-on clinical experience, but I know my GPA has been one of the weaker parts of my application.
My questions are:
Has anyone here gone through the multi-attempt OAT authorization process? If so, what documentation did you submit?
Has anyone asked an optometry school (such as SCCO or another program) to provide the letter recommending an OAT retake?
For those who were accepted after multiple OAT attempts, did significantly improving your GPA and showing an upward academic trend make a meaningful difference in your application?
If you were in my position, would you continue focusing on raising your GPA, or would you prioritize trying to obtain authorization for another OAT attempt?
I’m trying to figure out the best path forward and would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has navigated a similar situation.
Thank you in advance!