This page will be short, because this isn’t a complicated idea, but one that you will definitely need help with and we’re here to let you know you are not alone.

How Will You Balance School with the OAT, Application, and Interviews?

You will most likely be trying to balance the optometry application process on top of all of the schooling you are doing. This is sometimes very stressful, but here are our tips!

-Schedule to take the OAT during the summer between your junior and senior year: This will reduce the stress of trying to prepare and take the exam during your ongoing classes, especially if you also take the summer off to study as well! The earlier you take the OAT, the more wiggle room you allow yourself to retake it if necessary. The next best time is during winter break of your senior year, and then the spring or summer after senior year (remember that you can submit your application before you need to submit your OAT score, and some schools will even call you back for an interview before receiving your scores).

-Prepare your application in the summer between your junior and senior year: You don’t have to be 100% ready to submit your application, but I would definitely recommend writing and filling out the bulk of your academic history, extracurriculars, personal statement and other essays before school starts. It worked best for me as mini ‘study breaks’ while studying for the OAT. The application auto-fills previous year's info as well, so you can start as early as you want to fill this stuff in, even if your application date is years away. 

-Interviews are more important than education: Students tend to worry about missing classes and exams to go interview at optometry schools. Don't forget that interviews are, in the long run, way more important than missing a day or two in a class that will eventually not matter. This is especially true if the interview went well enough to get you accepted into optometry school. Do not ask professors if you can make up class or exams, just let them know that you will be missing certain dates to attend interviews, and all good professors will understand and let you make-up any missed work. Interviewing online is also an option, but interviewing in person is always a better option if you want to make sure the school is a good fit. 

-Each situation is unique, and we are here to answer any individual questions: Hit us up in our DM’s, email, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, or wherever else you can find us, and we’ll give you direction on how to best balance your situation. But just know, no matter how frantic you feel or how late you think you are applying; we have coached people in your situation and are here to give you the best advice we can.