Applying to Optometry School: OptomCAS 2018 is OPEN!

As of June 28th the OptomCAS 2018 is officially open!

The time has arrived. So you’ve been working to keep up that GPA, right? Got gleaming OAT scores? How about all that extra stuff like volunteer work, research projects, and extracurriculars? Well now it’s time to lay it all on the line!

 

 

The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) uses the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) as the general web-based application to submit applications to the all optometry schools in the U.S. and the application for the 2018 cycle has just opened!

 

Getting Started…

Firstly you’ll create an OptomCAS 2018 application account here. This is where you will login, save, edit, and eventually submit your application(s). Check out the full OptomCAS 2018 instructions here.

The application is dense and filling it out all the required information is a task not to be taken lightly. Take your time to insure all the detailed information is correct.

 

$ Cost $

The total application cost truly lies in the number of optometry programs you apply to.

Upon completely the OptomCAS the fee is $170 and it includes submission to one dental school then it’s an additional $70 for each additional school. The application process as a whole can quickly become expensive with the cost of taking the OAT, completely the OptomCAS, then individual schools secondary application fees, traveling to interviews, etc. so you really want to do your research and narrow down the programs you really want to apply to!

 

Deadlines

Now just because the application is open until March 1st doesn’t mean OptomCAS 2018 goes on the back burner. It is highly suggested by literally everyone (schools, advisors, OAT Cracker, and me) that you get your completed application in during the summer time!

Keep in mind you’ll need to meet specific optometry program deadlines that you are applying to. This means you must not only complete and submit the OptomCAS 2018 by those deadlines but also be sure to get in transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any secondary application fees specific schools may require as well. Some optometry schools offer admittance on a rolling basis so basically apply asap!

 

Last tip: Check out the blog 🙂

Here at OAT Cracker we like to keep you in the loop and make this process of getting into optometry school as painless as possible. So stay tuned in!

With all the expense and stress of applying to optometry school, save yourself some trouble and check out OAT Cracker for you OAT prep and check out this blog for more topics on the application process like Personal Statement Writing, Getting Letters of Recommendations and prepping for The Interview!

That’s all for now!

HAPPY APPLYING!

 

OAT 2017: Introduction Guide to the Optometry Admission Test!

This is Part 1 of a series of breakdown posts that will outline the OAT 2017!

We’ve actually done a series like this before but the test has gone through some changes and here at OAT Cracker we like to keep you updated to make sure test day is the best day! First of all we’ll focus on the specifics of the OAT itself and then in upcoming posts we will discuss each of the sections in detail individually.

The Optometry Admission Test is designed by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) to assess your readiness for optometry school and is used by all U.S. programs in the application process as a factor in their decision.

 

The OAT 2017 is a monstrous marathon of an exam with a wide scope of testing topics and clocking in at nearly 5 hours!

 

What’s an OATPIN?

First thing is first you’ll need an OAT PIN (Personal Identification Number) for authentication for all Optometry Admission Test applications and official score report requests. Before you can even apply to take the OAT, you must obtain a PIN aka an OATPIN. Important: If you have ever taken the OAT before a PIN may have already been assigned to you and you can retrieve it here. If you are a brand new to the OAT entirely you can register for a PIN here.

 

Applying to take the OAT

With your OATPIN you can now apply to take the OAT here. Note: once you have been approved to take the exam you have a six-month window to do it after which you’ll have to reapply. If you wish to retake the OAT you have to wait at least 90 days and if you feel the need to take it more than three times you have to gain special permission. Plus with each retake you’ll have to reapply to take it and pay the test fee again. Speaking of test fee…

 

$ Cost of taking the OAT $

Currently the test fee is $450 and that includes sending official score reports to the up to 5 schools you specify on your OAT application. If you want your official OAT scores sent to an additional school you didn’t list on the application it’s $36 each. The $450 fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable so pick a date and stick to it! If you must reschedule, well more fees for you:

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*Notice: The test fee changes as of July 1,2017 are now updated in this post!

 

Scheduling a test date

Once your OAT application is approved you’ll receive email confirmation and only then can you schedule your test with Prometric. You can take the test year-round at Prometric Test Centers in your area. Prometric administers quite a few different computer-based tests like the OAT, GRE, MCAT, etc. and depending on the size of test centers, the day you wish to take the OAT can fill up so schedule ASAP!

 

What’s on the OAT?

As mentioned earlier, there are four sections to the Optometry Admission Test and we will discuss each in detail in upcoming breakdown posts. There are as followed:

1) Survey of Natural Sciences (100 Questions)

2) Reading Comprehension (50 Questions)

3) Physics (40 Questions)

4) Quantitative Reasoning (40 Questions)

 

How long is the OAT?

Total test time is around 3.5 hours but there’s an optional 15-minute tutorial (to get you familiar with using the test interface), an optional 15-minute break, and an optional 15-minute survey after the test, so could be closer to 5 hours. Here’s the test schedule:

screen-shot-2017-01-01-at-12-37-52-am

If you really need an additional break the timer on your test will not stop therefore try your best not! With proper practice practice practice and a goodnight’s sleep you can handle no extra breaks in your OAT 2017 test day no problem.

 

Can I use scratch paper?

The test center will provide two note boards and two fine tip markers to use during the test. Scratch paper, pencils, or markers that have not been provided by the testing center are prohibited. The note boards cannot be used as measuring devices and cannot be folded, bent, distorted, or mutilated in any way and you can’t touch the monitor during testing with the boards. All items must be returned to the test administrator before leaving the test center.

 

OAT Scores

We outlined the OAT Scores on the blog before so check it out!

Your scores are based on the number of correct responses, which means you’re not penalized for guessing so that means don’t leave any question blank! You will get an unofficial score as soon as you finish the test and official scores are available about 3 weeks later. OAT scores on made on a scale from 200-400 so there’s no passing or failing. Some schools require a specific score for competitive consideration so be sure to check with them and aim high!

 

What’s Next?

This breakdown to the OAT is really an outlined introduction the official ASCO OAT Guide that you should definitely check out in full here. Remember practice is key so keep on with OAT Cracker and check out some other pertinent OAT Cracker blog topics; for instance…

OAT Study Tips

OAT Test Day Tips

 

We will keep you updated and in the loop with any other future OAT 2017 changes. That’s all for now!

Get out there, study up, and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

Applying to Optometry School: OptomCAS 2017 is OPEN!

As of June 29th the 2016 – 2017 cycle of the OptomCAS is officially open!

If you are interested in going to optometry school next year, it is time to begin the application process! The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) uses the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) as the general web-based application to submit applications to the all optometry schools in the U.S.

 

Keep in mind decision on admission comes completely from the schools and programs you are applying to and not from OptomCAS; they are only a service you submit your applications and transcripts through.

 

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Although the OptomCAS cycle is open from now until June 1, 2017 remember you’ll need to meet specific optometry program deadlines that you are applying to. This means you must not only complete and submit the OptomCAS by those deadlines but also be sure to get in transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any secondary applications specific schools may require as well.

 

First you’ll to create an account with OptomCAS here. You’ll use you’re the username and password you create to login, save, edit, and submit your application(s). Be sure to read all instructions carefully and to proofread everything you are submitting because this is surely not a task to be taken lightly!

 

Completely the OptomCAS costs $165 and that includes submitting your application to one school. Then it is an additional $65 for each school you choose to send your application to after that.

So to add that up it’ll look like this…

Screen Shot 2016-07-01 at 12.32.19 AM

In addition, specific schools may include secondary applications resulting in secondary application fees. Plus considering possible expenses for traveling to different schools for visits and interviews, the whole application process can really add up so you’ll want to really do your research to narrow down the programs you want to apply to!

 

With all the expense and stress of applying to optometry school, save yourself some trouble and check out OAT Cracker for you OAT prep and stay tuned to the blog for more topics on the application process like Personal Statement Writing, Getting Letters and Recommendation and prepping for The Interview! That’s all for now!

 

Happy Applying!

Applying to Optometry School: OptomCAS 2016 is OPEN!

As of July 1st the 2015 – 2016 cycle of the OptomCAS is officially open!

The time has come to put all your hard work and preparation to “paper” (really to the online application)! The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) uses the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) as the general web-based application to submit applications to the all optometry schools in the U.S. Keep in mind decision on admission comes completely from the schools and programs you are applying to and not from OptomCAS; they are only a service you submit your applications and transcripts through.

logo

 

Although the OptomCAS cycle is open from now until June 2016 remember you’ll need to meet

specific optometry program deadlines that you are applying to.

This means you must not only complete and submit the OptomCAS by those deadlines but also be sure to get in transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any secondary applications specific schools may require as well.

 

First you’ll to create an account with OptomCAS here. You’ll use you’re the username and password you create to login, save, edit, and submit your application(s). Be sure to read all instructions carefully and to proofread everything you are submitting because this is surely not a task to take lightly!

 

Completely the OptomCAS costs $160 and that includes submitting your application to one school. Then it is an additional $60 for each school you choose to send your application to after that. So to add that up it’ll look like this…

Screen Shot 2015-07-19 at 2.01.35 PM

 

In addition, specific schools may include secondary applications resulting in secondary application fees. Plus considering possible expenses for traveling to different schools for visits and interviews, the whole application process can really add up so you’ll want to really do your research to narrow down the programs you want to apply to!

 

With all the expense and stress of applying to optometry school, save yourself some trouble and check out OAT Cracker for you OAT prep and stay tuned to the blog for more topics on the application process like Personal Statement Writing just to name one awesome example!

That’s all for now folks!

Happy Applying!

Applying to Optometry School: The Interview

The admissions process is long, stressful, and at times it feels like a lot of waiting and uncertainty. During this trying time there’s one clear sign in the process before a rejection or a congratulations letter that your doing well… getting the call or email about setting up an interview!

Reaching this point in the admissions process is exciting and promising but don’t blow it now!

You’re not in yet!

You look good enough on paper to make it this far but are you really what optom schools want?…

prove it

 

So let’s talk about the interview and how to ace it!

 

Professional Basics

You know these things but they are important enough to drill into your head some more now…

BE ON TIME. DRESS PROFESSIONALLY. BE POLITE. Easy enough, right? DO IT!

 

Projecting “FOMO”

FOMO = Fear Of Missing Out and you basically need to instill in a admissions committee the fear of missing out on what an awesome prospect you are! The interview is a two-way conversation and you not only what to be prepared to answer their questions, you want to be engaging and have questions of your own. You are interviewing them as a potential school as much as they are interviewing you as a potential student and you gotta make them want you. This may be your top choice school… but hey, you’re a catch and half and got other options too so you want them to win YOU over too. Note that this kind of confidence isn’t cocky but reflects a genuine and avid interest in what the program has to offer. You are evaluating the school as much as they are evaluating you.

 

Be Honest

Besides your Personal Statement, the interview is the only place to speak of yourself in your own words. The school is trying to further get to know YOU and understand your motivations towards optometry. Be prepared for pitfalls and flaws in your application, like a less than stellar GPA or OAT score, to come up in the interview. This is your chance to shine and reassure them of any doubts and reservations they may have about you as a candidate. Speaking openly and honestly in the interview is always to way to go.

 

Be “On” At All Times

Each optom program’s admission interview is unique. Some schools do one-on-one interview while others opt for a committee-style set up. Most include all day visits with tours of the school, meeting professors, etc. and it’s important to understand that the entire you’re there is essentially your interview. While you’re on campus act as if you’re always being watched and examined by the admissions committee because you basically are. Making a good impression all day can lead to another professor mentioning something to the committee for instance like, “hey that candidate seemed great and asked really interesting questions on the tour earlier”; keep in mind that this works vise-versa too! So you gotta be on at all times!

 

With these things in mind you can have a winning interview and be one step closer the congratulations acceptance letter! Until then you can work on getting a winning OAT score to get you to the interview step with OAT Cracker. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or advice to add on interviews!

 

Happy Practicing!

Applying for Optometry School: OptomCAS Opens July 1st!

Question: Why did the phone wear glasses? …Because it lost all of its contacts!
**Pause for laughter and/or crickets**…so with that out of the way, we can get down to business.
Better Question: Did you know the OptomCAS officially opens July 1st? The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) uses the OptomCAS aka the Optometry Centralized Application Service as a general application when applying to Optometry schools and it allows you to use one application to apply to multiple of any of the 21 programs in the U.S. Basically unavoidable, so get to know it in and out because it’s time to apply!

optomheader

First thing’s first, you’ll need to create an OptomCAS Portal account here starting July 1st! OptomCAS allows optometry applicants to use a single web-based application and one set of materials to apply to multiple optometry schools and colleges. There are sections for your personal and contact information, academic history, a personal essay, and even your DAT scores but remember OptomCAS will not determine whether an applicant has met the optometry school or college requirements or is eligible for admission. That decision will be made by each respective school or college you send the application to. In addition to your OptomCAS application, some schools may require you to submit a supplemental application and an additional fee so read application instructions for each school carefully. Also be sure to check out the OptomCAS FAQ page, here.

When completely the OptomCAS there is a $155 application fee to apply to one school and then an additional $55 for each school after that. Here’s a handy chart in figuring out cost of applying to several school, here. If you wanted to apply to all 21 programs in the country it was cost a whopping $1255, whoa. In fact, the whole application process can quickly become pretty expensive with taking the OAT, completely the OptomCAS, then individual schools secondary application fees, traveling to interviews, etc. so you want to do your research and narrow down the programs you really want to apply to.

With all this expense, here’s a little secret to ease the load: Want to get 30 FREE days added onto your OAT Cracker account? Mention “OATCracker” on any forum, mention it in a blog, refer a friend, Facebook post to your pre-dental society, etc. and we will add 30 extra days to your account! Email us through our website (www.oatcracker.com) so we can help you out for your upcoming Optometry Admission Test. PLUS right now you can gain an edge on your OAT for only $49 instead of the regular $99. With all the stress of applying to optometry school don’t let the OAT be one of them. Ace it with OAT Cracker! You see? These are the benefits of reading the blog and putting up the cheesy eye jokes, like so:

03-12-12 One-Eye

In review, applying to optometry school with the OptomCAS officially commences on July 1st and get 30 FREE days added to your OAT Cracker account to ace the admissions test!