About the OAT
The OAT (Optometry Admission Test) is required by all U.S. optometry schools. Similar to other pre-health entrance exams like the MCAT or DAT, it is fully multiple choice and includes a wide range of mostly STEM-based sections. For approximately $500, it can be taken online at approved testing centers across America. Official results are returned within 3-4 weeks and are weighted on a scale of 200-400 per section with cumulative scores being referred to as an AA (academic average). Typically, an AA of 300+ is sufficient for some schools while an AA of 330+ is competitive for most schools. However, achieving such a high score is challenging since it usually requires weeks-to-months worth of intensive preparation and studying.
Current OAT Format (5 hrs & 5 mins):
Optional Tutorial (15 mins)
Survey of Natural Sciences (90 mins): General Biology (40 questions), General Chemistry (30 questions), and Organic Chemistry (30 questions)
Reading Comprehension (60 mins): Three Random Passages (50 questions)
Optional Break (30 mins)
Physics (50 mins): General Physics (40 questions)
Quantitative Reasoning (45 mins): Basic Algebra and Applied Math (40 questions)
Optional Post-Test Survey (15 mins)
** Click here for more details**
Recommended Study Resources: Paid
Recommended Study Resources: Free