OAT Test
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a standardized, multiple choice test intended to assess the student’s general scientific ability and comprehension of scientific information. The exam is produced in a computer adaptive format and is supported by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). More information regarding the OAT can be had from the Optometry Admission Testing Program, 211 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, 1-312-440-2693.
The OAT exam is administered by Thompson Prometric testing centers. All US and Canadian optometry schools need the students to produce the OAT score as part of the application process for their programs. The test can be taken as many times as the student wishes but there has to be a compulsory time gap of 90 days between tests. The Ohio State University College of Optometry requires its applicants to take the OAT by the 1st of March since it is the deadline for admission of applications. The test scores are made available to the student immediately. The Official transcripts containing the results from the four most recent tests taken by the student are then mailed to the schools that the student chooses at the time of registration. The cost of the exam is $189 (2006), which covers the exam fee as well as sending test scores to 5 optometry schools of the student’ choice. There is a $15.00 fee levied on the student for each additional school that the student wishes to send the OAT report.
Since the OAT does not change much from year to year the possibility of quality practice tests has been made possible. Through repeated practice and understanding of the correct strategies the student can prepare for the test in an effective manner.
The student can take the exam online at designated testing areas. Information regarding thee centers can be found on the OAT website or from the information provided while registration.
To register in any of the 17 schools and colleges of optometry in the U.S. the student has to submit the score of the OAT test. Taking the OAT preparatory courses is solely the student’s decision. It cannot be said that the preparatory course would be helpful to gain a high score but it would be highly advantages to the student if he has finished his physics (2 semesters), chemistry (four semesters) and biology ( as much as you have time for) courses before taking the OAT. Courses in cell/molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology are also of great help to the student.
The test is comprised of 4 sections dealing with Survey of Natural sciences, Reading Comprehension, Physics and Quantitative Reasoning. All the questions are multiple choices. The Survey of Natural Sciences section deals with Biology, General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry and has to be completed within the time limit of 90 minutes. There are a total of 40 questions from biology, 30 from general chemistry, and 30 in organic chemistry questions. The Reading Comprehension consists of 3 reading passages followed by 15-17 questions per passage. This section has to be completed with a 50 minute time range. There are about 40 questions dealing with physics and they have to be answered within 50 minutes. The Quantitative Reasoning section has to be completed within 45 minutes and the student are not allowed to carry calculators to help them with their answering. There is an optional15 minute rest between the 2nd and 3rd sections that can be utilized by the student if he wishes to. The scores of the OAT are determined from the number of correct answers the student provides. There is no reduction in the scores for wrong choices. The score range of a student could lie between the ranges of 200 to 400. A score of 350 is considered as an excellent score representing approximately a 90%. The entire test has to be completed with in the time frame of 5 and half hours.
For more information about the registration procedure the students are advised to visit the official OAT website www.opted.org.