Preparing for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is one of the most important steps in your journey to optometry school. With the right study plan and the right materials, you can walk into test day with confidence.
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This guide was written based on 35+ years of OAT preparation experience by Dr. Jim Romano, creator of the OAT Destroyer series.
Step 1: Understand What the OAT Tests
The OAT covers five science sections:
- Biology
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physics
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
Most students underestimate Physics and Organic Chemistry. These sections require deep conceptual understanding — not just memorization.
Step 2: Give Yourself Enough Time
Most successful students study for 3 to 6 months before their OAT date. Students who rush their preparation consistently score lower.
- 3 months minimum for strong science students
- 4–6 months recommended for most students
- Schedule your exam date first — it creates accountability
Step 3: Build Your Foundation Before You Practice
The biggest mistake OAT students make is jumping straight into practice questions without reviewing core concepts first. Spend the first 4–6 weeks reviewing Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry fundamentals before attempting full practice sets.
Step 4: Use Challenging Practice Problems
This is where most students go wrong. Easy practice problems give you false confidence. The OAT is a hard exam — your study materials need to be harder.
The OAT Destroyer includes 2,472 OAT-style practice problems across all science sections, each with detailed solutions written by Dr. Romano. Students who work through the OAT Destroyer consistently report that the actual OAT felt easier by comparison.
"I used OAT Destroyer as my main study resource. The problems are challenging, but they really prepare you for the level of thinking required on the OAT." — TS 390
"TS 400 (99th percentile) | Academic Average 390 (99th percentile) — Thank you Dr. Romano and the OAT Destroyer." — July 2025
Step 5: Review Every Missed Problem
Getting a problem wrong is not failure — it is information. Every missed question tells you exactly where your understanding has a gap. Review the solution, understand the concept, and move on stronger.
This is the core philosophy behind the OAT Destroyer system.
Step 6: Don't Neglect Quantitative Reasoning
QR is often an afterthought for science-focused students. It shouldn't be. A strong QR score can significantly boost your Academic Average. The Math Destroyer is the most popular companion to the OAT Destroyer for this reason — most students bundle them together and save $50.
Step 7: Simulate Test Conditions
In the final 2–3 weeks before your exam, practice under timed conditions. Sit down, no distractions, full sections. This builds the mental stamina the OAT requires.
The OAT Destroyer System
For a complete breakdown of which books to use and how they fit together, see our guide: The Complete OAT Destroyer Book Series — What Each Book Is For
About Dr. Jim Romano
Dr. Jim Romano has been preparing students for the DAT and OAT for more than 35 years. The OAT Destroyer was first published in 2006 and has been updated annually ever since. Every edition is personally authored by Dr. Romano based on current exam standards and direct student feedback.
You can view all OAT study materials here: orgoman.com
Questions? Email Nancy directly at nancy.steen@gmail.com. We personally respond to every student.