What Is the OAT?
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a standardized exam required for admission to optometry school in the United States and Canada. It evaluates the scientific knowledge, reasoning ability, and problem-solving skills needed for success in optometry programs.
The exam is computer-based and administered year-round at Prometric testing centers.
OAT Sections and Format
The OAT includes four major sections:
Survey of Natural Sciences (90 questions — 90 minutes)
• Biology
• General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
Reading Comprehension (40 questions — 50 minutes)
Physics (40 questions — 50 minutes)
Quantitative Reasoning (40 questions — 45 minutes)
Total testing time is approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes, including breaks.
OAT Scoring System
OAT scores range from 200 to 400, with a national average typically around 300.
Admissions committees consider:
• Academic Average (AA)
• Total Science (TS)
• Individual section scores
Applicants who score 320 or higher are generally considered competitive, although requirements vary by school.
How Hard Is the OAT?
The OAT is academically demanding and requires strong understanding across multiple scientific disciplines as well as the ability to apply knowledge to unfamiliar problems.
Key challenges include:
• Integrating concepts across subjects
• Solving novel questions rather than memorized patterns
• Maintaining accuracy throughout a long exam
• Interpreting dense scientific information quickly
• Avoiding careless mistakes under pressure
Students who rely solely on memorization often struggle when questions test deeper comprehension.
How Long Should You Study for the OAT?
Most successful applicants prepare for 8–16 weeks of focused study.
Suggested Timeline
16 weeks out: Build foundational knowledge
12 weeks out: Begin structured problem solving
8 weeks out: Identify and strengthen weak areas
4 weeks out: Refine accuracy, confidence, and endurance
Consistent, disciplined preparation produces far better results than last-minute cramming.
The Most Effective OAT Study Strategy
High-scoring students typically focus on three core elements:
1) Concept Mastery
A strong foundation is essential. The OAT evaluates your ability to understand scientific principles, not simply recall isolated facts.
Deep conceptual understanding enables you to solve unfamiliar problems, adapt to new question formats, and avoid traps that rely on superficial memorization.
2) Active Problem Solving
Working through challenging questions forces you to apply knowledge rather than passively review it. Difficult problems reveal gaps in understanding and strengthen your ability to reason through complex situations.
Regular problem solving builds precision, confidence, and the mental discipline required for a long, demanding exam.
3) Strategic Practice
Effective preparation comes from mastering concepts through rigorous, exam-level questions. High-quality practice encourages careful reasoning, critical thinking, and thorough review of explanations.
Understanding why an answer is correct — and why alternatives are incorrect — leads to stronger retention and more consistent performance across all sections.
Choosing Effective OAT Study Materials
Not all preparation resources are equally effective. Materials that emphasize deep understanding and challenging practice generally produce stronger results than those focused primarily on surface-level review.
The OAT Destroyer series by Dr. Jim Romano is widely used by students seeking rigorous preparation and comprehensive coverage of tested topics.
These books emphasize:
• Concept-driven learning
• Challenging, exam-level problems
• Detailed step-by-step explanations
• Identification and correction of weak areas
• Long-term mastery rather than short-term memorization
👉 Math Destroyer (Quantitative Reasoning practice):
Should You Take an OAT Course?
Some students benefit from structured instruction, particularly if they want guidance, accountability, or help with difficult topics.
Courses can provide:
• Organized study plans
• Expert explanations
• Strategy development
• Motivation and consistency
Orgoman offers instruction that supports both DAT and OAT preparation.
👉 View classes (online and in-person in Staten Island, NY):
Common OAT Preparation Mistakes
Avoid these frequent pitfalls:
❌ Starting preparation too late
❌ Memorizing facts without understanding concepts
❌ Ignoring weaker subjects
❌ Skipping thorough review of mistakes
❌ Using only easy practice materials
Students who actively engage with challenging material tend to achieve the strongest outcomes.
When Should You Take the OAT?
Most applicants take the exam:
• After completing core science coursework
• Before submitting optometry school applications
• Early enough to allow a retake if necessary
Because the OAT is offered year-round, you can schedule a test date that aligns with your preparation timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions About the OAT
How long should you study for the OAT?
Most students prepare for 8–16 weeks, depending on their background in the sciences and available study time. Consistent daily study is more effective than short bursts of cramming.
How hard is the OAT compared to other exams?
The OAT is academically rigorous and tests knowledge across biology, chemistry, physics, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Success requires strong conceptual understanding and the ability to apply knowledge to unfamiliar problems.
What is a good OAT score?
OAT scores range from 200 to 400, with the national average around 300. Applicants with scores of 320 or higher are generally considered competitive, though requirements vary by optometry school.
What subjects are tested on the OAT?
The exam includes Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning.
Can you prepare for the OAT without a course?
Yes. Many students successfully prepare using high-quality study materials, structured schedules, and consistent problem-solving practice. Courses can be helpful for accountability and guidance but are not required.
Final Advice for OAT Success
Strong performance on the OAT comes from disciplined preparation, deep understanding of core concepts, and consistent practice with high-quality problems.
Students who approach the exam as a test of reasoning and scientific comprehension — rather than a memorization exercise — are best positioned to succeed.
Preparing early, studying consistently, and using rigorous materials can make a significant difference in both confidence and performance on test day.
Need Additional Help?
For structured guidance and rigorous practice materials developed by experienced instructors, explore the resources from Dr. Jim Romano and the Orgoman team.
👉 Classes and Instruction:
👉 Join the DAT Destroyer Study Group (free support and resources):