If you're a pre-optometry student, you're probably familiar with the OAT exam, which is a crucial step in becoming an optometrist. Passing the OAT is a significant milestone in your journey to Optometry School, and to achieve success, preparation is key. But with so many study materials and resources available, it can be challenging to determine which one is right for you. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at how to prepare for the OAT and the best possible resource you can use to ace the test.
Creating a Study PlanUnderstand the Exam Format
1. Understand the Exam Format
Before you create a study plan, it’s important to understand the format of the OAT exam. The exam consists of four sections: Survey of Natural Sciences, Physics, Quantitative Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension. Each section contains a combination of multiple-choice questions and written responses. Knowing how each section is structured will help you create an effective study plan that focuses on the areas where you need the most improvement.
2. Set Study Goals
Once you have a good understanding of the exam format, it’s time to set some study goals. Start by breaking down your goals into manageable chunks so that they are easier to achieve. For example, if your goal is to improve your score in Physics, break it down into smaller goals such as learning key concepts or completing practice tests. Setting achievable goals will help keep you motivated and on track with your studying.
3. Find Resources
Now that you have set your study goals, it’s time to find resources to help you achieve them. Look for books or online courses that cover topics related to the OAT exam and focus on areas where you need more practice or improvement. You may also want to consider joining an online forum or community where other students can provide support and advice as you prepare for the exam.
4. Create a Schedule
Creating a schedule is essential if you want to stay organized and ensure that you make steady progress towards achieving your study goals. Start by blocking off time for studying each day or week and then add specific tasks such as reading course material or taking practice tests into your calendar so that you don’t forget about them. Be sure to also include breaks in your schedule so that you don’t get overwhelmed by all of the studying!
5 . Track Your Progress
Finally, tracking your progress is important when creating an effective OAT study plan. Keep track of which topics or sections have been covered and what still needs work so that you can adjust your plan accordingly if needed. Additionally, make sure to note any mistakes made during practice tests so that they can be addressed before taking the actual exam!
What's tested on the OAT Exam?
EXAMINATION CONTENT AND SPECIFICATIONS The OAT is composed of multiple-choice test questions (items) presented in the English language.
It consists of four sections: Survey of the Natural Sciences, Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning. Both the U.S. customary system (Imperial System) and the metric system (International System) of measurement are used.
Additional information on test content is provided below. SCOPE OF THE EXAMINATION Survey of the Natural Sciences (100 Items) The Survey of Natural Sciences test section consists of 100 items from Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.
Survey of the Natural Sciences (100 Items)
Biology (40 items)
General Chemistry (30 items)
Organic Chemistry (30 items)
Reading Comprehension (50 items)
Physics (40 items)
Quantitative Reasoning (40 items)
PRACTICE TEST The OAT Program offers an online OAT practice test to help candidates prepare for the examination. The questions on the practice test previously appeared on official OAT administrations, but have been retired from active usage.
How To Prepare | First Step
The first step in preparing for the OAT is to assess your current knowledge of the test materials. Most students find OAT preparation courses helpful as they provide a step-by-step guide on what to expect on the test day, detailed explanations, and strategies for each section of the exam. Jim Romano's OAT Test Prep Course and OAT Destroyer is designed to give students the tools they need to excel on the exam. The course includes structured content review, guided practice, and live instruction with experienced OAT teachers.
Second Step
Second, it's important to allocate enough time to prepare for the OAT Exam. You should start studying at least 3-4 months before the OAT exam date. The more time you have available, the more you'll be able to study multiple times and figure out which areas you need to focus on. Utilizing online resources such as OAT practice tests and review OAT Free videos can help you assess your strengths and weaknesses. Make sure to give yourself enough time to practice test-taking skills while improving your knowledge.
Third Step
Third, utilize OAT prep books such as the Official Guide to the OAT Exam, Orgoman OAT Biology Review Notes, and OAT online tutorial, to gain additional insight into testing strategies and targeted review material for each section. These books are a great way to supplement your studies and help you develop efficient study habits based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Fourth Step
Fourth, practice test-taking strategies to increase your speed and accuracy. Taking timed practice tests will help you get a sense of how the exam feels and increase your confidence levels. During practice tests, always make sure you're managing your time effectively, working through the questions at a steady pace, and not getting bogged down in any single problem for too long.
Lastly, take care of yourself in the lead-up to the exam. Make sure to get enough rest, eat healthily, and exercise regularly. Feeling confident and relaxed on test day is vital, and adopting self-care practices can help you stay focused.
Conclusion:
Preparing for the OAT exam can be a daunting experience, but with the right resources and study habits, success is within your reach. It is crucial to allow yourself enough time to prepare, evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, focus on your weak points, and stay disciplined while studying. By utilizing prep courses, prep books, and online resources such as practice tests, be assured that you're giving yourself the best opportunity to ace the exam. In the end, remember to take care of yourself and stay positive throughout the entire process. Good luck!