OAT Score Requirements 2026: What OAT Score Do You Need?

One of the most common questions applicants ask is:

"What OAT score do I need to get into optometry school?"

There is no single OAT score that guarantees admission, and there is no universal minimum score required by every optometry school. Admissions committees evaluate applicants using a combination of OAT scores, GPA, prerequisite coursework, letters of recommendation, shadowing experience, extracurricular activities, and personal statements.

A strong OAT score can help strengthen an application, but schools review applicants holistically.

What Is a Good OAT Score?

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) uses a scale ranging from 200 to 400.

Generally speaking:

OAT Academic Average (AA)	Competitiveness
300 and below	May require strengthening other areas of the application
310–320	Competitive for some programs
330–340	Competitive for many optometry schools
350+	Strong score for most programs

Admissions standards vary by school and by application cycle.

Do Optometry Schools Have Minimum OAT Scores?

Some schools publish recommended or preferred score ranges, while others review applicants holistically.

Even when minimum scores are listed, admissions committees often consider:

Overall GPA
Science GPA
Course rigor
Academic trends
Clinical exposure
Shadowing experience
Personal statement
Letters of recommendation

Applicants with one lower subsection score may still receive interviews if other areas of the application are strong.

Because admissions policies vary, applicants should review the requirements of their target schools and contact admissions offices directly with specific questions.

Academic Average (AA) vs. Total Science (TS)

The two scores most commonly discussed during the optometry school admissions process are the Academic Average (AA) and the Total Science (TS) score.

Academic Average (AA)

The Academic Average reflects overall performance across multiple sections of the OAT and is often one of the first metrics reviewed by admissions committees.

Total Science (TS)

The Total Science score reflects performance in the science sections of the examination, including Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.

While many schools focus on the Academic Average and Total Science scores, admissions committees may also review individual section scores to identify strengths and weaknesses in specific subject areas.

Can a Higher OAT Score Improve My Chances?

A stronger OAT score may help strengthen an application by demonstrating academic readiness for the rigorous coursework encountered in optometry school.

A higher score may also:

Improve competitiveness at certain programs
Help offset weaknesses in other areas of an application
Strengthen scholarship opportunities
Increase confidence during the admissions process

While no score guarantees admission, even a modest increase in performance can sometimes make a meaningful difference.

Admissions committees evaluate applicants holistically, considering academic performance, experiences, recommendations, and personal qualities in addition to OAT scores.

How Many Times Can You Take the OAT?

Applicants should review current testing policies published by the OAT and ADA before scheduling a retake.

Before deciding to retake the exam, consider:

Current Academic Average
Science scores
GPA
Target schools
Application timing

In some situations, applying with an existing score may be appropriate. In others, additional preparation may be beneficial.

Preparing for the OAT with OAT Destroyer

For more than three decades, students preparing for the OAT have used OAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer to build a strong foundation in Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning.

The 2026 OAT Destroyer contains extensive practice questions designed to help students master the concepts most frequently tested on the OAT.

Students seeking additional Quantitative Reasoning practice often supplement their preparation with Math Destroyer, which contains 18 full-length practice tests and detailed solutions.

These are the same resources used in Dr. Jim Romano's OAT preparation courses.

Recommended OAT and DAT Study Resources

Learn more about the study materials and resources used by students preparing for the OAT and DAT.

Optometry Schools and OAT Admissions Guide

Ready to Start Preparing for the OAT?

Whether you are just beginning your preparation or planning a retake, building a strong foundation is essential. OAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer have helped students prepare for the OAT for more than three decades and are the same resources used in Dr. Jim Romano's preparation courses.

Explore the study resources above to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average OAT score for accepted students?

Average scores vary among schools and from year to year. Many successful applicants earn Academic Average scores in the low-to-mid 300s or higher.

Is a 300 OAT score good?

A 300 may be competitive at some schools, particularly when supported by a strong GPA and relevant experience.

Is a 350 OAT score competitive?

Yes. A 350 Academic Average is generally considered a strong score for many optometry schools.

Do schools look at individual OAT sections?

Yes. Admissions committees may review subsection scores in addition to Academic Average and Total Science scores.

Can I get accepted with one low section score?

Possibly. Admissions decisions are typically based on the entire application, not solely on a single subsection score.

Recommended Resources

OAT Destroyer
Math Destroyer
Free DAT and OAT Study Materials
DAT and OAT Class Schedule
DAT Destroyer Facebook Study Group
DAT Destroyer YouTube Channel

This page targets valuable search terms including:

OAT score requirements
What OAT score do I need
Good OAT score
OAT score for optometry school
Average OAT score accepted students
OAT score requirements 2026