How Long Should I Study For The OAT?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Give yourself at least

two to four months

to study for the OAT. Many sources recommend 200–250 hours. For example, you could plan on three hours per day, five days per week, for 3-4 months.

How difficult is the OAT?

The

OAT reading passages are not particularly difficult

, but they are long and technical, and reading on the computer takes some getting used to. The more you practice this, the better you will perform on test day. Practice doing multiplication, addition, division, subtraction, and simple algebra by hand.

Can I study for the OAT in a month?

While the OAT isn’t designed to test your content knowledge so much as it is intended to predict your preparedness for an optometry program, you still need to spend ample time preparing for the test. Most experts recommend that you spend

at least two to three months

studying for the OAT.

Is the OAT harder than the MCAT?

The MCAT math is submerged within the science questions mainly in the Physical Sciences. It is, by far, the simplest of all the math on the tests. The

OAT and DAT are roughly equivalent in difficulty

and both are much more demanding than the MCAT.

How many times can you take the OAT?

The OAT can be

taken an unlimited number of times

, with 90 days between tests. After three attempts, you must apply for permission for retesting, which can be done only once per year. Scores cannot be voided after the exam has begun. All scores will be reported to the test taker’s designated colleges or universities.

What is a good OAT test score?

The OAT is scored based on the number of correct answers, therefore candidates are not penalized for guessing. The score ranges from 200 to 400 with a median score of 300 and a standard deviation of 40.

A 320 is a very good score

and a 350 is an excellent score representing approx. 90% ile.

Is 2 Months enough to study for OAT?

Many students spend anywhere from

two to three months

studying for this test. This timeframe is reasonable because it allots enough time to take an OAT course and still have time after the course to study on your own and take practice tests.

Is 310 a good oat score?

The average GPA of an entering class is usually around 3.7, and the average OAT score has been around 340. Applicants with an OAT academic average score of

310 or below are encouraged to retake the OAT

.

Do you need MCAT for optometry?

How do you become an optometrist? After obtaining a bachelor degree and completing the necessary prerequisites, you will take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)—whereas

for medical school you would take the MCAT

. You will then need to complete a four-year program at an accredited optometry school.

Can I bring a calculator to the OAT?

The Quantitative Reasoning section of the OAT is designed to test the math skills required in optometry school. The section contains 40 multiple-choice questions, and you will have 45 minutes to complete it. [ RELATED: What’s a good OAT score? ] A

basic on-screen calculator will be available only in this section

.

Is it bad to retake the OAT?

Candidates are required to submit a new application and fee for each re-examination. A candidate must wait at least 90 days before retaking the OAT. … Candidates who retake the OAT

without waiting at least 90 days after their previous OAT will cause their most recent test scores to be rendered void

.

Is it bad to take the OAT more than once?

The OAT exam is computerized and examinees are

allowed to take the OAT an unlimited number of times

, but must wait at least 90 days between testing dates. Applicants who have three or more OAT attempts must apply for permission to test again, and from that point forward may retest only once per twelve-month period.

Is 330 a good OAT score?

Assuming the mean remains constant, an OAT score rounded up or rounded down

to 300 can

be considered average.

Do you get your OAT scores right away?


OAT scores are sent directly from the OAT testing agency to OptomCAS

. It takes OptomCAS 3-4 weeks to get your application verified and delivered to the various optometry programs. The first time you take the OAT, it takes roughly 3-4 weeks from the date of your test for the scores to populate in OptomCAS.

Can you get into optometry school with a low OAT score?

How Good do My OAT Scores Need Be? The average AA for acceptance across all optometry schools is approximately a 320. This is just an average though –

you can certainly get accepted with lower OAT scores

depending on the strength of the rest of your application and where you apply.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.