OAT Test: Optometry Exam Preparation, Study Plan, Test Dates

Optometry is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world. International students are flocking to this profitable sector from all over the world. To study in the USA and Canada, students are required to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) to apply to Optometry Schools. If you want to become an eye professional in some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, here is everything you need to know about studying optometry (OAT exam) in the USA and  Canada!

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What is Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)?

The OAT is an optometrist admissions test that is used by optometry school programs to evaluate applicants’ chances for success. The exam is available all year at Prometric test centers in the United States, its territories (including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands), and Canada. The OAT test is made up of multiple-choice test items that are presented in English. The test is created by test specifications. The OAT is made up of four different tests: Survey of Natural Sciences, Physics, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning.

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Why Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)?

The OAT exam is required by all 21 accredited optometry schools in the United States. It’s one of the most crucial considerations for admissions committees when making a decision. Most colleges expect students to get top scores in the 300s, but the exact requirements vary per school. Students who perform well on the OAT are more likely to be invited for an admission interview.

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Top Universities for Accepting OAT Exam

• Indiana University, USA
• Western Kentucky University
• University of Missouri- St Louis
• Nova Southeastern University, Florida
• California Lutheran University
• University of California, Berkeley
• State University of New York
• Oklahoma State University
• Western University of Health Sciences
• New England College of Optometry

OAT Test Duration

The test lasts around 4 hours and 45 minutes, with two 10-minute breaks in the middle. There are multiple-choice questions in each of these categories. Timing is crucial, and students should keep a careful eye on their own pace. Students should make every effort to answer each question within the time limit, otherwise, they risk losing points.

OAT Test Eligibility 

Race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status are not considered in the OAT Program. The OAT Program requires successful participants to finish at least one year of college study, which includes biology and general and organic chemistry courses. Biology and physics at a higher level are not necessary. Before taking the test, most applicants have completed two or more years of college.

Applicants to optometry schools are recommended to take the OAT well ahead of the application deadline. Before taking the OAT, applicants seeking admission to Canadian optometry schools should confirm that the OAT is accepted by those schools.

Application Process for OAT Test

To apply for the Optometry Admissions Test, you must first register for a PIN. Mentioned below are detailed instructions on how to register for a PIN :

Personal Identification Number (PIN) for the Optometry Admission Test

The PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a one-of-a-kind personal identification number provided to examinees taking or having previously taken the Optometry Admission Test.

Register for a PIN

• If you’re taking the test for the first time, you’ll need to register for a PIN before you can take it. When registering, please enter your legal name as it appears on your government-issued ID (first name, middle name, last name). Please use your email account.
• The name on your IDs must match the name on your PIN record perfectly. You will be refused testing and your testing appointment, as well as your application money, will be lost if the names on your PIN record and your IDs do not match exactly. You’ll have to fill out a new application and pay a new charge.
• To apply to take the test, use your PIN: Electronic Application for OAT.
• Send an official score/results report using your PIN: Score Reports are available upon request.

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OAT Test Preparation

OAT provides students with an online practice test to help them prepare for the exam. The instructions for the OAT practice test are listed below:

OAT Practice Tests

The practice exams are meant to help students get a better understanding of the types of questions that will be asked on the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT). These practice exams include the same types of questions and question forms as the real test, and they will closely resemble the test standards, but some modules/sections will have less items. The following testing options are available to applicants:

• Candidates will have 24 hours to access and finish the testing module after purchasing it. Even if you are taking the test at that moment, the test will terminate when the timer runs out.
• Individual modules, each available for $20(1,487 INR).
• For the discounted price of $100, you can get a full practice test (7,439 INR).

Individual Modules 

• Biology 201 (40 items)
• Organic Chemistry 201 (30 items)
• General Chemistry 201 (30 items)
• Reading Comprehension 201 (25 items)
• Quantitative Reasoning 201 (40 items)
• Physics 201 (40 items)

OAT Full Practice Test

• Biology 201
• Organic Chemistry 201
• General Chemistry 201
• Reading Comprehension 201
• Quantitative Reasoning 201
• Physics 201

Scores Guide for OAT Test

The OAT assigns a raw score to each section, which is the sum of the applicant’s correct responses. A scaled score is created by converting the raw score to a scale score. Scores on the OAT range from 200 to 400 and are published in ten-point increments. On any or all of the measures provided in this admission testing program, a scale score can be used to compare the performance of one candidate to the performance of all applicants.

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OAT Examination Fees

Fees are non-transferable and non-refundable. All payments are made in US dollars. The following are the fees for OAT 2021, which will be in force from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022:

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