OAT
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a computerized, standardized, multiple choice exam designed to measure general academic ability and comprehension of scientific information. The exam is administered by Thompson Prometric testing centers. All US and Canadian optometry schools require completion of the OAT as part of the application process for their programs. Examinees may take the test as many times as they wish, but must wait at least 90 days between tests. Please note that The Ohio State University College of Optometry requires that applicants take the OAT by the March 1 admission application deadline. Test results are printed immediately after completing the test for the examinees to take with them. Official transcripts, which include results from the four most recent tests taken, are then mailed to the schools that the examinee chose at the time of registration. The cost of the exam is $189 (2006), which covers the exam and sending test scores to 5 optometry schools. There is a $15.00 fee for each additional school.
To register for the OAT, visit the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry website, or call 1-800-232-2159 to request a paper registration packet. After completing the registration process with ASCO, examinees will be instructed to contact the Thompson Prometric National Registration Center for the OAT to arrange a date, time, and location for taking the test. A complete list of Prometric Testing Centers can be found at www.Prometric.com.
Test Structure:
Section Number of Questions/Time in Minutes
Survey of Natural Sciences 100/90
Physics Test 40/50
Reading Comprehension Test 50/50
Quantitative Reasoning Test 50/45
The Survey of Natural Sciences includes subsections of biology (40 questions), general chemistry (30 questions) and organic chemistry (30 questions). Each section or subsection of the OAT is scored on a 200-400 scale, with 300 signifying an “average” score. Scores of 320 or better are typical of successful applicants. Scores from the Physics Test and the Survey of Natural Sciences are combined for a Total Science Score. All six section/subsection scores are averaged to get an Academic Average.
The Pre-Optometry Club at the University of Toronto does not support any of the following persons or companies, but wishes to share with you a few links that might be helpful in reviewing for the exam.
http://www.kaplan.com + www.kaptest.com
http://www.scholarware.com
