OAT - Optometry Admission Test Practice Test

The OAT is a computer-based test comprising four sections: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, 90 minutes), Reading Comprehension (50 minutes), Physics (50 minutes), and Quantitative Reasoning (45 minutes). Including an optional tutorial and scheduled break, the total test appointment time is approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes. The test is administered year-round at Prometric test centers.

The OAT is scored on a scale from 200 to 400, with a median score of 300 representing the 50th percentile. Each of the four sections receives a separate scaled score, and an Academic Average is also provided. While requirements vary by school, a score of 320 or above (around the 80th-90th percentile) is generally considered highly competitive. Most optometry programs have a minimum acceptable score, often around 300, but admitted students typically score well above this threshold.

You may retake the OAT after a 90-day waiting period from your previous attempt. However, you are limited to a maximum of four attempts total, and only three attempts are permitted within a 12-month period. All scores from attempts within the past five years will be reported to the schools you designate, so thorough preparation before each attempt is crucial.

The Quantitative Reasoning section assesses mathematical skills and concepts essential for optometry. Key topics include: Numerical Calculations (fractions, decimals, percentages), Algebra (equations, inequalities, functions), Geometry (properties of shapes, angles, area, volume), Trigonometry (right-triangle trig, identities, graphs), Probability & Statistics (mean, median, probability calculations), and Data Analysis & Interpretation (reading graphs, tables). Speed and accuracy in problem-solving without a calculator are vital.

The OAT Reading Comprehension section features three long, dense passages typically drawn from scientific literature. The questions focus heavily on evaluating the author's purpose, identifying main ideas and supporting details, drawing inferences, and applying information from the passage to new scenarios. It tests your ability to comprehend, analyze, and synthesize complex scientific information quickly-a skill directly relevant to digesting research and clinical literature in optometry school.