OAT - Optometry Admission Test

OAT - Optometry Admission Test

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a standardized exam designed to assess competencies in areas important for success in optometry school and a career as an optometrist. The exam covers four content areas: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning.

Most optometry schools require the OAT, but recently the IU School of Optometry has decided to allow applicants to choose whether to submit either OAT or GRE scores.

A fundamental way to begin to prepare for the OAT is to review the concepts covered on the exam (open the PDF for the OAT Guide on the OAT Guide webpage and scroll to the "Test Specifications" at the end of the document).

Review the concepts and ask yourself if you are familiar with them. You should prepare intensively by reviewing material in OAT prep books. OAT practice exams are also available in book and CD form to help you prepare.

For more information on registering and preparing for the exam, please consult the OAT website.