How Should Preoptometry Students Prepare For The Optometry Admission Test?

We are often asked what is the best way to prepare for the Optometry Admission Test. So, we have compiled this short review of the most successful ways ANYONE can prepare to do well on the OAT. Although this is a short outline, if a student follows this advice, he/she should expect to be prepared for the rigorous exam.

STUDY

Yes, study. But, you must study the right things! Just studying say, general biology, is not going to be sufficient. Studying SIMPLE review books specific for the OAT, WILL NOT usually be sufficient either.

The best study aids are:

1. Your college text books! However, these often contain more information than needed…but they do contain the information you need. You just have to study smart.
2. If you "sold back" your text books, don’t worry. What you must do is purchase review books for the INDIVIDUAL college topics. These books are often much less ($20) and will teach you the topic. The problem with SIMPLE OAT review books is that they do not cover the topics in sufficient detail required of the OAT. The old adage "you get what you pay for" is true. The individual review books for biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, college entrance math, etc. do an excellent job in reviewing material at the necessary level of detail. These review guides are found in college bookstores, and national bookstore chains. They are usually titled "College Biology Review". McGraw/Hill, for example, publishes excellent review books entitled Schaums Outline Reviews.
3. To study smart, use the SCOPE OF EXAMINATION TOPICS published by the Optometry Admission Testing Program or ScholarWare’s more detailed outline provided by ScholarWare’s cd-rom, TopScore Pro® for the OAT. Concentrate only on these topics. This will focus your study of the sciences.
4. Reading Comprehension. This section should be studied for by reading popular science magazines and new media. Excellent sources are magazines like Cell, Science Today, Newsweek (any science related article), and reading about popular topics of the day (e.g. cloning, gene therapy, diabetes, AIDS, optometry science news).
5. Use TopScore Pro® for the OAT to simulate your OAT test. Our product will tell you where your weakness are, help in managing the timer, and let you know if you are prepared to take the real test.
   
   Order TopScore Pro® for the OAT (click here)