Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is conducted by the Association
of Schools and Colleges of Optometry for applicants seeking admission
to schools and colleges of optometry. Examinations are given twice a year,
usually during October and February at numerous U.S. and Canadian testing
centers. The OAT is designed to measure general academic ability and comprehension
of scientific information. While all optometry schools require applicants
to take the OAT, test results are only one factor considered in evaluating
the admission potential of a candidate. The admission process involves
an evaluation of collegiate records, OAT scores, and other information.
The relative importance of these predictors is determined by each optometry
school.
Requirements
Applicants to optometry school are encouraged to take the OAT
well in advance of intended optometry school enrollment. Successful participation
in the OAT program requires completion of at least one year of collegiate
education, which should include courses in biology, general and organic
chemistry, and physics. Applicants should note that test scores are
developed in relation to the candidates participating in the examination
and that most applicants complete two or more years of college before taking
the examination.
Content
The OAT is comprised exclusively of multiple-choice test items
presented in the English language. Each question has five answer choices
listed, only one of which is correct. There are four sections in the OAT.
The entire test requires just over one half-day for administration.
The OAT is divided into four examinations, each of which is timed
separately:
-
The Survey of the Natural Sciences is an achievement test. The
content is limited to those areas covered by an entire first-year course
in biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. The examination
contains a total of 100 items, 40 biology items, 30 general chemistry
items, and 30 organic chemistry items. The candidate is allowed
90 minutes to complete the exam. The three science sections are not labeled
in the examination booklet. It is important, therefore, that you pace
yourself since separate subscores will be given for each section.
-
The Reading Comprehension Test contains passages typical of the
material that might be read in optometry school. Each passage is followed
by items which can be answered from a reading of the passage. One should
not try to answer the questions until the passage is understood thoroughly.
The time limit of the exam is 50 minutes. The examination contains three
passages, each with 15 to 17 items, for a total of 50 items.
-
The Physics Test is also an achievement test. The content is limited
to those areas covered by a two semester physics course. The examination
contains 40 items. The candidate is allowed 50 minutes to complete the
exam.
-
The Quantitative Reasoning Test measures the candidate's ability
to reason with numbers, to manipulate numerical relationships, and to deal
intelligently with quantitative materials. The candidates are given 45
minutes to complete the exam. Calculators are not permitted.
(Information provided by the Association
of Schools and Colleges of Optometry)
2000-2002 OAT Information
| Test Date |
Application
Deadline |
Fee |
|
2/03/01
|
12/22/00
|
$95
|
| 10/20/01 |
9/10/01 |
$95 |
| 2/02/02 |
12/27/01 |
$95 |
| 10/19/02 |
9/09/02 |
$95 |
Contact:
Optometry Admission Testing Program
211 E. Chicago Ave.
Suite 1846
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
Phone: (312) 440-2693
Testing Centers in Illinois/Indiana Area:
-
Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago
-
Saint Xavier University, Chicago
-
University of Illinois, Champaign
-
Wheaton College, Wheaton
-
Butler University, Indianapolis
-
University of Notre Dame, South Bend
-
University of Missouri, St. Louis
OAT Preparation Guides:
Optometry Links:
Eastern Illinois University Departments:
This page prepared and maintained by:
Dr. Kip
L. McGilliard
Department of Biological Sciences
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: (217) 581-6384
E-mail: klmcgilliard@eiu.edu
Updated 10/31/00