Are you getting ready to take the Optometry Admission Test? You’re not alone.
Many future eye doctors look for help to ace this important exam.
The OAT covers a lot of ground, from biology to physics to reading skills.
Picking the right study program can make a big difference. The best OAT prep courses offer practice tests, video lessons, and study plans to boost your scores. Let’s look at four top choices that can help you prepare for test day.
These programs have helped many students feel confident and ready to tackle the OAT.
1) Pre-Dentistry at University of Southern California
Hey there! If you’re eyeing a career in dentistry, USC’s pre-dental program might be just what you’re looking for.
USC offers a solid foundation for aspiring dentists.
You’ll tackle key courses like biology and chemistry to build your scientific knowledge.
The program isn’t just about hitting the books, though.
You’ll get hands-on experience too.
USC helps you find cool internships and shadowing opportunities with local dentists.
Want to boost your dental school application? USC’s got you covered.
They offer guidance on prepping for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and polishing your personal statement.
Plus, you’ll have access to top-notch advisors.
They’ll help you navigate the tricky waters of dental school applications and keep you on track.
Remember, USC’s pre-dental program isn’t a major itself.
It’s a set of courses and resources designed to prep you for dental school.
You can pair it with any major you like!
2) OAT Prep Course by Kaplan
Want a study program that covers all the bases? Check out Kaplan’s OAT prep course.
It’s packed with materials to help you tackle every part of the test.
Kaplan breaks down their program into six different subjects.
This matches up with what you’ll see on the real OAT.
It’s like having a separate mini-course for each topic.
You’ll get to learn from some smart cookies too.
Kaplan’s teachers scored in the top 10% on the OAT themselves.
They know their stuff and can share tips to help you succeed.
Flexibility is key with Kaplan.
You can choose how many hours you want to study, from 10 to 40.
This lets you pick a plan that fits your schedule and budget.
Kaplan’s course comes with personalized homework and study plans.
These help you focus on the areas where you need the most work.
While Kaplan offers great features, it’s pricier than some other options.
But if you’re looking for a thorough program with lots of resources, it might be worth checking out.
3) OAT Study Program at Harvard Extension School
Hey, did you know Harvard Extension School offers some great options for OAT prep? They’ve got a bunch of online courses that can help you get ready for the big test.
You can take classes in biology, chemistry, and physics – all key subjects on the OAT.
These courses are taught by Harvard faculty, so you know you’re getting top-notch instruction.
The best part? You can study at your own pace.
Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, you can fit these classes into your schedule.
Harvard Extension School also offers math courses to boost your quantitative reasoning skills.
And don’t forget about reading comprehension – they’ve got you covered there too.
Remember, the OAT tests six different subjects.
Harvard’s program lets you focus on the areas where you need the most help.
Plus, you’ll have access to Harvard’s resources.
That means libraries, online materials, and maybe even some study buddies.
Just keep in mind, this isn’t a specific OAT prep course.
It’s more about building your knowledge in the subjects covered on the test.
4) Princeton Review’s OAT Test Prep
Looking to ace your OAT? Princeton Review’s OAT Test Prep might be just what you need.
They offer a range of options to fit your study style and schedule.
Want one-on-one attention? Their OAT tutoring program gives you personalized help.
You can choose between 10 or 30 hours of tutoring, depending on how much support you want.
Princeton Review breaks down the OAT into easy-to-manage chunks.
They cover all six subjects on the test, so you won’t miss a thing.
Worried about fitting prep into your busy life? No problem.
Princeton Review offers flexible scheduling.
You can study when it works best for you.
Their prep materials are top-notch.
You’ll get practice questions, study guides, and full-length practice tests.
These tools help you get familiar with the OAT format and types of questions.
Remember, Princeton Review stands behind their program.
They offer a score improvement guarantee, so you can feel confident in your investment.
Understanding OAT
The OAT is a key test for aspiring optometrists.
It checks your knowledge and skills in several areas.
Let’s take a closer look at what the OAT involves and why it matters.
Overview of the Test
The OAT is a 5-hour computer-based exam that covers four main sections:
- Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry)
- Physics
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
Each section has multiple-choice questions.
The test scores range from 200 to 400, with 300 being the average.
You’ll face 100 questions in Natural Sciences and 40 questions each in the other sections.
The exam tests your science knowledge and problem-solving skills.
Why Choose OAT?
Taking the OAT opens doors to optometry schools.
It shows you’re serious about becoming an eye doctor.
The test checks if you’re ready for the tough classes in optometry school.
It covers key topics you’ll need to know.
Doing well on the OAT can make your application stand out.
Schools use your scores to compare you to other applicants.
The OAT also helps you see where you need to improve.
You can use your scores to focus your study efforts before starting optometry school.
Choosing the Right OAT Study Program
Picking the best OAT study program can make a big difference in your test prep.
Let’s look at what to consider when choosing a course and the pros and cons of online versus in-person options.
Key Features to Consider
When looking at OAT prep courses, check out the practice tests. Kaplan’s OAT program offers lots of practice questions, which can help you get used to the test format.
Think about how long you want to study.
Some courses let you pick 1, 3, or 6-month plans.
This lets you fit studying into your schedule.
Look for courses with video lessons.
They can make tough topics easier to understand. The Princeton Review has good video content that breaks down complex ideas.
Don’t forget about extra help.
Some programs offer one-on-one tutoring if you need it.
This can be super helpful for tricky subjects.
Online vs. In-Person Courses
Online courses are great if you like to study on your own time.
You can watch lessons whenever you want and practice at your own pace. OAT Booster is a popular online option that many students like.
In-person classes work well if you need more structure.
You’ll have set times to study and can ask questions right away.
But they might not fit everyone’s schedule.
Online courses often cost less than in-person ones.
They can be a good choice if you’re on a budget.
Plus, you don’t have to travel to class.
Remember, some programs mix online and in-person learning.
This can give you the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Picking the right OAT study program can be tricky.
Let’s tackle some common questions to help you find the best fit for your needs and budget.
What are some highly recommended OAT study programs?
The Pre-Dentistry program at USC is a top choice for many students.
It offers comprehensive prep materials and expert instruction.
Kaplan’s OAT Prep Course is another popular option.
It’s known for its in-depth content and practice tests.
Which OAT prep course do people on Reddit suggest?
Reddit users often recommend OAT Booster.
Many students say it helped them score well on the test.
Can you suggest effective OAT study programs that are available online?
The Harvard Extension School’s OAT Study Program is a great online option.
It offers flexible scheduling and top-notch materials.
Princeton Review’s OAT Test Prep is another solid choice for online learning.
They provide live online classes and tons of practice questions.
Are there any top-rated OAT prep courses that won’t break the bank?
Yes! OAT Booster is often praised for its affordability and quality content.
It’s a good pick if you’re on a tight budget.
What’s the deal with OAT Booster compared to other study tools?
OAT Booster stands out for its targeted practice questions and detailed explanations.
Many students say it closely mirrors the real OAT.
How much study time do I need to totally nail the OAT?
Most experts suggest dedicating 3-4 months to study.
However, the time needed varies based on your starting point and target score.
If possible, aim for 20-30 hours per week.