OAT stands for the Optometry Admission Test. It is a standardized test required for admission to most optometry schools in the United States and Canada. The OAT is designed to assess an applicant’s readiness for the academic rigors of optometry school. It covers a variety of topics, including:
- Biology
- General chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Physics
- Reading comprehension
- Quantitative reasoning
The OAT is a computer-based test that is administered by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). The test is typically four hours long and is divided into four sections:
- Natural Sciences (biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry)
- Perceptual Ability
- Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Reasoning
A good score on the OAT is important for gaining admission to a competitive optometry school. However, there is no minimum passing score for the OAT. Each optometry school sets its own admissions requirements, and the weight given to the OAT score can vary from school to school.