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Velvet Digest

Is the OAT exam hard?

Author

Emma Martin

Updated on May 25, 2026

The OAT reading passages are not particularly difficult, but they are long and technical, and reading on the computer takes some getting used to. The more you practice this, the better you will perform on test day.

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Also question is, how hard is the oat compared to MCAT?

The MCAT is harder in that it's passage based. You have to weed through a bunch of info in the passage before you can even begin to answer most questions. On the OAT, it's basically a question asked, and you either know it (as in most bio/chem questions) or you can figure it out (as in math and physics).

Additionally, is the oat easier than the DAT? The MCAT math is submerged within the science questions mainly in the Physical Sciences. It is, by far, the simplest of all the math on the tests. The OAT and DAT are roughly equivalent in difficulty and both are much more demanding than the MCAT. There is no calculus or precalculus on the DAT or OAT.

Accordingly, how long does it take to study for the OAT?

two to three months

How many questions are on the OAT?

220

Related Question Answers

Is optometry a good career?

Optometry is a great career choice for many reasons—including work-life balance, the ability to help others and opportunities for growth. But it turns out that for women, it may also pay to be in optometry.

Is it easier to get into optometry school than medical school?

It's easier in that you become a medical specialist in almost half the time. It's just as hard in that serious study skills and clinical decision making will be required. As an optometry student with a previous biomedical degree, I can say with reasonable unbias yes, optometry is very comparable to medical school.

Do optometrists take the MCAT?

How do you become an optometrist? After obtaining a bachelor degree and completing the necessary prerequisites, you will take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)—whereas for medical school you would take the MCAT. You will then need to complete a four-year program at an accredited optometry school.

Is Kaplan harder than oat?

Kaplan: Kaplan has many resources for the OAT, ranging from courses to practice exams (both online and on paper) and review books. Kaplan's practice tests are good practice however, general consensus also states it is harder than the real OAT, especially on the physics portion.

How do I prepare for oat?

Mentally prepare yourself for the OAT This means simulating the real thing by taking full-length practice tests in a quiet place, making sure nobody is around to disturb you. During the real exam, you'll be given 15 minutes beforehand to collect yourself and complete a brief tutorial.

Is Optometry better than pharmacy?

Pharmacy and optometry are both great professions and both programs offer a doctorate. Pharmacists do not stand on their feet all day counting pills, this is what a technician does. As far as diversity goes, pharmacy is considerably more diverse than optometry as a profession.

What is on the oat?

The OAT consists of four tests: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics and Quantitative Reasoning. When should I take the OAT? Most applicants complete two or more years of college before taking the test.

What do Oats contain?

Just 100 grams of oats contain:
  • 51 percent of the daily recommended intake of thiamine.
  • 8 percent riboflavin.
  • 5 percent niacin.
  • 6 percent vitamin B6.
  • 14 percent folate.
  • 13 percent pantothenic acid.
  • 26 percent iron.
  • 44 percent magnesium.

What is a good score on the OAT?

The score ranges from 200 to 400 with a median score of 300 and a standard deviation of 40. A 320 is a very good score and a 350 is an excellent score representing approx. 90% ile.

How much does the oat cost?

The fee for taking the OAT is $465. The OAT is conducted by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and administered by the American Dental Association (ADA). The OAT is administered year-round at test centers operated by Prometric.

What is the highest score on the OAT?

Your OAT Score The OAT is given a scaled score of 200-400, 300 being the median representing the 50th percentile. Separate subscores are reported for biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, reading comprehension, physics, and quantitative reasoning.

What is the average GPA for optometry school?

The average GPA of an entering class is typically around 3.50 and the average OAT score is around 330.

Do you get a periodic table on the OAT?

The periodic table on the computerized OAT is hidden, so you will have to click on the EXHIBIT tab on the screen to bring pull it up.

Is there a lot of physics in Optometry?

Optometrist. Optics is a part of physics. A lot of undergraduate physics courses do not ever get to it because it is usuall the last chapter in the text book. But to answer your main question, optics involves calculus, linear algebra, trig, and geometry.

Is the oat multiple choice?

The OAT is composed of multiple-choice test questions (items) presented in the English language. It consists of four sections: Survey of the Natural Sciences, Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning.

How difficult is optometry school?

Optometry school is maybe not as difficult as med school because you're mainly focusing on what goes on with the eyes. But those 2 years of in class learning is about everything regarding the eyes, whereas med school is about the entire body, but then you also have to choose a specialty as well.

What does urine organic acids test for?

The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient's overall health with 76 markers. It provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria. Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine.

How is the oat score calculated?

The OAT is scored on a 200-400 scale. For each section of the test, the actual number of multiple-choice questions you answer correctly per section is your raw score. All multiple-choice questions are worth the same amount—one raw point—and there's no penalty for incorrect answers.