OAT® General Information

The OAT® is designed to measure general academic ability and comprehension of scientific information. While all optometry schools require applicants to participate in the Optometry Admission Testing Program, test results are only one factor considered in evaluating the admission potential of an applicant. Validity studies conducted by the testing program have shown that test scores in conjunction with collegiate records are useful in predicting performance. Each optometry school determines the relative importance of these predictors in the admission process.

Candidates may submit either an electronic or paper application. Electronic applications can be submitted on-line at www.opted.org using a credit card. Applications are processed weekly on Wednesdays. Candidates may request a print version of the Candidate Guide with a paper application form by submitting a written request via facsimile to (312) 587-4105. Candidates submitting a paper application must pay by certified check or money order. Paper applications must be submitted via U.S. mail. It is the responsibility of the test applicant to clearly and accurately complete all portions of the application. Incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected. A new application must be submitted each time a candidate wishes to take the test.

The price of the OAT® is $199 for 2007 and 2008. This fee includes the submission of official score reports to five optometry schools, a personal copy, and a copy for the pre-optometry advisor. The five official score reports are included only if they are indicated on the original application form. All requests for official score reports received after the time of application require a $25.00 fee per score report. It should be noted that fees are not refundable.

The OAT® test is approximately 4 Hours and 35 minutes (235-300 minutes). The OAT® consists of 220 multiple-choice items distributed across a battery of four tests: the Survey of the Natural Sciences, Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning Tests.

Early applications are desirable, and deadlines range from December to April 1 for the various schools and colleges of optometry. Contact the school(s) or college(s) of your choice to obtain application instructions and forms.

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