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Nehemiah
Student
Cypress Mill, TX
1
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What are some tips and ways I can study to do well on the optometry admission test. How can I balance college life and studying for the admission test. Why is it worth it becoming an optometrist
For context I will be graduating high school with only needing to complete 2 years of high school because of previous college courses. How early should I start studying for the admission test #fall25
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Michelle M.
Actress
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Nehemiah !
This is way, way too soon to think about studying for the OAT, so take it back a step and focus on the path you'll need to take for your Bachelors Degree.
For your Bachelors Degree, you would need to Major in a basic science subject. The OAT exam tests you on physics, science, quantitative reasoning, and reading comprehension. so pick a major like Physics or Biology but make sure to take courses during your Bachelors path in physics and Logic and Reasoning (which most Philosophy Departments offer). You should take some anatomy and a biology class in undergraduate college.
Right now it's best to concentrate on picking a college that has a strong Science Department and planning for college. Aim for high grades to keep your GPA high. You apply to optometry schools during the summer after your junior year of college, with applications typically submitted one year before entering a program. In order to apply, you'd have to take the OAT exam, pass it and then apply to a four year Doctor of Optometry program in Texas. Texas has only two Optometry Schools, though. Your Optometry School path consists of classroom instruction with clinical training, covering subjects such as optics, visual science, anatomy, physiology, and the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.
After completing the O.D. program, you must pass all four parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam, which evaluates knowledge in eye structures, disease, treatment, and clinical skills. You also take and pass the Texas jurisprudence exam, which covers state laws and rules governing optometry practice.
You state that you've already taken some college courses, but do they apply to your Bachelors Degree and or Major ? You really have to consult with an Academic Counselor for advice pertinent to your specific circumstances. If the courses you took at college in high school do not transfer to the college you will attend, you may have to take those subjects over, so this is crucial to go in person to an academic counselor for specific advice. But no, you don't have to start studying for the OAT until the summer after your Junior year at college and someone will have to figure out what your Junior year would be if you've already taken college courses in high school.
You take the OAT after completing most, if not all, of your prerequisite coursework in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics during your Bachelors. You would take the OAT in the spring or summer of your junior year of college. It is recommended to register for the OAT at least 60 to 90 days in advance of the desired test date, as testing centers have limited availability. It is a five hour test taken online. So, basically, you're going to be the one that eventually answers your question based on your specific circumstances. Your science courses in college would prepare you for the OAT and there are study guides for the OAT that can help.
When the time is right and you begin studying for the OAT, the study guides are Cracking the OAT, and OAT Prep Plus. You can find these resources online or perhaps at a Library. But right now, it's too soon,. You're going to need heavy sciences at college to prepare you for the OAT.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
This is way, way too soon to think about studying for the OAT, so take it back a step and focus on the path you'll need to take for your Bachelors Degree.
For your Bachelors Degree, you would need to Major in a basic science subject. The OAT exam tests you on physics, science, quantitative reasoning, and reading comprehension. so pick a major like Physics or Biology but make sure to take courses during your Bachelors path in physics and Logic and Reasoning (which most Philosophy Departments offer). You should take some anatomy and a biology class in undergraduate college.
Right now it's best to concentrate on picking a college that has a strong Science Department and planning for college. Aim for high grades to keep your GPA high. You apply to optometry schools during the summer after your junior year of college, with applications typically submitted one year before entering a program. In order to apply, you'd have to take the OAT exam, pass it and then apply to a four year Doctor of Optometry program in Texas. Texas has only two Optometry Schools, though. Your Optometry School path consists of classroom instruction with clinical training, covering subjects such as optics, visual science, anatomy, physiology, and the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.
After completing the O.D. program, you must pass all four parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam, which evaluates knowledge in eye structures, disease, treatment, and clinical skills. You also take and pass the Texas jurisprudence exam, which covers state laws and rules governing optometry practice.
You state that you've already taken some college courses, but do they apply to your Bachelors Degree and or Major ? You really have to consult with an Academic Counselor for advice pertinent to your specific circumstances. If the courses you took at college in high school do not transfer to the college you will attend, you may have to take those subjects over, so this is crucial to go in person to an academic counselor for specific advice. But no, you don't have to start studying for the OAT until the summer after your Junior year at college and someone will have to figure out what your Junior year would be if you've already taken college courses in high school.
You take the OAT after completing most, if not all, of your prerequisite coursework in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics during your Bachelors. You would take the OAT in the spring or summer of your junior year of college. It is recommended to register for the OAT at least 60 to 90 days in advance of the desired test date, as testing centers have limited availability. It is a five hour test taken online. So, basically, you're going to be the one that eventually answers your question based on your specific circumstances. Your science courses in college would prepare you for the OAT and there are study guides for the OAT that can help.
When the time is right and you begin studying for the OAT, the study guides are Cracking the OAT, and OAT Prep Plus. You can find these resources online or perhaps at a Library. But right now, it's too soon,. You're going to need heavy sciences at college to prepare you for the OAT.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !