OAT 2017: Introduction Guide to the Optometry Admission Test!

This is Part 1 of a series of breakdown posts that will outline the OAT 2017!

We’ve actually done a series like this before but the test has gone through some changes and here at OAT Cracker we like to keep you updated to make sure test day is the best day! First of all we’ll focus on the specifics of the OAT itself and then in upcoming posts we will discuss each of the sections in detail individually.

The Optometry Admission Test is designed by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) to assess your readiness for optometry school and is used by all U.S. programs in the application process as a factor in their decision.

 

The OAT 2017 is a monstrous marathon of an exam with a wide scope of testing topics and clocking in at nearly 5 hours!

 

What’s an OATPIN?

First thing is first you’ll need an OAT PIN (Personal Identification Number) for authentication for all Optometry Admission Test applications and official score report requests. Before you can even apply to take the OAT, you must obtain a PIN aka an OATPIN. Important: If you have ever taken the OAT before a PIN may have already been assigned to you and you can retrieve it here. If you are a brand new to the OAT entirely you can register for a PIN here.

 

Applying to take the OAT

With your OATPIN you can now apply to take the OAT here. Note: once you have been approved to take the exam you have a six-month window to do it after which you’ll have to reapply. If you wish to retake the OAT you have to wait at least 90 days and if you feel the need to take it more than three times you have to gain special permission. Plus with each retake you’ll have to reapply to take it and pay the test fee again. Speaking of test fee…

 

$ Cost of taking the OAT $

Currently the test fee is $450 and that includes sending official score reports to the up to 5 schools you specify on your OAT application. If you want your official OAT scores sent to an additional school you didn’t list on the application it’s $36 each. The $450 fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable so pick a date and stick to it! If you must reschedule, well more fees for you:

screen-shot-2017-01-01-at-12-38-19-am

*Notice: The test fee changes as of July 1,2017 are now updated in this post!

 

Scheduling a test date

Once your OAT application is approved you’ll receive email confirmation and only then can you schedule your test with Prometric. You can take the test year-round at Prometric Test Centers in your area. Prometric administers quite a few different computer-based tests like the OAT, GRE, MCAT, etc. and depending on the size of test centers, the day you wish to take the OAT can fill up so schedule ASAP!

 

What’s on the OAT?

As mentioned earlier, there are four sections to the Optometry Admission Test and we will discuss each in detail in upcoming breakdown posts. There are as followed:

1) Survey of Natural Sciences (100 Questions)

2) Reading Comprehension (50 Questions)

3) Physics (40 Questions)

4) Quantitative Reasoning (40 Questions)

 

How long is the OAT?

Total test time is around 3.5 hours but there’s an optional 15-minute tutorial (to get you familiar with using the test interface), an optional 15-minute break, and an optional 15-minute survey after the test, so could be closer to 5 hours. Here’s the test schedule:

screen-shot-2017-01-01-at-12-37-52-am

If you really need an additional break the timer on your test will not stop therefore try your best not! With proper practice practice practice and a goodnight’s sleep you can handle no extra breaks in your OAT 2017 test day no problem.

 

Can I use scratch paper?

The test center will provide two note boards and two fine tip markers to use during the test. Scratch paper, pencils, or markers that have not been provided by the testing center are prohibited. The note boards cannot be used as measuring devices and cannot be folded, bent, distorted, or mutilated in any way and you can’t touch the monitor during testing with the boards. All items must be returned to the test administrator before leaving the test center.

 

OAT Scores

We outlined the OAT Scores on the blog before so check it out!

Your scores are based on the number of correct responses, which means you’re not penalized for guessing so that means don’t leave any question blank! You will get an unofficial score as soon as you finish the test and official scores are available about 3 weeks later. OAT scores on made on a scale from 200-400 so there’s no passing or failing. Some schools require a specific score for competitive consideration so be sure to check with them and aim high!

 

What’s Next?

This breakdown to the OAT is really an outlined introduction the official ASCO OAT Guide that you should definitely check out in full here. Remember practice is key so keep on with OAT Cracker and check out some other pertinent OAT Cracker blog topics; for instance…

OAT Study Tips

OAT Test Day Tips

 

We will keep you updated and in the loop with any other future OAT 2017 changes. That’s all for now!

Get out there, study up, and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

OAT Breakdown: Scores!

This is a BONUS addition to our series breaking down the Optometry Admissions Test.

      Be sure to check out the rest of the series on each section of the OAT in the blog!

 

A while back in own OAT Breakdown: Introduction Guide to the OAT we briefly talked on the subject of the scoring the OAT but now it gets its very own breakdown post to cover it all!

So let’s get down to it, shall we?

 

During the test…

Quick Important Reminder: your scores are based on the number of correct responses and you are not penalized for incorrect answers. So…

Do Not Leave A Question Unanswered!

After you’ve exhausted 98% of the time allotted and the questions you do know are doubled checked, it’s time for educated best guesses!

 

What is a “good” score?

The OAT is scored on a scale of 200 – 400 thus the 50th percentile is at a score of 300.

It’s difficult to pinpoint a standardized “good” score because in the application process many components are in play along with your OAT scores. Perhaps instead it’s wise to refer to the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry’s (ASCO) Profile of the 2015 Optometry Entering Class here in PDF form. You can see the range of scores across the different optometry programs and decide based on all the information what a good score looks like for you specifically; accompanied by things like for example you GPA.

 

In the case of low scores…

Your OAT scores are only a part of the equation of your application. However according to OptomCAS data, schools consider the “OAT Influence” to be either “Significant” or “Moderate” so nobody’s dismissing scores altogether.

 

If other portions of your application such as your GPA are very strong you can worry slightly less about not amazing OAT scores. For some perspective, the ASCO folks say the average GPA of the 2015 accepted and entering class of optometry students was 3.43 so if your scores hover around the median 300 I’d most definitely recommend a higher than average GPA.

 

Apply Early!

The earlier the better when applying with not-so-stellar OAT results. Some optometry programs accept applicants on a rolling basis (as they come in) so get in your apps early everyone and really definitely especially if you got lower scores.

 

Consider Retaking.

The blog already covered Retaking the OAT so if you’re contemplating a redo read up on what you need to know.

 

Practice, Practice, Practice!

The endurance and stamina needed just to get through test day is going to take some getting used to. Practice tests like with OAT Cracker are not only helpful with in content tested but also in getting used to computer testing and exposing you to the time needed for your brain to last through the whole exam.

 

Once you’ve figured out the subjects you need extra help on tackle them! With the OAT Cracker diagnostic tests you can pin point specific areas in each section that you’re weakest in. Then focus on those sections individually as seen below…

Screen Shot 2016-03-07 at 5.29.20 PM

 

There you have it folks. Go forth & PRACTICE!

GOOD LUCK!

Should You Retake the OAT?

Maybe you freaked out on test day or did not meet a school’s minimum score requirement.

For whatever reason you may be considering retaking the OAT, deciding to retake really depends on you!

 

Here are things to consider when faced with decision to retest or not to retest…

 

The Rules.

First off, you need to know the official word on retesting from the ASCO.
• Required to submit a new application and fee for each retest. Reminder that fee is $330.
• Must wait at least 90 days from their last attempt.
• You can take the OAT three times and after that you have to apply for permission to test again, and from that point forward may retest only once per twelve-month period.

 

Do you have time?

With deadlines looming and the required 90 days between tests, keep in mind the timeline of receiving your scores. If too close to application due dates, retesting my not even be a feasible option.
Also you need to think about if you can devote the time needed to prep for the OAT in order to pick up your score to where you want it.

 

Prep Check.

Now that you’ve taken the test once and want to improve here are two important questions to ask yourself and answer honestly:

• How did you prepare the first time?
• What will you do differently in preparing this time?

Pinpointing the issues and deciding how to move forward in studying for the next time is key. Is it just that you didn’t prepare enough or was it the way you studied? We would suggest that the essential factor in improving you score is PRACTICE. With OAT Cracker practice tests you will get better at testing taking in general while also studying the content tested.

 

Postponing Instead.

If you having serious concerns before the big test day and are already thinking about retesting, consider postponing your test instead. This is most definitely the cheaper option; check out the different OAT rescheduling fees below. It is quite possible that you may feel like you an extra week or two and rescheduling could be better than having to wait the 3months that the ASCO require you wait between tests.

Rescheduling Fees

 

 

Basically the only acceptable answer to

‘Should I retake the OAT?’ is…

it depends.

If you go with retesting, remember with OAT Cracker you build on your test taking skills, time management, accuracy, confidence, and improve you OAT scores!

OAT Breakdown: Quantitative Reasoning!

This is Part 5 of a series breaking down the sections of the Optometry Admissions Test.

In fact this is the final breakdown post in the series so go catch up on the rest!

For our grand finale…drumroll… Quantitative Reasoning!

I mean come on the OAT doesn’t have to be complete torture…

OAT Torture

It’s actually pretty fitting that this the final breakdown post since Quantitative Reasoning is the last section you’ll face come OAT day! There will be 40 questions and you have 45 minutes!

In this section you will be given a basic four-function calculator like the one below:

Basic Calculator

 

The ADA says the Quant Reasoning section “measures the examinee’s ability to reason with numbers, to manipulate numerical relationships, and to deal intelligently with quantitative materials.” What does that mean exactly?

Here are the topics covered in the Quant Reasoning Section:

– Algebra including equations and expressions, inequalities, exponential notation,         absolute value, ratios and proportions, and graphical analysis

– Numeric calculations including fractions and decimals, percentages, approximations, and scientific notation

– Conversions including temperature, time, weight, and distance

– Probability and Statistics

– Geometry

– Trigonometry

 

Just like the other sections, time is the enemy and although the concepts may seem simple they can get tricky.

Try these two sample questions out:

OAT Quant Samples

 

Answers: 27) A and 28) B.

Remember in conquering the Optom Admission Test, practice is key and with OAT Cracker you can practice the right way with full-length practice tests that look and feel like the real thing!

Well that’s it for OAT section breakdown posts! Stay tuned for more on all things OAT, applying to optometry school, and other lame optometry jokes I can find!

Happy Practicing!

OAT Study Tips!

Studying for the Optometry Admission Test can be extra stress inducing, we get that.

So when you’re feeling especially frazzled, just picture a T-Rex trying to put in eye drops. After thinking about a bunch of other funny things that guy would have trouble doing and scouring the pre-opt forums and, here is a carefully selected best of the best compilation of OAT study tips to help with the stress!

eye-drops

 

Give Yourself 3 months of Preparation

This is a big test to say the very least with an immense mountain of material to get through. This isn’t a test you will be cramming for. Brightside is you’ve already been preparing with all the hard work you’ve sure to have done in your classes. So now is the time to prove it. Now all you have to do is prepare for an extremely long exam that tests on all your classes ever in a highly integrated and all encompassing manner. Yeah, not easy so give yourself like 3 months!

 

Set Aside Time Everyday To Study

The tried and true saying of “treat it like a class” is not to be taken lightly you need to be setting out time everyday to study. With your real life (school/work/etc.) it’s understandable if you can’t marathon a big block of time of like 8-10 hours of study time everyday but you should be doing something each day. You must make the most of your time and focus, sticking strictly to the 50/10 rule! That’s 50 minutes study time and 10 minute break time.

 

Take Several Online Practice Exams

Practice, practice, practice. The endurance and stamina needed just to get through test day is going to take some getting used to. Practice tests like with OAT Cracker are not only helpful with in content tested but also in getting used to computer testing and exposing you to the time needed for your brain to last through the whole exam. Just a reminder here’s what OAT day looks like:

Testing Schedule

 

Make Your Own Study Guide

Through your college life thus far you know how you best work and study so why not create your own study guide. You do you. Stick to what works just do it on a grander OAT sized scale. Whether it’s outlining your notes or whatever specific thing you may do it’ll be better take the opportunity to personalize it for you versus sticking to some rando off the internet’s guide/schedule. So sit down, layout a plan and stick to it. When creating a study schedule make sure to have a review day perhaps once a week or plan a practice test after working on a particular section (with OAT Cracker you can take practice section tests individually).

 

Try Studying in the Library

Gasp, that awful place? Yes. You want to make your study and practice environment to emulate the test centers. Try finding a place that will have just enough rustling of papers and typing of laptop keys from other students so it not to be too quiet, just like on OAT day! If this tip sounds familiar that’s because we’ve talked about it before in the blog’s OAT Study Motivation post a couple months back, check it out here.

 

Tutor Subjects Covered On The OAT

Once you’ve figured out the subjects you need extra help on tackle them! With the OAT Cracker diagnostic tests you can pin point specific areas in each section that you’re weakest in. Remember after the scheduled break you’ll have Physics and Quant Reasoning back to back and if these sections aren’t your strong areas… PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

 

Well there they are now go forth and conquer! Be sure to stay tuned for more tips and the continuation of our breakdown series of each section. Got any other OAT study tips to add to the list? Share with the class in the comments!

 

P.S. If you don’t already, go ‘Like’ OAT Cracker on Facebook right here and now.

OAT Breakdown: Survey of Natural Sciences Section!

This is Part 2 of a series of breakdown posts that will outline the Optometry Admission Test. The OAT is a marathon of an exam with 4 large sections and clocking in at nearly 5 hours so let’s take a closer look at each section, shall we? On the menu today: The Survey of Natural Sciences, which is the longest section of the test, both in time and in number of questions!

 

Survey of Natural Sciences is the first section of the OAT, there are 100 questions, and you have 90 minutes. Within the section, there are 3 sciences tested: Biology (40 questions), General Chemistry aka Inorganic Chemistry (30 questions), and Organic Chemistry (30 questions). The content of these questions is limited to the things you learned in your entire first-year course in biology, general/inorganic chemistry course, and the organic chemistry class. Basically this means no upper level concepts beyond what you saw in those courses.

 

On your score report you will see scores for each subsection in addition to a total Survey of Natural Sciences section score. Remember: Your scores are based on the number of correct responses, which means you’re not penalized for guessing. That means don’t leave any question blank but make educated and smart guesses!

 

The ASCO gives a fairly detailed list of topics within the subsections so you can really hone in on certain areas when studying. Check out each subsection topic breakdown and a couple ASCO-supplied sample questions below:

 

Biology, 40 questions

DAT:OAT biology topics

Sample Question: OAT biology sample

 

General/Inorganic Chemistry, 30 questions

DAT:OAT gen chem topics 1

DAT:OAT gen chem topics 2

Sample Question: OAT gen chem sample

 

Organic Chemistry, 30 questions

DAT:OAT org chem topics

Sample Question: OAT org chem sample

 

The Survey of Natural Sciences is first big hump in your OAT day adventure and it’s a doozy. The key is perfecting your time management to keep you calm so you can focus on the questions and not worry about running out of time. Practice and ace it with OAT Cracker, where you can take practice tests in each section with questions that look and feel like the real thing! Stay tuned for further breakdowns!

OAT Test Day Tips!

Your Optometry Admission Test day may be coming up soon (or maybe not depending on when you scheduled yours but it will come) and it’s a big day! After scouring the Pre-Opt forums and pulling from first-hand experience, here is a carefully selected best of the best compilation of OAT day tips!

 

Set Yourself Up The Night Before

Have all you’re the stuff you need ready to go. This could be a thing like laying out your clothes, breakfast, ID cards, etc. Do as much for yourself the night before just in case something happens and you’re running late or something. Just follow the Boy Scout’s motto: be prepared.

 

Light Layers

Every single testing room I’ve ever heard of was cold. Dress accordingly. Who knows you could end up in the rare hot room so close-toed shoes and light layers seem the best way to go. Also someone suggested using your long sleeve as a better eraser for the dry-erase board because the one they got had seen better days.

 

Sleep Routine

Everyone says get a good night’s sleep, that’s a given. But if your test time is early in the morning you should really get into habit for waking up at the same time as test day. Prepare by setting your alarm for test day and using it at least 4 days prior to the real day. This can ease some of your concerns you may have about not waking up that morning or missing your alarm(s). Speaking of which, you should probably set two alarms and make them different devices if you can just to be extra safe.

-by-using-such-an-alarm-clock--the-user-will-wake-feeling-muc_16000846_800629762_0_0_4000876_500

 

No Cramming!

It’s too stressful. The morning of is no time for last minute learning/cram session but rather light reviewing to wake your brain up. Look over some equations you may have trouble remembering and doing a few problems just to ‘get you in the mood’. Some students suggested even taking the day before off from studying too and just lightly review to clear your head.

 

The Tricky Tutorial Trick

FYI there’s a tutorial trick out there on the interweb that’s a bit controversial. As you know Prometric testing centers will provide you a small dry-erase board and marker to be used as scratch paper during the test. Some students have reported being able to use the tutorial time before the start of test for jotting down notes and/or equations for later use so you don’t have to worry about remembering them. Apparently it depends on the specific place you test, some might be very lenient or very strict on what you can and can’t do during the tutorial. Don’t just risk it. ASK a test proctor before you sit down and be sure it’s allowed. Realize you run the risk of being reported and not allowed to test before you even get past the tutorial!

 

Use Your Break

This is marathon exam and even if you think you’re feeling pretty good after the Reading Comp section take the rest time. Even if it’s just to walk out of the room to ‘shake it out’, you should break up the monotonous screen time your eyes are getting and the seating position your body is in. Popular snack choices for break time seem to be a banana or a candy bar. Plus a quick bite to eat could give your brain a great jolt for the next half of the exam!

 

Bonus!

While in front of the mirror washing up on the big day, give yourself a boost of brilliant self-confidence. A smile and an affirmation or two that it’s time for all your hard work to shine. For inspiration see below:

 

Don’t be so nervous and please don’t stress too much. Trust in your training and relax. You got this. Keep these things in mind and check out the official Prometric OAT checklist for explicit items you need (proper identification, etc.) here. GOOD LUCK, may the force be with you and practice practice practice! Nailing time management will definitely help come test day so practice! Stayed tuned because next week we’ll be back to the breakdown series!

OAT Breakdown: Introduction Guide to the Optometry Admission Test!

This is Part 1 of a series of breakdown posts that will outline the Optometry Admission Test. First off we’ll focus on the specifics of the OAT itself and then in upcoming posts we will discuss each of the four sections 1) Survey of Natural Sciences, 2) Reading Comprehension, 3) Physics, and 4) Quantitative Reasoning. The Optometry Admission Test is designed by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) to assess your readiness for optometry school and is used by all U.S. programs in the application process as a factor in their decision. It’s a monstrous marathon of an exam with a wide scope of topics tested and clocks in at around four hours!

Basically: Unavoidable & not to be underestimated. So let’s take a closer look shall we?

 

What’s an OATPIN?

As of July 2014, ASCO is requiring a PIN (Personal Identification Number) for authentication for all Optometry Admission Test (OAT) applications and official score report requests. Before you can even apply to take the OAT, you must obtain a PIN aka an OATPIN. Important: If you have ever taken the OAT before or have ever even applied to test before July, a PIN has already been assigned to you and you can retrieve it here. If you are a brand new to the OAT entirely you can register for a PIN here.

 

Applying to take the OAT

With your OATPIN you can now apply to take the OAT here. Note: once you have been approved to take the exam you have a six-month window to do it after which you’ll have to reapply. If you wish to retake the OAT you have to wait at least 90 days and if you feel the need to take it more than three times you have to gain special permission. Plus with each retake you’ll have to reapply to take it and pay the test fee again. Speaking of test fee…

 

$ Cost of taking the OAT $

Currently the test fee is $330 (up from $270) and that includes sending official score reports to the up to 5 schools you specify on your OAT application. If you want your official OAT scores sent to an additional school you didn’t list on the application it’s $33 each. The $330 fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable so pick a date and stick to it! If you must reschedule, well more fees for you:

Rescheduling Fees

Scheduling a test date

Once your OAT application is approved you’ll receive email confirmation and only then can you schedule your test with Prometric. You can take the test year-round at Prometric Test Centers in your area. Prometric administers quite a few different computer-based tests like the OAT, GRE, MCAT, etc. and depending on the size of test centers, the day you wish to take the OAT can fill up so schedule ASAP!

 

What’s on the OAT?

As mentioned earlier, there are four sections to the Optometry Admission Test and we will discuss each in detail in upcoming breakdown posts. There are as followed:

1) Survey of Natural Sciences (100 Questions)

2) Reading Comprehension (40 Questions)

3) Physics (40 Questions)

4) Quantitative Reasoning (40 Questions)

 

How long is the OAT?

Total test time is technically 3 hours and 55 minutes but there’s an optional 15-minute tutorial (to get you familiar with using the test interface), an optional 15-minute break, and an optional 15-minute survey after the test, so could be closer to 5 hours. Here’s the test schedule:

Testing Schedule

If you really need an additional break the timer on your test will not stop so don’t! With proper practice practice practice and a goodnight’s sleep you can handle no extra breaks no problem!

 

Can I use scratch paper?

The test center will provide two note boards and two fine tip markers to use during the test. Scratch paper, pencils, or markers that have not been provided by the testing center are prohibited. The note boards cannot be used as measuring devices and cannot be folded, bent, distorted, or mutilated in any way and you can’t touch the monitor during testing with the boards. All items must be returned to the test administrator before leaving the test center.

 

OAT Scores

Your scores are based on the number of correct responses, which means you’re not penalized for guessing so that means don’t leave any question blank! You will get an unofficial score as soon as you finish the test and official scores are available about 3 weeks later. OAT scores on made on a scale from 200-400 so there’s no passing or failing. Some schools require a specific score for competitive consideration so be sure to check with them and aim high!

 

This breakdown to the OAT is really an outlined introduction the official ASCO OAT Guide that you should definitely check out in full here. Remember the best way to prepare for this long and dense exam is with practice. With OAT Cracker you will get practice with the look and feel of the real thing plus you’ll get plenty of exercise with the timing of the sections.

Onward, practice, and conquer!

 

OAT Study Motivation!

Hey! How’s studying for the OAT going? Great? Just all right? Let’s take a minute to talk about motivation. The Optometry Admission Test is no easy feat and the many (necessary) hours preparing for it can be grueling. The feeling of burning out is a common occurrence for many and can really throw you off track of your path to OAT domination. When test day arrives, it basically comes down to which Stark you want to be: Tony Stark aka Iron Man aka the badass that walks away from the explosion without looking OR Jon Snow aka the Stark bastard from Game of Thrones aka the guy that knows nothing.

Stark Option One: Tony Stark

Stark Option One: Tony Stark

Stark Option Two: Jon Snow

Stark Option Two: Jon Snow

Let’s get down to business…to defeat the Huns? No. No. The OAT! So when motivation wanes, what can you do? (Besides listen to awesome motivation songs like that one!)

Here are a few strategies for motivation and keeping yourself on track:

– Stop & Take a Practice Test: If you’re in the middle of a studying block and suddenly hit a brick wall: Take full timed practice test. Your score just might give you the kick in the rear to knock you back into focus. With OAT Cracker you’ll even pin point exact weak spots in your preparation thus far.

– Change it up: A swift change in the subject you’re studying or change in normal study location can revive your spirits and give you boost in motivation! But don’t change too often be sure you’re sticking to the 50/10 rule…

– Be strict with yourself: The 50/10 rule of studying really does work! That’s 50minutes of straight focus studying then a 10minute break to refresh your brain! Do it. Discipline. “There are no short cuts to any place worth going.”

– Turn off everything: Echoing the last tip, be hard on yourself and put all things you don’t need to study away, really. It may seem harmless to leave open Facebook open in a tab or have your phone lying there beside you but come test time these things won’t be there. You want to your studying environment to emulate that of the test day. So put away all distractions and save them for your breaks!

So study study study and practice practice practice (3x for emphasis) because when test day comes, you’re definitely going to need the confidence of Tony Stark not Jon Snow.

Lesson Learned: Be Iron Man.

Lesson Learned: Be Iron Man.

Applying for Optometry School: OptomCAS Opens July 1st!

Question: Why did the phone wear glasses? …Because it lost all of its contacts!
**Pause for laughter and/or crickets**…so with that out of the way, we can get down to business.
Better Question: Did you know the OptomCAS officially opens July 1st? The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) uses the OptomCAS aka the Optometry Centralized Application Service as a general application when applying to Optometry schools and it allows you to use one application to apply to multiple of any of the 21 programs in the U.S. Basically unavoidable, so get to know it in and out because it’s time to apply!

optomheader

First thing’s first, you’ll need to create an OptomCAS Portal account here starting July 1st! OptomCAS allows optometry applicants to use a single web-based application and one set of materials to apply to multiple optometry schools and colleges. There are sections for your personal and contact information, academic history, a personal essay, and even your DAT scores but remember OptomCAS will not determine whether an applicant has met the optometry school or college requirements or is eligible for admission. That decision will be made by each respective school or college you send the application to. In addition to your OptomCAS application, some schools may require you to submit a supplemental application and an additional fee so read application instructions for each school carefully. Also be sure to check out the OptomCAS FAQ page, here.

When completely the OptomCAS there is a $155 application fee to apply to one school and then an additional $55 for each school after that. Here’s a handy chart in figuring out cost of applying to several school, here. If you wanted to apply to all 21 programs in the country it was cost a whopping $1255, whoa. In fact, the whole application process can quickly become pretty expensive with taking the OAT, completely the OptomCAS, then individual schools secondary application fees, traveling to interviews, etc. so you want to do your research and narrow down the programs you really want to apply to.

With all this expense, here’s a little secret to ease the load: Want to get 30 FREE days added onto your OAT Cracker account? Mention “OATCracker” on any forum, mention it in a blog, refer a friend, Facebook post to your pre-dental society, etc. and we will add 30 extra days to your account! Email us through our website (www.oatcracker.com) so we can help you out for your upcoming Optometry Admission Test. PLUS right now you can gain an edge on your OAT for only $49 instead of the regular $99. With all the stress of applying to optometry school don’t let the OAT be one of them. Ace it with OAT Cracker! You see? These are the benefits of reading the blog and putting up the cheesy eye jokes, like so:

03-12-12 One-Eye

In review, applying to optometry school with the OptomCAS officially commences on July 1st and get 30 FREE days added to your OAT Cracker account to ace the admissions test!