Students preparing for the OAT may want to consider the benefits of completing an OAT course offered by Varsity Tutors. If you've ever spent time online searching for things like "OAT tutoring near me", then you probably already know how beneficial it can be to work with an OAT class educator during the test prep process. This assessment is designed as an admissions test for students seeking entrance into optometry education programs and is used to measure the potential success of the applicant. If you're interested in learning better study and test-taking techniques, contact Varsity Tutors today to get started with an OAT class.
Why Take the OAT?
If you're interested in a career in optometry, then you'll need to send in a valid OAT exam score to the optometry schools you apply to. Students who perform well on the test may make themselves a more attractive candidate for admission at the schools they're interested in attending. Putting together a solid application package is especially important for students who are applying to optometry schools. This is because there are only a total of 20 optometry schools in the United States and Puerto Rico combined. That means that there are very few slots available in each school's incoming class.
Earning a higher OAT score could even give an applicant the chance to earn more scholarship funds as well. Optometry school can be very expensive so it's important to take advantage of every scholarship opportunity that you have available to you. These factors are part of the reason why it's so important to to take your OAT classes seriously as you get ready to take your exam. Varsity Tutors can help you find the right OAT classes for your specific test needs when you get in touch with us today. Having a better organized overall test preparation process could enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of your study sessions.
OAT Exam Eligibility Requirements
There aren't many eligibility requirements that you need to consider when signing up to take your OAT test. However, the Association of Schools and College of Optometry (ASCO) recommends that potential test-takers complete at least two years of college education before sitting down to take the exam. They recommend this because performing well on the exam requires a strong understanding of science subjects like biology and chemistry.
ASCO also recommends that test-takers sign up to take the OAT exam well in advance of their optometry school application cycle. This is important because it gives test takers plenty of time to receive their score and still apply early to the schools they're interested in attending. It also gives them the opportunity to retake the test if they end up not being happy with their initial test score.
If you're interested in taking this exam a second time, then you'll first need to submit a new test application and testing fee. You'll also be asked to wait 90 days from your last attempt. This gives test takers a chance to study the material that may have given them challenges during their last test attempt. Additionally, candidates who have three or more test attempts have to apply in writing to take the test again. These individuals are also only allowed to take the OAT exam once in a 12-month period.
Breaking Down the OAT Exam
The OAT was designed to help optometry schools predict an applicant's academic ability and as well as the skills needed for success in the field, which include scientific knowledge and analytical ability. To that end, the exam has sections on Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. Below, you'll find a more detailed look at what you'll encounter in each of these test sections. Keep in mind that you can always get help learning more about these sections through OAT courses with Varsity Tutors.
The OAT consists of a battery of four tests
- Survey of the Natural Sciences (100 items)
- Physics (50 items)
- Reading Comprehension (40 items)
- Quantitative Reasoning (40 items)
The OAT's section on Chemistry and Biology is also often called the Survey of Natural Sciences. This test section asks you to demonstrate the chemistry and biology knowledge you've developed through your college coursework and test preparation process. Performing well on this part of the test will require you to work quickly, as it features a total of 100 multiple-choice questions, which test takers must answer within a 90 minute time limit.
There are 100 items in the Survey of Natural Sciences test as outlined in the following non-comprehensive bullet list:
- Biology (40 items)
- Diversity of Life
- Genetics
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- General Chemistry (30 items)
- Gases
- Liquids and Solids
- Solutions
- Acids and Bases
- Organic Chemistry (40 items)
- Mechanisms
- Nomenclature
- Aromatics and Bonding
The next section of the exam, Reading Comprehension, gives test takers a total of 60 minutes to read a series of complex passages. You'll also need to answer 50 multiple-choice questions within this time limit. Here, you'll need to demonstrate an ability to understand dense written material, analyze it, and use the information you learn to answer questions.
Next, the Physics test section gives test takers 50 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions. You'll need to have a strong understanding of physics topics like vectors, optics, and thermodynamics in order to perform well on this test section. Finally, the last test section you'll encounter is Quantitative Reasoning. This section will assess your mathematical abilities through a series of problems that you'll need to solve. You'll be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of math topics ranging from advanced trigonometry to simple arithmetic.
Given all of this information, there's clearly a lot that you'll need to do in order to prepare yourself to take the OAT exam. Often, students seek a professional OAT class instructor to help them with their test preparation process. If you think working with an OAT class educator would be the right fit for your studying needs, then you can easily get started with one by contacting Varsity Tutors today.
Finding Your Own Ideal OAT Class
You have a few different options to consider when deciding which OAT courses would be the best fit for your needs. When selecting an OAT prep course, you should consider whether that OAT prep course matches your learning style and test goals. If the answer is no, then you may want to consider some of the other OAT prep courses offered by Varsity Tutors. Continue reading for a more thorough look at the OAT prep courses you can choose from.
One option you can sign up for is a private OAT prep class with your very own OAT course tutor. When you take an OAT prep course, your OAT course can evaluate your current skill level and design a tutoring program that suits your specific needs. After identifying a baseline, the tutor can set specific benchmarks for you to meet throughout the OAT classes. You can take an OAT course with confidence, knowing that your time won't be wasted.
The tutor focuses on honing your skill-level in weak areas and helping you to learn the best way to study and retain material. Four tests are included in the OAT, as mentioned above. These tests can be discussed during OAT prep classes so you can get a better idea of what can be expected on exam day. You'll be hard-pressed to match the personalization in the learning process that you get from a private OAT prep class.
Another option you may be interested in is taking a series of small group OAT prep classes. This style of OAT prep classes may be right for you if you've previously enjoyed learning in the classroom environment. Your OAT course instructor will teach you and a small group of peers everything you need to know before sitting down to take your upcoming test. You'll even have the option of working with your OAT course educator in a one-on-one setting if you need extra help with a particularly challenging test topic. If this option appeals to you, then you don't need to search online for "OAT classes near me". Instead, just get in touch with an educational director at Varsity Tutors to learn more.
The OAT consists of multiple-choice questions. During OAT prep courses, you can go through practice questions so that you get an idea of what you have already mastered and areas that you need more help in. You may have more experience in Physics, but not in Natural Sciences. The tutor knows that you have unique study needs and learn in your own specific way. Whether you are a better visual or auditory learner, the tutor can tailor the OAT class to your unique learning style and abilities.
Your schedule may be busy with current coursework and other responsibilities. When you work with a tutor for OAT courses, you can be connected with one who is flexible. This instructor can work with your busy life to schedule one-on-one sessions in a quiet learning environment. You'll have every opportunity to ask the tutor any relevant questions to the course of study and will receive timely responses. The tutor-student relationship is an important dynamic that needs to cultivate open communication.
One of the benefits of Varsity Tutors is that you can take OAT classes in an online environment, on our Live Learning Platform. You can receive tutoring in an online OAT prep class by a qualified tutor who can help you increase your confidence level for the exam day. You will need to have a solid internet connection to participate in these online learning sessions so your tutoring will be consistent and uninterrupted. That will create an optimized learning process to help hone your study skills and better prepare you for the OAT.
Finally, your test preparation educator can also help you develop your general test-taking skills. For example, have you ever struggled with test anxiety? It's an unfortunately common occurrence for students who are taking important exams like the OAT. However, your instructor can show you techniques that you can utilize to deal with any test anxiety you experience. This can make it easier to stay focused while taking your exam. Your instructor can also help you with things like managing your time more effectively when taking tests, a skill that's important to have on a test like the OAT with restrictive time limits. These are skills that you can use on the OAT exam as well as on any future tests you may take.
OAT Test Statistics
There are only 20 optometry schools in the United States and Puerto Rico so the admissions process at these schools can be very competitive. The score that you earn will lie somewhere on a scale ranging from 200 to 400. The median test score is usually around 300. If you want to earn a 90th percentile score, then you'll likely need to score closer to around 350.
Given the competitiveness of the optometry school admissions process, you may need somewhere around a 90th percentile OAT score to make yourself an attractive candidate for admission. Of course, this is something easier said than done. To perform better than 90% of test takers, you'll need to work harder and smarter during your test preparation process. Instead of looking up "OAT help near me" online, why not let Varsity Tutors provide you with the guidance you need to get more out of your study sessions?
Getting Started
Performing well on the OAT could be a difference-maker in terms of the optometry schools that you're ultimately admitted into. However, the exam can be very challenging to take without any guidance. Do you think you would benefit from working with an expert educator during your test preparation process? If so, you don't have to look up "OAT instructors near me". Instead, just get in touch with an educational director at Varsity Tutors. They can help you pick the best test preparation plan for your specific needs. If you're trying to prepare for the OAT and want to work with a tutor to better prepare for exam day, contact Varsity Tutors. You can hone your study and test-taking skills by completing an OAT prep class.

Yongmao: OAT course instructor
...MBA in Management Information Systems. I'm an adjunct faculty member teaching Introductory Chemistry, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemistry and Society, and Chemistry for Healthcare Professionals, at the college level. Throughout my graduate studies, and most recently teaching Chemistry courses at The University of Tampa and Hillsborough Community College, I have gained valuable experience teaching college chemistry lectures, recitations and laboratories. Always, I try my best to get the point of each class across, properly explain...
Education & Certification
- Nankai University - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- Washington University in St Louis - Doctor of Philosophy, Organic Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- MCAT
- DAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- +178 subjects

Gregory: OAT course instructor
...from high school through graduate school as well as standardized tests. I really do not have a favorite subject here. I just enjoy teaching students who desire to learn and improve themselves. When I was an undergraduate student as well as a teaching assistant in graduate school teaching first semester students, I could take a person the night before the exam that had no clue of what was going on in class and help them...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
- Carnegie Mellon University - Doctor of Philosophy, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- GMAT
- PCAT
- GRE
- +326 subjects

Kevin: OAT course instructor
...key to a student's success and I have spent years mastering this skill. My interests, outside of teaching, include sports, music, and international work. I personally understand the everyday challenges that student athletes must overcome and I can tailor my approach to best fit their academic needs. On top of sports, I have spent my entire life learning either the piano, guitar, or ukulele. I traveled to Italy and spent two weeks there to sing...
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Human Biology/Education Studies
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- DAT
- PCAT
- MCAT
- +97 subjects

Raghavendra: OAT course instructor
...nurturing creativity. Both as an instructor and a student I have tried to come up with different ways to facilitate free thinking and exploration of fundamental concepts. Throughout my life, I have tried to convince people that math is fun and something that can be appreciated if looked at appropriately. I graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign in December 2021 with a major in Math and minor in computer science. I have written...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- PCAT
- GRE
- ISEE-Upper Level Mathematics Achievement
- +106 subjects

Alexandra: OAT course instructor
...that intimidates me! While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about English, Literature, History, Spanish, and Government/Social Studies. Through my experiences helping struggling students and peers, I have realized the value of adaptability. Most people reach out to a tutor because the traditional classroom method is not best suited for their learning needs. There is nothing more joyful than when a student finally understands the material in a way that...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- MCAT
- DAT
- +308 subjects

Anna: OAT course instructor
...as I can remember. I started my career as an educator as a volunteer one-on-one reading tutor when I was still in high school and, ever since then, have gained a wealth of teaching experience with students of diverse backgrounds. I have worked with students as young as third grade up to learners that already have college degrees. My background as a 9th grade English teacher has given me the opportunity to work with students...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelors, Politics
- Johns Hopkins University - Masters, Education Studies
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- DAT
- PCAT
- ACT
- +99 subjects

Michael: OAT course instructor
...pediatric hospital helping kids learn and grow! I have a passion for helping students learn to the best of their abilities. Whether you are a struggling student or one who is looking for an edge in applying to college, I am eager to provide whatever I can to provide the best opportunity for individualized success! I have my Bachelor's degrees in both History and Communication Studies from Furman University--a selective, private liberal arts university located...
Education & Certification
- Furman University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Covenant Theological Seminary - Master of Divinity, Theology
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- GMAT
- DAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- +116 subjects

Jed: OAT course instructor
...physicist with a deep interest for the sciences and humanities and deep knowledge of multiple subjects with two decades of experience and expertise (Ph.D. in physics from Princeton University). I have been a dedicated mentor and teacher of numerous high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, and have a passion for teaching, and teaching the right way -- not just to pass a test but to really explain the concepts so that YOU understand it properly....
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelor of Science, Physics
- Princeton University - Doctor of Philosophy, Elementary Particle Physics
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- English
- +115 subjects

Daniel: OAT course instructor
...I went through the same things that they are going through which makes it easier for me to work with them. With my experience and knowledge, I can help them succeed in their classes. While I tutor a very broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about sciences such as chemistry, biology, microbiology, and math. I really enjoy helping students with their homework as well as preparing them for exams. In my opinion, the...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelor of Science, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- GMAT
- MCAT
- PCAT
- +55 subjects

Heather: OAT course instructor
...to watch them expand upon it. I love to see when a student realizes that they finally "get it", or "just realize that they have just learned(something new), and become more confident in themselves". Affirmation and praise and ensuring all students come to understand and believe they are "Highly Intelligent" in every way possible is important. I am blessed to possess many of the skills needed and required to be a great teacher, many that...
Education & Certification
- Armstrong Atlantic State University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Murray State University - Current Grad Student, Public Administration
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- MCAT
- PCAT
- DAT
- +443 subjects

Nafis: OAT course instructor
...am Nafis. I have Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering, a Master degree in Robotics and a PhD in Physics. I received my PhD from University of Pittsburgh, focused on Physics Education Research. I have taught Engineering subjects for about 3 years and worked as a Physics TA/TF fro about 2 years. I like to teach and also like to help students which is reason for my PhD specialization. I teach Physics, Math and Engineering courses.
Education & Certification
- University of Leipzig, Germany. - Bachelor of Science, Physics
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Doctor of Philosophy, Physics
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- LSAT
- DAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- +153 subjects

Swapna: OAT course instructor
...assist elementary students with reading comprehension and writing in ELAR, Science, and social Studies, and I also support them with Math. I help middle school students with reading comprehension, essay writing, narrative writing, science, and social studies. I help high school students with reading comprehension, narrative writing, and essay writing practice. I help high school students with SAT/ACT preparation. I help high school students with AP World History, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Geosystems. All students need...
Education & Certification
- Kakatiya University - Bachelor of Science, Pharmacy
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- GRE
- PCAT
- GMAT
- +151 subjects

Catherine: OAT course instructor
...four years now and love helping students get to where they want to be in their academics so they can focus on fun stuff -- because we all know school is nobody's favorite thing to do. I have a BA in English with honors from Northern Arizona University, and I tutor English, test prep, Spanish, and algebra. I'm here to make the tutoring process as low-stress as possible. You run the session, and we'll target...
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- PCAT
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Math
- +80 subjects

Divyan: OAT course instructor
...in Electronics from Indian Institute of Technology.I have been teaching Physics since the past 3 years to students from College Level, High School Level including AP Physics. Physics is all about "Feeling" nature around us and how things work. Its the most logical and observable subject. Once the student starts observing physics around him the momentum goes on. While teaching I follow the Socratic method which involves a shared dialogue between teacher and students. The...
Education & Certification
- IIT Dhanbad - Bachelors, Electronics
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- Test Prep
- SAT Subject Tests
- +13 subjects

Charles: OAT course instructor
...career, I continued to tutor in various capacities. Whether it was assisting elementary students with basic math skills, guiding high schoolers through the intricacies of chemistry, or helping college students navigate the complexities of advanced calculus, I have embraced each opportunity to make a difference in someone's educational journey. One of my core beliefs is that every student has the ability to succeed, given the right support and encouragement. I strive to create a positive...
Education & Certification
- George Mason University - Bachelor of Science, Computational Science
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- DAT
- MCAT
- PCAT
- +1410 subjects

Laziz: OAT course instructor
...school to university courses in math and physics. This allowed me to master material on the level of educator which I value very much. Process of teaching is not just one-directional, it has to be appreciated by the learning party too. In tutoring I put strong emphasis on feedback from students, which comes out as constant desire to make homework. This allows the teaching process to step further and further. The material taught must also...
Education & Certification
- Nukus State University, Uzbekistan - Bachelors, Physics
- West Texas A & M University - Masters, Physics
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- GRE
- DAT
- GMAT
- +111 subjects

Japhet: OAT course instructor
...passionate about helping students unlock their full potential and achieve their academic goals. With expertise in academic writing, programming, and GIS software, I offer a well-rounded, personalized approach to learning. I believe that every student can excel with the right support, so I tailor each session to fit individual learning styles and needs. My goal is to break down complex concepts, transforming challenging subjects into manageableand even enjoyablelearning experiences. Seeing my students grow in confidence...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Tacoma Campus - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- GMAT
- MCAT
- +1414 subjects
Education & Certification
- Texas A & M University-College Station - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Purdue University-Main Campus - Master of Science, Applied Behavior Analysis
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- MCAT
- LSAT
- +254 subjects

Bin Zhao: OAT course instructor
...every Japanese language class in Baruch. When I immigrated to the US, I became interested in Japanese culture where there was Japanese television on Fridays. When those programming licensing ended, I turned to the internet. In the second semester in college, I took the opportunity to enroll in the first Elementary Japanese class. I was able to get an A in the class. I have taken all the required classes and have become proficient in...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Bernard M Baruch College - Bachelor in Business Administration, Marketing
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- PCAT
- GMAT
- DAT
- +225 subjects

Anthony: OAT course instructor
...Florida???s mechanical engineering program in my junior moving to my senior year in fall. My absolute favorite subject would be general physics and all the topics included such as statics, dynamics, and solid mechanics. I have helped many other students in their physics, and calculus, courses. I am very patient and persistent which is why I have made it so far, and why I believe I make an excellent tutor. My knowledge in general physics...
Education & Certification
- University of Central Florida - Current Undergrad Student, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- College Algebra
- SAT Subject Test in Physics
- +40 subjects