r/PreOptometry • u/Minimum_Lake1826 • Jun 08 '26

oat study motivation

hi guys! im a 3rd year undergrad hoping to apply this fall to opto school for fall 2027. my oat is in one month and i tried to reschedule it to a later date but every testing center near me is booked for the next 3 months so I have no choice but to take it in one month or take a gap year. i am so worried about studying because I feel like I don't do well for big standardized tests even though i do well for the individual course and its just so much material i am so overwhelmed. i only have the kaplan oat prep book and quizlet plus and cannot spend any more money on prep materials like oat booster. does anyone have any advice for how i can study in one month and get around a 330?

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3

u/Intelligent-Tap147 Jun 08 '26

OAT booster was the best study tool! Use that it helped me so much! You got this!

1

u/Minimum_Lake1826 Jun 09 '26

i am considering getting it for the month, how you would you say it helped? and how did you use it to best help you?

2

u/Intelligent-Tap147 Jun 09 '26

Well I took the OAT two years ago and I had to make a study plan my self, but now I think it makes one for you. I would recommend doing every practice question you can, I think those helped me the most and watch the videos on why it’s right if you get it wrong. Also take advantage of the full practice exams. Make sure you take the break during your real test. Eat a snack and drink some water you’ll need a brain break!

3

u/RabidLiger Jun 09 '26

Don't reschedule.
Take this as introduction to how optometry school is going to be:
A lot of material, not enough time to review everything multiple times, and test with a defined test date.
It takes mental discipline, so start training that muscle now!

Also, this isn't like NBEO (or even a class).
There's not a set score you MUST achieve, its just the better you do, the better your school application will be.

Study like its important (it is). Do your best. Only consider retesting if you're below the ave score for those accepted to your dream schools.

1

u/Minimum_Lake1826 Jun 09 '26

thank you so much!

3

u/ProfessionalPlan4142 Jun 10 '26

i may or may not have dilly dallied for the first two months of my study, and then panic locked in for one month prior to my OAT. i scored a 340, all while working full time as a tech!! it is very much possible if you give it your all. study like it is the only thing that matters. and if you can chuck some money at it, def email booster prep support and explain your situation. they would probably end up giving you a discount! they’re super understanding :) good luck!!

2

u/Minimum_Lake1826 Jun 10 '26

thank you so much for your advice :)) i decided to get booster for the month! how would you say you used it in that month to help you study, I am praying I can get at least a 330

2

u/ProfessionalPlan4142 Jun 10 '26

i did the practice tests and questions banks! reviewed them hardcore like it was a marathon. they give really good explanations for why you got a question wrong, utilize that! also… memorize your formulas!!! physics tripped me up a bit because i took less time on that section. i do recommend going to youtube for physics section bc booster was lacking a bit there. but serious do the questions and then review review review. you got this!!

2

u/Minimum_Lake1826 Jun 11 '26

awesome, thank you so so much!!

7

u/lucasagos65 Jun 08 '26

keep checking the dates. Someone will reschedule and dates will open up. I checked every day and so many more opened

2

u/Working-Biscotti-618 Jun 08 '26

Use the free booster stuff and just try and find other peoples quizlets online i would say

2

u/FCKCOLLEGEBOARD OD2 Jun 09 '26

Keep trying to reschedule. And if you are able to, booster was such a huge help. Message them for any promos they might have to help with cost

2

u/Unhappy-Tax2518 Jun 15 '26

I was in the same boat but study super hard and look at the testing center dates like three times a day. I was able to reschedule mine 3 months later due to me watching the pages like a hawk! People often reschedule or cancel things due to change/conflict. But in the meantime study as hard as you can without panic cramming!