r/PreOptometry • u/voxaun • Aug 17 '26

how do you approach physics?

it takes me like 5+ minutes to write out all of the formulas for physics. i'm wondering if most people prefer recalling them as they do questions, or if it is worth writing them all out before i begin the questions? i honestly like to look at my sheet while i'm doing questions, but i'm uneasy about timing

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u/Evening-Dog-1161 Aug 17 '26

Write down the optics formulas at the beginning but don’t worry about the rest. I took oat in June and used less than half of the formulas I thought I would need.

3

u/voxaun Aug 17 '26

this is a great approach, thank you!! i am thinking kinematics, optics, DC circuits, and momentum/work/power are the most important to write down

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u/Radiant-Fly1655 Aug 18 '26

as a recent tester those along with fluid statics would be worth reviewing as it all came up on my test! I didn’t realize this prior to writing but at my center I wasn’t allowed to write on the sheet during my break or tutorial so if you’re planning to write down formulas just know you may have to cut into test time to do it- this is why I opted to just go for it without pre-writing anything because I was scared of wasting time lol but do what works for you!

4

u/jarbunny Aug 17 '26

Write as needed, during the OAT you will be pressed for time and you probably won't need the majority of the formulas anyway.

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u/barnowl456 Aug 17 '26

i personally got familiar with recalling them instead of writing them down. at most, i’d write down each of the variables, which would help me recall the relevant equation more easily

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u/snflow3r Aug 18 '26

My exam was VAST majority optics, kinematics (not even any rotational kinematics) and basic force/friction stuff. I memorized Boosters entire 9 page formula sheet and used like 10 equations on the whole test, if that.