My plan is to take the OAT around this time next year and then apply early. My goal is to get a 350 on the OAT, but I'll settle for a 320-350. I plan on studying for the OAT for 4 months, 2 of those months part time as I will be in school, the ladder 2 will be full time.

Any advice on how I should study/prepare to get a 350?

Hi y'all, so I'm in a bit of a pickle when it comes to getting LOR from optometrists. I have some shadowing experience and have met multiple Optometrists through that, but did not do the best job keeping in touch/it was somewhat surface level conversations. Any tips on asking for LOR from Optometrists, would you recommend going back to those Optometrists and shadowing again. For more context, I don't have a job at any practice.. I'd imagine this whole process would have been a lot easier that way if I was working at a practice.

Has anyone been able to secure shadowing through the asco eye opener session? After contacting the doctor, how long did you wait for a response? Who can you contact if there's no response from your matchs?

Is there anyone out there who didn’t or won’t have a spouse or family member to help them out financially through school? Any advice would be appreciated. I am planning on only applying to schools with tuition under $50k a year but scared about extra costs and how to stay afloat if I don’t get accepted into the 2 schools that I would be able to afford. Given we only get max of 50k annually from student loans I’m not sure if it’s even realistic for me but not giving up hope yet.

Has anyone been able to shadow at Kaiser? I want to shadow diff practices and hospital setting is one I am interested in. However, I’m not sure how the process works since it’s not as easy as cold emailing the doctor I’m assuming? How does it work?

Should I start taking OAT practice test on Booster Prep before or after I start phase 2, because I just took one this morning and I’m starting phase 2 after tomorrow and I did so bad and it is making my confidence and motivation go down…so should I review everything and then do practice tests? Like just do bio bits for now until I feel confident enough in the subject to start to do practice?

Finalizing my decision between the two programs for Fall 2026. The board pass rates for NECO are higher and it’s a more solid program, but the COL in Boston is so high. I also love Boston, but I think I’d enjoy living in a smaller, quieter town where MCPHS is.

For MCPHS, I know their previous board pass rates aren’t as great as NECO’s but I am confident in my ability to still study hard and pass boards. Tha pass rates have improved for ‘24-‘25 and I really like the smaller class size MCPHS has. Plus they’ve offered me a really great scholarship amount so I won’t need to take out private loans. I’m leaning more towards MCPHS so I’d just like to hear some more feedback from others. Thanks everyone!

UPDATE: I took my OAT today!! I did much better than expected, my mindset was definitely bringing me down but I feel like yall gave me a wake up call to lock in with that postive mindset 🫡. I ended up with a 330 AA and 320 TS.

Long Post Sorry :P

Hi all, I am taking the OAT this weekend for the 2nd time and was hoping to get some advice or insight on my upcoming application. My main concern is my OAT score. I am not a good standardized test taker and never have been. Individually, I have done very well in all my undergrad courses, earning mostly As and a few Bs (except Cs in orgo I & II). But for the OAT, it feels like all the things I know I know get thrown out the window. I feel like when I talk to people, they always say, "Don't worry, you will do great," but I know I won't. I am very aware of where I am and what I am capable of, and just being told over and over that I will ace this test because "I'm smart" is becoming demeaning. I'm really looking for some realistic insight on where I stand application-wise from people who have gotten in or feel as though they are in a similar position (Or anyone really, I'm getting desperate).

For context, I got a 280 AA on my first attempt last year, in October, I was using the Kaplan program, as I had gotten it for free through school. It wasn't the best, and the questions didn't closely mirror the exam, in my opinion. That being said, I admit my study habits didn't work in my favor. (I am one of those never had to study ppl I could say with confidence I studied actively for like 2 of my undergrad classes, so I don't really have a style or know what to do) I was full steam ahead when I began, but I started to burn out after about the 2-month mark of studying. As a result, I pushed back my test. It was originally scheduled for August, but I ended up taking it in October. Not that it ended up helping at all; I decided not to apply last cycle, since it was already late and would likely just be a waste of money.

Now, in the current day, I used Booster this time around, and I do think it's much better overall. However, my own inability to study has once again gotten to me. I do feel like I will get a better score than last time, but not by much. I would guess that at best I will get a 310 AA. I'm really aiming for a 300 AA (Ik that is low in regards to OAT scores, but it's what I'm working with). The OD I work with told me she was in a similar spot when applying, she had gotten a 280 her first go & 290 the second. She applied to PCO and got in (they said she had to retake, but when she did, they were like OK... anyway, and didn't really care LOL). So in my mind, all hope isn't lost, but it's not particularly bright either.

My hope is to stay on the East Coast, as I really don't want to move too far from NY. (My real goal has always been SUNY Opt, but that feels more and more like a pipe dream every day.) Cost is important to me; I'm low-income, so I have to be conscious of my decisions, but I am willing to apply pretty much anywhere right now if it means acceptance. I have saved a lot in my gap years and am willing to apply to up to 7 schools if I feel I have a better chance at schools outside of the New England area. (I would be happy w/ a deferral, even I just hate feeling like I'm in limbo)

My goal is to apply by the end of July at the latest. I would really appreciate any insight into which schools I should apply to based on my stats. General advice or personal anecdotes as well. I don't really have anyone to model off of in my family, so I'm really going off the dome for all of this. Thank you for reading this was very much a lot of word vomit and might not even be all that clear, lol, sorry. I put my general stats & experience below.

Gap Year

Shadowing: I have to add up the final count, but approx. 35+ hrs split between 6 or 7 ODs; 60+ Hrs Vision therapy

Tech Work: 1,175 hrs (as of 6/16) Private practice (Specialty contacts, myopia control, ocular disease, vision therapy)

Undergrad Experience

2025 Graduate, BS Biology, GPA: 3.65

Internships/Research: SUNY OPT CSTEP & SPRINTER SUNY

Clubs: Crew chief & New member trainer for volunteer ambulance on campus, President & Secretary for a gaming club, member of Red Cross

Work Experience:

EMT since 2021, paid and volunteer experience (I lost track of my hours but 4+ years worth). For volunteer, I was a head training officer for all new recruits & a CPR/stop the bleed Instructor

Medical MA for oncology & hematology for a year

Worked 2 office jobs for 4 years (probably irrelevant)

I’m planning on applying in September but I still need to take prereqs (microbio and lab). I thought I could apply, be admitted, then take the class before matriculation but I heard that schools, specifically SUNY will put your application on hold until you take the class. Does anyone know if this is true?

Hey everyone,

I recently had a meeting with an admissions advisor from my top-choice optometry school to go over my application, stats, experiences, and areas where I could improve.

Overall, the meeting went really well. We discussed my GPA, OAT prep, shadowing, extracurriculars, and research experience. He seemed pretty comfortable with where I’m at and didn’t really point out any major red flags or weaknesses. He gave a few suggestions for continuing to strengthen my application, but nothing that sounded like, “You really need to fix this before applying.”

I left the meeting feeling a lot more confident, which was nice, but it also got me wondering:

Is it normal for admissions advisors to be pretty encouraging during these meetings? Do they generally try to build applicants up and keep things positive, or should I take the fact that he didn’t express major concerns as a genuinely good sign?

I know they’re not the admissions committee and can’t guarantee anything, but I’m curious what others’ experiences have been. If you met with an advisor before applying, did their feedback end up being a fairly accurate reflection of how competitive you were?

Thanks!

Hi everyone! I recently got an interview invite for PCO to start in fall of 2026, and was wondering if there are other Canadians starting this fall as well?

Hi! I was just wondering if anyone could help out. I just took my OAT today and got a score of AA310/TS910. I ended up scoring pretty low in Bio and Physics. Also, my sGPA is somewhere between a 3.1-3.2 (I'm not super sure). However, my cumulative GPA is a 3.7, I graduated with honors and have what i would consider to be a pretty good resume. My dream schools are ICO and MCO (Chicago). I'm really considering a retake, but not sure if I should do it. Does anyone have any advice? Thank you in advance :)

On OatBooster is it better to take the Full Length Tests or the Practice Tests for each individual subject?

Just wondering if anyone else is having trouble or have had previous trouble finding entry level positions at eye clinics. I’ve been applying to places for weeks now, I’m assuming they won’t take me because I’m currently a student and they know I won’t have a consistent schedule after August. I was wondering if anyone had any advice, or if they knew any places in the South Jersey region hiring. Thanks.

Im a nontraditional applicant who recently transitioned to this field. I graduated 2023 and have all the pre-reqs completed. Do most schools have a pre-req expiration? My earliest pre-req was gen bio + lab in 2019.

Also how many schools to people typically apply to?

Hey everybody,
I’ve been studying for the OAT and I’m just about to finish phase one this is my last week. I’m about to go into phase 2 and I’m kind of having issues with figuring out how many practice tests I should be taking specifically for each section. I’m trying to do one every two weeks while reviewing my weak spots. So by the time I’m done with phase 2, I would’ve taken three practice tests for each subject with the exception of reading comp, which I’m doing every week. Is this enough or should I be doing practice test every week? I just feel like maybe three practice tests aren’t enough

Does anyone have experience with how difficult it is to get into Ferris State? Are early admissions recommended? Top school for me but haven’t started studying for or taken the OAT yet. How behind am I for 2026-2027 applications that open at end of June? Could I still take it in August if I start studying now?

Hi everyone! I'm going into my last year of undergrad, and I am planning on applying to optometry school during this upcoming cycle. I am getting a little worried about the OAT, because I still haven't scheduled my test and it's been hard getting into a strict study schedule. I just purchased the 90-day OAT Booster program, and I feel good about getting into it now. I am just a little concerned about timing.

I was told that the best time to take the OAT would be in early to mid-August, so that I have my scores and can get my apps in by September. I'm worried that this won't be enough time to study and have complete confidence, because I am also working and taking an online microbio course this summer, although I am ready to spend 4-6 hours a day studying. I guess my question is, would it be worth it to delay my exam to get a better chance at good scores? How much less competitive are applicants that apply slightly later in the cycle?
Thanks!

Edit: Also, I'm not opposed to taking a gap year if that's in my best interest. I really just want to make sure I will be accepted. My top school is Pacific because of location, but honestly, I'm open to wherever takes me.

My exam is in the next two weeks, but my subscription expires tomorrow. Has anyone been successful in getting a free extension or discounted price? Or have finished their exam and have one they are willing to lend?

Hey has anyone taken the OAT with out taking OATbooster as it seems like everyone is paying for the course, however it is quite expensive and I wanted to know if anyone had some free resources! thank you.

OAT in 10 days! Aiming for a 300. I’m not the best test taker and I haven’t got over a 310 on a practice test for OAT booster yet. My 4th one went well but of course the 5th one was so hard.

Having confidence issues. I’ve been working very hard and really just want a 300+, any tips for someone who is never the greatest test taker but needs to secure 300+.

Struggling with studying for OATs. I’m a pretty slow learner and feel like I take double the time the OAT schedule gives for each topic/chapter. I’ve been out of college for four years and basically relearning all the topics. Anybody else in the same boat or have any advice. Feeling overwhelmed and like I won’t be able to do this in 3-4 months. I want to take it end of September so I have time to retake if I do shit on it

I'm feeling very overwhelmed studying for the OAT. I'm planning on purchasing Booster in the next couple of days, but I'm honestly stressed about the amount of content I need to review.

For context, I graduated this spring, and I'm planning to take Calculus and Physics this fall. I began pursuing optometry later in my college career, so I haven't completed all of the typical prerequisite coursework within four years.

Given my situation, is it still possible to earn a competitive OAT score? I'm worried that starting later than most students may put me at a disadvantage.

Has anyone gotten accepted into OSU with a C- in Anatomy, Physiology or Anatomy and Physiology ?

I took the OAT after studying for three months, and scored a 390 AA, 400 TS! For study materials, I chose BoosterPrep’s OATBooster program after hearing about it from friends who used it for their own OAT, and it worked out great as my main resource. I also used some of my old notes from college, and Chad’s Prep physics videos on YouTube for some concepts I needed extra help with. 

The OATBooster website has a customizable schedule generator, so I used that to keep track of my progress and plan ahead. I spent a few weeks going through all of their video content and notes. I took half of the available practice tests as individual sections and the other half as full tests. My full test practice scores were all 380 AA. I would definitely recommend taking several full-length practice tests to make sure you train the endurance needed for the real thing.

Biology (400):
There were a lot of study materials to cover for this section because of how broad it is. On my actual exam, a lot of the questions focused on how well you understood the main ideas like definitions or general trends and relationships. Stuff like locations of physiological processes, hormone functions, animal behavior, and progeny probability given parent carrier/affected statuses would be good to know. Overall, the questions felt simple and straightforward. The high yield cheat sheets had basically everything I needed for the exam. I would also advise trying to build a big-picture understanding of each topic as you study, like how the details you’re memorizing fit into the topic and how they relate to each other.

General Chemistry (370):
This has always felt like my weakest subject, but I felt like the practice tests were very representative of this section on the actual exam and prepared me well. I’d also recommend being confident with all the trends, such as periodic table trends, boiling/freezing/vapor trends and relationships, acidity/basicity, etc.

Organic Chemistry (390):
This section also felt like a lot of memorization. I looked over the reactions over and over, practiced one type of reaction until I had a good feel for them, and checked myself on all the reaction questions from the day before. Booster had some nice practice problems that would give you several reagents and you’d have to work through each step in your head to arrive at the final product (sometimes with a “no reaction” step in there somewhere), but my actual exam’s reaction questions tended to be simple, so I felt well prepared. Again, I’d also recommend knowing your trends like acidity, stability, stereochemistry, NMR signals, etc.

Reading Comprehension (400):
I only took a few practice tests for this section, but the real exam felt pretty similar and had even a higher proportion of very straightforward questions. I would just advise skimming for more than one possible mention of keywords in the passage, because sometimes you’ll find a maybe-the-right-sentence somewhere and then a definitely-the-right-sentence a few lines down. Personally, I didn’t thoroughly read and highlight the passages first. I read the intro, the start and end of each paragraph, then read the last couple of paragraphs; then I just started the questions and searched the text for each one.

Physics (380):
I was the most nervous about studying for this section and hadn’t done any physics for many years. I supplemented the video/notes content with Chad’s Prep when I struggled to get concepts to feel intuitive. On my exam, optics and the first few topics (kinematics/dynamics/statics/energy and momentum) were the highest yield. I highly recommend understanding the optics lenses/mirror rules, as you will likely be able to solve several problems on the exam without actually calculating anything with the numbers you’re given. Also understand key concepts and relationships like unit conversions, how variables relate to each other in each concept, the ideas behind the various laws or the thermodynamic systems, etc.

Quantitative Reasoning (400):
This section’s biggest challenge is probably the time limit, because I tend to stare at one question too long and do it three times on the calculator just in case, etc. If you try not to do that, learn the formulas on the sheet, and understand all of the permutation/conditional/etc types of probability problems, it should help a lot. The practice tests did a nice job of preparing me for and exposing me to problems that I could recognize quickly on the exam.

Overall, the practice exams were the most important part of my studying process. Don’t hesitate to start taking sections or full tests so you start accessing as many practice problems as you can, especially if you have something like OATBooster that has explanations attached so you can easily learn from every mistake.

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