If you are considering optometry as a profession, the optometry admission test (OAT) is an important standardized exam you will have to take. The OAT is a 5-hour test required by most optometry schools for admission. Therefore, it plays an important role in optometry schools’ admission decisions and adequate preparation should be completed to increase your chances of being accepted. It is best to figure out how the exam works and what score you should be aiming for. In this article, we will cover how the OAT is scored, what the average OAT score is, and what defines a good OAT score for admission to optometry school.
I. How Is the OAT Scored?
The OAT is made up of 4 general sections: natural sciences, physics, quantitative reasoning, and reading comprehension. The natural sciences portion is made up of 3 subsections: biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. Each section is allocated a certain number of multiple-choice questions that must be completed in a specific amount of time before moving onto the next section. The number of questions and time allocated for each section are shown in the table below:
Section | Number of Questions | Time allocated |
---|---|---|
Natural Sciences | 100 questions (40 Biology, 30 Chemistry, 30 Organic Chemistry) | 90 minutes |
Physics | 40 questions | 50 minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning | 40 questions | 45 minutes |
Reading Comprehension | 50 questions | 60 minutes |
Furthermore, the table below shows an example OAT score conversion table from a raw score to a standard score, but please note it can vary depending on the version of the exam you get. For example, 37 questions answered correctly out of 40 on the Biology section may result in a standard score of 400. However, note that there are different versions of the OAT and the conversion chart can vary slightly. This depends on the version’s level of difficulty deemed by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO).
II. What Is the Average OAT Score?
With your performance on the OAT in mind, you must be thinking: What is the mean OAT score and how can I perform better than the average score?
According to the ASCO, the mean standard score for the OAT is 300, with a standard deviation of 40. This score corresponds with the 50th percentile, meaning 50% of other test-takers perform just as well or worse than you, while 50% perform better than you. As shown in the chart below, the mean standard AA and TS scores of the entering class profiles of US optometry schools have stayed relatively consistent, around a score of 320 from 2010 to 2020. Any fluctuations from the ideal mean are closely monitored by the ASCO and if a significant drift occurs, the test will be recalibrated to set the mean back to 300.
Source: Profiles of the 2010-2020 Optometry Entering Classes, published online by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
However, note that the average OAT score is not always 300. Because the OAT is a large-scale test held across North America, there will always be variations due to different factors. Even more, these factors help define a good OAT score for optometry school admission. To learn more information about exactly what is considered a good score on the OAT, check out our article.
III. Conclusion
Although optometry school applications encompass more than just a test score, the OAT is an important metric for admission. Therefore, it is best to look into the schools you want to apply to and check their admitted class profiles. You want to have an idea of what you are getting into and what score to aim for. This way, you can allocate enough time to find the right resources and properly prepare to excel on the OAT. Good luck!