Optometry School Statistics

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a 5-hour standardized exam required by most optometry schools in the United States and Canada. This test plays a significant role in the admissions process, making thorough preparation essential to boost your chances of acceptance. To learn how the OAT is scored, check out our detailed guide here.  

In this article, we will explore the average OAT statistics for each optometry school and provide insights into how to interpret these numbers. For even more detailed statistics, including admission data for every optometry school in North America, click here.  

📈 What Are the Admission Statistics for Optometry Schools?

Several factors influence whether your OAT score is competitive for optometry school. One key factor is your percentile ranking, which reflects how your performance compares to other test-takers. Although admission decisions are not solely based on percentile rankings, these scores are a critical benchmark for applicant comparison.  

• A score of 300 corresponds to the 50th percentile, making it the average score. 
• For competitive programs, aim for a score of 350 or higher. 

Optometry schools vary significantly in the number of seats they offer and the expectations they set for applicants. Programs with fewer seats are often more competitive, requiring higher OAT scores and stronger academic credentials. For example, some schools have minimum score requirements for all OAT sections, meaning you must meet these benchmarks to be considered.  

Below, we’ve included a table with statistics from the 2020 Optometry Entering Class, published by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. This data highlights the mean Academic Average (AA) and Total Science (TS) scores of admitted students across North American optometry schools.

Source: Profile of the 2020 Optometry Entering Class, published online by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry  

🎯 Tips for Success 

1. Success Research Class Profiles: Reviewing the class profiles of previously admitted students will give you a clearer picture of the scores specific schools are looking for. 
2. Aim for Balance Across All Sections: Scoring consistently well across all six OAT sections demonstrates to admissions committees that you’re prepared to handle the academic challenges of optometry school. Strong performance across the board will also contribute to higher AA and TS scores. 
3. Plan Your Study Schedule: Once you know your target scores, allocate sufficient time to study, find high-quality resources, and thoroughly prepare.

👉 Conclusion

While optometry school applications consider more than just your OAT score, this test is a pivotal component of the admissions process. To increase your chances of acceptance, research the schools you’re interested in and check their admitted class profiles to set realistic goals. With proper planning and preparation, you can excel on the OAT and set yourself on the path to success.  

For more details, including OAT scores of admitted students across North America, click here. Good luck!