What Is a Good OAT Score?

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. The scores reported for each section on the OAT range from 200 to 400 for the following sections: Natural Science (Biology, Chemistry and Organic Chemistry), Physics, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. These scores play an important role in optometry schools’ admission decisions and adequate preparation should be completed to score a high OAT score and 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 what the average OAT score is and what defines a good OAT score for admission to optometry school. To learn more about how the OAT is scored, click here.

I. What Is Considered to Be an 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 of the average scaled scores is 300, with a standard deviation of 40. This score corresponds with the 50th percentile. You may be wondering, what does this mean? This score simply translates to 50% of other test-takers performing just as well or worse than you, while 50% perform better than you. It’s important to note that your raw score (i.e., the number of correct answers) is converted into a scaled score ranging from 200 to 400. For a deeper understanding of how your raw score is converted into a scaled score, check out our detailed article here. It breaks down the scoring process and helps you interpret your results more confidently.

As shown in the chart below, the mean Academic Average (AA) and Total Science (TS) scores of entering classes at U.S. optometry schools have remained relatively stable around 320 from 2010 to 2020. Any significant deviation from the target mean is closely monitored by ASCO. If substantial drift occurs, the test is recalibrated to reset the mean.

Source: Profiles of the Mean OAT scores for the 2014-2024 Optometry Entering Classes, data retrieved online from the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry

While the average OAT score is often reported as 300, it is important to know that this value can vary slightly across administrations. As a standardized exam administered across North America, the OAT is subject to fluctuations influenced by cohort performance and other variables. However, as mentioned previously, when the mean deviates significantly from 300, the test is statistically recalibrated to maintain a mean score as close to 300 as possible. This ongoing process helps ensure that scores remain consistent, meaningful, and fair—no matter when you take the test.

II. What Is a Good OAT Score for Optometry School?

In general, it is best to be fully prepared and aim for a high OAT score. However, multiple factors play a role in determining whether your OAT score is good enough for admission into optometry school. One factor is the level of competition – your percentile ranking and score depends on your performance compared to other test-takers. Even though admission decisions are not based solely on percentile rankings, they still provide a metric for applicant comparison. Since a score of 300 corresponds to the 50th percentile, it would be best to aim for OAT score ranges that are above 300. Anything below 300 is generally considered a very low OAT score and may place you at a disadvantage, particularly for more competitive schools. As a result, for more competitive schools, you should aim for a score of over 350+. The table below shows the scaled scores alongside their corresponding percentile rankings to help you determine where you should aim.

Keep in mind that optometry schools vary in both the number of seats and expectations for their applicants. Schools with fewer seats will likely be more competitive and hold higher expectations for their entering classes. Make sure to verify whether your school of choice places greater emphasis on specific sections of the OAT, such as Quantitative Reasoning or Reading Comprehension, as some programs may expect higher scores in particular areas. To learn more information about the admission statistics and cutoff minimum OAT scores for each Optometry school, check out the college admission pages and click here to view our article on Optometry school statistics.

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!