If you are preparing to take the OAT assessment, you may want to consider taking an OAT course offered by Varsity Tutors. The OAT is an important exam for assessing your potential success in an optometry education program. If you've ever spent time online searching for things like "OAT tutoring near me", then you probably already know how effective it can be to get OAT test prep help from an expert instructor. Being properly prepared through OAT preparation can be an important factor in helping you to feel more confident on exam day. When you feel confident in your skills, you can be less nervous and recall learned material more easily. Contact Varsity Tutors today to get more information on the benefits of OAT prep.
Why Take the OAT Examination?
Students across the country decide to take the OAT when they make the decision to attend optometry school. In fact, taking this exam is a required part of the admissions process at each of the 20 optometry schools you can attend in the United States and Puerto Rico. Beyond that, a solid score on the OAT could make you a more attractive candidate for admission at the schools you ultimately apply to.
Additionally, when you earn a strong OAT score, you may have the potential to earn more scholarship money. Optometry school can be very expensive so you should make every effort you can to take advantage of the scholarship opportunities that are available to optometry school candidates. Of course, getting a strong score on the OAT is something that is easier said than done. OAT test prep from Varsity Tutors may be the missing piece to your OAT test preparation plan. You can learn more about the benefits of OAT test prep and the exam itself by continuing to read below.
OAT Eligibility Requirements
There aren't many requirements that you need to satisfy in order to become eligible to take the OAT. The test is given by the Association of Schools and College of Optometry, or ASCO. They do recommend that potential test takers wait to take the OAT exam until they've completed at least two years of their college education. This is because doing well on the OAT requires a solid understanding of scientific subjects like biology, physics, and chemistry.
You'll also want to make sure that you sign up for the OAT exam slot of your preference well in advance of your optometry school admissions cycle. This ensures that you get your test score back with enough time to spare so that you can still apply to optometry schools early in the admissions cycle. Applying early to these schools is a good idea because of the competitive nature of their admissions process.
Taking the OAT exam early also gives you the opportunity to retake the test if you aren't happy with your initial score. If you do decide to retake your exam, then you'll want to keep a few things in mind. First, you'll have to wait at least 90 days from the date you took your last OAT test before you become eligible to take the exam again. Similarly, candidates who have already taken the exam three times must apply in writing to take the OAT test another time. If you find yourself in this scenario, then you'll also only be allowed to take the OAT one time per 12 month cycle.
These restrictions for retaking the OAT exam were instituted to ensure that students who retake the exam have the opportunity to study the material that gave them trouble when they took the exam last time. However, it can be difficult to create a strong OAT test preparation plan without any guidance. You may want to contact Varsity Tutors and inquire about OAT test prep assistance if you're looking for extra help with your study sessions.
Breaking Down the OAT Exam
The Optometry admission exam comprises four tests that are timed as detailed in the chart below. OAT tutors can work with you during OAT test prep to improve your test-taking skills:
Survey of Natural Sciences |
90 Minutes |
Reading Comprehension Test |
50 Minutes |
Physics Test |
50 Minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning Test |
45 Minutes |
The OAT exam was designed to assess how prepared candidates for optometry school are to continue with their studies at a higher academic level. To that end, the exam focuses on the skills that you'll need to have in order to find success in optometry school as well as when working as a practicing optometrist. Specifically, you'll be asked to answer a lot of questions focusing on scientific knowledge and analytical ability. Below, you'll find a more detailed look at each section on the OAT.
The test's first section, Survey of Natural Sciences, focuses on the topics of chemistry and biology. You'll be asked to answer a total of 100 multiple-choice questions within the section's 90 minute time limit. This means that you'll need to work quickly in order to answer everything without running into time issues. If you'd like some help with being able to work through this section quickly, then you can easily get it with OAT test prep assistance from Varsity Tutors.
The next test section is called Reading Comprehension. As its name suggests, this section focuses on your ability to understand and analyze dense written materials. You'll be asked to answer 50 multiple-choice questions that are based on a series of complex written passages. Again, if you need help developing your reading comprehension skills, you can get it through OAT test prep help.
Next, the third section of the exam focuses exclusively on physics. The following bullet list details some of the test topics that you will encounter. Your tutor can review these topics and others with you during OAT tutoring to gauge your skill level.
- Units and Vectors
- Statics
- Dynamics
- Rotational Motion
- Algebra
- Statistics
- Data Analysis
- Reading passages requiring comprehension and analysis
Finally, the last section of the OAT exam is called Quantitative Reasoning. This test section focuses on your analytical and mathematical abilities. To perform well on this part of the exam, you'll need a strong understanding of a range of math topics, including advanced trigonometry.
There are clearly a lot of different skills that you'll need to be successful when taking the OAT exam. Studying all of this material can be difficult to do alone. Why not let Varsity Tutors help you study with an in-depth OAT test prep plan? To get OAT test prep help, you don't have to search online for things like "OAT tutoring near me". Instead, simply contact an educational director today to learn more about each OAT prep option that is available to choose from.
Finding the Best OAT Prep Option For Your Needs
When you sign up for OAT prep assistance with Varsity Tutors, there are a few different OAT prep options that you can choose from. When selecting the OAT prep choice that makes the most sense for you, it's a good idea to think about how the OAT prep option fits with your learning style and test goals. Below, you'll get a more detailed look at each type of OAT prep that is offered by Varsity Tutors.
The first OAT prep option you may be interested in is OAT tutoring. This form of OAT test preparation is conducted in a one-on-one learning environment that is free of distractions. OAT prep with OAT tutors gives you the chance to work with a qualified tutor who can answer any questions you have about the material. Take full advantage of the time you spend with your tutor in the OAT classes to openly communicate about the material and any weak areas you have.
During an OAT prep session, the tutor can give you a baseline assessment to clearly define areas where you're excelling and areas where you need work. This assessment is an invaluable tool in OAT courses because it enables the tutor to create a customized plan for tutoring. OAT tutors can set benchmarks to measure progress during the OAT test prep.
Alternatively, you may also be interested in taking a small group OAT class. Taking an OAT class that has this format may be the right option for you if you've previously enjoyed learning in the classroom environment. Your OAT classes will be taught by an expert on the exam who knows what it takes to perform well on it. OAT classes even replicate some aspects of private OAT tutoring in that they offer the opportunity to work with your OAT preparation instructor in a one-on-one environment if you need extra help with a challenging topic. If you think this test preparation option is the best fit for you, then you don't need to search online for "OAT classes near me" to get started. Instead, you can just contact an educational director at Varsity Tutors today if you're ready to get started.
You can benefit from OAT test prep if you get nervous when taking standardized tests. Your tutor can work with you to share relaxation techniques that can help you relax on the exam day. OAT tutors can help you hone your study skills so you are able to feel confident when studying, which can improve recall on test day. There are no magic methods here, but the OAT preparation instructor can show you the best way to relax when you feel pressured.
Time management is an important factor when taking a timed test. You need to make sure that you spend the right amount of time on each question and section. That is another reason why OAT test preparation is so invaluable. The tutor can give you timed practice tests so you both can see how you would perform on exam day. After completing practice tests, the tutor can gauge your progress and continually reevaluate the structure of the tutoring.
Another benefit you can receive from the OAT courses you ultimately sign up for is flexibility. When you sign up to take OAT courses, we make every effort to connect you with an experienced educator who can meet your scheduling needs. You'll also be able to engage in our Live Learning Platform to participate in online tutoring. The flexibility that you'll find through OAT courses ensures that you can get the test preparation help that you've been searching for without having to worry about how it will impact the rest of your life.
Understanding OAT Score
The OAT is scored on a scale ranging from 200 to 400. Depending on the test year, a score of 300 is typically the median. To put this in perspective, if you earned a score of 350 while taking your exam, then you would be at about the 90th percentile. If you're not familiar with how the percentile system works, this simply means that a score of 350 would be better than about 90% of the other individuals who took the same exam you did.
As touched on previously, the admissions process at optometry schools is notoriously competitive. With only 20 schools to choose from, there just aren't enough slots for all of the students who want to attend optometry school to get accepted. This is why getting a strong OAT score is so important. You want to put your best foot forward when applying to these schools. To that end, taking an OAT course with Varsity Tutors could be the right way for you to get more out of your study sessions.
Getting Started With Your Own Ideal OAT Course
If you plan on taking the OAT soon, then signing up for OAT courses could help you increase the efficiency and effectiveness of your test preparation plan. To get started, you don't have to look online for "OAT courses near me". Instead, just get in touch with an educational director at Varsity Tutors to learn more about the test preparation options that you can choose from. You can increase your confidence level in your knowledge of the material covered on the OAT exam by completing OAT prep with the help of Varsity Tutors. Our Educational Directors are ready to discuss all of the benefits of OAT test prep with you. Get started with an OAT class today.

Michael: OAT test prep instructor
...encourage students to ask questions and to remember not to give up! I also did well on the ACT, so those looking for a tutor in that area, I would love to assist in creating/coaching a study program so when test time comes, you are confident and prepared! Most importantly, I want students to know that with me, don't be afraid to make mistakes! Getting the answer wrong or even a bad grade is such...
Education & Certification
- Furman University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Covenant Theological Seminary - Master of Divinity, Theology
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- College Level American Literature
- Civics
- SAT
- +113 subjects

Karl: OAT test prep instructor
...with students of all ages and backgrounds. My main passion is teaching high school mathematics, especially algebra and calculus. I have worked as a full-time Math fellow, working with high school freshman to help them reach grade-level proficiency in algebra and geometry. I have also worked as a professional SAT/ACT tutor for the last four years. My first love is Math tutoring. I get a thrill out of helping my students gain a deeper understanding...
Education & Certification
- Whitman College - Bachelors, Psychology
- Portland State University - Masters, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- SAT Mathematics
- Essay Editing
- AP Calculus AB
- +53 subjects

Alexandra: OAT test prep instructor
...Through my experiences helping struggling students and peers, I have realized the value of adaptability. Most people reach out to a tutor because the traditional classroom method is not best suited for their learning needs. There is nothing more joyful than when a student finally understands the material in a way that makes sense to them. Many times, students need flexibility and patience in order to grasp a foreign concept. I am a firm believer...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- CLEP American Government
- CLEP College Composition Modular
- GRE Subject Tests
- +308 subjects

Raghavendra: OAT test prep instructor
I have always believed that true learning comes from nurturing creativity. Both as an instructor and a student I have tried to come up with different ways to facilitate free thinking and exploration of fundamental concepts. Throughout my life, I have tried to convince people that math is fun and something that can be appreciated if looked at appropriately. I graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign in December 2021 with a major in...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- World Religions
- Computational Problem Solving
- Geometry
- +106 subjects

Anna: OAT test prep instructor
...school and, ever since then, have gained a wealth of teaching experience with students of diverse backgrounds. I have worked with students as young as third grade up to learners that already have college degrees. My background as a 9th grade English teacher has given me the opportunity to work with students from low-income backgrounds, students with learning disabilities, English Language Learners as well as students from a range of racial/ethnic identities. I strongly believe...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelors, Politics
- Johns Hopkins University - Masters, Education Studies
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- Social Sciences
- ACCUPLACER WritePlacer
- High School Writing
- +99 subjects

Kevin: OAT test prep instructor
...work. I personally understand the everyday challenges that student athletes must overcome and I can tailor my approach to best fit their academic needs. On top of sports, I have spent my entire life learning either the piano, guitar, or ukulele. I traveled to Italy and spent two weeks there to sing for the Pope. I recently completed a ten day medical mission in Vietnam, providing primary health care and aiding the surgery team for...
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Human Biology/Education Studies
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- Gifted
- Special Education
- IB Biology HL
- +97 subjects

Susan: OAT test prep instructor
...24 years. I am an expert on grammar and mechanics. I can help you develop your thesis, your argument, your paragraphs, your introduction, and your conclusion. I am incredibly good at helping write college application essays. In addition, I can help you find quality research and integrate it professionally into your essays. I do test prep as well, from elementary through graduate student. I'm also patient and kind, and I care very much for my...
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelors, French
- Carnegie Mellon University - PHD, Rhetoric
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- CLEP Social Sciences and History
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- IB
- +242 subjects

Margaret: OAT test prep instructor
...I'm personally interested in environmental science writing and nature writing of all kinds. In my free time I enjoy hiking, gardening (I'm getting to know the quirks of growing food in the desert), video games, listening to comedy podcasts, and working out. I also worked as a summer camp counselor and program director for six years. I love working with all kinds of students, particularly EFL learners and new writers who want to improve on...
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Bloomington - Bachelors, English
- Indiana University - Masters, English
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- PCAT Writing
- ISEE-Middle Level Verbal Reasoning
- English
- +140 subjects

Abraham: OAT test prep instructor
...to get ahead in your summer courses so that you have more time to enjoy the warm weather? If these, or any other scenario in which you feel like you might need some 1-on-1 tutoring in math, physics, or test prep, I'm your guy! As a recent graduate with my Master's degree in Physics, I've been through the ringer and I'm ready to share the strategies I developed to navigate the demands of high school...
Education & Certification
- The University of Alabama - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Statistics
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- Electromagnetism
- Honors Geometry
- Cost Accounting
- +133 subjects

Natkai: OAT test prep instructor
I have been tutoring for almost twenty years. I have taught at the university level, worked closely with the local school systems, and have experience working with young and adult learners with learning disabilities. With experience as a mental health therapist, I strive to develop a working relationship with learners so that we can determine the best way to approach new concepts. I enjoy helping others, am very passionate about subject areas, such as mathematics...
Education & Certification
- Radford University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- Catholic University of America - Master of Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- Sociology
- Public Speaking
- Java
- +158 subjects

Elon: OAT test prep instructor
...to teaching reading I also teach my reading students in small reading groups. I teach my students phonemic awareness, reading comprehension skills, grammar and handwriting skills. I have obtained an Ohio Department of Education educational licensure and I am ESEA certified and qualified. In addition to these certificates, I am also a certified member of The National Tutoring Association. I have been at Columbus City schools for nine years. I enjoy teaching my students how...
Education & Certification
- Ohio Dominican University - Bachelor in Arts, Early Childhood Education
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- Geography
- ACT
- Special Education
- +22 subjects

Kristen: OAT test prep instructor
...puzzle piece" to fall into place. You can appreciate the bigger picture in the grand scheme of things, especially after conquering each detail "one puzzle at a time." As I got further into more advanced courses along with critical coursework, I started to acknowledge the amount of information I could learn, and how vital it was for me to create original, more effective methods towards introducing & teaching new material. I began tutoring at the...
Education & Certification
- University of Arkansas - Current Undergrad, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- High School Political Science
- Percussion
- ACT Writing
- +424 subjects

Karen: OAT test prep instructor
...models attention to detail which enables students to achieve the highest level of proficiency. I provide your student with individualized lessons designed especially for them. I have 2 Master's degrees- One in Elementary Education and one in Special Education as well as over 20 years of experience. I taught elementary school for 13 years, teaching grades kindergarten to fourth as well as special education. I am TESOL endorsed and have taught Native American and International...
Education & Certification
- University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science, English
- Northern Arizona University - Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- ISEE-Middle Level Mathematics Achievement
- High School Biology
- Spelling Bee
- +169 subjects

Rithi: OAT test prep instructor
...I have worked as a research technologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine and I am now a medical student at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. I have thirteen years of tutoring experience, in subjects ranging from math, test prep, Spanish, and violin. I train in martial arts and I enjoy learning languages in my free time. I have volunteered as a Spanish medical interpreter at local clinics. Feel free to contact me at any time if...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelors, Neuroscience
- Johns Hopkins University - Masters, Biotechnology
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- ISEE-Middle Level Reading Comprehension
- SAT
- AP Research
- +263 subjects

Noble: OAT test prep instructor
...would love to help you out with the topic. In 2011, i have started to teach MCAT prep courses for Kaplan both online and on NYU campus. Soon after, I started to teach MCAT in private settings as i have discovered many different ways to boost the MCAT scores and many of my students received great results from my tutoring. I found out that most MCAT students struggle with the MCAT due to lack of...
Education & Certification
- Yeshiva University - Bachelors, Biochemistry
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Masters, Biotechnology
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- PCAT Biology
- OAT Physics
- High School Biology
- +27 subjects

Hasan: OAT test prep instructor
...for the last 26 years. I have taught both AP Physics, Conceptual Physics, Modern Physics, and Calculus courses at the Academy and at the University level. I have also been tutoring online and in person for many years helping scores of students in various physics, math courses , SAT, and ACT. I would be glad to teach from 9th grade through high school to the university level students in person or online.
Education & Certification
- University of Bombay - Bachelor of Science, Physics
- University of Toledo - Master of Science, Atomic and Molecular Physics
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- Graduate Test Prep
- SAT Subject Test in Physics
- SAT Subject Tests
- +38 subjects

Abrahim: OAT test prep instructor
...studying for my medical doctorate degree (M.D.) at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I graduated UCLA with a Biology degree with Asian Languages minor in 2019, cum laude honors. Both during my undergrad and days since, I had a chance to tutor private clients in Southern California and work for a few exam prep companies. I enjoy tutoring math, sciences (chemistry, biology mainly), social sciences (history, politics), essay writing, and Japanese. I also help assist...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Medical College of Wisconsin - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- Molecular Biology
- Calculus
- Anatomy & Physiology
- +116 subjects

Aaron: OAT test prep instructor
...experience, in addition to helping friends. I tutor all areas of math, but can help with science and English too. Geometry and algebra through calculus are my favorite subjects since I use them so much myself, though actually those use all levels below. My philosophy is to find out whether the student wants a topic explain or wants to know how to approach tough topics in the future, and then provide accordingly. I give frequent...
Education & Certification
- Boise State University - Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- Calculus
- PCAT
- SAT
- +36 subjects
Education & Certification
- CUNY Hunter College - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- Other
- Study Skills
- Algebra
- +46 subjects

Jeremy: OAT test prep instructor
I am a newly graduated Optometrist. I graduated from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry in Glendale, AZ in May 2020. I passed all 3 parts of NBEO on the first time. My class had the highest pass rate for NBEO Part 1 and Part 2 in the nation. I was on a committee during Optometry school to help my class prepare for NBEO parts 1 and 2.
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science
- Midwestern University-Glendale - Doctor of Optometry, Optometry
Subject Expertise
- OAT
- OAT Quantitative Reasoning
- Graduate Test Prep
- MCAT
- +3 subjects