Best Time to Take the OAT

[jkain08]

Hello again,

I need advice regarding when I should take the OAT this summer. I'm set to graduate May 2012 with my Biology degree. I want to begin applying as early into my cycle as possible, but on the other hand, I would like a couple of months to study over the summer before I take the exam since I doubt my schedule will allow me to during the current semester. I guess this uncertainty stems from my lack of knowledge regarding how the scoring report system works.

So, when should I register to take the exam? When is the most advantageous time to take it?

So confused... 🙁

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[Lynx41]

You receive your unofficial score as soon as the exam ends, and the official scores get sent out to your designated schools within 1-2 weeks. Depending on how well you handle the test material, I would suggest taking anywhere from 1-3 months to study, and taking the test toward the end of summer. This way, if you are not happy with your score, you will have a chance to take it again November or December, which is not considered terribly late in the cycle. For reference, many schools begin accepting applications around July.

I would also strongly suggest getting your other materials (such as LOR, transcripts, essays) together and completing as much of the OptomCAS application as you can, even before you take the OAT. This way, you will have less things to worry about and can focus completely on taking the test when the time comes.

 

[jkain08]

You receive your unofficial score as soon as the exam ends, and the official scores get sent out to your designated schools within 1-2 weeks. Depending on how well you handle the test material, I would suggest taking anywhere from 1-3 months to study, and taking the test toward the end of summer. This way, if you are not happy with your score, you will have a chance to take it again November or December, which is not considered terribly late in the cycle. For reference, many schools begin accepting applications around July.

I would also strongly suggest getting your other materials (such as LOR, transcripts, essays) together and completing as much of the OptomCAS application as you can, even before you take the OAT. This way, you will have less things to worry about and can focus completely on taking the test when the time comes.

November/December isn't considered that late? I didn't expect to hear that. When do most people submit their applications? I was thinking of studying June and July and taking the test early August. Say I were to take the exam on August 1st - and I already have all other application materials ready - do I wait two weeks to submit the application in order to give time for my scores to reach them, or something along those lines?

 

[BandanaGuy]

I finished my undergraduate classes this past fall (2010). After my spring semester of 2010, I took summer class that went till the middle of June. I spent 2 months studying hardcore for the OAT. I went through the Kaplan OAT book.

I also bought review books (like SAT or AP) for biology, chemistry and physics) which helped a lot. I was also getting transcripts ready, and started filling out my OptomCAS periodically. My LORs were completed my the end of July.

I took the OAT the middle of August, and like the previous poster mentioned, you get your unofficial scores immediately. I spent the next two weeks finishing my essay, and submitted my OptomCAS application at the end of August. I was granted interviews to all 4 schools I applied to within 2 weeks.

Its better to apply early. It looks more proactive to the schools, and you have a much better shot with the rolling admission process. I was accepted in late september and october to the schools. This gave me plenty of time to research areas and make a careful decision.

I also got a great place to lease because I had been accepted to soon. Good luck. Apply early! You'll be glad you did.

 

[al074755]

OPTOMCAS does not open until July 15th (at least for the 2010-2011 cycle). Submit your application as soon as possible. You can apply without having OAT scores. Schools will review your file and depending on your stats some will even offer you an interview before you take the exam. For your LORs, try asking 4 professors (doctors) now or within a month. It gives them time to write a letter and when the time comes you can remind them about it. Waiting until July to ask for one is silly and you will waste time. If you haven't already, go through OPTOMCAS so you know what to expect when you are ready. Most schools will start reviewing applications in August, late july. For example, I submitted my application August 10th, it was validated by OPTOMCAS August 20, I took my OAT Sept 14, Interview Oct 4, and accepted October 10. APPLY EARLY!

Register for the OAT for when you want to take it. You must pay first and then register through prometric. Planning to take the OAT in the beginning of Aug is a good time because if you want to retake it, you can during Nov/Dec. You will receive your unofficial score as soon as you are finished with the exam. Most schools will accept a faxed copy or emailed submission of the scores, and they will add this to your file. When they receive your official scores, they will validate your file.

 

[lsmc888]

i heard that optomcas for next cycle opens july 1 now, so a good time to take the OAT would be late July, early August. You can submit your application before OAT scores are sent in, it will just be on hold until the scores are received. what they were saying earlier about november/december is for if you need to retake the test, taking it in july/august would allow you to be able to retake in nov/dec if needed. but the OAT is something you do not want to retake, so if you are not ready, it is best to postpone your test date and pay a little extra rather than actually taking the test and doing poorly.

 

[jkain08]

Wow, you guys are incredibly helpful. Thank you.

I guess I was just under the impression that everyone will be "jumping the gun" and being prepared to apply in July as soon as the cycle opens. So applying in August is still considered early? Even for schools with rolling admissions?

 

[DellGirl]

Wow, you guys are incredibly helpful. Thank you.

I guess I was just under the impression that everyone will be "jumping the gun" and being prepared to apply in July as soon as the cycle opens. So applying in August is still considered early? Even for schools with rolling admissions?

Yes, August is considered early.

 

[al074755]

...the OAT is something you do not want to retake, so if you are not ready, it is best to postpone your test date and pay a little extra rather than actually taking the test and doing poorly.

I don't think I necessarily agree with this statement. Obviously, if you haven't dedicated yourself to studying, then you should most definitely postpone. However, a lot of people tend to lack confidence when they approach these types of exams or for that matter any exam, example: The people who fail every exam, but they really get the highest score in the class (you know who you are!). Taking the exam for the first time is a learning experience itself. I would plan to take the exam at least twice, based on the fact that having the knowledge of how the exam actually works can improve your score. Schools don't expect to see the highest scores first time around, and huge mark of improvement on the second round can be just as beneficial.

 

[lsmc888]

oh i actually said that cause a school told me that the OAT shouldnt be a test that you take once for practice and then again for real. i forget which school it was

 

[Moptometry]

oh i actually said that cause a school told me that the OAT shouldnt be a test that you take once for practice and then again for real. i forget which school it was

Makes sense.

 

[Shnurek]

Yes the OAT should never be taken as a "practice". Optometry schools can see your first scores and they may be detrimental to you. There are plenty of free tests and other practice tests out there for you to try your hand at those. Plus it is not worth the $230 or w/e fee you have to pay for the test to just practice.

My experience with the OAT was that I told myself I would take it in June and be over with it. But then as summer came along I preferred to go to the beach or go hiking with friends so I kept pushing it back further and further. It wasn't until I scheduled it in early September did I really sit down and study straight for 2-3 weeks.

I am a procrastinator so if you are one too it is the best method. And yes if you study those 2-3 weeks and you feel this is insufficient then postpone it a week or two more but I did not because I felt prepared.

 

[al074755]

oh i actually said that cause a school told me that the OAT shouldnt be a test that you take once for practice and then again for real. i forget which school it was

I agree, the actual exam is not for practice. I was trying to explain that there is a learning curve. You should always go in prepared, but even after completing every practice exam available, nothing compares to the actual experience of taking the exam for the first time. I found that my nerves got the best of me my first time around, even though I was prepared. After that exam, I knew exactly what to expect and what i needed more practice on. I went in more relaxed and did better ten fold. I also knew not to wear anything that had pockets, cuz the test center practically strip searches you

 

[lsmc888]

I agree, the actual exam is not for practice. I was trying to explain that there is a learning curve. You should always go in prepared, but even after completing every practice exam available, nothing compares to the actual experience of taking the exam for the first time. I found that my nerves got the best of me my first time around, even though I was prepared. After that exam, I knew exactly what to expect and what i needed more practice on. I went in more relaxed and did better ten fold. I also knew not to wear anything that had pockets, cuz the test center practically strip searches you

oh ok, i see what you mean