Hello there, I'm studying for the OAT and have some questions

[AustinPeayprez]

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Hello, I have decided to take the OAT two weeks from now and when I took the practice test, I did well in a few areas, but definitely needed to brush up on my General Chemistry and Biology. I'm using an MCAT Biology reivew book and it goes really in depth about each system of the human body, should I pay much attention to which specific hormone is being secreted or which enzyme is found where. It's just a ton of information to cram and was wondering how much specifics I should try and remember. Also, I am a little confused about the Quant section, do they allow you to use a calculator or do they let you use one that is on the computer? Lastly, for the Physics section, is there any kind of equation sheet that is provided or should I start memorizing equations?

Thank you!

 

[nc2tarheels]

I hate to be so blunt, but maybe you should push back your exam date. You have to memorize the physics equations, you get a basic calc for QR, and bio is really broad. The way to approach bio, imo, is to learn all you can in undergrad. Then a cpl of months in advance, start going over the areas that are covered. You shouldn't be LEARNING anything 2 weeks prior to the test, you should be refreshing yourself. Bio is definitely the most broad section on the test and they will ask all types of random questions. It's VERY VERY hard to just "study" for the bio section.

 

[bobbio]

Whoa, I took a the OAT a few years ago and no calculators were allowed, but it sounds like calculators are provided now? Lucky. Anyways, I would hold off on the exam because you should memorize the physics equations because they won't be provided. Good luck!

 

[bobbio]

Actually, I saw in your other post that you've already been studying for the OAT for the past couple of weeks. If that's the case, then you might be okay taking the OAT in a couple of weeks, especially if all you have to do is brush over things and memorize equations. Initially, when I read this thread I thought you had not started studying but that doesn't seem to be the case. MCAT material is a lot more in-depth compared to the OAT. FYI: I used an MCAT book (in addition to OAT Destroyer) myself and found the MCAT stuff good for prep but was probably overkill. Again, good luck!

 

[mspence2115]

Actually, I saw in your other post that you've already been studying for the OAT for the past couple of weeks. If that's the case, then you might be okay taking the OAT in a couple of weeks, especially if all you have to do is brush over things and memorize equations. Initially, when I read this thread I thought you had not started studying but that doesn't seem to be the case. MCAT material is a lot more in-depth compared to the OAT. FYI: I used an MCAT book (in addition to OAT Destroyer) myself and found the MCAT stuff good for prep but was probably overkill. Again, good luck!

Would you recommend the OAT Destroyer?

 

[SIUE optkid]

The calculator you use is on the computer.

 

[bobbio]

Would you recommend the OAT Destroyer?

Absolutely. The book only has questions (unless it has changed) so it is really good for testing your knowledge. If you want to read/review material then you will have to supplement with other books.

 

[bobbio]

The calculator you use is on the computer.

You can use it anytime during the test (for QR and physics)? Man, what a luxury getting to use a calc.

 

[AustinPeayprez]

I hate to be so blunt, but maybe you should push back your exam date. You have to memorize the physics equations, you get a basic calc for QR, and bio is really broad. The way to approach bio, imo, is to learn all you can in undergrad. Then a cpl of months in advance, start going over the areas that are covered. You shouldn't be LEARNING anything 2 weeks prior to the test, you should be refreshing yourself. Bio is definitely the most broad section on the test and they will ask all types of random questions. It's VERY VERY hard to just "study" for the bio section.

Well I have already taken the required biology courses to get into optometry school, just have not taken A&P (which really stinks due to the amount of A&P material tested) and I have already taken 2 semesters of Physics, so I wouldn't be memorizing random equations, just recalling how to applying them. I just don't want to be behind on applying to optometry schools. I have a 4.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and have a chemistry minor if that helps out any on giving me advice.

 

[mspence2115]

Absolutely. The book only has questions (unless it has changed) so it is really good for testing your knowledge. If you want to read/review material then you will have to supplement with other books.

Alright, cool. Thanks! I have been reading the Kaplan Review Notes on the different sections, and I have some AP Bio books. So that should be good for the read/review material. Any other books/videos/material that you would think would help?

 

[cocolove]

i used the kaplan's DAT book which is really thick and it comes with a good review of the subjects, all but the physics section.

 

[bobbio]

Alright, cool. Thanks! I have been reading the Kaplan Review Notes on the different sections, and I have some AP Bio books. So that should be good for the read/review material. Any other books/videos/material that you would think would help?

I used examkrackers mcat stuff in addition to OAT destroyer and I thought it worked well. The questions/passages in examkracker were overkill but it made the OAT seem easy in comparison.

 

[shannon804]

You can use it anytime during the test (for QR and physics)? Man, what a luxury getting to use a calc.

If I recall correctly, you can only use it for QR (and it's basically the Windows calculator, so it's not a big plus).