Check-In Process:
Pretty short. Started 30 min early and everything went ok until the guy kept stopping me to ask if I wanted to switch out my scratch paper after I'd wrote something on it. He asked 4 times before the first break. You get 2 sheets and an eraser, so I told him to stop asking. Also, be aware that you do get to access your stuff at the scheduled 15 minute break! The guy "forgot" what test I was taking and wouldn't allow me to get into my locker (to brush up on physics equations before the section). When I had 3 minutes left of my break, he comes strolling in to tell me that I was right and that I was allowed to access my stuff. By the time he checked me out and I glanced at my stuff, the physics test had already automatically started.
Biology:
Not a bio major, but it went ok. Lots of evolution for some reason and way too many questions on animals. I wasn't prepared for such detailed questions. Also, brush up on knockout genes and protein techniques.
Chemistry:
Best chem section I've taken. There were a few solution questions I didn't know, but overall, stoichiometry, Galvanic cells, and a few Hess' Law questions.
Organic Chem:
Pretty standard. Nothing too terrible, but like 5 NMR problems. Also, know your acids and bases, pkas, and pH stuff.
Reading Comprehension:
Best RC ever! Super easy and I use the Kaplan strategy (jot down notes). It always helps to remember what I've read and help me to locate it quickly. I also finished 10 minutes early.
Physics:
Easily my worst subject (see scores). I took honors calc based physics and that was the only physics class I ever took. I learned almost nothing. I work full time and spent about a week on physics alone, but it wasn't enough.
Quantitative Reasoning:
Not bad. Normally, I'm pretty good at it, but physics really threw me for a loop, so I kind of gave up on it. Did all of the questions with no calculator because it was VERY slow.
Scores: Kaplan Diagnostic | OAT
BIO: 290 | 320
GEN CHEM: 310 | 360
ORGO: 330 | 370
RC: 320 | 390
PHYSICS: 200 | 260
QR: 360 | 320
TS: 320
AA: 340
All in all, I am glad it's over and though I might have to take it again, it's nice to know how Kaplan stacks up to the actual OAT. I'm applying to ICO, IU, and OSU (want to stay near home). I'm a psych and neuroscience double major and I work in an optometry lab for a faculty member that is on the admissions board at IU this year (lucky me!). I'll probably retake it in September, which is why I decided to try it out now. I want to apply early and get it all over with. Good luck to everyone and hope this helps someone! PM me with any questions or suggestions for physics!
UPDATE!!!
Though my physics scores are TERRIBLE both ICO and IU admissions people I've come into contact with told me that I if I apply early, I will definitely get in an interview depending on recommendations and personal statement. IU is my top choice because currently go here for undergrad and I know the faculty and the program pretty well. I am thrilled and it's taken alot of pressure off my chest. And surprisingly, they were most impressed by my reading comp scores and academic average (95th and 85th percentile respectively) and told me not to consider retaking it.
Pretty short. Started 30 min early and everything went ok until the guy kept stopping me to ask if I wanted to switch out my scratch paper after I'd wrote something on it. He asked 4 times before the first break. You get 2 sheets and an eraser, so I told him to stop asking. Also, be aware that you do get to access your stuff at the scheduled 15 minute break! The guy "forgot" what test I was taking and wouldn't allow me to get into my locker (to brush up on physics equations before the section). When I had 3 minutes left of my break, he comes strolling in to tell me that I was right and that I was allowed to access my stuff. By the time he checked me out and I glanced at my stuff, the physics test had already automatically started.
Biology:
Not a bio major, but it went ok. Lots of evolution for some reason and way too many questions on animals. I wasn't prepared for such detailed questions. Also, brush up on knockout genes and protein techniques.
Chemistry:
Best chem section I've taken. There were a few solution questions I didn't know, but overall, stoichiometry, Galvanic cells, and a few Hess' Law questions.
Organic Chem:
Pretty standard. Nothing too terrible, but like 5 NMR problems. Also, know your acids and bases, pkas, and pH stuff.
Reading Comprehension:
Best RC ever! Super easy and I use the Kaplan strategy (jot down notes). It always helps to remember what I've read and help me to locate it quickly. I also finished 10 minutes early.
Physics:
Easily my worst subject (see scores). I took honors calc based physics and that was the only physics class I ever took. I learned almost nothing. I work full time and spent about a week on physics alone, but it wasn't enough.
Quantitative Reasoning:
Not bad. Normally, I'm pretty good at it, but physics really threw me for a loop, so I kind of gave up on it. Did all of the questions with no calculator because it was VERY slow.
Scores: Kaplan Diagnostic | OAT
BIO: 290 | 320
GEN CHEM: 310 | 360
ORGO: 330 | 370
RC: 320 | 390
PHYSICS: 200 | 260
QR: 360 | 320
TS: 320
AA: 340
All in all, I am glad it's over and though I might have to take it again, it's nice to know how Kaplan stacks up to the actual OAT. I'm applying to ICO, IU, and OSU (want to stay near home). I'm a psych and neuroscience double major and I work in an optometry lab for a faculty member that is on the admissions board at IU this year (lucky me!). I'll probably retake it in September, which is why I decided to try it out now. I want to apply early and get it all over with. Good luck to everyone and hope this helps someone! PM me with any questions or suggestions for physics!
UPDATE!!!
Though my physics scores are TERRIBLE both ICO and IU admissions people I've come into contact with told me that I if I apply early, I will definitely get in an interview depending on recommendations and personal statement. IU is my top choice because currently go here for undergrad and I know the faculty and the program pretty well. I am thrilled and it's taken alot of pressure off my chest. And surprisingly, they were most impressed by my reading comp scores and academic average (95th and 85th percentile respectively) and told me not to consider retaking it.
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