OAT Advice after Second Attempt

[v04]

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It really helped me to go through these OAT threads and thought I would return the favor. I have never been naturally good at science, which initially made this test a nightmare for me! I first took my OAT in August 2014 with mostly inadequate studying - I was overwhelmed about what to study exactly and was also taking ochem 1&2, which consumed a lot of my time already. Needless to say, I did below average (although I felt I did much worse than my actual scores). My first choice school gave me a hard time over my OAT (specifically my scores below 300) and suggested I retake it. However, I still did get accepted to other schools as well.

I took a break after fall semester and spent a lot of time with friends, which really helped my high stress levels. I gave myself one month of studying and decided to retake the OAT in the beginning of February. I barely hung out with my friends and definitely didn't go out to bars or party during this time (I found this extremely beneficial).

I studied every day, sometimes for an hour and other times for almost the entire day. Chad's videos helped A LOT for general chemistry especially. He was useful as well for physics, except I found that I had to use other sources to supplement this (Kaplan book and Princeton Physics). His quizzes were helpful, although formatted in a different way than you will see on the test. I HIGHLY recommend practice tests because the questions repeat themselves in various ways (I had about 4 of the exact same questions on the biology section of the real OAT). I had a total of six or seven tests that I studied extensively. I went over the correct answers and also made sure I completely understood why the other answers weren't right. I memorized and rewrote the explanations/equations and took all of the tests multiple times. The Princeton practice tests were a life saver - the explanations are very clear and easy to follow (unlike Kaplan). ALSO, search for old physics/chemistry exams and keys online! They're easy to find and, honestly, doing practice problems (at least for me) is the only way I could learn and remember the concepts/equations effectively. As a side note: don't get discouraged by Kaplan practice test scores! I scored consistently a 240-260 in their physics sections, even after studying.

I studied biology and ochem mainly through the Kaplan flashcards. I just didn't want my scores to drop for these sections, so I didn't study for them nearly as much as physics and general chemistry. I didn't study for quantitative reasoning or reading at all - I was basically consumed with the two sections I did horrible in the first time. Overall, Chad's videos and the Princeton Physics book with practice tests were the most useful. I used the Kaplan book mainly for the review questions/tests and to reinforce some physics concepts.

My scores: [first attempt] second attempt

Quantitative Reasoning: [310] 310
Reading Comprehension: [330] 320
Biology: [330] 340
General Chemistry: [280] 340
Organic Chemistry: [310] 310
Physics: [270] 310

TS: [290] 330
AA: [310] 320

I hope this helps anyone, and good luck to all of you! Trust me, if I can improve my scores (even if just in two or three sections) anyone can!

 

[carolinev]

Great job! Your method worked out pretty well. I bought the princeton book as well just for physics. Would you recommend it for someone who is very weak in physics and doesn't remember a single thing? lol

 

[v04]

I didn't remember anything from my physics classes either, which got me a 270 with mostly guessing. I watched Chad's videos first (not all of them, just the topics that were most applied to the OAT) and then used the Princeton book to reinforce the information. I think the book is really helpful - the explanations are easy to understand and not nearly as calculation-based as other books (which is best for the OAT since it's mostly conceptual). Also remember to actively work out problems. Sometimes the concepts can seem really straight-forward until you reach a problem that presents the same information in a different way.

 

[Winggirl2]

It really helped me to go through these OAT threads and thought I would return the favor. I have never been naturally good at science, which initially made this test a nightmare for me! I first took my OAT in August 2014 with mostly inadequate studying - I was overwhelmed about what to study exactly and was also taking ochem 1&2, which consumed a lot of my time already. Needless to say, I did below average (although I felt I did much worse than my actual scores). My first choice school gave me a hard time over my OAT (specifically my scores below 300) and suggested I retake it. However, I still did get accepted to other schools as well.

I took a break after fall semester and spent a lot of time with friends, which really helped my high stress levels. I gave myself one month of studying and decided to retake the OAT in the beginning of February. I barely hung out with my friends and definitely didn't go out to bars or party during this time (I found this extremely beneficial).

I studied every day, sometimes for an hour and other times for almost the entire day. Chad's videos helped A LOT for general chemistry especially. He was useful as well for physics, except I found that I had to use other sources to supplement this (Kaplan book and Princeton Physics). His quizzes were helpful, although formatted in a different way than you will see on the test. I HIGHLY recommend practice tests because the questions repeat themselves in various ways (I had about 4 of the exact same questions on the biology section of the real OAT). I had a total of six or seven tests that I studied extensively. I went over the correct answers and also made sure I completely understood why the other answers weren't right. I memorized and rewrote the explanations/equations and took all of the tests multiple times. The Princeton practice tests were a life saver - the explanations are very clear and easy to follow (unlike Kaplan). ALSO, search for old physics/chemistry exams and keys online! They're easy to find and, honestly, doing practice problems (at least for me) is the only way I could learn and remember the concepts/equations effectively. As a side note: don't get discouraged by Kaplan practice test scores! I scored consistently a 240-260 in their physics sections, even after studying.

I studied biology and ochem mainly through the Kaplan flashcards. I just didn't want my scores to drop for these sections, so I didn't study for them nearly as much as physics and general chemistry. I didn't study for quantitative reasoning or reading at all - I was basically consumed with the two sections I did horrible in the first time. Overall, Chad's videos and the Princeton Physics book with practice tests were the most useful. I used the Kaplan book mainly for the review questions/tests and to reinforce some physics concepts.

My scores: [first attempt] second attempt

Quantitative Reasoning: [310] 310
Reading Comprehension: [330] 320
Biology: [330] 340
General Chemistry: [280] 340
Organic Chemistry: [310] 310
Physics: [270] 310

TS: [290] 330
AA: [310] 320

I hope this helps anyone, and good luck to all of you! Trust me, if I can improve my scores (even if just in two or three sections) anyone can!

Hey great scores! with you first score, where did you get accepted?

 

[chelle111]

It really helped me to go through these OAT threads and thought I would return the favor. I have never been naturally good at science, which initially made this test a nightmare for me! I first took my OAT in August 2014 with mostly inadequate studying - I was overwhelmed about what to study exactly and was also taking ochem 1&2, which consumed a lot of my time already. Needless to say, I did below average (although I felt I did much worse than my actual scores). My first choice school gave me a hard time over my OAT (specifically my scores below 300) and suggested I retake it. However, I still did get accepted to other schools as well.

I took a break after fall semester and spent a lot of time with friends, which really helped my high stress levels. I gave myself one month of studying and decided to retake the OAT in the beginning of February. I barely hung out with my friends and definitely didn't go out to bars or party during this time (I found this extremely beneficial).

I studied every day, sometimes for an hour and other times for almost the entire day. Chad's videos helped A LOT for general chemistry especially. He was useful as well for physics, except I found that I had to use other sources to supplement this (Kaplan book and Princeton Physics). His quizzes were helpful, although formatted in a different way than you will see on the test. I HIGHLY recommend practice tests because the questions repeat themselves in various ways (I had about 4 of the exact same questions on the biology section of the real OAT). I had a total of six or seven tests that I studied extensively. I went over the correct answers and also made sure I completely understood why the other answers weren't right. I memorized and rewrote the explanations/equations and took all of the tests multiple times. The Princeton practice tests were a life saver - the explanations are very clear and easy to follow (unlike Kaplan). ALSO, search for old physics/chemistry exams and keys online! They're easy to find and, honestly, doing practice problems (at least for me) is the only way I could learn and remember the concepts/equations effectively. As a side note: don't get discouraged by Kaplan practice test scores! I scored consistently a 240-260 in their physics sections, even after studying.

I studied biology and ochem mainly through the Kaplan flashcards. I just didn't want my scores to drop for these sections, so I didn't study for them nearly as much as physics and general chemistry. I didn't study for quantitative reasoning or reading at all - I was basically consumed with the two sections I did horrible in the first time. Overall, Chad's videos and the Princeton Physics book with practice tests were the most useful. I used the Kaplan book mainly for the review questions/tests and to reinforce some physics concepts.

My scores: [first attempt] second attempt

Quantitative Reasoning: [310] 310
Reading Comprehension: [330] 320
Biology: [330] 340
General Chemistry: [280] 340
Organic Chemistry: [310] 310
Physics: [270] 310

TS: [290] 330
AA: [310] 320

I hope this helps anyone, and good luck to all of you! Trust me, if I can improve my scores (even if just in two or three sections) anyone can!

Thanks so much for this! I did slightly lower than you on my first attempt with the OAT. Physics is still showing to be my weakest on my Achiever practice tests, while everything else has gone significantly up. I've been using the OAT Destroyer too, but would you say the Princeton review physics was well worth it? My exam is July 9. This really gives me a little more confidence seeing your similar situation 🙂

 

[carolinev]

Thanks so much for this! I did slightly lower than you on my first attempt with the OAT. Physics is still showing to be my weakest on my Achiever practice tests, while everything else has gone significantly up. I've been using the OAT Destroyer too, but would you say the Princeton review physics was well worth it? My exam is July 9. This really gives me a little more confidence seeing your similar situation 🙂

What have you been doing to bring up the other scores?? If you don't mind me asking! Physics is my weak subject, too. I hate it so much!

Would you recommend the destroyer??

 

[chelle111]

What have you been doing to bring up the other scores?? If you don't mind me asking! Physics is my weak subject, too. I hate it so much!

Would you recommend the destroyer??

I've just been a lot of practice questions and timed tests / sections ! I bought the 5 Achiever Practice Exams, as well as the OAT Destroyer. I feel like the achiever is far more difficult than the real exam, but I think it really helps point out your weaknesses. My biggest problem when I took it the first time, minus my lack of physics knowledge, was test anxiety due to the timing (I barely did any practice tests or questions). I feel like, so far, the Destroyer has helped a lot but it is a little bit overkill. I'm still struggling with physics 🙁 but I'm starting to catch on the more practice questions I do.

Do you have the Princeton Review book?

 

[Winggirl2]

Thanks so much for this! I did slightly lower than you on my first attempt with the OAT. Physics is still showing to be my weakest on my Achiever practice tests, while everything else has gone significantly up. I've been using the OAT Destroyer too, but would you say the Princeton review physics was well worth it? My exam is July 9. This really gives me a little more confidence seeing your similar situation 🙂

Hey, just read your post about taking the oat. I understand you are retaking it, I'm taking mine tomorrow and I was wondering how you studied the first time around? Any tips?

 

[carolinev]

I've just been a lot of practice questions and timed tests / sections ! I bought the 5 Achiever Practice Exams, as well as the OAT Destroyer. I feel like the achiever is far more difficult than the real exam, but I think it really helps point out your weaknesses. My biggest problem when I took it the first time, minus my lack of physics knowledge, was test anxiety due to the timing (I barely did any practice tests or questions). I feel like, so far, the Destroyer has helped a lot but it is a little bit overkill. I'm still struggling with physics 🙁 but I'm starting to catch on the more practice questions I do.

Do you have the Princeton Review book?

Yes I have it for physics!! It's so hard for me to sit down and read through the chapters, so I watched Chad's videos.

 

[chelle111]

Yes I have it for physics!! It's so hard for me to sit down and read through the chapters, so I watched Chad's videos.

I know! It's hard to find the motivation for physics when it's my least favorite subject. I tried chads but I actually like the Khan Academy videos a little bit better.

 

[chelle111]

Hey, just read your post about taking the oat. I understand you are retaking it, I'm taking mine tomorrow and I was wondering how you studied the first time around? Any tips?

The first time I took it I barely did practice questions and exams, just studied way more than I should've. Wasn't a fan of the Kaplan material either. I definitely was not prepared and it showed... Not to mention I had no clue what to expect and got super nervous when I was taking the exam and blanked out. This time I'm just using OAT destroyer and the Achiever tests. I think active learning is the way to go 🙂