US schools

[heatfenn]

Hi there. I'm currently doing my Masters degree in Clinical Vision Science at Dalhousie University (Canada) and I'm also a newly certified Orthoptist (eye motility specialist: peds, amblyopia and strabismus). I also work part time for an optometrist in my area. I'm now thinking about becoming an optometrist and, while finishing my thesis this year, I'm going to be getting a few of those "last minute" undergrad courses that I didn't do during my undergrad degree. I've been looking a few schools in the US mainly, but I'm interested in hearing your experiences with them. I've talked to NECO, Pacific, Illinois, SUNY and Penn. Have you guys had any experience with these schools? Also, I'm planning to do the computer version of the OAT,but it has been a while since I've taken "general" sciences. Can anyone recommend a OAT test study guide that you found gave a good review of all the necessary sections? Also, any tips on how to study/ how long it took you guys to prepare would be a great help.

Thanks.

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[SoxTown]

[/QUOTE] Also, I'm planning to do the computer version of the OAT,but it has been a while since I've taken "general" sciences. Can anyone recommend a OAT test study guide that you found gave a good review of all the necessary sections? Also, any tips on how to study/ how long it took you guys to prepare would be a great help.

Thanks.[/QUOTE]

Hi, I took the computer OAT in Feb 2005. I graduated from college 5 years ago and took the occasional upper-level science course over the course of the past 5 years. It had been some time since I took the general science courses, too.

I spent one month studying for the OAT as my full-time job - I didn't work or take classes during that period b/c the OAT score, especially for non-trad. students, is EXTREMELY important to gaining admission. I did really well on it and got into all of the schools I applied to.

The study materials I used were actually the Kaplan MCAT Review books. They give a great overall view of the sciences and physics, but were lacking in mathematics and species classifications for the bio. section. For those topics, I used my ole text books from college.

I also bought a CD-ROM called "OAT: Optometry Admission Test Sample Exams : TopScore Pro for the OAT". Here's the amazon link ( I don't work for the company, I swear! 🙂 ) I found the practice exams very helpful:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...002-0972560-0433620?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

That's how I studied for the exam and I got really good results. The computer version is great b/c you get your score instantly after taking the exam. Nothing like instant gratification! 🙂

I saw that there is a Kaplan OAT study guide published recently that might be interesting:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...002-0972560-0433620?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Best of luck on the OAT and application process!