You can request a free OAT information booklet and a test application form by contacting the Optometric Admission Testing Program, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1846, Chicago, IL 60611-2678, (312) 440-2693.

A TYPICAL TIMETABLE FOR PRE-OPTOMETRY ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS: Beginning in FEBRUARY of the SOPHOMORE/JUNIOR YEAR:

• FEBRUARY--Begin a systematic preparation for the OAT(Optometry Admissions Test). Obtain study materials from the OAT Program or other sources. One helpful book is OAT:The Betz Guide from Betz Publishing (apprx.cost $30). Another option in preparation for the OAT is to take a commercial test prep course at Kaplan. The approximate cost is $640.
• FEBRUARY--Start a file with your advisor.
• ANY TIME -- Obtain letters of recommendations from professors in science courses. The number of letters required varies by schools; however, two or three letters are standard. An additional letter from an optometrist is often required by optometry schools.
• AUGUST--Register to take the OAT in October.
• AUGUST-SEPTEMBER--Contact the schools of optometry and request application forms. Complete the forms and submit them as early as possible. Transcripts from all schools attended and letters of recommendation will be required as a part of this application process. Deadlines for completion of the application vary. Early submissions of applications are recommended as most schools have rolling admissions.
• OCTOBER--Take the OAT. The exam may be repeated, but the four (4) most recent scores will be sent to the school of optometry.
• NOVEMBER-APRIL--If your application file and OAT scores are acceptable, the school of optometry will contact you sometime shortly after they have received all the information.
• NOVEMBER-MAY--Interviews at the schools of optometry.
• JANUARY--Register to repeat the OAT if necessary.
• FEBRUARY--Repeat the OAT if necessary.

OAT Scores Required for Admission in Past Years:

AcadAvg	QuanRes	ReadComp	Phy	Biol	GenChem	OrgChem	TotalSci
318	321	311	314	321	315	324	320