How to Study for the OAT: AI Tools & Strategies for 2026
The Optometry Admission Test is your gateway to optometry school, and scoring a competitive 320+ AA requires a strategic, well-rounded study plan that spans the sciences and includes dedicated physics preparation. This comprehensive guide covers every OAT section, with a focus on the Physics section that sets the OAT apart from similar exams, a 3-6 month study timeline, and the best AI tools to supercharge your preparation.
Written by Sarah Mitchell
Education Tech Researcher
Sarah has spent 5+ years researching how AI and technology can improve standardized test preparation. She has interviewed hundreds of optometry and dental school applicants and admissions committee members to develop evidence-based study strategies for pre-health students.
Quick OAT Study Summary
- Study Timeline: 3-6 months (250-350 hours total)
- Best AI for Content Review: LectureScribe (lecture-to-flashcard automation)
- Best for OAT Practice: Kaplan OAT (structured review + practice tests)
- Best for Science Videos: Chad's Prep (chemistry & physics explanations)
- Target Score: 320+ AA for most programs, 340+ for top schools
- Key Difference from DAT: OAT has Physics instead of Perceptual Ability (PAT)
Table of Contents
Introduction: The OAT in 2026
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is the standardized exam required for admission to all optometry schools in the United States and Canada accredited by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). The OAT evaluates your academic readiness across the natural sciences, reading comprehension, physics, and quantitative reasoning. In 2026, the OAT remains a computer-based exam administered year-round at Prometric test centers, allowing you flexibility in choosing your test date.
The exam lasts approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes (including an optional break and tutorial), covering four scored sections: Survey of Natural Sciences, Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning. Each section is scored on a scale of 200-400, and optometry schools primarily look at your Academic Average (AA) and Total Science (TS) scores. Competitive applicants typically aim for a 320+ AA, which places you well above the national average and makes you a strong contender at most programs.
What sets the OAT apart from similar exams like the DAT is the inclusion of a dedicated Physics section. While the DAT includes a Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) for spatial reasoning, the OAT replaces that with physics, reflecting the importance of optical physics and the physical sciences in optometric practice. This means pre-optometry students need a broader science foundation, encompassing biology, two semesters of chemistry, organic chemistry, and two semesters of physics.
The excellent news for 2026 test-takers is that AI-powered study tools have matured significantly, making OAT preparation more efficient than ever. Instead of spending weeks manually creating flashcards from your physics and chemistry notes, tools like LectureScribe can automate the process, freeing up dozens of hours for practice problems and concept mastery. Students who integrate AI tools into their study plans report saving 8-15 hours per week while maintaining or improving their content retention.
Why AI Tools Are a Game-Changer for OAT Prep
The OAT demands mastery of four distinct science disciplines (biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics) plus reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning. This breadth creates a massive content review burden. AI tools help by: (1) automatically converting your lecture recordings and notes into targeted flashcards for each subject, (2) optimizing review timing through spaced repetition algorithms, (3) generating visual study aids for physics diagrams, chemical reactions, and biological processes, and (4) freeing up study time for practice problems and full-length exam simulation, which have the highest correlation with OAT score improvement.
Understanding the OAT Sections
The OAT is composed of four scored sections plus an optional survey. Understanding the structure, timing, and weight of each section is essential for building an effective study plan. Here is the complete breakdown:
Survey of Natural Sciences
Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
- - 100 questions, 90 minutes
- - Biology: 40 questions
- - General Chemistry: 30 questions
- - Organic Chemistry: 30 questions
- - Largest section; heavily weighted in AA and TS scores
Reading Comprehension
Scientific passage analysis
- - 40 questions, 50 minutes
- - 3 scientific passages
- - Tests reading speed, comprehension, and analysis
- - All answers found within the passages
Physics
Two semesters of introductory physics
- - 40 questions, 50 minutes
- - Mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, waves, electrostatics
- - Unique to the OAT; not on the DAT
- - Optics heavily emphasized for optometry relevance
Quantitative Reasoning
Math and problem-solving
- - 40 questions, 45 minutes
- - Algebra, data analysis, probability, geometry, trigonometry
- - No calculator allowed
- - Tests mental math and estimation skills
Pro Tip: Know Your Scoring
Your Academic Average (AA) is the scaled average of all four sections. Your Total Science (TS) score averages the Survey of Natural Sciences and Physics scores. Both are critical: most optometry schools set minimum cutoffs for AA (typically around 280-300) and pay close attention to TS. OAT scores range from 200-400, with 300 representing the 50th percentile. A balanced score profile across all sections is generally preferred over having one very high section and one very low section.
Survey of Natural Sciences: Section-by-Section Strategies
The Survey of Natural Sciences is the largest and most content-heavy section of the OAT. With 100 questions in 90 minutes, you have less than a minute per question, so rapid recall and efficient problem-solving are essential. This section is divided into three sub-sections, each requiring distinct study approaches. The content tested is virtually identical to the DAT Natural Sciences section, so many resources designed for DAT science review can be adapted for OAT preparation.
Biology (40 Questions)
OAT Biology is broad, covering cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, anatomy, physiology, taxonomy, and developmental biology. The test emphasizes breadth over depth: you need to know key facts across the entire undergraduate biology curriculum rather than dive into any single topic at an advanced level. Topics like human physiology and genetics tend to be the most heavily tested.
High-Yield Topics
- - Cell biology: organelles, membrane transport, cell cycle, mitosis/meiosis
- - Genetics: Mendelian genetics, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, genetic disorders, DNA replication, transcription, translation
- - Human physiology: cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, nervous, digestive, and immune systems
- - Evolution and ecology: natural selection, population genetics, biomes, food webs, ecological succession
- - Taxonomy: phyla characteristics, plant biology, vertebrate and invertebrate classification
- - Developmental biology: embryogenesis, germ layers, organogenesis
- - Microbiology: viruses, bacteria, fungi, and basic immunology
Study Strategy
- - Use LectureScribe to upload your biology lecture recordings and generate targeted flashcards for each topic area
- - Focus on breadth over depth: know key facts about every topic rather than deep details about a few
- - Create visual diagrams for physiological systems, especially the visual pathway and neuroanatomy of the eye
- - Review taxonomy using mnemonic devices and hierarchical classification charts
- - Practice with DAT Bootcamp or Kaplan OAT biology questions to identify weak areas
- - Pay special attention to eye anatomy and visual neuroscience, as these may appear as biology questions with optometry relevance
General Chemistry (30 Questions)
OAT General Chemistry covers two semesters of college-level general chemistry. The questions test both conceptual understanding and quantitative problem-solving. Since there is no calculator, you need to be fast with mental math calculations for stoichiometry, pH, and equilibrium problems. The content is very similar to what is tested on the DAT, so DAT chemistry resources are directly applicable.
High-Yield Topics
- - Stoichiometry, mole calculations, limiting reagents, percent yield
- - Atomic structure, periodic trends, electron configurations, quantum numbers
- - Chemical bonding: ionic, covalent, metallic, VSEPR theory, intermolecular forces
- - Thermodynamics: enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy, Hess's law, calorimetry
- - Kinetics: rate laws, reaction orders, activation energy, catalysts, Arrhenius equation
- - Equilibrium: Le Chatelier's principle, Ksp, Ka/Kb, ICE tables
- - Acids and bases: pH calculations, buffers, Henderson-Hasselbalch, titration curves
- - Electrochemistry: galvanic and electrolytic cells, standard reduction potentials, Nernst equation
- - Gas laws: ideal gas law, Dalton's law, kinetic molecular theory, real gases
- - Solutions: colligative properties, solubility rules, dilution calculations
Study Strategy
- - Master mental math: practice calculating pH, molarity, and stoichiometry without a calculator daily
- - Upload your general chemistry lectures to LectureScribe to auto-generate flashcards for formulas and concepts
- - Create a comprehensive formula sheet and memorize it through spaced repetition in Anki
- - Practice 10-15 gen chem problems daily to build speed and accuracy
- - Focus heavily on acid-base chemistry and equilibrium, which are the most frequently tested topics on the OAT
- - Use Chad's Prep chemistry videos for any concepts you find difficult to grasp from textbooks alone
Organic Chemistry (30 Questions)
OAT Organic Chemistry tests your understanding of reactions, mechanisms, nomenclature, and stereochemistry. Similar to the DAT, the OAT tends to focus more on predicting products and understanding reaction types rather than writing detailed arrow-pushing mechanisms. However, you still need to understand the fundamental mechanisms (SN1, SN2, E1, E2) to predict products correctly.
High-Yield Topics
- - Nomenclature: IUPAC naming for alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatics, and all functional groups
- - Stereochemistry: R/S configuration, E/Z isomers, chirality centers, optical activity, meso compounds
- - Substitution and elimination: SN1/SN2/E1/E2 competition, substrate effects, solvent effects
- - Functional group reactions: alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, amines, esters, ethers
- - Aromatic chemistry: electrophilic aromatic substitution, directing effects, activating/deactivating groups
- - Carbonyl chemistry: nucleophilic addition, nucleophilic acyl substitution, aldol reactions
- - Spectroscopy basics: NMR interpretation, IR functional group identification, mass spectrometry
- - Lab techniques: distillation, chromatography, extraction, recrystallization
Study Strategy
- - Create a master reaction sheet organizing all reactions by functional group transformation
- - Use LectureScribe to convert your organic chemistry lectures into reaction-based flashcards
- - Practice predicting products without writing full mechanisms; focus on reagents and conditions
- - Memorize key reagents: NaBH4 (reduces C=O to alcohol), PCC (oxidizes 1° alcohol to aldehyde), LiAlH4 (strong reducing agent), etc.
- - Focus on stereochemistry rules: R/S assignments, Fischer projections, and chirality are commonly tested
- - Use Chad's Prep organic chemistry videos for difficult reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry concepts
Reading Comprehension Strategies
The OAT Reading Comprehension section presents three dense scientific passages, each followed by approximately 13-14 questions, for a total of 40 questions in 50 minutes. The passages cover scientific topics, but you do not need prior knowledge of the subject matter to answer the questions correctly. All information needed to answer is contained within the passages. The topics can range from astronomy and geology to molecular biology and environmental science.
The primary challenge is time management. You have about 16-17 minutes per passage including questions, which means you need efficient reading strategies. Many students underestimate this section because they believe they are strong readers, but the combination of dense scientific content and tight time constraints can be challenging without specific preparation.
Strategy 1: Search and Destroy
Read the questions first, then scan the passage for answers. This is the fastest approach and works well for detail-oriented questions that ask about specific facts or definitions. Start by spending 1-2 minutes skimming the passage to understand its general structure, then use question keywords to guide your focused reading.
Best for: Students who are fast readers and excellent at scanning for keywords. Works best when most questions ask about specific details, names, numbers, or definitions rather than broad themes.
Strategy 2: Passage Mapping
Read the passage once carefully while creating a brief mental or written map of where each topic is discussed. Note paragraph topics in shorthand (e.g., "P1: background, P2: experiment design, P3: results, P4: implications, P5: future directions"). Then answer questions by referring to your map for quick navigation back to the relevant paragraph.
Best for: Students who need to understand the passage holistically before answering questions. Works well when questions ask about main ideas, author tone, cause-and-effect relationships, and logical inferences.
Strategy 3: Hybrid Approach (Recommended)
Spend 3-4 minutes on a focused first read, noting the main topic of each paragraph. Then answer questions using your paragraph notes to locate relevant sections quickly. For detail questions, go back and verify your answer in the text. For inference and main idea questions, rely on your overall understanding from the first read.
Best for: Most students. This approach provides the speed of search-and-destroy with the comprehension of passage mapping. It also reduces the risk of misinterpreting questions because you have overall context.
OAT Reading Comp Practice Tips
Practice 1-2 timed passages daily during your final 6-8 weeks. Use Kaplan OAT reading comprehension materials and supplement with passages from scientific journals and magazines (Scientific American, Nature News, PubMed review articles). Train yourself to read dense scientific text faster by reading challenging material outside of formal study time. Your target pace should be 16-17 minutes per passage including all questions. Always review missed questions to understand whether the error was in reading comprehension or time pressure.
Physics: The OAT Differentiator
The Physics section is what makes the OAT unique among health professions admissions exams. While the DAT has no physics component, the OAT dedicates an entire section to it with 40 questions in 50 minutes. This reflects the importance of optics, light physics, and physical science principles in optometric practice. The physics tested covers material from two semesters of introductory college physics, ranging from classical mechanics to modern physics and optics.
For many pre-optometry students, physics is the most challenging section because it requires both conceptual understanding and quantitative problem-solving without a calculator. However, physics is also one of the sections where focused study yields the greatest score improvements. Students who dedicate consistent time to physics practice often see 30-50 point improvements from their initial diagnostic to their actual test day.
Mechanics (Highest Yield)
Mechanics is typically the most heavily tested area on OAT Physics, accounting for approximately 30-40% of the physics questions. This covers kinematics, Newton's laws, work and energy, momentum, rotational motion, and simple harmonic motion. Most pre-optometry students have seen this material in Physics I.
Key Topics & Strategies
- - Kinematics: Master the four kinematic equations and know when to use each one. Practice projectile motion problems.
- - Newton's Laws: Draw free-body diagrams for every force problem. Practice inclined plane and pulley systems.
- - Work and Energy: Understand work-energy theorem, conservation of energy, power. Know when to use energy vs. force approaches.
- - Momentum: Conservation of momentum, elastic vs. inelastic collisions, impulse-momentum theorem.
- - Rotational Motion: Torque, angular momentum, moment of inertia for common shapes, rotational kinetic energy.
- - Simple Harmonic Motion: Springs (Hooke's law), pendulums, period and frequency relationships.
Optics (Critical for Optometry)
Optics is particularly important on the OAT given its direct relevance to optometric practice. Expect questions on geometric optics (mirrors, lenses, refraction) and wave optics (interference, diffraction). Understanding how lenses form images is foundational to optometry, and the OAT tests this knowledge thoroughly.
Key Topics & Strategies
- - Reflection: Law of reflection, plane mirrors, spherical mirrors (concave and convex), mirror equation (1/f = 1/do + 1/di)
- - Refraction: Snell's law (n1 sinθ1 = n2 sinθ2), total internal reflection, critical angle, dispersion
- - Lenses: Thin lens equation, converging and diverging lenses, magnification, image characteristics (real/virtual, upright/inverted)
- - Wave Optics: Young's double-slit experiment, single-slit diffraction, thin film interference
- - Practice tip: Draw ray diagrams for every optics problem to build intuition about image formation
- - Sign conventions: Memorize sign conventions for mirrors and lenses to avoid errors on calculation problems
Thermodynamics & Waves
Thermodynamics and wave physics make up a significant portion of OAT Physics questions. Thermodynamics covers heat transfer, the laws of thermodynamics, and ideal gas behavior. Wave physics covers wave properties, sound, and the Doppler effect.
Key Topics & Strategies
- - Heat Transfer: Conduction, convection, radiation. Specific heat capacity calculations (q = mcΔT)
- - Laws of Thermodynamics: First law (ΔU = Q - W), second law (entropy), heat engines, Carnot efficiency
- - Wave Properties: Wavelength, frequency, period, amplitude, wave speed (v = fλ)
- - Sound: Speed of sound, intensity, decibels, resonance, standing waves in pipes and strings
- - Doppler Effect: Know the formula for both moving source and moving observer scenarios
- - Practice tip: Use LectureScribe to create flashcards from your physics lectures for all key formulas and their applications
Electrostatics & Circuits
Electrostatics and basic circuit analysis are tested on the OAT, covering Coulomb's law, electric fields, electric potential, capacitance, and basic DC circuits. While not as heavily weighted as mechanics or optics, these topics can account for 15-20% of the physics section.
Key Topics & Strategies
- - Coulomb's Law: Force between charges, superposition principle for multiple charges
- - Electric Fields: Field lines, field due to point charges, uniform fields between parallel plates
- - Electric Potential: Voltage, potential energy, equipotential surfaces, relationship between field and potential
- - Capacitance: Parallel plate capacitors, energy stored, dielectrics, series and parallel combinations
- - DC Circuits: Ohm's law (V = IR), resistors in series and parallel, Kirchhoff's rules, power dissipation (P = IV)
- - Practice tip: Focus on conceptual understanding of field and potential relationships rather than just formula memorization
Modern Physics & Nuclear Physics
A small number of OAT Physics questions cover modern physics topics including the photoelectric effect, atomic models, radioactive decay, and basic nuclear physics. While this is a lower-yield topic, the questions tend to be conceptual and straightforward, making them easy points if you have reviewed the material.
Key Topics & Strategies
- - Photoelectric Effect: Threshold frequency, work function, kinetic energy of ejected electrons (KE = hf - φ)
- - Atomic Models: Bohr model, energy levels, photon emission and absorption
- - Nuclear Physics: Alpha, beta, and gamma decay, half-life calculations, mass-energy equivalence (E = mc²)
- - Practice tip: These questions are often the easiest on the test if you have reviewed the concepts; do not skip this section
OAT Physics Study Schedule
Dedicate at least 60-90 minutes daily to physics study during your content review phase. Start with mechanics (2-3 weeks), then move to optics (1-2 weeks), thermodynamics and waves (1 week), electrostatics and circuits (1 week), and modern physics (2-3 days). After completing content review, practice 8-10 physics problems daily alongside your other section preparation. Use LectureScribe to create flashcards from your physics lectures and Chad's Prep videos for formula memorization and concept review.
Quantitative Reasoning: No-Calculator Math Mastery
The QR section tests your mathematical problem-solving ability without a calculator. The 40 questions in 45 minutes cover algebra, data interpretation, probability, statistics, geometry, and trigonometry. While the math concepts are not advanced (most topics are at or below the pre-calculus level), the challenge is solving problems quickly and accurately by hand under significant time pressure.
High-Yield Math Topics
- Word problems with algebraic equations and systems
- Probability and combinations/permutations
- Data interpretation from graphs, tables, and charts
- Percentages, ratios, and proportions
- Geometry: area, volume, perimeter, angles
- Trigonometry: sin, cos, tan, unit circle, identities
Mental Math Tips
- Memorize perfect squares up to 20 and common cubes up to 10
- Know fraction-to-decimal conversions (1/3 = 0.333, 1/7 = 0.143, etc.)
- Use estimation to eliminate obviously wrong answer choices first
- Practice back-of-envelope calculations daily to build speed
- Know key trig values: sin(30)=0.5, cos(60)=0.5, sin(45)=0.707
- Learn shortcut methods for multiplication and long division
The QR section is often the easiest section for students with strong math backgrounds, and it can serve as a significant score booster. If math is a weakness, focused practice for 3-4 weeks is usually enough to reach a competitive level. Because OAT physics also requires strong math skills, your QR and Physics preparation will reinforce each other. Use practice problem sets from Kaplan OAT and supplement with additional math practice resources if needed.
How AI Tools Transform OAT Preparation
The OAT requires mastering content across five distinct areas (biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and quantitative reasoning) while also developing reading comprehension skills. This breadth creates an enormous content review burden that AI tools are uniquely positioned to address:
1. Automated Content Conversion
Instead of spending 25-35 hours manually creating flashcards from your biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics notes, AI tools like LectureScribe can process your lecture recordings, textbook PDFs, and handwritten notes to generate comprehensive flashcard decks automatically. A single 50-minute physics lecture typically yields 35-50 high-quality flashcards covering formulas, concepts, and problem-solving approaches. Over an entire semester of physics content, this saves 10+ hours of manual flashcard creation.
2. Optimized Spaced Repetition
Spaced repetition algorithms ensure you review flashcards at scientifically optimal intervals. For the OAT's breadth-across-five-subjects format, this means you can maintain recall of thousands of biology facts, chemistry formulas, organic reactions, physics equations, and math concepts simultaneously without spending excessive time reviewing material you already know. Export LectureScribe cards to Anki and let the algorithm manage your review schedule.
3. Visual Study Aids for Physics & Sciences
AI-generated visual infographics and diagrams are particularly valuable for OAT physics (ray diagrams, circuit diagrams, force diagrams), biology (physiological system diagrams, cell processes), and organic chemistry (reaction mechanisms, functional group transformations). LectureScribe can create these visual study guides from your lecture content, helping you understand and remember complex spatial and process-based concepts.
4. Time Reallocation to Practice Problems
By saving 10-15 hours per week on manual content review tasks, you can redirect that time to practice problems, full-length exam simulation, and targeted weakness remediation. For the OAT, where physics practice is particularly important, this time reallocation can make the difference between an average and a competitive score.
3-6 Month OAT Study Timeline
Most successful OAT test-takers study for 3-6 months with 250-350+ hours of total preparation. The wider range compared to the DAT accounts for the additional physics content that many students need to review or learn from scratch. Choose the timeline that best fits your science background and schedule availability.
5-6 Month Study Plan (Recommended)
Best for students balancing coursework, those who need to rebuild physics foundations, or those aiming for top scores. Requires 15-20 hours/week.
Month 1: Diagnostic & Biology Review
- - Take a diagnostic exam in the first week to identify baseline strengths and weaknesses across all sections
- - Begin comprehensive biology content review using Kaplan OAT biology materials or college textbooks
- - Upload your pre-optometry biology lecture recordings to LectureScribe to generate flashcards
- - Start daily Anki reviews: aim for 30-40 new cards per day from LectureScribe exports
- - If physics is a weak area, begin light physics formula review alongside biology
- - Complete biology content review by end of month
Month 2: Chemistry Content Review
- - Complete general chemistry content review using Kaplan OAT or Chad's Prep videos
- - Begin organic chemistry content review in the second half of the month
- - Upload gen chem and orgo lectures to LectureScribe to create reaction and formula flashcards
- - Continue daily Anki reviews (now 100-150 cards/day including reviews)
- - Practice 10 gen chem problems daily without a calculator to build mental math speed
- - Create a master organic chemistry reaction sheet organizing reactions by functional group
Month 3: Physics Content Review & Organic Chemistry Completion
- - Complete organic chemistry content review in the first two weeks
- - Begin comprehensive physics content review: mechanics first, then optics, then remaining topics
- - Use LectureScribe to create physics formula flashcards from your Physics I and II lecture recordings
- - Watch Chad's Prep physics videos for any topics you find challenging
- - Practice 8-10 physics problems daily alongside content review
- - Continue Anki reviews daily (150-200 cards/day including all subjects)
- - Take a second practice exam at end of month 3 to assess progress
Month 4: Practice Phase Begins
- - Shift to 60% practice questions, 40% content review for weak areas
- - Complete 30-50 practice questions daily across all science sections
- - Begin timed reading comprehension practice (1 passage/day)
- - Begin QR-specific practice: 10-15 math problems daily without a calculator
- - Continue daily Anki reviews (reduce new cards, focus on reviewing existing cards)
- - Take a full-length practice exam at the end of the month
- - Use LectureScribe to create targeted flashcards for weak areas identified by practice exams
Month 5: Heavy Practice & Full-Lengths
- - Shift to 80% practice questions and full-length exams, 20% targeted content review
- - Take 1-2 full-length practice exams per week under timed, realistic conditions
- - Thoroughly review every full-length exam (2+ hours per exam review)
- - Continue daily Anki reviews and physics problem practice
- - Focus remaining study time on identified weak areas from practice exam analysis
- - Practice reading comprehension passages at test pace (16-17 min per passage)
Month 6: Final Exams & Refinement
- - Take 2-3 full-length practice exams per week
- - Complete all remaining practice materials
- - Focus exclusively on weak areas and commonly missed question types
- - Continue daily Anki reviews at reduced volume
- - Final 5-7 days: taper intensity, light review, rest, and confidence building
- - Review your physics formula sheet and organic chemistry reaction sheet for quick recall
3-Month Intensive Plan
For dedicated study periods (summer break, gap semester) with strong science backgrounds. Requires 25-35 hours/week.
Weeks 1-5: Accelerated Content Review
- - Complete ALL science content review in 5 weeks (biology, gen chem, organic chem, physics)
- - Use LectureScribe to rapidly generate flashcards from lecture videos and content materials across all four science subjects
- - Aggressive Anki deck building: 60-80 new cards per day
- - Physics content review: weeks 3-5 focused on mechanics, optics, thermodynamics, electrostatics
- - Take diagnostic exam on day 1, full-length practice exam at end of week 5
- - Start QR and reading comprehension practice by week 4
Weeks 6-9: Intensive Practice
- - Complete 40-70 practice questions daily across all science sections plus physics
- - Maintain Anki reviews (200+ cards/day including old and new)
- - Physics practice: 10-15 problems daily covering all topics
- - Timed reading comprehension practice: 1-2 passages daily
- - Take 2 full-length practice exams during this period
- - Address content gaps identified by practice with targeted LectureScribe-generated materials
Weeks 10-12: Full-Length Focus
- - Take 2-3 full-length exams per week under timed conditions
- - Thorough review of every exam (create flashcards for missed concepts)
- - Continue Anki reviews and physics practice daily
- - Complete all remaining practice materials
- - Final week: taper intensity, light review, focus on rest and mental preparation
AI Time Savings Breakdown for OAT Prep
Using AI tools like LectureScribe, OAT students report saving approximately: 15-22 hours on flashcard creation from biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics content, 8-12 hours on content summarization and note organization, and 5-8 hours on creating visual study aids for physics diagrams and organic chemistry reactions. This extra 28-42 hours can be redirected to physics practice problems and full-length exams, which have the highest correlation with OAT score improvement.
Best AI Apps for OAT Prep in 2026
The right combination of AI tools and prep resources can dramatically improve your OAT preparation efficiency. Here are the best options for each aspect of studying, from content review to practice testing:
LectureScribe
AI-Powered Lecture Transcription & Flashcard Generation
LectureScribe transforms your OAT content review by automatically generating flashcards, summaries, and visual infographics from lecture recordings, videos, and PDFs. Upload your physics lectures, chemistry review videos, or organic chemistry notes, and get study-ready materials in minutes. This is particularly powerful for OAT prep because you are covering five distinct science subjects, and automating flashcard creation saves dozens of hours that can be redirected to practice problems and full-length exam simulation.
Upload a physics lecture, get 35-50 targeted flashcards with formulas and concept explanations. Export directly to Anki format for spaced repetition review.
AI creates visual study guides for physics diagrams (ray optics, circuits, free-body diagrams), organic reactions, and biological processes, perfect for OAT review.
Works with audio recordings, video files, PDFs, and photos of handwritten notes from your pre-optometry courses.
Process your entire semesters of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics lectures to create a personalized OAT study bank covering all tested subjects.
Pricing
1 Free Upload | $9.99/month
Kaplan OAT
Comprehensive structured OAT prep with practice tests and content review
Kaplan OAT is one of the most well-established OAT prep resources, offering structured content review books, online video lessons, practice questions, and full-length practice exams. Their OAT-specific materials are designed to match the test's format and difficulty level. Kaplan is particularly useful for students who prefer a structured, guided study approach rather than self-directed learning.
Structured review of all OAT sections including physics, biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.
Multiple practice exams that simulate the real OAT testing experience with realistic scoring and detailed answer explanations.
Hundreds of practice questions organized by section and topic, with detailed explanations for every answer choice.
Dedicated physics review materials designed specifically for the OAT, including optics and mechanics focus areas.
Pricing
$499-$999 (Self-Paced to Live Online)
DAT Bootcamp (for OAT Sciences)
DAT-focused but excellent for OAT natural sciences preparation
While DAT Bootcamp is designed for the DAT, its natural sciences content (biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry) is nearly identical to what appears on the OAT. Many pre-optometry students use DAT Bootcamp's science question banks and review videos for their OAT preparation, supplementing with separate physics resources. The question quality and detailed explanations make it one of the best science practice resources available.
2,000+ biology, gen chem, and organic chemistry questions with detailed explanations that are directly applicable to OAT natural sciences.
Comprehensive video lessons covering all biology, gen chem, and organic chemistry topics tested on both the DAT and OAT.
DAT Bootcamp does not cover physics since the DAT does not test it. You will need a separate physics resource like Chad's Prep or Kaplan OAT.
Pricing
$399-499 (3-12 months)
Chad's Prep
Excellent video explanations for general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics
Chad's Prep offers clear, concise video lessons for general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics that are widely recommended by OAT test-takers. The physics videos are particularly valuable since OAT-specific physics resources are relatively scarce. Chad's teaching style breaks down complex topics into manageable, understandable explanations, making it an excellent supplement for students who struggle with physics or chemistry concepts.
Comprehensive physics video series covering mechanics, optics, thermodynamics, electrostatics, and all other OAT physics topics.
Thorough video lessons for gen chem and organic chem with worked examples and practice problems.
Topic-specific quizzes accompany each video lesson to test your understanding immediately after learning.
Significantly less expensive than comprehensive prep courses while providing excellent content for the science sections.
Pricing
$29.99/month or $239.88/year
Recommended OAT AI Stack
For optimal OAT prep, combine these tools:
- 1LectureScribe - Generate personalized flashcards from your pre-optometry lectures across all subjects ($9.99/mo)
- 2Kaplan OAT - Structured content review, practice tests, and OAT-specific question bank ($499-999)
- 3Chad's Prep - Physics, gen chem, and organic chemistry video lessons ($29.99/mo)
- 4Anki - Spaced repetition review of all flashcards from LectureScribe exports (Free)
Total investment: ~$600-1,100 for 5-6 months. Compare to formal OAT prep courses at $1,200-2,500.
Common OAT Study Mistakes to Avoid
Based on interviews with optometry school applicants and admissions advisors, these are the most common mistakes that hold students back from achieving a competitive OAT score:
Underestimating the Physics Section
Many pre-optometry students focus heavily on biology and chemistry while neglecting physics preparation. The Physics section carries the same weight as other sections in your AA and is specifically weighted in your TS score. Students who took physics years ago or found it challenging in college need to allocate significant review time. Plan for at least 4-6 weeks of dedicated physics content review and daily practice problems.
Using Only DAT Resources Without Physics Supplements
While DAT resources are excellent for natural sciences preparation, they do not cover physics at all. Students who rely solely on DAT Bootcamp or DAT Destroyer will be completely unprepared for 40 physics questions. Always supplement DAT-oriented materials with dedicated OAT physics resources from Kaplan OAT, Chad's Prep, or your college physics textbook.
Creating Flashcards Manually Instead of Using AI
Students who spend 20-30 hours creating flashcards by hand across five science subjects could use that time far more productively on practice questions and physics problem sets. Use LectureScribe to generate flashcards automatically from your lecture content and focus your manual effort on editing, personalizing, and actively reviewing the generated cards.
Not Taking Enough Full-Length Practice Exams
Building stamina for the nearly 5-hour exam requires simulating the full test experience multiple times. Students who only take 1-2 practice exams before test day are often caught off guard by mental fatigue in the later sections. Aim for at least 5-8 full-length practice exams during your prep period. Always take them under timed, realistic conditions and spend 2+ hours reviewing each one.
Neglecting Optics Within the Physics Section
Optics is disproportionately important on the OAT given its direct relevance to optometric practice. Students who spend equal time on all physics subtopics may underweight optics, which can appear heavily on the exam. Dedicate extra time to geometric optics (mirrors and lenses) and wave optics (interference and diffraction), and practice drawing ray diagrams until they become second nature.
Studying Content Too Deeply Instead of Broadly
Similar to the DAT, the OAT tests breadth across the sciences rather than deep mastery of any single topic. Students who spend three weeks on a single biochemistry topic while neglecting ecology, taxonomy, or thermodynamics are misallocating their time. Cover all topics at a survey level before diving deep into any specific area.
Score Targets & What Optometry Schools Want
Understanding OAT scoring and what optometry schools look for helps you set realistic goals and allocate study time effectively. Each section is scored 200-400, with 300 representing the national average (approximately 50th percentile). Your Academic Average (AA) is the composite score that schools look at first.
280-300 AA: Minimum Competitive Range
Percentile: ~35th-50th percentile
- - Meets minimum requirements for many optometry schools
- - May limit options to less competitive programs
- - Strong GPA, clinical experience, and letters of recommendation can compensate
- - Consider retaking if other parts of your application are not exceptional
310-330 AA: Solidly Competitive
Percentile: ~60th-80th percentile
- - Competitive for the majority of optometry programs in the U.S. and Canada
- - Meets or exceeds the average for most accepted students
- - Good enough for mid-tier and many upper-tier programs
- - Sweet spot for building a strong overall application
340-360 AA: Highly Competitive
Percentile: ~85th-95th percentile
- - Competitive for top programs (UC Berkeley, SUNY, Ohio State, ICO)
- - Significantly strengthens your application at any school
- - May qualify for merit-based scholarships at some programs
- - Demonstrates strong academic ability across all science disciplines
370+ AA: Exceptional
Percentile: ~97th+ percentile
- - Top 3% of all OAT test-takers
- - Strong candidate for any optometry school in North America
- - Often qualifies for significant merit scholarships
- - Not necessary for admission to most programs, but opens all doors
The 320 AA Rule of Thumb
Aim for 320 AA as your primary target. This score puts you above the national average for accepted optometry students and demonstrates solid scientific knowledge across all tested disciplines. If you are targeting top programs, aim for 340+. Remember that optometry schools evaluate your entire application holistically: GPA, OAT scores, clinical observation hours, optometry experience, personal statement, and interview performance all matter. A balanced score profile across all four sections is preferred over having one exceptional section and one weak section.
Frequently Asked Questions About OAT Prep
How long should I study for the OAT?
Most successful OAT test-takers study for 3-6 months, dedicating 250-350 hours total. A 3-month intensive plan works if you can commit 25-35 hours weekly and have a strong science and physics background. A 5-6 month plan is ideal for students balancing coursework or who need to rebuild foundational physics knowledge, requiring 15-20 hours weekly. AI tools like LectureScribe can reduce content review time by 30-40%, making either timeline more manageable.
What is a good OAT score for optometry school?
The average OAT Academic Average (AA) for accepted optometry students is around 320-330. A score of 320+ AA is competitive for most optometry schools. Top programs (like UC Berkeley, SUNY College of Optometry, and Ohio State) may see averages of 340-360 AA. The national average is approximately 300 AA (50th percentile). A balanced score across all four sections is preferred by admissions committees.
Does the OAT have a Physics section?
Yes, the OAT includes a dedicated Physics section with 40 questions in 50 minutes. This is a major difference from the DAT, which does not test physics. OAT Physics covers topics from two semesters of introductory college physics, including mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, waves, electrostatics, and modern physics. Optics is especially emphasized given its direct relevance to optometry practice. Plan for significant physics study time in your OAT preparation.
What is the best AI app for OAT prep in 2026?
LectureScribe is the best AI app for OAT science content review, automatically generating flashcards and summaries from your biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics lecture recordings. Kaplan OAT provides structured content review and practice tests. Chad's Prep offers excellent video explanations for physics, gen chem, and organic chemistry. Combining these tools with Anki for spaced repetition creates the most effective OAT prep strategy.
How is the OAT different from the DAT?
The OAT and DAT share a similar structure but have key differences. The OAT includes a Physics section (40 questions, 50 minutes) that the DAT does not have. The DAT includes a Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) for spatial reasoning that the OAT does not have. Both exams test Survey of Natural Sciences (biology, gen chem, organic chem), Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. OAT scores are reported on a 200-400 scale while DAT scores use a 1-30 scale.
Can I self-study for the OAT without a prep course?
Yes, many students successfully self-study for the OAT. The key resources are: LectureScribe for converting lecture content into study materials, Kaplan OAT for structured review and practice tests, Chad's Prep for physics and chemistry video lessons, and Anki for spaced repetition review. Self-study typically costs $150-500 total compared to $1,200-2,500 for formal OAT prep courses, with comparable results for motivated, disciplined students.
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