How I prepared for the Optometry Admission Test (Part 2)
Alright, I already told you all of the materials that I used that were essential to me for taking down the OAT in part 1. Now, all that’s left for you to do is to study. When studying for the OAT, always plan a schedule out on what subjects to study and how long to study each day. Take the time to really plan as this is a way for you to develop a good habit towards self-discipling yourself. By doing so, you will have more control in effectively using your time more wisely. Maximize your time! I recommend that you start studying on the subjects that you are weak on first because they might take you longer to comprehend than the subjects you are strong at. Each day, you should aim to study for about 6-8 hours which consists of studying the topic first and then doing practice problems over what you studied on that day.
I know you guys might go crazy if you study constantly every day, so I advise y’all to take one day of the week to relax and the next day to go over all of the material you learned during that week so you can fortify your information. Also, if y’all are still in school, I advise using the summer to study so that you’ll be prepared to take the OAT by August or later in the fall since you won’t have any classes during the summer (unless you’re taking summer classes, to which hopefully you’ll have a lighter schedule and should still carve out time to study for the OAT).
If you want to find other ways to study for the OAT, you could always join the DAT Bootcamp and OAT destroyer facebook groups. They have students who have taken the OAT/DAT sharing their helpful tips to study for the exam so I recommend you look into that to find your way to study. Also if you’re the type to learn through reading instead of watching videos, those facebook groups do provide a free biology packet handout pdf that covers the Biology section of the OAT/DAT. Once you have gone over all of the material, try to do as many practice problems as you can before the big test so you can be diverse with the types of problems that the OAT will throw at you.
Now lets time skip to the day before your OAT. DO NOT CRAM. Just don’t do it. At this point, you’ve (hopefully) put in the time and effort to learn a lot of the material, so cramming won’t do you any good. Use that day to basically calm yourself before the storm and relax. Make sure you sleep early and have your alarm clock ready so you can wake up the next day and get a good high protein breakfast before your OAT. If you REALLY have to cram-study, then consider using your condensed notes, or plan ahead to review 2-3 topics that always give you trouble the day before. Keep it simple and controlled, and you’ll prevent yourself from going crazy or burning out.
➥ Test Day: Make sure you get to your testing site about 30-40 minutes early, but don’t go inside yet. Stay in your car and take a moment to mentally prepare yourself. Take a few deep breaths, and get motivated with either your favorite song or talking to yourself in the rear view mirror (whatever works for you, just get yourself pumped and motivated!) Then go into your testing area, take a few more deep breaths, and CRUSH THAT OAT.
Disclaimer: Nguyening Lifestyles is not a registered educational service provider and does not give educational advice. All information in these posts are for entertainment purposes only. Nguyening Lifestyles is not liable for any actions or outcomes that transpired after your reading of the following post.
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