Best OAT Review Books

Explore the best OAT review books to elevate your test prep strategy.

• Comprehensive Content: Essential for covering all OAT exam subjects thoroughly.
• Practice Questions: Reflecting the style and difficulty level of the actual OAT.
• Affordable Options: Offering quality without breaking the bank for your OAT preparation.

Secure your success with the best OAT review books.

Understanding the OAT Exam

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a critical milestone for future optometrists. If you aspire to join the ranks of these eye care professionals, excelling in this test is your ticket to a reputable optometry program. To help you on your journey, let’s begin with a deep dive into the structure and significance of the OAT.

What is the OAT?

The OAT is designed to measure general academic abilities and comprehension of scientific information. It’s the standardized test required for admission into optometry schools in the United States and some parts in Canada.

Testing Components

The exam encompasses the following sections:

1. Survey of the Natural Sciences: This includes Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.
2. Reading Comprehension: Assessing your ability to read, analyze, and comprehend scientific information.
3. Physics: Evaluating your understanding of basic physics concepts.
4. Quantitative Reasoning: A measure of your mathematical problem-solving skills.

The Weight of Your OAT Score

Your performance on the OAT is a major factor in your optometry school application. It not only influences your admissions chances but often weighs into scholarship considerations. Hence, choosing the right study materials is a pivotal decision.

Criteria for Choosing OAT Review Books

To maximize your chances of acing the exam, it’s critical to select the best review books based on specific criteria.

Content Comprehensiveness

The ideal review book should provide a thorough overview of all OAT subject areas. It needs to delve into each topic with enough depth that you feel confident across all sections.

Quality of Practice Questions

Review books should be replete with practice questions that emulate the actual OAT in style and difficulty. It’s these questions’ ability to challenge you that will prepare you for the real deal.

Detailed Explanations

• Answers and Rationales: The best books will offer clear and detailed explanations for each answer, enhancing your understanding and retention.

Additional Resources

Does the book offer online resources, flashcards, or mobile app companions? These can be incredibly valuable for studying on the go or for drilling difficult concepts.

Best Overall OAT Review Book

In a marketplace brimming with options, one review book stands out as a superlative tool for OAT prep.

The Kaplan OAT 2017-2018 Strategies

Kaplan’s OAT prep book offers a number of compelling benefits:

• Comprehensive and Current: It offers extensive coverage of all OAT subjects, with up-to-date content that aligns with the latest exam format.
• Online Practice Tests: The book comes with additional online resources, including full-length practice tests that simulate the actual OAT experience.
• Strategic Approaches: Kaplan presents strategic outlines to tackle each section effectively, which can be a game-changer for your study regimen.

Through these features, Kaplan provides a robust foundation for your OAT prep, setting a high benchmark for efficacy in review materials.

Best In-Depth Review Book for OAT

Some students seek a more detailed exploration of subjects and for them, one book rises above the rest.

The Gold Standard OAT

• All-Encompassing Content: This four-book set plunges into every topic with detail-oriented fervor, ensuring no stone is left unturned in your OAT prep.
• Practice Makes Perfect: It comes packed with practice questions and tests, complete with comprehensive explanations that cement your understanding.
• Online Extras: Supporting your study with online videos and resources, The Gold Standard OAT is a front-runner for the most in-depth OAT resource.

This collection is tailored for students who crave a granular understanding of the exam’s material, offering an unrivaled level of detail.

Top Pick for Practice Questions and Tests

Practice is paramount in preparing for the OAT, and one book distinguishes itself by the quality and quantity of its practice material.

OAT Destroyer

• Hands-On Learning: Featuring a vast array of challenging practice problems, OAT Destroyer promises to sharpen your test-taking skills.
• Comprehensive Coverage: It sweeps across every exam section with high-quality questions that challenge your understanding and application of concepts.

OAT Destroyer establishes itself as the premier resource for students who understand that mastering the OAT requires rigorous practice and in-depth question analysis.

Budget-Friendly OAT Review Options

Investing in OAT prep doesn’t have to deplete your savings. There are several budget-friendly review books that provide a thorough preparation experience without the hefty price tag.

Affordable Yet Comprehensive

Two standout options that offer good value and quality content include:

1. Barron’s OAT 2nd Edition: Known for its accessible content, Barron’s provides a solid overview of the OAT material without overwhelming the reader. Features include:
2. McGraw-Hill’s OAT: This is another economical choice that offers:

These options prove that effective study aids need not come with a premium price, allowing you to prepare confidently while keeping your finances in check.

Best OAT Review Books for Each Section

Success on the OAT requires mastery across diverse subjects. Here we break down exceptional resources for each section to maximize your performance.

Biology

• Kaplan OAT: The biology section is comprehensive, covering everything from genetics to physiology.
• OAT Destroyer: Contains in-depth biology practice questions that are challenging and thought-provoking.

General Chemistry

• Chad’s Videos: Offers detailed online lectures that break down complex chemistry concepts.
• OAT Destroyer: Also shines in chemistry with tough questions that are representative of OAT-level difficulty.

Organic Chemistry

• Examkrackers: This book highlights essential content with a strategic approach to high-yield topics.
• Gold Standard OAT: Provides intricate details on organic chemistry reactions and mechanisms.

Physics

• Physics Destroyer: An extension of the OAT Destroyer series, focused exclusively on the physics section.
• Kaplan OAT: Kaplan’s physics review is known for its clarity and range of topics covered.

Reading Comprehension

• Crack the OAT: Offers practice passages that closely mirror those on the actual exam.
• Gold Standard OAT: Includes strategies for approaching dense scientific passages efficiently.

Quantitative Reasoning

• Math Destroyer: Part of the OAT Destroyer suite, providing extensive mathematical practice.
• Princeton Review: Renowned for presenting clear techniques to tackle the OAT’s quantitative challenges.

By selecting the strongest resources for each section of the OAT, you can curate a comprehensive and personalized study plan.

OAT Prep Courses vs. Review Books

The dilemma between choosing a prep course and opting for self-study with review books is common among OAT aspirants. Let’s explore the pros and cons to guide your decision.

Prep Courses

OAT prep courses like Kaplan or the Princeton Review offer structure and accountability, which can be beneficial if you prefer guided study. The main advantages are:

• Interactive Learning: Live instruction and real-time feedback can help solidify concepts.
• Structured Schedule: Having a set study timetable keeps you on track and motivated.
• Comprehensive Resources: Courses often come with a variety of study materials, from books to online practice exams.

Review Books

For those who thrive with self-paced learning, review books could be the better choice:

• Flexibility: Study on your own time and at your own pace, without the constraints of a class schedule.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Generally less expensive than courses, they are a smart choice for budget-conscious students.
• Self-Assessment: Assess your strengths and weaknesses on your own terms, focusing on areas that require additional attention.

Both resources have their merits, and the most effective strategy often combines elements of both, depending on your learning style, schedule flexibility, and budgetary concerns.

Utilizing Online Resources and OAT Study Groups

While review books are invaluable, incorporating online resources and joining study groups can further enhance your OAT prep significantly.

Online Practice Tools

Online resources such as the Crack the OAT Ultimate Bundle Package and Achiever OAT offer:

• Interactive Practice: Engage with electronic tools that mimic the computer-based OAT format.
• Immediate Feedback: Get real-time scoring and explanations to guide your studying.

Study Groups

Joining OAT study groups can:

• Encourage Accountability: Study partners can keep you motivated.
• Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Exchange tips and clarify misunderstandings with peers.
• Simulate Test Conditions: Group practice sessions can help adapt to the pressures of the actual exam environment.

These supplementary strategies are ideal to complement your use of review books, adding variety and depth to your preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions about the OAT

In the journey through OAT preparation, certain common questions emerge. We provide clear answers to guide you.

How Can I Best Utilize My OAT Review Book?

• Set a Schedule: Dedicate regular study sessions and stick to your plan.
• Stay Active: Take notes, highlight key points, and synthesize information.
• Practice Diligently: Work through practice questions and exams under timed conditions to build stamina and familiarity with the test format.

Are Practice Tests Really Similar to the Actual OAT?

Reputable review books and online resources strive to mimic the OAT’s format and difficulty level. Consistent practice with these materials will provide a realistic sense of what to expect on test day.

How Early Should I Start Preparing for the OAT?

It’s commonly suggested to start preparing 3–6 months before your test date, allowing ample time to cover all topics thoroughly and to revisit weaker areas.

With a strategic approach to your studies, powered by the best review books and supplementary materials, you will be well-prepared to conquer the OAT and take the next step towards your career in optometry.

Conclusion

Choosing the right OAT review books and resources is crucial for aspiring optometrists. Whether you prefer the structured environment of a prep course, the flexibility of self-study, or a combination of both, the key lies in selecting materials that best match your learning style and study habits.

Always remember to weigh the depth of content, the quality of practice questions, and the level of detail in answer explanations when evaluating your options. Budget-friendly choices, detailed subject-specific books, and supplemental online resources also play an essential role in a comprehensive study plan.

With the right tools and a disciplined approach to your OAT preparation, you’ll enhance your chances of scoring competitively and pave the way for your future in the field of optometry. Stay calm, stay positive, and let confidence in your preparation carry you forward to success.