OAT
Are Formulas Given for the OAT?
This is a question asked on SCCO’s Facebook Group for Pre-optometry Students (http://www.facebook.com/groups/SCCOadmissions/). Bulleted, you will find answers from both SCCO students and Facebook Group members:
I have a question regarding the OAT. I am taking the exam in a few weeks and I am beginning to become a little concerned. I was wondering if any formulas at all are given for any of the subjects, particularly Physics? I realize the calculator provided is very basic so I’m assuming this eliminates the ability to use some formulas (ie: trig functions, exponents, etc.). Is this accurate?
- “There are no formulas given for any of the subjects on the OATs. You’ll have to memorize them all. A basic periodic table of elements is given as a pop up window during the necessary subjects. Also the calculator is also a pop up window that you will have to use your mouse to click on the numbers (I would not use this as it slows you down dramatically). You also only get to use the calculator on the QR section. Good Luck on the test and remember to BREATHE!”
- “I freaked out about the same thing a few weeks before my exam. Thankfully, most of the calculations involve cancellation of variables. I recommend doing all of your calculations on the sheets of paper they provide you and then plugging in the final equation. It helped me keep everything organized. The mouse clicking being annoying – it wastes more time than you realize. Yes, you will need to memorize as many physics equations you can, but I would try focusing on the main equations from each subcategory that help you remember conceptual ideas. The best thing about physics is that a variable in 1 equation is often relatable to another variable from another equation.”
- “I would recommend not stressing too much about it. There are so many formulas in the study guides because they want their guides to be comprehensive, but the OAT itself (or at least when I took it) doesn’t have 50 formulas you need to know by heart. The most important formulas to memorize are the position/velocity/acceleration ones. I went into it pretty rusty on physics though (there are SO MANY formulas you need to be able to apply in the study guides), and it was fine. You’ll do great!”
- “Since time is such a large factor on the OAT, having a quick recall on formulas is important. There are ways to derive formulas and not commit them to memory, but it all depends on how much time it will take you. Also, it is good to be able to do arithmetic on paper or approximations when appropriate. It’s good to do many practice problems that the formulas will automatically stick in your head. Also helps to build confidence. Good luck!”
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Published by Jane Ann Munroe, OD, Assistant Dean of Admissions, SCCO
I wanted to be an optometrist when I was only 10 years old. Why? I had some kind of geeky fascination with eyeglass frames, and was obsessed with getting a pair of my own. In my situation, having perfect eyesight was a distinct disadvantage, so I had to hatch a plan.
After repeated intense squinting while looking at the blackboard, I approached my teacher and lied with conviction, complaining that I couldn’t see. This report got me first to the school nurse and then finally on to an optometrist for an eye exam, where I tried my best Mr. Magoo impression to no avail.
I would have to wait two more long years until the gods finally smiled on me when, by some miracle, I acquired enough astigmatism to warrant my first bona fide pair of prescription eyeglasses!
Along with my love of people and wanting to take care of them, subsequent visits to the optometrist and shadowing, I sealed the deal—optometry was now officially what I wanted to do with my life.
I made first contact with the Southern California College of Optometry when I was in 8th grade. My older sister had a newly minted driver’s license and so I coerced her into driving me all the way from our home in La Mirada to Los Angeles, SCCO’s then-home. After a master planning effort to plot out our route on a paper map folded in 8 places, we arrived at SCCO where my sister quickly surmised that I didn’t have an appointment with an admissions advisor. She called me a loser, drove me all the way back home and the next day, phoned to help make the requisite appointment.
I entered high school in the late 1960’s (ouch, that hurt) when young females wanted to be anything but what I’d chosen as my newly dedicated pursuit—a science geek. I wore thick horn-rimmed black eyeglass frames (told you I was serious) and hung around chemistry lab after class. This was at a time when women just did not pursue careers in science and being the tomboy that I was, that was fine with me. This trend continued right through into undergrad, attending many classes where I was the only female--bespectacled or not--in the class. At a recent high school reunion, many of my classmates still remember me as the science geek with the blinders on—many envious of my joy and passion for my future profession.
I graduated from SCCO in 1977. Looking back with 40 years of experience as an optometrist, I am awed to know that I chose this wonderful profession way-back-when and with only my juvenile perspective to inform me. In 1977 when I graduated from optometry school, the profession began a series of major changes to its practice scope: securing the rights to use diagnostic drugs (dilating drops), securing the rights to prescribe therapeutic drugs (huge change!), being recognized as physicians by the federal government and treating glaucoma. In some US states, optometry has made even bigger strides into minor surgery, use of lasers, hospital privileges...etc. If I had the opportunity to go back and make another choice and knowing what I do today about health care and my own hardwiring, I’d make the same choice for optometry--nobody loves this profession more than I do. http://www.ketchum.edu/index.php/about/administration-directory
I grew up with optometry and now it’s your turn to inherit its future. That’s what this blog is about—getting you into optometry school and I am just the person to help you achieve this goal. We’re going to talk about the admissions process, how to prepare to take the OAT, how to be a competitive applicant, how to prepare to interview, to name a few. We’re going to talk about SCCO, student life and what it’s like to be an optometric intern. I am very persuasive, motivating and I am completely sold on optometry as the best profession in health care. I speak from experience!
Get ready to dialogue. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and please, chime in on discussions. I want to know what kind of help you need. You got this!
View all posts by Jane Ann Munroe, OD, Assistant Dean of Admissions, SCCO
Eryn Kraning, Senior Director of Recruiting and Admissions, SCCO
Jane Ann Munroe, OD, Assistant Dean of Admissions, SCCO