OAT tricks - Optometry Admission Test Updated: 2023

To be considered for admission, international students must have the academic, linguistic, and financial abilities to successfully complete the professional program. Specific requirements are as follows:

Academic Requirements
International applicants must fulfill the same undergraduate academic requirements as United States applicants.

Foreign Transcripts
International applicants are required to submit official foreign transcripts to an approved foreign transcript evaluation service for a course-by-course U.S. equivalency report. The official evaluation should then be sent to OptomCAS. We highly recommend that you contact the foreign transcript evaluation service as early as possible. The service may take several weeks to process your foreign transcript once it is received. Below is a list of commonly used and accepted evaluation services.

Testing and Interview Requirements

• All applicants must take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). Other accepted entrance exams includes the MCAT, DAT and PCAT.
• If English is not the primary language, the student will be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Visa Information
Students who are outside the US and admitted to the UAB School of Optometry must generally obtain an F-1 or J-1 student visa to enter the US to begin classes. The UAB Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will assist you and provide the information necessary to obtain a visa after admission. Specific information on sponsorship and financial requirements can be obtained from:

International Student and Scholar Services
Melvin H. Sterne Library
917 13th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35294
Telephone (205) 934-3328
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a 3 1/2 hour standardized test that is comprised of reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning questions. The purpose of the LSAT is to show law schools that applicants possesses skills in each of the areas that are essential to a student’s success in law school.

The LSAT is an integral part of the law school admission process and is required on all applications. The test is administered four times each year through LSAC at designated testing centers.

Divided into five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions, the LSAT focuses on five specific sections that have been allocated accordingly, (1) reading Comprehension Section
(2) Analytical Reasoning Section 
(3) Two Logical Reasoning Sections

In addition to these four sections is an unscored fifth section that would complete the multiple-choice questions. The unscored section, also known as the variable section, typically is used to pretest new test questions or prepare new test forms. This section of the test will not be disclosed until you receive your results. The placement of each section throughout the test will be spastic and vary based on the test. Furthermore, a 35-minute, unscored writing demo is administered at the end of the test. The unscored writing demo is sent to each law school as part of the application.

The LSAC describes the design of the LSAT to be, “to measure skills that are considered essential for success in law school: the reading and comprehension of complex texts with accuracy and insight; the organization and management of information and the ability to draw reasonable inferences from it; the ability to think critically; and the analysis and evaluation of the reasoning and arguments of others.”

All students should only take the LSAT once they feel fully prepared.

The test is administered four times a year leaving flexibility for students who do not feel fully prepared. Students who have selected a test date should begin preparing at minimum 3 – 6 months prior to the test date.

Students are able to access free LSAT preparation materials through CamelLink and LSAC.org. These preparation materials include demo questions with explanations, test preparation videos, the ability to familiarize yourself with test instructions and question types, and practice tests. The use of these materials is highly encouraged.

Connecticut College is test-optional.

We don’t require applicants to submit standardized test scores because we think there are better ways to determine if you’ll be successful at Conn. And we want you to highlight your strengths in the application process, not write about a random subject we've assigned. We believe your high school transcript, essay, recommendations or other application materials may show your strengths better than test scores.

How to decide whether to submit your test scores

Our advice is to submit your scores if you feel they are representative of your achievement and will enhance your application. (Review the middle 50% range of scores submitted for the Class of 2024.) However, if you feel your standardized test scores do not reflect your full potential and elect not to submit them, you will not be at a disadvantage in the admission process.

In the Common App, simply choose which one testing score option you'd like us to consider:

• No tests
• SAT Reasoning Test (essay is not required)
• ACT (writing component is not required)

If you want to submit your test scores

If you would like us to consider your tests scores as part of your application, note that we accept both official and self-reported test scores.

Official test scores can be submitted in any of the following ways:

• Directly from the testing agency (SAT and ACT).
• By your high school counselor via email (admission@conncoll.edu) or fax (860-439-4301).
• By your high school counselor via official transcript.

Self-reported test scores can be submitted in either of the following ways:

• Enter scores in the testing section of the Common Application.
• Submit screenshots or scanned copies of score reports via email (admission@conncoll.edu) or fax (860-439-4301).

If you submit self-reported scores, please note that your official test scores will be required upon enrollment. Any discrepancies from self-reported test scores may result in rescinding our offer of admission.

We “superscore” the SAT Reasoning Test and use the combined highest composite score from the ACT. You should send scores from every SAT/ACT date for which you received your best scores in specific sections.

Scores from standardized tests taken through November typically arrive in time for Early Decision I consideration. Tests taken in December will arrive in time for Early Decision II and Regular Decision applicants.

Transfer Testing

Standardized test scores are not considered in the transfer application process.

English Proficiency Requirement

Conn's standardized testing policy does not apply to testing for purposes of demonstrating English proficiency. Students whose first language is not English must submit the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE.

To be considered for admission, international students must have the academic, linguistic, and financial abilities to successfully complete the professional program. Specific requirements are as follows:

Academic Requirements
International applicants must fulfill the same undergraduate academic requirements as United States applicants.

Foreign Transcripts
International applicants are required to submit official foreign transcripts to an approved foreign transcript evaluation service for a course-by-course U.S. equivalency report. The official evaluation should then be sent to OptomCAS. We highly recommend that you contact the foreign transcript evaluation service as early as possible. The service may take several weeks to process your foreign transcript once it is received. Below is a list of commonly used and accepted evaluation services.

Testing and Interview Requirements

• All applicants must take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). Other accepted entrance exams includes the MCAT, DAT and PCAT.
• If English is not the primary language, the student will be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Visa Information
Students who are outside the US and admitted to the UAB School of Optometry must generally obtain an F-1 or J-1 student visa to enter the US to begin classes. The UAB Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will assist you and provide the information necessary to obtain a visa after admission. Specific information on sponsorship and financial requirements can be obtained from:

International Student and Scholar Services
Melvin H. Sterne Library
917 13th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35294
Telephone (205) 934-3328
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Calvin will no longer require students to submit standardized test scores when applying for undergraduate admission.

We know that you are more than your test scores. Our experience at Calvin, as backed up by extensive research, has shown that academic achievement in the classroom is a stronger indicator of student success. With our test-optional approach, we hope students who view standardized tests as a barrier to college—or those who have not been able to take standardized tests during the pandemic—will have increased access to a Calvin education.

What does it mean to apply as test optional?

Simply put, test optional means that students do not need to provide standardized test scores in order to be considered for admission to Calvin University. Students may choose not to include their SAT, ACT, or CLT test score(s) when they apply for admission. Their application file will still be reviewed for an admissions decision.

How do I apply as test optional?

A new test optional question is included on both the Common Application and the Calvin Application. Simply check “Yes” or “No.”

How will Calvin review my application without test scores?

Calvin has always used a holistic review process when reviewing applications for admission. Our admissions team will consider your academic achievement, unique talents, leadership and service activities, and any other information you choose to submit in your application. We look for students who demonstrate they want to be involved in a welcoming diverse campus community and who value faith, discovery, and community.

Will applying as test optional affect my eligibility for scholarships?

You are eligible to receive the same academic scholarships whether you apply as test optional or submit your test scores (SAT, ACT, or CLT).

If you choose not to submit test scores when you apply for admission, your GPA will be used to calculate any academic scholarship for which you qualify. You will be notified of an academic scholarship in your admission letter.

If you decide to submit your test scores later—even if you applied as test optional—Calvin will review new scores until March 1 and notify you by email of any increase to your academic scholarship. New test scores will not reduce your previously awarded academic scholarship, so there is no disadvantage to submitting test scores.

Certain named (donor) scholarships require a test score in order to qualify. Many named (donor) scholarships do not require a test score.

There are also some outside agencies that require test scores. For example, to automatically qualify for the Federal TEACH Grant, you may want to submit your test score(s). However, this can be done at a later date.

Who can apply as test optional?

• Domestic first-year applicants who are applying to Calvin for the first time and who have never formally matriculated at another college or university are eligible to apply as test optional.
• International first-year applicants whose first language is English are eligible to take advantage of the test-optional policy. However, if English is not your first language or you are attending a school where English is not the primary language of instruction, you will be required to submit the results of your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Test System (IELTS), or Duolingo as evidence of English proficiency.

If you take the SAT and earn a score of 500 or higher on the Evidence-Based reading and Writing section (EBRW), your English proficiency admission requirement will be waived.

Should I apply as test optional?

If you feel that your test scores are an accurate portrayal of your academic ability, feel free to include your test scores in your application. If you feel that your academic ability is better demonstrated by your high school transcripts than with your test scores, you should consider applying as test optional.

Can I change my mind about applying as test optional?

Upon application to Calvin as test optional, students agree to have their application reviewed for an admissions decision without scores. This means that after receiving an admissions decision you may not submit test scores in order to be considered for early admission to a specific academic program (i.e., early admission to Nursing or Speech Pathology). However, Calvin recognizes that standardized testing has been interrupted due to the pandemic and will work with applicants who want to submit scores but are not able to.

Special circumstances

• Students who choose test optional may be asked for additional information. The student's admissions representative or the admissions committee may request additional information such as a new writing demo or a letter of recommendation.
• Deferred students: Students who applied for a previous semester but did not attend and are now reapplying may now apply as test optional.
• Denied students: If a student chose to include test scores when applying for admission and was denied admission, Calvin will not re-review them as test optional. Students should go through the regular appeal process to appeal the denial and provide new academic information for consideration.

Why is William & Mary test-optional?

Our admission review process is based on a comprehensive, holistic approach that considers multiple factors in making decisions. A test-optional policy provides students with additional ownership in the process by allowing them to decide whether or not they wish for SAT/ACT scores to be included as part of their application review. We know that for many students, they will still want their standardized test scores used in the review, and we will continue to include accordingly.

However, we realize that for some students, they would prefer to have their admission review based on the other pieces of an application without including SAT/ACT scores—an option we now confidently offer. Additionally, our hope is that this will encourage those students who may have been hesitant to apply previously out of concern over the importance of SAT/ACT scores to be more confident in knowing their application can be fully reviewed without these scores.

How do I know if I should apply test-optional?

If you are a student who has performed strongly in a challenging high school curriculum but you feel your test scores do not properly reflect your academic abilities or if you have not had the chance to take the SAT/ACT, you may choose not to submit them.

If you have had the opportunity to take an SAT/ACT and feel that your scores are a strong reflection of your academic abilities, then you should feel comfortable submitting your results.

How does a student apply test-optional?

The William & Mary section of the Common App will ask if you are planning to apply test optional. Should you select that option any self-reported testing you provided in your application will be suppressed as will any previous testing you may have provided us before you applied.

Is there a certain score level that students should use to decide whether or not to submit their scores?

Because our admission review process is based on a comprehensive, holistic approach that considers multiple factors in making decisions it is difficult to provide specific guidance without understanding the full context of each prospective applicant. However, the information below may provide some guidance as you decide on the best course of action:

For the class of 2026 our mid 50% enrolling student GPA on a standard weighted 4.0 scale was a 4.1-4.5.

For the class of 2026 our mid 50% SAT score was a 1380 – 1520.

For the class of 2026 our mid 50% ACT score was a 32-34.

These ranges are inclusive of in-state and out-of-state enrolled students, but given the more competitive nature of our out-of-state pool our out of state applicant group usually leans toward the higher end of our indicated ranges. 

Note: 34% of the Class of 2026 applied test-optional.

Are SAT/ACT scores required to be considered for merit programs?

All applicants are considered for our various merit programs regardless of whether test scores are submitted or not.

Are there any groups that will still need to submit SAT/ACT scores?

No particular group is required to submit test scores. However, students who may be from a school with written evaluations in place of grades, or students from homeschool environments who have not taken any—or very few—Advanced Placement or dual-enrollment college courses would likely benefit from providing test scores. This may include any SAT/ACT scores, Advanced Placement exam scores or a combination of the above.

International students also have the option whether or not to submit SAT/ACT scores. However, they are strongly encouraged to submit an ACT or SAT if other external test results (and/or predicted results) for exams such as IB/AP/A levels aren’t available. Additionally, if English is not your native language, and if your schooling during the past five years or more has been in a language other than English, the university urges you to take either the TOEFL or IELTS exams to demonstrate English language proficiency.

What if my test scores are on my transcript?

If you are considering applying test-optional be sure to check with your guidance counselor to see if removing test scores from your transcript is an option. If not, we will still read your application as though test scores had not been provided.