Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Form
Do you have more questions that need to be answered?
  • Fill out our FAQ form and our board members will help answer your inquiries about anything!
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School

What are some fun or easy GEs to take at UCI?
  • As a paid member, you should have access to the course advice spreadsheet with students’ reviews on prerequisite courses for optometry school, as well as GE / major courses they highly recommend! If you are a paid member but do not have access to the spreadsheet, then please let a board member know!
How to manage classes, work, and studying for the OAT?
  • Managing all of these activities can be quite difficult, so the best way to handle stress is by practicing self-care and time management. One of these ways is using a calendar / planner, or you can use an application called Notion to plan out your tasks and other deadlines! For OAT preparation, it is recommended to study during the summer with a consistent schedule. It is good to know how many months you need to prepare so you can divide up your studying and prevent yourself from getting too overwhelmed. It is also good to treat yourself in between so you do not feel burnt out!

OAT Exam

​Is the Kaplan OAT prep book a good indicator of the material tested on the OAT? What study materials can I use that are inexpensive or free?
  • The Kaplan OAT prep book is a good indicator, but the practice tests are often a bit more difficult than the actual OAT exam. Some other resources we use are YouTube videos, review sheets, class notes, flashcards / Quizlet, and online practice problems!
How to solve chemistry / physics problems without a calculator?
  • A tip is to memorize and know key conversions (ex. 1 kg = 1000 g), as well as doing practice problems without using one. However, a basic calculator will be provided for the Quantitative Reasoning section. 
What to focus on when studying for evolutionary biology (ex. taxonomy, cladograms, etc.) questions?
  • It is good to know the general trends, such as major groups and important animals for each group. A good way to see the types of questions they will ask you is to purchase an OAT prep book and answer the practice questions in the Ecology/Taxonomy section.
Is it possible to effectively study for and take the OAT before completing both the physics and organic chemistry series, or is it generally recommended to finish these courses first?

  • It is generally recommended to complete chemistry and physics courses at UCI before taking the OAT, as they provide a strong foundation for studying.
  • If following a timeline where organic chemistry is taken in sophomore year and physics in junior year, taking the OAT earlier could commit your application timeline to having no gap year
  • The OAT score is only valid for two years, so if plans change or a gap year is taken, an early score may expire before applying.​

Optometry School / Admissions

For optometry school, is attending medical school required as well?
  • To receive an O.D. (Doctor of Optometry) degree, only optometry school is required. Medical school is not needed as optometry school will adequately prepare you to become an optometrist, in which students will attend classroom lectures and gain clinical experience to enrich their knowledge in the field.
How to ask for letters of recommendation from optometrists and professors, especially if I do not get to interact with them a lot?
  • It may be difficult to make time to talk to a doctor or professor, so the best way to get around this is by sending them an email or scheduling an appointment. For example, you can set up an exam appointment so you can talk to them without interfering with their busy work schedule. You want to make sure that the people you are asking have a sense of your work ethic and personality. Another way to ask is by buying them a cup of coffee and talking to them—so they have a few ideas on what to write for your letter. Once they have written their letter, make sure to thank them with a gift of appreciation!