"What's a good OAT score?" is the question every pre-optometry student asks — and the honest answer is: it depends on where you're applying. A 320 that's comfortably competitive at one school might be below the median at another. This guide breaks down the score tiers, what each one signals to admissions committees, and how to set a target score based on your school list.
If you haven't already, read OAT scoring explained first for the full picture of how the 200–400 scale works.
The Short Answer
| Score Tier (Academic Average) | Label | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Below 300 | Below average | Below the 50th percentile; an uphill battle at most schools |
| 300–310 | Average | Right at the mean; viable only with a strong GPA and application |
| 320–330 | Competitive | Above average; in range for many optometry schools |
| 340–350 | Strong | Competitive at most schools; scores become an asset |
| 360+ | Excellent | Top ~10%; competitive everywhere |
The national average OAT Academic Average is 300. But "average" and "competitive" are very different things — the average admitted student scores well above the average test taker, because the applicant pool self-selects for strong students.
Score Tiers in Detail
300: The Average (50th Percentile)
A 300 Academic Average means you outperformed roughly half of test takers. In absolute terms it's the midpoint of the scale — but in admissions terms, it's the floor, not the goal. Most optometry schools report incoming-class averages in the 310–330 range, so a 300 AA typically needs to be offset by a strong GPA, excellent extracurriculars, or other standout application elements.
That said, a balanced 300 (all sections near 300) looks better than a 300 average hiding a 270 in the sciences. Schools notice lopsided profiles.
320: Competitive (Approximately 60th Percentile)
A 320 is where your scores stop being a liability and start being neutral-to-positive. At this level, you're above roughly 60% of test takers, and your Academic Average sits within the published ranges of many optometry programs. If your GPA is solid (3.3+), a 320 makes you a legitimate candidate at a broad set of schools.
340: Strong (Approximately 70th Percentile)
A 340 changes the conversation. At this tier, your OAT score actively strengthens your application rather than just checking a box. You're competitive at most U.S. optometry schools, including the more selective programs. Students scoring 340+ typically have balanced section scores with no weak spots below 320 — and that consistency is exactly what admissions committees want to see.
350–360+: Excellent (75th–90th Percentile)
Scores in this range put you in the top quarter (350) to top tenth (360+) of test takers. At 360+, your OAT score is a genuine differentiator — it can compensate for a slightly lower GPA and makes you competitive at every optometry school in the country. These scores require serious, structured preparation; they're not achievable by content review alone.
What Optometry Schools Actually Expect
There are 23 accredited optometry schools in the U.S., and each publishes its own admitted-student profile. While exact numbers shift year to year, the landscape looks approximately like this:
| School Selectivity Tier | Typical Admitted AA Range | Example Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Most selective programs | 340–350+ | High GPA (3.6+) paired with top-quartile OAT |
| Mid-tier programs | 320–340 | The bulk of accredited schools fall here |
| Less selective programs | 300–320 | Scores at or modestly above the national average |
These ranges are approximate and compiled from schools' published class profiles; always verify against your target schools' current admissions data, as averages move each cycle.
A few important nuances:
- Schools publish averages, not minimums. An average AA of 330 means roughly half the class scored below 330. Being 10 points under a school's published average doesn't disqualify you — but being 20+ points under it means the rest of your application needs to work harder.
- Science scores get extra scrutiny. A 335 AA built on a 350 Total Science reads stronger than a 335 AA built on a 350 Reading Comprehension. For a science doctorate, your Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics scores carry implicit weight.
- Trends matter less than the number. Schools see all attempts via your DENTPIN. A 310 → 340 retake tells a great story; a 340 → 330 retake raises questions. Plan retakes carefully (see OAT test dates registration for retest policy).
Setting Your Target Score
Work backwards from your school list:
- List your target schools and look up each one's most recent average AA for admitted students (usually on the admissions or "class profile" page).
- Take the highest average on your list and add 10 points. That's your target — it gives you a cushion and keeps every school on your list in play.
- Set a floor. Decide the minimum AA you'd accept before retaking. Most students set this 10–20 points below their target.
Example: if your top-choice school averages 335 and your safety averages 315, target a 345 and plan to retake if you land below 325.
How Scores Interact With GPA
Admissions is a two-number game: GPA and OAT. They compensate for each other, but only up to a point.
| GPA | OAT AA Needed to Be Competitive | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3.7+ | 320+ | Strong GPA gives you flexibility; a 320 keeps every door open |
| 3.4–3.6 | 330+ | Scores need to confirm the GPA |
| 3.0–3.3 | 340+ | A strong OAT can offset a modest GPA — this is the classic comeback profile |
| Below 3.0 | 350+ | You'll need an exceptional OAT plus a compelling narrative |
Approximate guidance based on typical admissions patterns, not official cutoffs.
The most common mistake is treating a good GPA as a substitute for OAT prep. Schools use the OAT precisely because GPAs aren't comparable across universities — a 3.5 in a rigorous science program and a 3.5 elsewhere don't signal the same thing. The OAT is the equalizer, and schools trust it.
FAQ
Is a 300 OAT score good?
It's average — the 50th percentile. It won't disqualify you everywhere, but most admitted students score higher, so a 300 usually needs a strong GPA and application to compensate.
What OAT score do I need for optometry school?
There's no universal minimum, but aim for at least 320 to be broadly competitive, 340+ for selective programs. Check your specific target schools' published class averages.
Is a 340 OAT score good?
Yes — it's approximately the 70th percentile and competitive at most optometry schools. At 340+, your score is an asset.
Do schools care more about Academic Average or Total Science?
Both are reported and both are reviewed, but Academic Average is the headline number most schools publish. Total Science gets extra attention because it reflects your science preparation specifically.
Should I retake a 320?
Only if your target schools' averages are meaningfully higher (335+) and you're confident you can gain 10–20+ points. A sideways retake (320 → 325) rarely changes admissions outcomes.
How does the OAT compare to the DAT in difficulty of scoring well?
The scales differ (OAT: 200–400, DAT: 200–600), but the percentile logic is the same — "good" means comfortably above the 50th percentile on either exam. See OAT scoring explained for the full comparison.
Next Steps
Now you know your target — the question is how to hit it. Compare the top-rated OAT prep courses at OAT prep, see how the two leaders stack up head-to-head at OAT booster vs OAT bootcamp, and build your timeline with OAT study schedule 3 month.