Best OAT Prep Courses: Booster vs Kaplan vs Chad's Prep vs Destroyer [2026]

Securing admission to an accredited optometry program requires a strong score on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). Administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) on behalf of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), the OAT tests four core areas: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning.

While the natural sciences overlap heavily with the Dental Admission Test (DAT), the OAT introduces a dedicated Physics section covering kinematics, thermodynamics, optics, fluids, and electromagnetism. Optics and light refraction are central to clinical optometric practice, so admissions committees scrutinize your physics performance closely.

Choosing the best OAT prep course depends on your science baseline, your comfort with physics problem-solving, and whether you prefer self-directed computer practice, structured live lectures, or high-difficulty paper drills.

In this guide, we evaluate the four leading OAT study platforms for 2026: OAT Booster, Kaplan OAT, Chad's Prep, and OAT Destroyer. We compare practice question volume, physics coverage, video instruction, testing interfaces, and pricing.

Key Takeaways

• OAT Booster provides the most expansive digital practice bank for the OAT. It features over 8,800 practice questions, authentic Prometric software simulations, video breakdowns, and Feralis biology notes starting at $299.
• Kaplan OAT offers structured live online classrooms and the popular Kaplan OAT Prep Plus book series, supported by 7 full-length computer-based practice tests and a higher score guarantee.
• Chad's Prep is the premier choice for conceptual chemistry and physics video instruction. Chad's clear, step-by-step whiteboard explanations and targeted practice quizzes make difficult optics and mechanics concepts easy to understand.
• OAT Destroyer provides an intensive physical workbook for students who want high-difficulty problem drills in organic chemistry, general chemistry, math, and physics.
• Most successful pre-optometry candidates pair a comprehensive computerized question bank with targeted video lessons to master both test stamina and science principles.

The 4 Best OAT Prep Courses for 2026

Quick Comparison

1. OAT Booster: Best for Practice Volume and Prometric Test Realism

OAT Booster is one of the most popular digital platforms for optometry school applicants. Built on the same software framework as DAT Booster, OAT Booster is tailored specifically to the OAT curriculum, including extensive coverage of physics principles and scientific reasoning.

The platform provides over 8,800 practice questions designed to mimic the Prometric testing software. From split-screen reading comprehension passages to the exact screen layout, calculator functions, and font sizing, OAT Booster prepares you for the electronic testing environment.

One of the platform's major assets is its biology preparation package. It includes the complete Feralis biology study notes, cheat sheets, and thousands of practice items that reflect the detailed taxonomy and physiology questions common on the Survey of the Natural Sciences.

For physics, OAT Booster includes hundreds of calculation drills, formula cheat sheets, and video solutions that break down optics, wave equations, projectile motion, and circuits step by step.

Key Strengths:

• 8,800+ practice questions and realistic timed practice tests.
• Prometric simulation matches the real testing software.
• Includes comprehensive Feralis biology study notes and high-yield cheat sheets.
• Detailed video solutions accompany difficult calculation problems.
• Affordable access pricing compared to legacy classroom courses.

Weaknesses:

• Purely self-directed online portal with no live interactive lectures.
• Extensive reading load requires strong study discipline.
• Physics explanations assume some prior undergraduate physics knowledge.

Pricing (2026):

• 90-Day Membership: $299
• 180-Day Membership: $399
• 360-Day Membership: $499

Read our complete OAT Booster Review for an in-depth breakdown of its physics generators and practice exams.

2. Kaplan OAT: Best for Live Classroom Instruction and Physical Books

Kaplan has provided test preparation for the OAT for decades. For pre-optometry students who value a traditional structured curriculum, physical reading material, and direct access to instructors, Kaplan remains a familiar choice.

Kaplan offers its OAT prep in three main formats: the standalone Kaplan OAT Prep Plus book, the Self-Paced On Demand course, and the interactive Live Online classroom.

The Live Online course provides scheduled classes led by experienced instructors. During sessions, teachers work through challenging physics passages, review organic chemistry mechanisms, and teach time management strategies. Students can ask questions in real time through an interactive chat interface.

Enrolled students receive 7 full-length computer-based practice exams, an online QBank with over 3,500 questions, and the physical Kaplan OAT review book. Kaplan backs its comprehensive courses with a higher score guarantee, offering a free course retake or refund if your official score does not improve over your confirmed baseline.

Key Strengths:

• Structured live online classroom schedules provide external accountability.
• 7 full-length practice tests help build mental stamina for the 4.5-hour exam.
• The Kaplan OAT Prep Plus book is clear, well-illustrated, and easy to annotate.
• Higher score guarantee provides reassurance for retakers.
• Complete coverage of all four exam sections under one platform.

Weaknesses:

• High price point for digital and live courses ($1,299 to $2,099).
• Practice exam scores frequently suffer from score deflation compared to official ADA scales.
• Question explanations are less visually detailed than specialized digital platforms.

Pricing (2026):

• Kaplan OAT Prep Plus Book: $65 to $95
• Self-Paced Course: $1,299 to $1,599
• Live Online Course: $1,699 to $2,099

Explore our thorough Kaplan OAT Review for details on class schedules and book comparisons.

3. Chad's Prep: Best for Chemistry and Physics Video Lessons

If chemistry or physics was your toughest undergraduate subject, Chad's Prep (founded by chemistry educator Chad) is an indispensable learning resource. Pre-optometry students across the country cite Chad's video lessons as the clearest conceptual tutorials for the OAT.

Chad's Prep focuses on teaching complex physical science principles from the ground up. His OAT courses cover General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics in comprehensive detail.

Instead of overwhelming students with unnecessary derivations, Chad breaks down topics into high-yield principles, showing the exact problem-solving shortcuts required for timed multiple-choice testing. His physics lectures on thin lenses, Snell's law of refraction, mirror equations, and electromagnetic radiation are widely considered the clearest available for the OAT.

The platform includes downloadable study guides, custom quizzes for every lecture, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Chad's Prep operates on a flexible, low-cost subscription model, making it accessible to students on any budget.

Key Strengths:

• Crystal-clear video explanations for difficult chemistry and physics mechanisms.
• Exceptional coverage of geometric optics, lenses, and refraction.
• Printable lesson outlines allow you to take structured notes alongside video lessons.
• Affordable monthly subscription or package options with zero long-term commitments.
• Practice quizzes reinforce concepts immediately after each video.

Weaknesses:

• Biology coverage is less extensive than specialized resources like Feralis notes.
• Question bank volume is smaller than all-in-one platforms like OAT Booster.
• Testing interface is basic compared to authentic Prometric simulators.

Pricing (2026):

• Monthly Subscription: $50 to $70 per month
• 90-Day Package: $140 to $180
• 180-Day Package: $220 to $260

Read our dedicated Chad's Prep OAT Review for video sample analyses and study recommendations.

4. OAT Destroyer: Best for High-Difficulty Science Problem Drills

Created by Dr. Jim Romano, OAT Destroyer is a legendary physical workbook series known for its demanding problem sets. If you want to push your science problem-solving abilities beyond the difficulty of the real exam, the Destroyer series provides that rigorous workout.

The OAT Destroyer curriculum consists of two main physical spiral-bound books:

1. OAT Destroyer: Contains hundreds of rigorous problems in Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Quantitative Reasoning.
2. OAT Physics Destroyer: Dedicated entirely to physics, providing hundreds of calculation-heavy problems in mechanics, electricity, magnetism, optics, fluids, and thermodynamics.

The philosophy behind OAT Destroyer is over-preparation. The questions are intentionally tougher, more math-intensive, and more concept-dense than the actual OAT. By working through every problem and studying the complete solutions written by Dr. Romano, you build the mental resilience needed to handle any unexpected question on test day.

Key Strengths:

• Demanding problem sets prepare you for worst-case exam questions.
• Detailed handwritten-style solutions explain the reasoning behind each step.
• OAT Physics Destroyer provides extensive practice for optical physics and kinematics.
• Physical book format is ideal for students who prefer studying on paper without screen fatigue.
• Active student support group on social media where educators answer student questions.

Weaknesses:

• Physical books only: no computerized testing interface or timed exam simulation.
• Unforgiving difficulty level can discourage students early in their preparation.
• Requires significant time investment to work through every problem manually.

Pricing (2026):

• OAT Destroyer (Standalone): $150 to $180
• OAT Physics Destroyer (Standalone): $120 to $140
• Complete Destroyer Package: $250 to $290

See our full OAT Destroyer Review for study schedules and problem-solving tips.

How to Structure Your OAT Prep Plan

Because the OAT combines biological sciences, chemical reasoning, physical calculations, and reading comprehension, relying on a single study format rarely produces optimal results.

A proven study schedule divides your preparation into three phases:

Phase 1: Content Review and Concept Building (Weeks 1 to 4)

• Focus on rebuilding science and physics fundamentals.
• Watch Chad's Prep video lectures for general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Take notes on downloadable outlines.
• Read through Feralis biology notes or Kaplan's review chapters to refresh cell biology, genetics, and human physiology.

Phase 2: High-Volume Question Practice (Weeks 5 to 8)

• Transition into active testing using OAT Booster.
• Complete 50 to 80 questions daily under timed conditions. Review every explanation thoroughly.
• For tough physics and organic chemistry topics, complete targeted problem sets from OAT Destroyer to strengthen calculation speed.

Phase 3: Full-Length Exam Simulation (Weeks 9 to 12)

• Take one full-length practice exam every Saturday morning under strict test-day conditions.
• Use the authentic Prometric interface on OAT Booster or Kaplan to master pacing across all 4.5 hours of testing.
• Spend Sunday analyzing your mistakes, reviewing formulas, and drilling weak subtopics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a competitive score on the OAT?

The OAT is scored from 200 to 400 in 10-point intervals. The national average is approximately 300. Scores of 320 or higher are considered solid for most optometry programs, while scores of 340 to 360+ place you in a competitive tier for top-ranked optometry colleges.

How is the OAT different from the DAT?

The Survey of the Natural Sciences, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning sections are very similar between the two exams. However, the DAT includes the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) and has no physics, whereas the OAT includes a full 40-question Physics section and has no PAT.

Can I prepare for OAT Physics using MCAT materials?

While both exams cover physics, the focus differs. OAT physics emphasizes direct formula calculations, kinematics, and geometric optics (lenses and mirrors), whereas MCAT physics emphasizes passage-based conceptual reasoning. Using dedicated OAT resources like Chad's Prep or OAT Booster is more targeted.

How many months should I study for the OAT?

Most candidates study for 2.5 to 3.5 months, dedicating 250 to 350 total hours. Students balancing college courses or clinical shadowing often spread their preparation over 4 to 5 months.

Summary of Options

Each of the major OAT prep platforms serves a distinct study role:

1. Best for Question Volume & Prometric Realism: OAT Booster provides the largest digital question bank and most realistic software simulation.
2. Best for Live Classes & Physical Textbooks: Kaplan OAT offers structured classroom accountability and thorough print review books.
3. Best for Chemistry & Physics Video Lessons: Chad's Prep delivers clear conceptual instruction for tough physical science topics.
4. Best for Challenging Science Problem Drills: OAT Destroyer provides rigorous paper problem sets to build problem-solving stamina.

Explore our full library of OAT guides and course reviews to build your study schedule and achieve your target optometry admission score.