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OAT Bootcamp vs OAT Booster
Our detailed comparison of the prep programs from OAT Booster vs OAT Bootcamp
If you’ve completed any research about prepping for the OAT, you’ve likely come across both OAT Bootcamp and OAT Booster. They are the two premier prep programs in the space. And while they may seem similar on the surface, there are some subtle differences that you need to know about. Each company has its own strengths and weaknesses. In this guide, we explore those differences so you can make an informed decision on which is best for you.
As this is a long and detailed article, we’ve included jump-to links above for your convenience.
Video: Which Prep Course Is Better?
In the video above, John from the Test Prep Insight team compares the OAT prep courses from Bootcamp and Booster. For more detail, be sure to continue reading our full, written comparison below.
As we already have in-depth reviews of each company on our website (see links below), to keep this article narrowly focused on directly comparing these courses, I plan to only cover the major differences between these OAT prep programs.
Ultimately, I think seeing where each program is better than the other is more useful to helping you make a decision. So with that in mind, let’s break down OAT Bootcamp’s key advantages.
Excellent Video Breakdowns of Problem
While we generally prefer OAT Booster’s problem explanations in text format, Bootcamp has some awesome video breakdowns of problems. I honestly cannot overstate the value of these.
Having an instructor break down the problem in plain language with notes onscreen is incredibly helpful. Text explanations are fine, but it’s very hard to beat video. It is just more engaging and instructional.
OAT Bootcamp problem explanation in video format
Plus, the production quality of the Bootcamp videos is so strong. They’re very short and digestible (perhaps just 2-3 minutes each), and they’re effortless to consume.
Therefore, for students that plan to spend a good chunk of time reviewing their answers after practice sets, and are also visual learners, these videos explaining practice problems are awesome.
Chemistry Instruction
The next highlight of the OAT Bootcamp course is their chemistry material. If you struggle with chemistry, you simply have to go with Bootcamp. This is kind of their specialty.
For one, their lead chemistry instructor, Dr. Mike, is fantastic. He has a great way of explaining concepts in very simple terms, and also has an incredible energy that makes his videos super engaging.
OAT Bootcamp dashboard
Plus, one nice thing is that Bootcamp attacks their chemistry material in a number of ways. For example, you can get your content review by reading a condensed outline of high-yield chemistry notes, watch video lessons with Dr. Mike, do “reaction bites” (which are short quiz questions with detailed video explanations), or work test-like practice problems and review the solutions.
The third highlight is Bootcamp’s tagging system, which is pretty unique.
As you work through the practice material, after every question, you mark the problem as Learning, Reviewing, or Mastered. This which is pretty much just what it sounds like.
OAT Bootcamp question bank with tagging system shown
You essentially categorize your practice material based on how well you know it as you go. That way, as you get closer to test day, you can circle back to your weaker spots marked with a red Learning tag and try to improve for some last minute gains. It seems small and unimportant, but this is a cool and useful function.
Tons of Practice Work
The final thing in Bootcamp’s favor is quantity of practice work. OAT Bootcamp provides about a thousand more problems than OAT Booster (8,800 to 7,800).
To be clear, in terms of quality of practice work, it’s like splitting hairs between these two companies. Both do an excellent job of mirroring the real exam, and their questions are both a great match for the difficulty, content and length of real problems.
OAT Bootcamp’s practice tests are highly realistic
Thus, it really comes down to quantity, and Bootcamp simple provides more practice work. So if you’re an experiential learner who learns best by doing and you plan to just burn through practice sets, this could tip the scales in favor of OAT Bootcamp for you.
Knowing now where OAT Bootcamp is superior, let’s change gears and talk about where OAT Booster is better.
Superior Video Lectures
The first highlight of the OAT Booster program is their video lessons. If you’re a visual learner, we give the edge to Booster for on demand video lectures.
Like quality of practice material, it is somewhat like splitting hairs here, as Bootcamp has solid video lessons as well. However, Booster’s videos are just top-notch.
OAT Booster’s video lessons are great
Their videos have really high production value, focus on high-yield concepts, and include tons animations and visual elements, all of which I really like. There are hundreds of these videos across the program, and most of them are only 5 to 10 minutes long. This makes them all very easily digestible.
Bottom line, we just think Booster’s videos are about the best in the OAT prep space, and for visual learners, this is a huge advantage.
Awesome Written Study Materials
The next advantage for OAT Booster is their study notes and cheat sheets. The Booster written study materials are simply awesome, with particular emphasis on the visual elements that they layer into them.
These visuals are really helpful for demonstrating key points, and the notes are super detailed as well.
The Booster cheat sheets are awesome
However, my favorite aspect of all is the cheat sheets. They’re highly condensed versions of the longer notes you’re given, and you rely on them a ton as test day gets closer. They’re color-coded, packed with visuals, and use helpful mnemonics to improve recall. The cheat sheets are definitely one of my favorite aspects of this course.
Problem Solutions In Text Format
Another highlight of the Booster course is text explanations. The solutions that follow each practice problem in the OAT Booster program are very good.
They thoughtfully explain the concept being tested, as well as how to come to the right conclusion. Plus, they pretty much all contain really nice graphics and pictures that are super helpful. As such, we were huge fans of these problem explanations.
Many practice problems have video solutions
And to be clear, I’m only talking about the text solutions. As mentioned, Bootcamp actually gives you video breakdowns of most of their practice questions, which are superb, so this point is only in reference to the text solutions.
Better Price (Value!)
The last win here for OAT Booster is pretty simple. The OAT Booster course is more affordable than Bootcamp’s course. Period. Let me quickly break it down since this is an important point.
Booster’s base course option costs $479, while the comparable course from Bootcamp costs $499 (i.e., it’s $20 cheaper). It’s not a massive savings, but when every dollar counts as you plan to take on student loans for optometry school, it can make a difference.
OAT Booster’s interface is great
Bottom line, Booster is the more affordable package. However, it is worth noting that both companies are really aggressive with their sales and special promotions, so make sure to check for discounts and coupon codes before buying.
When you consider the different factors that truly matter when reviewing and grading out prep courses, both of these companies do a great job. They both offer solid, well-designed prep programs that we struggled to find many negatives with. Therefore, between the two, it’s really hard to pick a winner. It honestly just comes down to learning style and budget in my opinion.
If you’re looking to keep things affordable, I would suggest OAT Booster, as you’ll save some serious money. Likewise, we also think Booster has really strong written study materials, so they could be a great fit for text-based learners and those that love outlines and notes.
However, if you’re more of a visual or experiential learner, Bootcamp might be the better choice. Their videos (especially those breaking down practice problems) are fantastic, and with tons of realistic practice work, you can’t beat them from that perspective either.
OAT Bootcamp vs OAT Booster, which course is better?
After using and reviewing both OAT Booster and OAT Bootcamp, it is very hard to say which course is actually better. It really comes down to your style of learning and budget. We think both prep programs are very high-quality, and we give each a solid grade, especially as compared to other courses.
What is the difference between OAT Bootcamp and OAT Booster?
OAT Bootcamp and OAT Booster each have different strengths in my opinion. OAT Bootcamp offers more practice material, has better video breakdowns of problems, and has especially strong chemistry content, while OAT Booster offers better written study materials and better video lectures.
OAT Booster vs Bootcamp, which is cheaper?
OAT Booster is about $20 cheaper than OAT Bootcamp ($499 for Bootcamp, $479 for Booster). However, both companies regularly run sales and promotions, so make sure to check for discount codes.
