Pre-Optometry Program

For the 20 optometry schools nationwide, the cumulative average GPAs for the entering classes ranged from a 2.88 to a 3.66. Some schools require at least a "C" in each of the prerequisite courses (see prerequisite list at the end of this Guide). Students whose academic records fall significantly below the averages are unlikely to be accepted to optometry school. A bachelor's degree is not required at most optometry schools, but is typically preferred, and most students will have a bachelor's degree prior to entry. A summary of the student profile at U.S. optometry schools (and application deadlines) may be found at the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) website. Follow the links "About Optometric Education" and then "Student and Advisor Information."

Important non-academic factors include good moral character, excellent interpersonal skills, a deep commitment to optometric health care, evidence of leadership potential, and service to others. Most optometry schools want evidence of a candidate's exposure to the field of optometry. Successful applicants will likely have worked, or volunteered, in an optometrist's office. Since some schools require a letter of evaluation/recommendation from an optometrist, it is important that students investigate opportunities for working/volunteering in such a setting early in their undergraduate years.

The centralized application service, OptomCAS, enables students to apply to multiple schools with a single application. Candidates should check with their pre-optometry advisors for the most recent information. The application is available beginning July 15th each year and should be submitted in the year preceding the year for which a student is seeking admission. Since many optometry schools have rolling admission, it is in a student's best interest to apply early (in late summer or early September). Application deadlines vary; check the student profile section of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry website, as noted above, for a roster of the deadlines at the individual schools.

Some optometry programs accept students for entry after 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework. Students entering at 90 credit hours are typically very strong academically and extremely well prepared. Most programs prefer a bachelor's degree, and a few require it. Students may check the ASCO website, noted above, for the preferences at the schools in which they are interested. Additionally, a few schools have an early admission (or early decision) cycle for well-qualified applicants. This cycle typically begins in the fall or early spring of the year before matriculation. Grade point averages are usually higher (3.5 to 3.6) for successful students in early admission.

ASCO and its member institutions have embraced the concepts of diversity and multiculturalism in optometric education and in the profession. ASCO bases its diversity program on several assumptions including: (1) Greater diversity among health professionals is associated with improved access to care for our diverse society, greater patient choice and satisfaction, better patient-provider communication, and better educational experiences for all students, which will prepare them for the diverse communities they will serve in practice; (2) Diversity is good for optometric education and the profession; and (3) It is the right thing to do (from ASCO website).

Applicants typically obtain letters from science faculty members, faculty members from their major department, their pre-optometry advisor, etc. At least one letter from a practicing optometrist is required as part of the application at some schools. The mix of required letters varies by school; students should check the specific requirements for each optometry school to which they wish to apply. UI does not have a committee process for letters of evaluation; instead, students request letters from their individual evaluators.

Optometry schools usually require personal, on-campus interviews. Selected candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview. The interview is an important part of the selection process, and candidates should prepare well for the interview.