What does it take to get into optometry school?
3.76-3.14
OAT Score
348-300
GPA
highest and lowest average GPA among admitted
students for all schools that reported to the
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
(ASCO) in 2013
highest and lowest average test score among
admitted students for all ASCO schools in 2013
The OAT is a computerized exam administered through the Optometric
Admission Testing Program. This test is required to be considered for admission
to most optometry schools. Examinees are allowed to take the OAT an unlimited
number of times but must wait at least 90 days between test dates. Students
should not take the OAT until they have completed all prerequisite courses.
Core Preparation Courses *
Biology
8 hours
BIOL 1110/11, BIOL 1120/21
Organic Chemistry
5 hours
CHEM 2010/2011
General Chemistry
8 hours
Technical Physics**
Biochemistry
#
Communication
10 hours
5 hours
6 hours
Microbiology
4 hours
Calculus
4 hours
Statistics
3 hours
Psychology
3 hours
Social Sciences
6 hours
Additional Recommended Courses
Human Anatomy$
Human Physiology
$
Cell Biology
Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 1110/1111, CHEM 1120/1121
PHYS 2110 and PHYS 2120
BIOL 4147/57 or BIOL 4167/77
ENGL 1010, ENGL 1020, SPCH
HSCI 3320/21
MATH 1910
MATH 1530
PSYC 1310
General ed social / behavioral science
4 hours
HSCI 3000
5 hours
BIOL 3150/51
4 hours
5 hours
HSCI 3020
CHEM 2020/21
*Different schools may have different prerequisite requirements. It is up to the student to research and
ensure the required courses are completed before application to the preferred school(s) of interest.
**General Physics (PHYS 2010/11 and PHYS 2020/21) may be substituted, however, Technical Physics
is recommended.
#
A two-semester sequence of organic chemistry is a prerequisite for BIOL 4147/57 or BIOL 4167/77.
$
These classes may be required by some optometry schools.
CHEM 1110/11
BIOL 1110/11
MATH 1530
ENGL 1010
PREH 1350
Spring
CHEM 1120/21
BIOL 1120/21
MATH 1720/1910
ENGL 1020
ELECTIVE
process
application
Students are encouraged to
begin the application process
at the end of their junior year.
All 21 schools and colleges
of optometry participate in
the Optometry Centralized
Application
Service
(OptomCAS), which is online
at www.optomcas.org.
Application deadlines differ
from school to school.
Therefore, it is up to the
student to ensure that
applications are submitted
on time.
Many optometry schools
require students to submit a
composite letter of evaluation
during
the
application
process.
The
Medical
Professions Advisement staff
is available to assist students
through this process.
Fall
Sophomore
Fall
Freshman
Suggested
2-year
schedule
for preoptometry
students
the
CHEM 2010/11
PHYS 2110
SPCH*
PSYC 1310
ELECTIVE
Spring
CHEM 2020/21
PHYS 2120
ELECTIVE
ELECTIVE
ELECTIVE
Students should maintain a
minimum of 17-19 credit hours
per semester.
*Consult with your advisor
before choosing a speech
course.