Pre-optometry

Choosing a Major

  • Pre-optometry students must choose a major (pre-optometry is not a major).
  • Commonly chosen majors include biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and neuroscience.
  • Any major is acceptable, so long as the student completes all pre-optometry requirements.
  • Consult the pre-professional health advisor – Francie Renschler.

Recommended Attributes of Optometry School Applicants

  1. Competitive GPA of 3.3 or higher, especially in science courses
  2. High score on OAT exam
  3. Strong letters of recommendation from professors and an optometrist
  4. Active in volunteer or work experience and leadership in extracurricular activities
  5. Recommend some exposure to practicing optometrists

Common Pre-requisites for 入学 to Optometry School

生物学

  • BIOL 107 or BIOL 119 (General 生物学 or 介绍 to 生物学 - Molecular Perspectives)
  • BIOL 120 (介绍 to Organismal Diversity)
  • BIOL 331 (Genetics)*
  • BIOL 430 (Microbiology)
  • BIOL/EXSS 112 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I)*
  • BIOL/EXSS 113 (Human Anatomy and Physiology II)*

化学

  • CHEM 118 (Principles of 化学)
  • CHEM 280 (Inorganic 化学 I)
  • CHEM 240 (Organic 化学 I)
  • CHEM 370 (Biochemistry)

物理

  • PHYS 121 (Algebra 物理 I)
  • PHYS 122 (Algebra 物理 II)

心理学

  • PSYC 121 (介绍 to 心理学)
  • PSYC 245 (Statistics for Psychologists)

数学

  • 数学 221 (Calculus I)

人文学科

  • 6 credit hours of foreign language
  • 6 credit hours of arts and humanities
  • 3 credit hours of English composition

*Recommended, but not required.
Course requirements for optometry schools may vary, please check the website for school of interest.

美联社/双重信用

Most optometry schools will accept AP or Dual Credit for science and/or prerequisite courses if they appear on your college transcript, but may limit the number of AP credit hours accepted.

入学s Timeline

  • Take the OAT exam in spring or early summer before senior year.
  • Complete application through the OptomCAS July through January.
  • Complete any supplementary application for individual schools.
  • Interview or 入学 Day conducted by schools in fall through winter.

Academic 建议

All pre-optometry students must meet with an academic advisor in their major department in addition to meeting with the pre-professional health advisor during time of registration each semester!