Pre-Optometry

Most optometry schools do not require a specific major. Therefore, you may major in almost anything. You should consider a major which you enjoy, in which you will perform well and which may serve as a basis for further graduate work or employment should you choose not to apply to or are not admitted to optometry school. Admissions committees expect variety in educational programs, so you should take courses in a wide variety of subject areas, no matter what you decide to declare as a major.

• Biology I and II with labs: BIOL 1081/1081L and 1082/1082L
• General Chemistry I and II with labs: CHEM 1040/1040L and 1041/1041L
• Organic Chemistry I and II with labs: CHEM 2040/2040L and 2041/2041L
• Biochemistry: CHEM 3040 or MEDS 3020(F)
• Physics I and II with labs: PHYS 1051/1051L and 1052/1052L or PHYS 2001/2001L and 2002/2002L
• Math: MATH 1044 or 1061 and STAT 1034 or 1031 or MEDS 3023C
• English: ENGL 1001 and 2089
• Anatomy and Physiology: BIOL 2001C & 2002C or BIOL 3020C(F,S) & 3021(F) or MEDS 4052C(F) & 3026(F,S)
• Microbiology: BIOL 4011/4011L(F) or MEDS 3024C(F)
• Psychology: PSYC 1001

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT). The OAT is a standardized test that measures aptitude and achievement in science, critical thinking and other areas related to the study of optometry. Optometry schools require that you take the OAT prior to admission. We suggest familiarizing yourself with the OAT as early as your freshman year so that you can plan for the test. Understanding the test can positively affect what you learn in class and how you choose to retain that knowledge.

The national mean GPA of admitted first-year optometry students is 3.54 (2023). It is particularly important that you perform well in your science courses.

Most schools require three letters of recommendation. Be prepared to secure a recommendation from at least one optometrist and at least one professor.

Nationally: 73% (OptomCAS, 2023).

• The cost of education and amounts and types of financial aid vary from school to school.
• Since you will likely incur a substantial debt for optometry school, you are strongly encouraged to investigate costs and aid early and adjust finances during your undergraduate education.
• Most applicants are eligible for federal aid.
• If eligible, apply for FAFSA during January of your application cycle, even if you are still awaiting admission decision.
• Low-income applicants may be eligible for a partial fee waiver.

For many students, the most difficult task is to acquire the study skills and self-discipline necessary to attain academic excellence. The success of your transition to college level work depends on ability, preparation, motivation, organization, and how well you learn. It is important that you really learn the material, not just memorize it, as it is crucial to develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The rigorous curriculum of a pre-optometry student demands tenacity and stamina.

Admission committees look at the "big picture" as they evaluate applicants. They realize that every student does not hit the ground running when they enter college. Admission committees expect an excellent academic record, but may make some allowances for a problem semester, slow start, or rough spot. If academic problems arise, you must bounce back and perform better than ever to show that the problem was an exception, rather than the rule. Use resources such as professor and T.A. office hours and the Learning Commons.

Having a parallel plan or alternative option to optometry school is highly recommended. That plan could include attending a post-bac or graduate program or pursuing a different kind of healthcare career. ExploreHealthCareers.org is a great resource to finding your alternative career path.