COVID-19 Admissions Updates

Virtual Interviews – Information for OptomCAS Application Cycle 2023-2024

(Launches on June 29, 2023)

 

Institution

Does the school/college of optometry plan to offer virtual interview options if the COVID-19 situation continues?

What virtual platform does the school/college of optometry plan to use (if applicable) for virtual interviews?

Arizona College of Optometry, Midwestern University

Will be offering both virtual and in-person options for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

Zoom

Chicago College of Optometry, Midwestern University

Will be offering both virtual and in-person options for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

Zoom

Illinois College of Optometry

Will continue to do virtual interviews as well as on campus depending on the COVID-19 situation.

Microsoft Teams

Indiana University School of Optometry

In-Person interviews only.

Zoom

Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry

Yes

 

Microsoft Teams or Zoom

MCPHS School of Optometry

Yes

Zoom

Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University

If needed, yes. Current plan is to have in-person interviews.

MCO will offer virtual interviews through Zoom, if needed.

New England College of Optometry

Will be offering both virtual and in-person options for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

Zoom

Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry

Yes, if needed

Zoom

NOVA Southeastern University College of Optometry

Yes

Zoom

The Ohio State University College of Optometry

Yes

Zoom

Pacific University College of Optometry

Yes

Zoom

Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University

Will be offering both virtual and in-person options for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

WebEx

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Yes, we will be offering both virtual and in-person interview options for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

We will conduct virtual interviews on the Zoom platform.

Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University

Interviews will be conducted in person. A limited amount of Zoom interviews may be available. See MBKU website for details.

Zoom

Southern College of Optometry

Will be offering in-person and limited virtual options for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

Microsoft Teams

State University of New York College of Optometry

SUNY will be offering both in-person and virtual interviews for the 2023-2024 cycle.

Zoom

University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry

Will be offering both virtual and in-person interviews.

Zoom

University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry

Yes

Zoom

University of Houston College of Optometry

Yes

Microsoft Teams

University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry

Yes

Zoom

University of Missouri at St. Louis College of Optometry

Yes

Zoom

University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Optometry

Yes

Zoom currently

Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry

Yes

Zoom

OAT and Other Standardized Exams – Information for OptomCAS Application Cycle 2023-2024

(Launches on June 29, 2023)

Applicants should contact the schools and colleges of optometry directly with questions.

Institution

Will the school/college of optometry require the OAT for fall 2023 enrollment?

If yes, how will the school/college of optometry handle the possibility of OAT exam delays due to COVID-19?

What other standardized exams will the school/college of optometry accept?

Arizona College of Optometry, Midwestern University

Yes

If an online OAT is made available, we will accept that. We also accept the GRE and that is currently available online, as another option for applicants.

We will review applications on a case-by-case basis if waiting for an OAT score.

GRE, MCAT, DAT and PCAT

Chicago College of Optometry, Midwestern University

Yes

If an online OAT is made available, we will accept that. We also accept the GRE and that is currently available online, as another option for applicants.

We will review applications on a case-by-case basis if waiting for an OAT score.

GRE, MCAT, DAT and PCAT

Illinois College of Optometry

Strongly recommend

Will review other elements of application and offer interview opportunity, but final decision will be pending exam scores.

GRE

Indiana University School of Optometry

No

Test optional – not required for admission.

Test optional. Also accept GRE and MCAT.

Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry

Yes

Evaluation of candidates will begin based on general GPA and required courses GPA as well as other admission requirements. Candidates will be given the option of GRE. Conditional admission might be given to qualified candidates waiting for OAT or GRE.

GRE

MCPHS School of Optometry

Yes

Will review application holistically if OAT or GRE is not offered or cannot be taken.

We continue to accept the GRE.

Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University

Yes

MCO will review other elements of application and extend interview opportunities, but final admission decisions will be delayed until test scores are received.

N/A

New England College of Optometry

Yes

We will review applications on a case-by-case basis if waiting for an OAT score.

GRE, MCAT or DAT

Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry

Yes

Case-by-case basis

MCAT or DAT

NOVA Southeastern University College of Optometry

Yes

Case-by-case basis

MCAT, DAT, PCAT

The Ohio State University College of Optometry

As of now, yes

Not sure yet

GRE, MCAT, PCAT, DAT

Pacific University College of Optometry

Yes

Applicants can take an alternative accepted standardized exam.

GRE, MCAT, DAT

Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University

Yes

Applicants can take an alternative accepted standardized exam.

DAT, GRE, MCAT, PCAT

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Yes

Will review other elements of application and offer interview opportunity, but final decision will be pending exam scores.

DAT, MCAT, GRE, PCAT, are additional tests we will accept.

Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University

A standardized test is required, OAT is preferred.

May extend deadline; check our website for up-to-date details.

GRE, MCAT, DAT, PCAT

Southern College of Optometry

Yes

Undecided

GRE and MCAT

State University of New York College of Optometry

Yes

Potentially interview candidates without test scores if all other areas of application are deemed qualified.

GRE, MCAT, DAT, PCAT

University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry

Yes

Undecided

MCAT, DAT possibly others

University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry

No

Applicants can take an alternative accepted standardized exam such as the GRE, MCAT, DAT or PCAT.

GRE, MCAT, PCAT, DAT

University of Houston College of Optometry

Yes

Unsure at this time

GRE and MCAT

University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry

Yes, preferred.

Applicants can take an alternative accepted standardized exam such as the GRE, MCAT, or DAT.

GRE, MCAT, DAT

University of Missouri at St. Louis College of Optometry

Yes or other acceptable exams

Case-by-case

MCAT, PCAT, DAT, GRE

University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Optometry

Yes, or MCAT, PCAT or DAT

Case-by-case

MCAT, PCAT, DAT

Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry

Yes

This will depend on the length of the delay. Please check with your Admissions Counselor to see if taking an alternate standardized test might be an option for you.

GRE, DAT, MCAT, PCAT

Online Courses – Information for OptomCAS Application Cycle 2023-2024

(Launches on June 29, 2023)

Applicants should contact the schools and colleges of optometry directly with questions.

Institution

Will the school/college of optometry accept online courses taken during COVID-19 to fulfill prerequisites for fall 2023 enrollment and beyond?

Science Courses with Labs

Science Courses without Labs

Non-Science Courses

Arizona College of Optometry, Midwestern University

Yes

Yes

Yes

Chicago College of Optometry, Midwestern University

Yes

Yes

Yes

Illinois College of Optometry

Yes, will request course description or syllabus particularly around lab content.

Yes

Yes

Indiana University School of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

MCPHS School of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University

Yes

Yes, if no lab is offered

Yes

New England College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

NOVA Southeastern University College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

The Ohio State University College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

Pacific University College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University

Yes, as long as taken at an accredited institution.

Yes, as long as taken at an accredited institution.

Yes, as long as taken at an accredited institution.

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Yes, we will accept online courses for any of the prerequisites.

Yes, if the course is taken during the COVID-19 period, we will accept pass/fail classes

A letter grade is always preferred when possible.

Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University

Online courses accepted from regionally accredited institutions. Virtual labs accepted for terms affected by COVID-19.

Online courses accepted from regionally accredited institutions.

Online courses accepted from regionally accredited institutions.

Southern College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

State University of New York College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

University of Houston College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry

Yes, online courses accepted from an accredited institution.

Yes, online courses accepted from an accredited institution.

Yes, online courses accepted from an accredited institution.

University of Missouri at St. Louis College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

Pass/Fail Grades – Information for OptomCAS Application Cycle 2023-2024

(Launches on June 29, 2023)

Applicants should contact the schools and colleges of optometry directly with questions.

Institution

Will the school/college of optometry accept pass/fail grades given during COVID-19?

Please include additional comments such as if the school/college of optometry prefers a letter grade if an applicant is given the choice.

Science Courses with Labs

Science Courses without Labs

Non-Science Courses

Arizona College of Optometry, Midwestern University

Yes

Yes

Yes

We prefer letter grades over pass/fail.

Chicago College of Optometry, Midwestern University

Yes

Yes

Yes

We prefer letter grades over pass/fail.

Illinois College of Optometry

Yes, but subject to individual review.

Yes, but subject to individual review.

Yes, but subject to individual review.

Our preference will be to gain access to the numerical or earned course grade, if possible, even if course is officially taken as P/F on transcript.

Indiana University School of Optometry

Yes, spring/ summer 2020 and fall 2021 courses. Other semesters on a case-by-case review.

Yes, spring/ summer 2020 and fall 2021 courses. Other semesters on a case-by-case review.

Yes, spring/ summer 2020 and fall 2021 courses. Other semesters on a case-by-case review.

Prefer students to maintain letter grades, if given the choice. We conduct a holistic review of all applications and the academic profile is reviewed in terms of courses taken, grade trends, and final outcomes.

Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

A letter grade will always be preferred if it is an option.

MCPHS School of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

If student can take course for grade, the Admission Committee would prefer it. But we will accept courses marked as pass.

Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University

Yes

Yes

Yes

Prefer letter grade if given choice.

New England College of Optometry

P/NP grading accepted for terms affected by COVID-19

P/NP grading accepted for terms affected by COVID-19

P/NP grading accepted for terms affected by COVID-19

We prefer a letter grade (C or better required) if students have the option.

Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

Please note that letter grades are strongly preferred, and the applicant should choose the letter grade if given the option. The committee will look more favorably at letter grades.

NOVA Southeastern University College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

P/F is currently being accepted for Spring, Summer and Fall 2020. Letter grades are preferred.

The Ohio State University College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

If option of letter grade is available, student must choose this.

Pacific University College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

Letter grades preferred if possible. Pass/fail grading will be accepted for Spring/Summer/Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 classes.

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University

P/NP grading accepted for terms affected by COVID-19.

P/NP grading accepted for terms affected by COVID-19.

P/NP grading accepted for terms affected by COVID-19.

Prefer letter grades should student have choice.

Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University

P/NP grading accepted for terms affected by COVID-19.

P/NP grading accepted for terms affected by COVID-19.

P/NP grading accepted for terms affected by COVID-19.

Prefer letter grades should student have choice.

Southern College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

We strongly prefer letter grades.

State University of New York College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

Prefer letter grade if applicant is given the choice. However, we will consider any extenuating circumstances that lead to a candidate opting for P/F if it is an option for them.

University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

We will look at grades from previous semesters and future semesters in addition to the course taken during COVID-19. We realize that some students were not given a choice of grading systems.

University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

 

University of Houston College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

Please see our website for more detail.

University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

Prerequisite courses can be taken as Pass/Fail (P/F) for the Spring, Summer and Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 terms. In the case of P/F grades that are awarded for science prerequisite courses, the Admissions Committee will look for other measures of strength to establish an applicant’s academic foundation and science acumen.  For example, we will closely review: other science courses with standard letter grades, standardized admissions exam scores in the sciences when available, as well as university awards and honors for coursework.

University of Missouri at St. Louis College of Optometry

Case-by- Case

Case-by-Case

Case-by- Case

Students who opt to take P/F courses when a grade can be awarded will not be accepted. Additional Documentation may be required.

University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Optometry

Yes

Yes

Yes

For time periods where COVID19 affects the ability to hold normal classes. May add additional questions to application/interview about P/F.

Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry

Online prerequisite labs will be accepted for all labs completed in spring 2020 through fall 2021.

Pass credit will be accepted for courses completed in spring 2020 through summer 2021.

Pass credit will be accepted for courses completed in spring 2020 through summer 2021.

Pass credit will be accepted for courses completed in spring 2020 through summer 2021.