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. |