General Information

If you are considering a career in optometry, consult this career guide (PDF), and for complete information visit the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optomery (ASCO) website: http://www.opted.org

A complete listing of schools and contact information is also available online: http://www.opted.org/info_links.cfm.

Academic Preparation

The requirements for admission to the schools and colleges of optometry vary, but students wishing to study optometry should be certain to take at least a year of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, general physics, and microbiology; English; college mathematics; and other social science and humanities courses. The science courses should be pre-professional level courses designed for science majors or health professional students and should offer laboratory experience.

A summary of prerequisites for schools affiliated with ASCO is available at http://www.opted.org/info_profile1.cfm

Personal Preparation

Good grades and test scores are essential factors in determining admissions, but are not the only determinants of success. Students must also demonstrate that they have a true interest in their chosen professions and the personal attributes that are highly desirable in a health professional. The applicant will need to articulate to an admissions committee why this career choice is right for them. All optometry schools expect applicants to have sought opportunities in the career in which they are interested, and many schools require one letter of recommendation to come from a optometrist.

Students should shadow an optometist. Since the health careers are service-related professions, students should also explore activities in people-oriented environments. Steady, long term involvement is preferable to short bursts of unrelated activities.

This type of experience not only demonstrates social responsibility, but also helps to builds communication skills and teaches how to deal with a diversity of people. The insight and experiences gained through these activities will help a student compose an application essay that will convince an admissions committee of the worthiness of the applicant. In addition, these activities provide opportunities to acquire meaningful letters of evaluation from non-academic sources that will strengthen the student's application.

Optometry School Admission Test (OAT)

The Optometry Admission Testing Program can be contacted by mail or telephone.

Optometry Admission Testing Program
211 East Chicago Avenue, 6th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
(800) 232-2159

Only computerized tests are availalable. You need to register online at: http://www.opted.org/info_main.cfm

The OAT consists of four tests: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics and Quantitative Reasoning.

There is no centralized application service. You will need to apply to each school individually.

For more information, contact Karen Eippert.

FIRST YEAR

Fall Semester

Declare a major and get an advisor. Make sure to identify that you are a pre-health profession student on the major declaration form Make an appointment with your advisor to discuss professional goals and determine an academic game plan to ensure you will have taken all courses needed to prepare for standardized admissions tests in your field of interest by the time you take the exam (usually end of Junior/beginning Senior year). If your department does not have a "pre-med" advisor, make an advising appointment with the chair of the Health Professions Committee (Contact the chair of the Health Profession Committee, Karen Eippert).

Spring Semester

Discuss your academic progress with your advisor. Search for summer jobs and volunteer opportunities in your field of interest. Explore areas of community outreach to establish your humanitarian interests.

First Summer

Work/volunteer to gain insight of your career choice. Get involved in the community.

SECOND YEAR

Fall Semester

Meet with your advisor to discuss your Spring schedule. If you are a pre-vet student you need to establish a list of potential schools to which you will apply and identify all prerequisite courses to discuss with your advisor. Pre-pharmacy students (if you are on the 2-year plan) register and take PCAT and start filling out applications for Pharmacy School. Continue volunteer work in your field to whatever degree manageable during the academic year.

Spring Semester

Discuss your academic progress with your advisor and adjust your academic plan, as needed. Explore career options and alternatives, if your GPA is not adequate or your career interests have changed. Pharmacy schools applications are due in January (if you are on the 2-year plan).

Second Summer

Work/volunteer to gain insight of your career choice. Get involved in the community

THIRD YEAR

Fall Semester

Meet with your advisor to discuss Spring schedule. Get organized, order review booklets and practice tests to prepare for standardized exams. Explore various professional schools and determine to which ones you will apply.

Spring Semester

Discuss your academic progress with your advisor. Meet with the chair of the Health Professions Committee to determine if your GPA is competitive and whether or not this is the year you should apply to professional school. (Contact the chair of the Health Profession Committee, Karen Eippert). Establish a file with the College's Health Professions Committee (forms are available under Health Profession committee services). Start worksheets for on-line centralized application services and/or request applications from schools that do not participate in the centralized application process. Collect materials needed to fill in application and start working on application essay. Apply and study for standardized admissions tests. Check the deadlines and do not miss them. Practice, practice, practice taking the standardized admissions test. Take the standardized admissions test and request that scores be released to the College of Charleston, schools to which you are applying and the application service (if appropriate). Request letters of evaluation from faculty and health professionals who know you well. Make sure to provide each of them with a signed Faculty evaluation form.

Third Summer

Continue to work/volunteer in your field of interest and community outreach projects. Complete your applications and submit early. Early decision program applications must be submitted to the schools by August 1st. Complete your file for the Health Professions Committee. Supply the committee with a copy of your personal statement from your application. Retake standardized admissions tests, if necessary.

FOURTH YEAR

Fall Semester

Meet with your advisor. Get a degree audit and apply for graduation. Make sure your Health Professions Committee File is complete and all your letters of evaluation have been submitted. Respond promptly to requests for secondary applications from each professional school. Prepare for interviews. Interview and wait. Search for sources of financial aid.

Spring Semester

Send updated transcripts directly to the professional schools to which you have applied. Wait for decisions. Be sure to let the chair of the Health Professions Committee know the final outcome. Discuss alternatives with your advisor. Meet with the chair of the Health Professions Committee to develop a strategy for reapplying, if necessary.

Creating a Confidential File

Students who plan to apply to Dental, Medical, Optometry, Osteopathic, Pharmacy, Podiatry or Veterinary Schools are encouraged to establish a confidential file with the College’s Pre-Professional Health Advisor.  It is extremely important that all materials be submitted in a timely manner.  Your file should be complete by the start of your academic senior year (no later than July 1st for those applying to an early decision program). It is to your advantage to complete the application process as soon as possible, in particular obtaining your confidential letters of evaluation.

Some optometry schools request that you submit letters from specific individuals, such as, science professors and a clinical practitioner. These individuals should be people who know you well. Early in your undergraduate experience it is adviseable to begin to establish and build relationships that can lead to strong letters of recommendation.

These letters take time to write, so make sure to allow plenty of time for your evaluators to write and submit your letter.

For more information,  contact Karen Eippert.

For general links and reference sites, please visit the Resources page.

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Pre-Requisites, Courses & Your Major

Do I have to be a science major to go to medical school?

No. Your major is not important as long as you complete the pre-requisite course work to satisfy the admissions requirements and prepare for the standardized admissions test in your field of interest.

Will majoring in science give me an advantage in applying to medical school?

Not necessarily. Most medical schools are looking for well rounded students who have an aptitude for science. They do not give preference to science majors. Taking additional science courses may be beneficial in preparing for standardized exams, but the questions in standardized exams are based on knowledge found in introductory level science courses. The additional science background may also be especially helpful for preparation for the first two years of classes in medical school.

Should I minor or take a double major?

Only if you are truly interested in another field of study. There is no evidence that those students who have a second major or minor have a better chance of acceptance into medical school than those who do not.

Should I take a commercial prep course before taking the MCATs?

There is no hard evidence that commercial courses produce significant gains in test scores. These courses may benefit students who need the extra motivation to buckle down and study. They do provide the opportunity to take multiple full length practice test in real time situations. However, motivated students can do the same on their own or in a study group. There are plenty of practice materials available and practice exams are even offered by the AAMC.

Can I take required courses in the summer and/or at another institution?

In general, it is best to take your required courses at your primary academic institution and during the regular school session. Professional schools want to know that a student can handle science courses while taking a normal academic load. If you have a compelling reason, for taking a course during the summer, for example to be able to get the proper course sequence, then do so. You should try, at least, to take the course at your primary institution or one with equivalent academic rigor. Taking your science courses in a piecemeal fashion and at a two-year institution may be looked on with suspicion by health professions schools. You should also check with the appropriate department to see that the credits from another institution will transfer.

Can I get into medical school in less than 4 years?

Yes, however, this is not the norm and is not recommended for most students. The two medical schools in South Carolina require a minimum of three years of undergraduate work or 90 hours to matriculate into their programs. However, this requires students to squeeze all their required courses and take the MCAT exam by the end of their sophomore year. Four years of undergraduate preparation allows time for students to explore, grow, mature, and have experiences that enrich their lives and make them better medical school candidates.

Grades and Standardized Test Scores

If I didn't do well my freshman year, have I ruined my chances for medical school?

Not necessarily. Medical schools often look at trends in grades. If you can show a turn around in subsequent years, a poor showing in your first year may not have a significant impact on your candidacy. Professional schools may put more importance on your science GPA and MCAT scores in your overall academic evaluation.

If I drop a class will it look bad?

Not if it is an isolated incident. However, routinely dropping classes may evoke suspicion that you are not able to handle a rigorous academic load.

If I got a "C" in a required class, should I repeat it?

In some programs, the minimum acceptable grade for a required course is a "C". An isolated "C" isn't the end of your medical school career, but consistent "C" work will result in a GPA that is not competitive. If your overall knowledge in the subject is satisfactory, then you may be better off taking and earning a better grade in another science class to show you are capable of handling upper division science courses.

What grades (GPA) and MCAT scores do I need to get into medical school?

Your grades and MCAT scores are often used to assess your academic potential. There is no magic cut-off for either score. The two may offset each other, that is, a high GPA can somewhat compensate for a lower MCAT and visa versa. To be competitive your scores should be about the same as the average scores of those of the last years entering medical school class. In general, a combination of a GPA of 3.5 (or above) and a total MCAT score of 29 (or above) is competitive. For South Carolina medical schools, candidates with a total MCAT score of less than 20 or an individual section score below 7 are not ordinarily viable.

Can I take the MCAT multiple times?

Yes. However, as of 2003, all MCAT scores are reported to the medical schools to which you apply. Medical schools have different policies on which scores they will use in calculating your academic profile score (a mathematical calculation involving your GPA and MCAT scores). Some schools will use your highest score or most recent score, while others will average all your scores. You should not take the MCAT lightly. You should go in fully prepared the first time and hope that it is the only time your will have to take it.

The Application Process

When should I take my MCATs and apply to medical school?

Students who want to enter medical school immediately after undergraduate school, should take their MCATs in the spring of their junior year and apply to medical school in the fall of their senior year. Medical schools start accepting applications in June, and the earlier you apply the better your chances are. Many schools have rolling admissions, meaning that medical schools start accepting students as soon as the interview process starts and continues accepting until the class is full. This means the later you apply, the fewer the number available seats there will be. If you do not take the MCAT until August your scores will not be available until October. Medical schools will not evaluate your application until they have your MCAT scores. Therefore, depending on your August MCAT scores can diminish your chances of acceptance.

Who should I get to write letters of recommendation?

Most professional schools will ask for at least 3 letters of recommendation. Some programs, specify from whom the letters should come. It is a good idea to have 2 letters from science faculty. You want to ask for recommendations from people who know you well and can express with concrete example your intelligence, academic ability, character and potential as a health professional. Obviously, to get such recommendations you must first establish a strong relationship with your evaluator. Early in your academic career it is important to get to know your professors and maintain contact with those who may be potential letter writers. Also, when exploring career possibilities, you want to establish at least one long-term quality experience. It is far better to have one or two quality experiences then to have a long list of superficial exposures to the health profession.

The Application Process

When should I take my MCATs and apply to medical school?

Students who want to enter medical school immediately after undergraduate school, should take their MCATs in the spring of their junior year and apply to medical school in the fall of their senior year. Medical schools start accepting applications in June, and the earlier you apply the better your chances are. Many schools have rolling admissions, meaning that medical schools start accepting students as soon as the interview process starts and continues accepting until the class is full. This means the later you apply, the fewer the number available seats there will be. If you do not take the MCAT until August your scores will not be available until October. Medical schools will not evaluate your application until they have your MCAT scores. Therefore, depending on your August MCAT scores can diminish your chances of acceptance.

Who should I get to write letters of recommendation?

Most professional schools will ask for at least 3 letters of recommendation. Some programs, specify from whom the letters should come. It is a good idea to have 2 letters from science faculty. You want to ask for recommendations from people who know you well and can express with concrete example your intelligence, academic ability, character and potential as a health professional. Obviously, to get such recommendations you must first establish a strong relationship with your evaluator. Early in your academic career it is important to get to know your professors and maintain contact with those who may be potential letter writers. Also, when exploring career possibilities, you want to establish at least one long-term quality experience. It is far better to have one or two quality experiences then to have a long list of superficial exposures to the health profession.