Admission to optometry school is based on the following criteria:

1. Grade point average. A "B" (3.0) average is considered minimum.

2. Optometry Admission Test (OAT). This is given throughout the country twice a year, usually in February and October. As now administered, the exam includes six areas: verbal ability, quantitative ability, biology, chemistry, physics, and reading comprehension. (Application forms for the OAT may be obtained from the Career Counseling Office or from the Optometry Admission Testing Program, 211 East Chicago Ave., Suite 1846, Chicago, IL 60611-2678, (312) 440-2693)

3. Letter of recommendation from the Premedical Professions Advisory Committee normally are expected.

4. Optometry school interview. Personality and motivation are important. Extracurricular activities, particularly volunteer work (e.g. with an optometrist), are helpful.

When applying to optometry school, it would be wise to avoid state-supported schools unless you are a resident of that state or a state which has a reciprocal arrangement. Optometry colleges are actively recruiting minority students and women.

Details on admission requirements and other information can be obtained from the individual colleges of optometry or from the web sites of the American Academy of Optometry , the American Optometric Association , or the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO).

The University of Hartford has an articulation agreement with the New England College of Optometry in Boston which allows qualified students to apply at the end of their sophomore year for matriculation in their senior year. This accelerated program allows students to complete the fourth year B.S. degree requirements during the first year of optometry school, thus allowing for completion of the B.S. and O.D. (Doctor of Optometry) in a seven year period. Students who are interested in this option should inform their advisor of their plans upon entry to the University as the curriculum will need to be altered to accommodate all prerequisite science courses during the three years of undergraduate study and the OAT will need to be taken earlier as well. Students who are interested in early consideration at NEWENCO should have a minimum 3.0 GPA.