Admission / Apply

Optometry in Glendale

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Download ARIZONA application or apply online

 

Admission Requirements
Prerequisite Courses
International Students
Technical Standards for Admission
Application Process and Deadline
Interview / Selection Process
Matriculation Process
Reapplication Process
Transfer Admissions

Optometry Program Admission

AZCOPT considers for admission those students who possess the academic, professional, and personal qualities necessary to become exemplary optometrists. AZCOPT uses multiple criteria to select the most qualified candidates including cumulative grade point average (GPA), science GPA, Optometric Admission Test (OAT) scores, personal experiences and character, ability to communicate, familiarity with the profession, volunteer/community involvement, research experience, and other considerations. AZCOPT uses a competitive, rolling admissions process.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to AZCOPT must submit the following documented evidence:

0. Possess a minimum cumulative GPA and prerequisite coursework GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
0. Complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. A BA degree is acceptable, but a BS degree is preferred.
0. Submit the results of the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). A minimum Academic Average and Total Science standard score of 300 are required of all applicants. In order to be considered for the class to be admitted in the Fall of 2010 the OAT must be taken and results submitted by June 15, 2010. OAT scores from tests ptior to 2005 are not acceptable. Additional information on the OAT may be found online at www.opted.org or in writing to:
   
   Optometry Admission Testing Program
   211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 600,
   Chicago, IL 60611-2678
0. Complete the necessary course prerequisites. All required prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Pass/fail courses are not acceptable for prerequisite courses. Only courses designed for science majors or pre-professional students are acceptable for the science prerequisites.
0. Provide two letters of recommendation.
0. Have a good understanding of optometric medicine. Candidates are strongly encouraged to shadow and observe a practicing optometric physician in the clinical setting.
0. Participate in extracurricular and/or community activities that indicate a well-rounded background and demonstrate a service orientation.
0. Have interpersonal and communication skills necessary to relate effectively with others.
0. Pass the Midwestern University criminal background check.
0. Have a commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.

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Prerequisite Courses

Course	Sem Hrs	Qtr Hrs
Biology with lab	8	12
General/Inorganic Chemistry with lab	8	12
Organic Chemistry with lab	4	6
Biochemistry	3	5
Physics	6	10
Calculus	3	5
Microbiology	3	5
Statistics	3	5
Psychology	3	5
English	6	9

Students are strongly encouraged to take courses in Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Histology, and Spanish.

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International Applicants

An international student must satisfy all of the requirements for admission to the college or program that apply to a student who has completed all of his/her prerequisite coursework in the U.S. at a regionally accredited college or university. In addition, an international student must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This may be accomplished by satisfying both of the following requirements:

1. The international student has completed a minimum of two full time semesters or three full time quarters of instruction at a postsecondary institution in the United States. Completed coursework must include a minimum of 50% of the prerequisite science coursework for the college or program of interest, 6 semester hours of non-remedial English composition, and 3 semester hours of public speaking/speech.
2. The international student must submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. A minimum passing score is 550 (paper version, maximum score 677) or 100 (internet version, maximum score 120). The TOEFL scores must be from an exam taken within two years of the anticipated date of matriculation into the college or program.

If the international student wishes to receive credit for prerequisite coursework completed outside the U.S. or at a Canadian institution that does not use English as its primary language of instruction must submit TOEFL scores. A minimum passing score is 550. In addition, the applicant must submit an official, detailed, course-by-course evaluation obtained from one of the following services:

• Education Credential Evaluators (ECE): 414/289-3400 or fax 414/289-3411 (www.ece.org; e-mail: info@ece.org)
• World Education Service (WES): 212/966-6311 or fax 212/739-6100 (www.wes.org; email: info@wes.org)
• Josef Silny & Associates International Education Consultants: 305/273-1616 or fax 305/273-1338 (www.jsilny.com; email: info@jsilny.com)

Based on the official foreign transcript evaluation and the grade earned in the course(s), the college or program will decide if it will apply any of these credits toward fulfillment of its prerequisites.

International Applicant Packet

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Technical Standards for Admission

A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Optometry must have abilities and skills in five areas: 1) observation; 2) communication; 3) motor; 4) intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative; and 5) behavioral and social. Technological compensation can be made for some limitation in certain of these areas, but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.

I. Observation: The candidate must be able to accurately make observations at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation and is enhanced by the functional use of all of the other senses.

II. Communication: The candidate must be able to communicate effectively, efficiently, and sensitively in both oral and written form and be able to perceive nonverbal communication.

III. Motor: Candidates must be able to coordinate both gross and fine muscular movements, maintain equilibrium, and have functional use of the senses of touch and vision. The candidate must possess sufficient postural control, neuromuscular control, and eye-to-hand coordination to perform profession-specific skills and tasks.

IV. Intellectual/Cognitive, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: The candidate must be able to problem solve, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, record, and synthesize large amounts of information in a timely manner. The candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships.

V. Behavioral and Social Attributes: The candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities; the exercise of good judgment; the consistent, prompt completion of all responsibilities; and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. The candidate must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, effective interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to function as an effective team player, and interest and motivation to learn are all personal qualities required during the educational process.

Candidates are required to certify that they understand and meet these Technical Standards. Candidates must provide such certification prior to matriculation. Candidates who may not meet the Technical Standards must inform the Director of Admissions, who will then contact the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students, in consultation with the academic dean, will identify and discuss what accommodations, if any, the College would need to make that would allow the candidate to complete the curriculum. The College is not able to grant accommodations that alter the educational standards of the curriculum. Students must meet the Technical Standards for the duration of enrollment in their professional program.

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Application Process and Deadline

Individuals interested in applying for admission to AZCOPT may download an application, apply online, or obtain an application packet by writing or calling:

Office of Admissions
Arizona College of Optometry
Midwestern University
19555 North 59th Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85308
623/572-3215 or 888/247-9277

AZCOPT uses a two-step application process. Applicants must submit both a completed application from the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) and a College supplemental application.

1. OptomCAS Application: Applicants are required to submit online applications and application fees to OptomCAS by April 1, 2010. In addition to the online application and application fees, an applicant must forward to OptomCAS official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended by the April 1 date. OptomCAS will begin the verification process as official transcripts are received, however an application will not be considered complete until all official transcripts are received. (Students who have taken coursework and/or earned a degree from a foreign institution must also submit a course-by-course evaluation of their transcript from an OptomCAS- approved evaluation service.)

Students must apply for admission via OptomCAS at www.opted.org or www.optomcas.org. Please refer to the OptomCAS application instructions for specific details about completing the OptomCAS application, required documents, and processing times. OptomCAS applications are available starting July 15, 2009 for applicants seeking admission in August 2010. Due to the large number of applicants and the limited number of seats available, students are strongly encouraged to complete their OptomCAS application and their AZCOPT supplemental application early in the cycle. AZCOPT will consider completed applications on a first-come, first-served basis until all seats are filled.

2. Optometry Admission Test (OAT): Applicants must arrange for scores from the OAT to be sent directly to Midwestern University. Only test scores received directly from the testing agency and scores earned from the test offered in 2005 or more recently will be accepted. OAT scores from tests prior to 2005 are not acceptable.

This examination includes questions on biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, quantitative reasoning and reading comprehension. The test can be taken at numerous centers in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. An examinee may take the examination up to four times during the year. Additional information on the OAT may be found at http://www.opted.org or in writing to:

Optometry Admission Testing Program
211 East Chicago Avenue, suite 600
Chicago, Illinois 60611-2678
800/232-2159

3. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from professionals to OptomCAS (www.optomcas.org). One letter must be from a practicing optometrist. The other letter must be from a prehealth advisor, a science professor, an employer or extracurricular activity advisor. Letters of recommendation from relatives, personal and/or family friends are not acceptable.

4. Supplemental Application: After receiving OptomCAS applications from the centralized application service, the Office of Admissions will e-mail a supplemental application to all applicants who meet the minimum cumulative and prerequisite coursework GPA requirement of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must complete and submit their supplemental applications with the required information and their application fee through the online portal to Midwestern University Office of Admissions on or before April 30, 2010.

5. Completed Application: All application materials, including the OptomCAS application, OAT scores (as reported to Midwestern University), two letters of recommendation (as submitted to OptomCAS), and supplemental application materials with the application fee must be received by the Office of Admissions on or before April 30, 2010. Only completed applications received by the Office of Admissions on or before the deadline date will be reviewed for potential entrance into the program.

Please Note: Applicants are responsible for tracking the receipt of their application materials and verifying the status of their applications on the University web site. The Office of Admissions will send qualified applicants instructions for checking the status of their application materials online.

Applicants are responsible for notifying the Office of Admissions of any changes in their mailing address or e-mail address.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for admission to AZCOPT is June 30 of the year of matriculation.

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Interview Process

Before an invitation is issued to attend an on-campus interview, applicants must meet the admission requirements listed previously. After the Office of Admissions receives all required application materials, applicant files are reviewed to determine whether an applicant merits an invitation for an interview. Applicants may also be placed on a waiting listing pending possible openings toward a later part of the admissions cycle. Interviews are typically held between September and May. Invited applications must attend an on-campus interview to achieve further consideration in the interview process.

An on-campus visit, which includes an interview session, generally takes four hours. Each interviewee will meet with at least two interviewers. Applications will be evaluated on verbal communication skills, understanding of the optometry profession, commitment to patient care, and other elements as determined by the College. Applicants will also learn more about Midwestern University and AZCOPT, financial aid programs, student services, campus housing; and tour the Glendale Campus.

Following the interview, an applicant's file will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. The committee may recommend to accept, to deny, or to place students on an alternate list. Recommendations are then forwarded to the Dean for final approval. The Dean, via the Office of Admissions, notifies applicants of their status within four weeks of their interview.

Students who have been accepted for a given year must matriculate during that year. No admission deferments will be granted. Students who fail to matriculate must reapply for admission to the College the following year.

All requests for application withdrawal must be made in writing.

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Matriculation Process

To initiate the matriculation process, newly accepted students must return both their signed matriculation agreement and their initial deposit by the date designated in their matriculation agreement. To conclude the matriculation process, a student must do the following:

0. Submit deposit monies by the dates designated in his/her matriculation agreement. The entire deposit is applied toward the student's first-quarter tuition.
0. Submit official final transcripts from all colleges attended post-high school by the deadline of two weeks (14 calendar days) prior to the first day of classes. For students who are accepted to MWU less than one month prior to the first day of classes, they will have 30 calendar days from the date of their acceptance to submit all official transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Any special circumstances or requests for exceptions to this policy must be made by the Office of the Dean of the college. If students fail to submit all official final transcripts by the stated deadline, then their acceptance or continued enrollment in the College may be jeopardized.
0. Successfully complete all outstanding prerequisites with the grade of a C or higher. A grade of C– will not be accepted for any prerequisite courses.
0. Submit documented laboratory proof of the completed required immunizations.
0. Submit proof of medical insurance coverage. The student may select either a plan offered by Midwestern University or a comparable plan offered by an outside carrier approved by the University.
0. Meet the Technical Standards for the School.
0. Non-US citizens/non-permanent residents must provide documentation verifying that sufficient funds have been deposited in a U.S. bank to cover all expenses while attending Midwestern University.
0. Provide documentation that any additional coursework or service requirements stipulated by the School have been completed.
0. Submit additional documents as required by the Office of Admissions.
0. Authorize and pass the Midwestern University criminal background check.
0. Sign and submit the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
0. Complete the physical exam and submit the form.
0. Sign and submit the Credit Policy Statement.

If a student fails to satisfy these matriculation requirements and/or omits or falsifies information required on official admissions documents, the student automatically forfeits his/her seat at the School. Any student accepted for admission who does not comply with stated timelines for submission of all required materials receives no further notification from the University relative to forfeiture of his/her seat.

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Reapplication Process

After receiving either a denial or end-of-cycle letter, a prospective student may reapply for the next enrollment cycle. Before reapplying, however, the student should seek the advice of an admissions counselor.

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Related Information

Transfer Admissions Policy

AZCOPT may elect to accept transfer students from other U.S. schools of optometry as long as these students are in "good academic standing" and have an acceptable reason(s) for seeking a transfer. Typically, students will transfer at the beginning of the second year of the curriculum.

To be considered for transfer, a student must meet the College's general requirements for admission. He/she must also submit the following:

0. A letter to the Director of Admissions indicating why he/she wishes to transfer and explaining any difficulties encountered at his/her previous institution(s).
0. Course outlines for all optometry coursework for which advanced standing credit is being requested.
0. Scores from the Optometric Admissions Test (OAT).
0. Official transcripts from all schools attended: undergraduate, graduate, and professional.
0. A letter from the Dean of the college in which the student is enrolled. The letter(s) must indicate the student's current academic status and/or terms of withdrawal/dismissal.
0. Additional documents or letters of evaluation as determined necessary by the Director of Admissions or Dean.

Following receipt of these materials, a decision by the Dean is made regarding whether or not the student merits an on-campus interview. If the student receives an invitation, he/she interviews with an appropriate interview team. The interview team then makes an admissions recommendation to the Dean of the College of Optometry who approves both the student's admissions status and class standing.

The transfer application must be received sufficiently early to allow for processing of the application, interview, and moving of the student prior to the start of the next academic term.

Arizona College of Optometry Admission Application

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