Application Process and Deadlines

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early in the cycle. Applications are considered on a first come first served basis only until all seats are filled.

1. OptomCAS Application
   Applicants are required to submit online applications and application fees to OptomCAS by April 1, 2021. 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 1st 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 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 Summer 2020 for applicants seeking admission in August of the following year. Due to the large number of applicants and the limited number of seats available, students are strongly encouraged to complete their OptomCAS application early in the cycle. CCO will consider completed applications on a first-come, first-served basis until all seats are filled.
2. Admission Test Score
   CCO prefers the OAT, but will accept the MCAT, DAT, PCAT, or GRE test scores as an alternative. Applicants must arrange for scores from the admission exam to be sent directly to Midwestern University. Only test scores received directly from the testing agency will be accepted. Any of these admission exam scores must be earned no more than five years prior to the planned enrollment year. Additional information on the OAT may be found at www.opted.org or in writing to:

   Optometry Admission Testing Program
   211 East Chicago Avenue
   Chicago, Illinois 60611
   800/232-1694
   email: oatexam@ada.org

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 professor, an employer, or an extracurricular activity advisor. Letters of recommendation from relatives, personal and/or family friends are not acceptable.
4. Completed Application
   All application materials, including the OptomCAS application, admission test scores (as reported to Midwestern University), and two letters of recommendation (as submitted to OptomCAS) must be received by the Office of Admissions on or before April 30, 2021. 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 website. 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.

Midwestern University
Office of Admissions
555 31st Street Downers Grove, IL 60515
630/515-7200 or 800/458-6253
admissil@midwestern.edu