Dual Acceptance Program with Lewis University and Chicago College of Optometry

Dual Acceptance Program Details

By entering into this Dual Acceptance Program Agreement (Agreement), the Midwestern University, Chicago College of Optometry (CCO) and Lewis University agree to enter into a Dual Acceptance Program (DAP). Under the provisions of this Agreement, selected students who successfully complete the specified coursework at any campus of Lewis University will be granted an early acceptance to CCO. The term of this Agreement will begin on August 1, 2025 and will end on July 31, 2028, unless otherwise terminated as provided herein. Thereafter, the Agreement many only be renewed upon mutual written agreement of the parties. The number of reserved seats in the DAP is not predetermined and will vary year-by-year depending on the size and quality of the applicant pool. This Agreement supersedes and replaces any other agreement between CCO and Lewis University.

Provisions of the agreement include the following:

• Recent high school graduates will know that CCO will hold a place in the class for them (as long as all requirements are met).
• Lewis University provides the student with a strong general education and pre-optometry background necessary for entry into CCO.
• The Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), OptomCAS application, and associated fees are waived for students who successfully complete the DAP requirements at Lewis University.

Program Eligibility

Application Process

• The application deadline will be March 1 of each year for Track 1, and the last day of the spring term at Lewis University for Track 2.
• The Lewis University admissions application and the CCO DAP application are available online.
• Students must complete applications for both Lewis University (Track 1) and the CCO DAP (Tracks 1 and 2).
• Lewis University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions reviews applications for acceptance into the University (Note: this application is not contingent upon acceptance to the DAP).
• Lewis University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions determines which students meet CCO’s eligibility requirements and contacts those students to invite them to apply to the DAP.
• The student completes the CCO DAP application and is invited to interview by the Midwestern University Office of Admissions, if deemed to be a good candidate for the program.
  • A video teleconference can be used as an alternative for out-of-state students.

Matriculation Process

• The Admissions Office at Midwestern University works with the CCO Admissions Committee who makes admission recommendations.
• Qualified applicants must complete an interview with CCO.
• Transcripts will be reviewed (high school transcripts for Track 1, and a transcript reflecting the completion of the first year for Track 2) before a final decision is made.
• Applicants are notified by mail by CCO of their admission status within four weeks of their interview.
• Applicants not selected for the DAP are advised and encouraged to apply to CCO through the traditional method.
• Accepted students are required to sign a letter of understanding with CCO upon acceptance. Accepted students will submit a deposit fee to CCO at least 1 year prior to matriculation at CCO. All fees are applied toward the student’s first quarter tuition at CCO.
• The Admissions Office of Midwestern University forwards a copy of all admission decision letters to Lewis University’s Associate Director of Pre-Health Advising and Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Note: Students not accepted to CCO DAP retain their acceptance at Lewis University.

Each party retains full authority over its own admissions process. At no point during a student’s participation in the DAP, will the student be dual enrolled at CCO and Lewis University.

Academic Progress

• Students must successfully complete the following Lewis University courses listed below with a grade of “C” or higher:

• All prerequisite courses must be completed at Lewis University prior to matriculation to CCO. AP credits that are listed on the Lewis University transcript are acceptable for meeting the prerequisites.
• Track 1 students will have up to four years to complete all pre-optometry coursework at Lewis University and earn a baccalaureate degree. Track 2 students will have up to three years to complete all pre-optometry coursework at Lewis University and earn a baccalaureate degree.
  • Authorization to extend an undergraduate degree beyond 4 years is at the discretion of the Dean, CCO. Requests must be submitted to the CCO office of the Dean; decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.40 must be attained.
• A minimum science GPA of 3.40 must be attained.
• Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all required courses.
• Students are not permitted to repeat courses for a higher grade for which they have already received credit.
• Students are not permitted to withdraw from more than 2 courses during their 4-year undergraduate program.
  • Authorization to withdraw from more than 2 courses is at the discretion of the Dean, CCO. Requests must be submitted to the CCO office of the Dean; decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
• A Lewis University Associate Director of Pre-Health Advising designee will meet with CCO/Lewis University DAP students every quarter for advisement. The designee monitors the progress of students at the completion of every semester and will advise CCO of any students failing to meet the program requirements. The students must request that a copy of their transcript be sent to the CCO Dean's Office (555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515) at the end of each spring during their time at Lewis University. CCO will conduct a review of transcripts after each spring, and will follow up in writing to students regarding their academic/program status.
• Any student who fails to complete the program can apply to CCO via the traditional route (i.e.: complete an OptomCAS application, take and submit OAT scores, attend the interview day, etc.)

This Agreement may be terminated by either party for any reason upon ninety (90) days written notice to the other party. Termination of this Agreement shall not affect any students already admitted to the DAP.