Program Details
Beginning the Fall of 2019, selected students who successfully complete the specified coursework at any campus of Arizona State University will be granted an early acceptance to the Arizona College of Optometry (AZCOPT).
Provisions of the agreement include the following:
- Recent high school graduates will know that AZCOPT will hold a place in the class for them (as long as all requirements are met).
- Arizona State University provides the student with a strong general education and pre-optometry background necessary for entry into AZCOPT.
- The Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), OptomCAS application, and associated fees are waived for students who successfully complete the DAP requirements at Arizona State University.
Program Eligibility
High school senior students meeting the following criteria are eligible to participate in this program:
- Earn admission to Arizona State University.
- Must obtain a minimum score of 28 (ACT) or 1250 (SAT) on a College Entrance Exam.
- Demonstrate a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities.
- Demonstrate motivation for and commitment to the optometry profession as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer, or other life experiences.
- Possess the oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues.
Application Process
The AZCOPT dual acceptance program (DAP) application is available from Arizona State University or the AZCOPT Dean’s Office.
- Students must complete an application for AZCOPT DAP.
- The AZCOPT DAP application is returned to Arizona State University’s Office of Admissions.
- The acceptance file for DAP applicants, who have been accepted to Arizona State University, is forwarded to an individual designated by Arizona State University.
- The Arizona State University designee reviews applications to determine if the student meets AZCOPT’s eligibility requirements. Upon verification of requirements, the designee forwards all DAP applications to the Office of Admissions at Midwestern University.
Number of Students Eligible to Be Accepted to the Dual Acceptance Program Each Year
The number of reserved seats is not predetermined and will vary year-by-year depending on the size and quality of the applicant pool.
Matriculation Process
- The Admissions Office at Midwestern University works with the AZCOPT Admissions Committee who makes admission recommendations to the AZCOPT Dean for approval.
- Qualified applicants must complete an on-campus interview at AZCOPT.
- Applicants are notified by mail of their admission status.
- Applicants not selected for the DAP are advised and encouraged to apply to AZCOPT through the traditional method.
- Accepted students are required to sign a letter of understanding upon acceptance. Accepted students will submit a deposit fee within 1 year prior to matriculation. All fees are applied toward the student’s first quarter tuition.
- The Admissions Office of Midwestern University forwards a copy of all admission decision letters to Arizona State University’s designee.
Note: Students not accepted to the dual acceptance program retain their acceptance at Arizona State University.
Academic Progress
- Students must successfully complete the following courses listed below with a grade of “C” or higher:
| Requirement | Undergraduate Course | Minimum Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biology with lab | BIO 181 and 182 or BIO 281 and 282 | 8 |
| Anatomy | BIO 201 and 202 | 3 |
| Physiology | BIO 201 and 202 | 3 |
| General/Inorganic Chemistry with labs | CHM 113 and 116; CHM 101 will not count | 8 |
| Organic Chemistry with lab | CHM 233 + 237, and 234 + 238 | 4 |
| Biochemistry | BCH 361 or 372 | 3 |
| Physics | PHY 112 or higher | 6 |
| Calculus | MAT 210, MAT 251 or equivalent | 3 |
| Microbiology | MIC 205 or higher | 3 |
| Statistics | STP 226, or higher, HCD 300 | 3 |
| Psychology | PSY 101 or higher | 3 |
| English Composition | ENG 101 and 102, or ENG 107 and 108 | 6 |
- All prerequisite courses must be completed at Arizona State University prior to matriculation to AZCOPT. AP credits that are listed on the Arizona State University transcript are acceptable for meeting the prerequisites.
- Complete their baccalaureate degree at Arizona State University.
- A minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.40 must be attained.
- A minimum science grade point average (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.
- An Arizona State University designee will meet with AZCOPT/Arizona State University DAP students every semester for advisement. The designee monitors the progress of students at the completion of every semester and will advise AZCOPT of any students failing to meet the program requirements. The Arizona State University designee will provide the AZCOPT Dean’s Office with transcripts for all students in the program on an annual basis. If a student fails to satisfy the academic requirements of the DAP program, e.g., the student receives a failing grade in a pre-optometry course requirement, AZCOPT will be responsible for notifying the student of his/her withdrawal from the DAP.
- Any student who fails to complete the DAP requirements can apply to AZCOPT via the traditional route (i.e.: complete an online Centralized Application Service for Optometry (OptomCAS) application, take and submit OAT scores, attend the interview day, etc.).