Apply | Doctor of Optometry in Downers Grove

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. Optometry Admission Test (OAT)

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, Suite 600
Chicago, Illinois 60611-2637
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 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, OAT 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.

Rolling Admissions

CCO uses a rolling admissions process in which applications are processed and reviewed during regular intervals in the admissions cycle until the class is filled.

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 list pending possible openings in a later part of the admissions cycle. Interviews are typically held between September and May of a given admission cycle. Invited applicants must attend an on-campus interview to achieve further consideration in the admissions process.

The on-campus visit, which includes an interview session, generally takes six hours. Applicants 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, CCO, financial aid programs, student services, and campus housing, as well as tour the Midwestern University Downers Grove Campus and Eye Institute.

Following the interview, an applicant's file will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. The committee may recommend accepting, denying, or placing 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 two weeks of their interview date, provided that the file is complete.

Any request for withdrawal of an application must be made in writing.

After receiving either denial or end-of-cycle letters, or after dismissal from the College, applicants may reapply for the next enrollment cycle. Before reapplying, however, applicants should seek the advice of a MWU admissions counselor.

The matriculation process begins after students receive notification of their acceptance. To complete the matriculation process, students must:

1. Submit the matriculation agreement and required deposit monies by the date designated in the matriculation agreement. Deposits are applied towards the first quarter's tuition.
2. Submit official final transcripts from all colleges attended post-high school by the deadline of two weeks (14 days) prior to the first day of classes. Students who are accepted to MWU less than one month prior to the first day of classes 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 sent to and approved by the Office of the Dean of the college. Students who fail to submit all official final transcripts by the stated deadline may jeopardize their acceptance or continued enrollment in the College.
3. Submit completed medical files documenting completion of a physical exam, immunizations, tuberculosis and titer blood testing as instructed by the Office of Student Services and detailed in the Student Handbook.
4. Meet the Technical Standards for the college.
5. Submit proof of medical and disability insurance coverage. Students may select either a plan offered by an MWU-approved carrier or a comparable plan offered by an outside carrier of their choice, as determined by the Office of Student Services. Insurance must be maintained throughout the entire period of enrollment.
6. Submit additional documents as requested by the Office of Admissions or college.
7. Students who are requesting an F-1 visa or who are not U.S citizens or permanent residences must prepay tuition and in some cases other mandatory program fees for the first year of their educational program 6 weeks before the first day of the first quarter of each academic year. Furthermore, the student must prepay tuition and in some cases other mandatory program fees for each successive year at the start of each academic year on the University's stated due date.
8. Submit a signed Credit Policy Statement.
9. Authorize and pass the appropriate MWU criminal background check, international police clearance, and/or fingerprinting background check as required by the College. Students who fail to provide completed checks/clearances or fail to pass background checks/clearances by the end of the first month after the start of the first quarter of enrollment may jeopardize their acceptance or continued enrollment in the College, and the student may be required to take a mandatory leave of absence.
10. Submit a signed MWU Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy Statement.

Students who fail to satisfy these matriculation requirements or who omit or falsify information required on official admission documents automatically forfeit their seat in the program. Any individual accepted for admission to the College/Program who does not comply with stated timelines for submission of all required materials will be notified by the College regarding materials and the potential forfeiture of his/her seat.

Transfer Admissions Policy

CCO may elect to accept transfer students from other U.S. accredited schools of optometry who are currently enrolled, are in good academic standing, have no ethics or professionalism violations, and provide acceptable reason(s) for seeking transfer. These transfer students must have the minimum qualifications for admissions as all other applicants to the CCO program. Typically, students will transfer at the beginning of the second year of the curriculum.

Students requesting transfers must meet the College's general requirements for admission. They must also submit the following:

1. A letter to the Director of Admissions outlining the reasons for requesting transfer and explaining any difficulties encountered at the previous institutions
2. Course syllabi for all optometry coursework for which advanced standing credit is requested
3. Official admission test scores from any of the following: OAT, MCAT, DAT, PCAT, or GRE
4. Official transcripts from all schools attended - undergraduate, graduate, and professional
5. A letter from the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled that describes current academic status and terms of withdrawal or dismissal
6. Additional documents or letters of recommendation 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, who is responsible for approving 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.

Dual Acceptance Programs with Selected Affiliated Universities

The Dual Acceptance Program (DAP) is an early acceptance program for selected students who successfully complete the specified pre-optometry coursework. The Dual Acceptance Programs are currently in effect with Benedictine University, DePaul University, Elmhurst College, and Arizona Christian University.

Online Application

Benefits of the DAP:

• Provides for an excellent foundation in pre-optometry education.
• Sets out a clear road map for which courses to take and when.
• Exempts the student from the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) and associated fees.
• Exempts the student from the OptomCAS application process and associated fees.
• Guarantees entry to MWU CCO well in advance with successful completion of all program requirements.

To receive consideration for the Dual Acceptance Program with Benedictine University, DePaul University, or Elmhurst College, one must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Track 1:

This track is available to high school students who apply by March 1 of their senior year of high school. To receive consideration for the Dual Acceptance Program, Track 1, students must meet the following requirements:

• Earn admission to the undergraduate institution as a first-year student.
• Must obtain a minimum score of 26 (ACT) or 1250 (SAT) on a College Entrance Exam.
• Obtain a minimum high school GPA of 3.20/4.00.
• Demonstrate a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities.
• Demonstrate 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.

Track 2:

This track is available to students who have recently enrolled at their undergraduate institution. To receive consideration for the Dual Acceptance Program, Track 2, students must meet the following requirements:

• Must be completing their spring term coursework, and must have not been enrolled in any other post-secondary institution.
• Minimum undergraduate overall and science GPA of 3.40/4.00.
• Must have obtained a minimum score of 26 (ACT) or 1250 (SAT) on a College Entrance Exam.
• Demonstrate a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities.
• Demonstrate 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

After the Midwestern University Office of Admissions receives all completed application materials, applicant files are reviewed to determine whether applicants merit invitations for an interview. Qualified applicants must complete an on-campus or video teleconference (for out of state students) interview at CCO.

Following the interview, their completed applications are forwarded to the CCO Admissions Committee for review. The committee may recommend to accept or to deny applicants for admission. These recommendations are then forwarded to the Dean for final approval. The Dean-via the Office of Admissions-notifies applicants of their status within two to four weeks of their visits. Accepted applicants will be ensured a seat at CCO upon successful completion of the program requirements:

1. All prerequisite pre-optometry courses must be completed at the enrolled institution (See below). AP credits that are listed on their transcript are acceptable for meeting the prerequisites.
2. Track 1 students will have up to four years to complete all pre-optometry coursework at their enrolled institution, and earn a baccalaureate degree. Track 2 students will have up to three years to complete all pre-optometry coursework at their enrolled institution, 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.
3. A minimum overall GPA of 3.40 on a 4.00 scale must be attained.
4. A minimum science GPA of 3.40 on a 4.00 scale must be attained.
5. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all required courses.
6. Students are not permitted to repeat courses for a higher grade for which they have already received credit.
7. 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.
8. 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.

Students who are not accepted to or fail to complete the Dual Acceptance Program may apply to CCO using the standard procedures.

To receive consideration for the Dual Acceptance Program with Arizona Christian University, high school senior students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Earn admission to Arizona Christian University.
2. Apply online to the CCO Dual Acceptance Program as a high school senior.
3. Obtain a minimum score of 28 on the ACT or 1250 on the SAT.
4. Demonstrate a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities.
5. Demonstrate motivation for and commitment to the optometry profession as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer, or other life experiences.
6. Possess the oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues.

After the Midwestern University Office of Admissions receives all completed application materials, applicant files are reviewed to determine whether applicants merit invitations for an interview. Qualified applicants must complete an on-campus or video teleconference (for out of state students) interview at CCO.

Following the interview, their completed applications are forwarded to the CCO Admissions Committee for review. The committee may recommend to accept or to deny applicants for admission. These recommendations are then forwarded to the Dean for final approval. The Dean-via the Office of Admissions-notifies applicants of their status within two to four weeks of their visits. Accepted applicants will be ensured a seat at CCO upon successful completion of the program requirements:

1. All prerequisite pre-optometry courses must be completed at Arizona Christian University prior to matriculation to CCO. Official AP and dual-enrollment credits completed during high school, and that are listed on the affiliated university's transcript as equivalent courses, are acceptable for meeting the prerequisites.
2. Complete their baccalaureate degree at Arizona Christian University within 4 years
   • 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.
3. A minimum overall GPA of 3.40 on a 4.00 scale must be attained.
4. A minimum science GPA of 3.40 on a 4.00 scale must be attained.
5. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all required courses. A grade of “C-" or lower is not acceptable.
6. 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.
7. Students are not permitted to repeat courses for a higher grade for which they have already received credit.
8. 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.

Students who are not accepted to or fail to complete the Dual Acceptance Program may apply to CCO using the standard procedures.  

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

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

 Students enrolled at Elmhurst College must successfully complete the following courses listed below with a grade of “C” or higher: 

CCO will accept MCAT, DAT, PCAT, or GRE test scores as an alternative to OAT scores for currently enrolled students in the Midwestern University Biomedical Sciences degree programs (Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences, Master of Biomedical Sicences), who wish to apply to CCO. Any of these alternative admission test scores must be earned no more than 5 years prior to the planned enrollment year at CCO.

CCO will offer guaranteed interviews to students enrolled in Benedictine University's Master of Science in Integrative Physiology (M.S.I.P.) Program who apply as a traditional applicant to CCO and who satisfy these requirements:

1. Must meet all admission requirements of CCO.
2. Must submit a completed application to OptomCAS by April 1 for enrollment at CCO in Fall Quarter immediately following the completion of the M.S.I.P. Program.
3. Have an M.S.I.P. program GPA of at least 3.5 (out of 4.0) at the time of application to CCO.
4. Have completed all courses in the M.S.I.P. Program with a minimum grade of C (not C-) or higher.
5. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, including courses taken before and during the M.S.I.P. Program.
6. Provide OAT scores showing a Minimum Academic Average and Total Science scores of 300 each. OAT test scores must be earned no more than 5 years prior to the planned enrollment year.
7. Submit two letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a practicing optometrist. The other letter must be from the Director of the M.S.I.P. Program.
8. Demonstrate a good understanding of optometric medicine. Candidates are strongly encouraged to shadow and observe a number of practicing optometrists in the clinical setting.
9. Demonstrate a commitment to service through extracurricular and/or community activities.

CCO will offer guaranteed interviews to students enrolled in DePaul University's Pathway Honors program who apply as a traditional applicant to CCO and who satisfy these requirements:

1. Must meet all admissions requirements of CCO
2. Must submit a completed application to OptomCAS by April 1 for enrollment at CCO in the Fall Quarter immediately following the completion of the baccalaureate degree at DePaul.
3.  Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (for all courses) at the time of application to Midwestern University.
4. Have no final course grade less than a "C" in the Pathways Honors program.
5. Complete the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) within the last 5 years with minimum Academic Average and Total Science scores of 300.
6. Submit two letters of recommendation. One must be from a practicing optometrist.
7. Demonstrate good understanding of optometric medicine. Candidates are strongly encouraged to shadow and observe a number of practicing optometrists in the clinical setting.
8. Demonstrate a commitment to service through extracurricular and/or community activities.