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The Ohio State University www.osu.edu
Professional Admissions


PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS

Bachelor's Degree
[Allied Medical Professions] [Dental Hygiene] [Nursing]

Post Baccalaureate Degree
[Dentistry] [Law] [Medicine] [Optometry] [Pharmacy] [Veterinary Medicine]


[Frequently Asked Questions] [Application Status] [Contact Us]


College of Optometry
4 Year Advanced Professional Degree
 

The College of Optometry offers a Doctor of Optometry degree that ranks as one of the top colleges of optometry among the 20 schools and colleges within the United States.


HOW TO APPLY

Applications for the Autumn 2010 Optometry Program will be available through OptomCAS until March 31.

The application process for all applicants is initiated through the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS). Competitive applicants will be invited via email to submit a supplemental application.

  • OptomCAS application: Complete the application at www.optomcas.org.
  • Supplemental application: The link to the online supplemental application will be forwarded via email by the College of Optometry to competitive applicants who apply through OptomCAS and designate The Ohio State University.
  • Letters of recommendation: All letters should be submitted through OptomCAS.

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DEADLINES

Applications are available from July 15 to March 31 of the year preceding anticipated enrollment

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ADMISSION CRITERIA

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and early application is strongly recommended. Students are competitively selected based on scholarship, motivation, interest, background, general qualifications for the profession, test scores, and personal interviews.

The College of Optometry considers the following when determining an applicant's admissibility:

  • Completion of three or more years of undergraduate work, with preference given to those with an earned bachelor's degree; more specifically 135 quarter hours of credit in prescribed pre-optometry course work (exclusive of military science, naval science, air force aerospace studies, physical education, or health education) at The Ohio State University, or the equivalent at any other accredited university or college;
  • Completion of all stated prerequisite courses; click on the following link for additional information on prerequisites: http://optometry.osu.edu/futurestudents/requirements.cfm; above-average standing in the listed minimum pre-optometry course requirements. Applicants with cumulative point-hour ratios of 3.00 or higher (4.00=A) will be given first consideration. Performance in courses which are specifically required for admission is particularly important; average overall GPA for 2009 entering class was 3.62.
  • Completion of the Optometry Admission Test (OAT); average OAT total science score for 2009 entering class was 348 (score based upon tests taken prior to 3/31/09).
  • Submission of official transcripts for all post secondary-level studies;
  • Completion of a minimum of 10 hours of observation in at least two optometric practices;
  • Personal interview; only those qualified applicants with the strongest credentials will be invited to the College of Optometry for interviews.
  • Letters of recommendation (3) including one from an optometrist who knows the applicant; one from a professor who knows the applicant's academic performance, and one personal evaluation from a person of the applicant's choice.

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OPTOMETRY ADMISSION TEST (OAT)

All applicants are required to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) which is available in a computer-based version with frequent test dates offered throughout the year. The OAT is offered at Prometric Learning Centers. Students must take the OAT by the application deadline of March 31. Please go to www.opted.org to request OAT information and a registration booklet. Test scores are good for two years.

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COSTS / FEES / DEPOSITS

Costs

These estimates are meant to provide a guideline for new students enrolling for 2009-2010. The estimated expenses for the first three quarters include:

University Tuition and Fees *1
$ 19,995 (Ohio Resident)
$ 49,056 (Non-Resident)
OSU Student Health Insurance
$ 1,620
Books and Miscellaneous *2
$ 3,744
Living Expenses *3
$ 13,000-14,000

*1. University tuition and fees includes general and instructional tuition; activity, COTA, recreation and equipment fees.
*2. Books and miscellaneous: Students must procure the textbooks, uniforms, and instruments needed for their personal use in laboratiories, dispensaries, and clinics.
*3. Living expenses include housing, utilities, food, clothing, local transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses for 12 months.


Supplemental application fee (non refundable)

  • Domestic - $40
  • International - $50


Acceptance fee (non refundable)

  • $25 acceptance fee is required upon admission.


Deposit

  • A tuition deposit of $475 is required after admission and is credited toward the first quarter tuition payment.

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

International applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to fulfill the TOEFL, MELAB or IELTS requirement. If your native language is not English, you should possess a minimum level of English proficiency which is demonstrated by minimum scores as follows:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
    • 577 (Paper-based test)
    • 233 (Computer-based test)
    • 90-91 (Internet-based test)
  • OR

  • MELAB (Michigan Language Assessment Battery)
    • 84
  • OR

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
    • 7.5

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CONTACT INFORMATION

College of Optometry
Office of Student Affairs
A419 Starling-Loving
338 W. 10th Ave
Columbus, OH 43210

Telephone: (614) 292-2647
Fax: (614) 292-7493
Website: http://optometry.osu.edu
Email: admissions@optometry.ohio-state.edu


Professional Admissions Office (Mailing Address)
The Ohio State University
P.O. Box 182003
Columbus, Ohio 43218-2003
Phone: (614) 292-9444
professional@osu.edu

Location:
Third Floor, Lincoln Tower
1800 Cannon Drive

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[Frequently Asked Questions] [Application Status] [Contact Us]


PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS

Bachelor's Degree
[Allied Medical Professions] [Dental Hygiene] [Nursing]

Post Baccalaureate Degree
[Dentistry] [Law] [Medicine] [Optometry] [Pharmacy] [Veterinary Medicine]


Admissions Contact Information

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Please send technical comments and questions about these webpages to webadmiss@esue.ohio-state.edu.
Updated : 09/29/2009