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It also covers English proficiency (if required), the OAT standardized test and score release, two recommendation letters, prerequisite coursework with grade minimums, and any residency proof. 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Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early, and all materials and fees must be received on or before the deadline.","Answer",{"name":66,"@type":61,"acceptedAnswer":67},"Do international applicants need a foreign coursework evaluation?",{"text":68,"@type":64},"Yes, for coursework completed outside the United States or Canada, a U.S. course-by-course evaluation is required from WES or Josef Silny & Associates (JSA). The official evaluation must be sent/released directly to WesternU or OptomCAS.",{"name":70,"@type":61,"acceptedAnswer":71},"What standardized test scores are required for the OD application?",{"text":72,"@type":64},"The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is the preferred standardized test, completed on or before May 1, 2027, with official scores released to Western University of Health Sciences. 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Check each box as the item is completed. Qualified candidates are invited to interview during the admissions cycle. The final application deadline is May 1, 2027; applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.  \n☐ A) OPTOMCAS APPLICATION & APPLICATION FEE  \n☐ Submit the OptomCAS application electronically by May 1, 2027.  \n☐ Pay all applicable OptomCAS application fees at the time of submission.  \n☐ B) FOREIGN COURSEWORK EVALUATION  \n☐ For coursework completed outside the United States or Canada, obtain a U.S. course-by-course evaluation from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny & Associates (JSA) .  \n☐ Request that the official evaluation be sent/released directly to WesternU or OptomCAS.  \n☐ C) OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS FOR U.S. / CANADIAN COURSEWORK  \n☐ Submit official transcripts for all coursework completed at U.S. or Canadian institutions through OptomCAS.  \n☐ D) ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, IF REQUIRED  \n☐ If your native language is not English, submit official TOEFL iBT or English3 (E3PT) results as required.  \n☐ Confirm official scores have been released to WesternU and are current for the application cycle.  \n☐ E) STANDARDIZED TEST REQUIREMENT  \nThe Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is the preferred standardized test.  \n☐ Complete the OAT on or before May 1, 2027.  \n☐ Release official OAT scores to Western University of Health Sciences.  \n☐ DAT, PCAT, or MCAT scores may be considered by the Admissions Committee on a case-by-case basis.  \n☐ F) LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION  \n☐ Submit two (2) letters of recommendation through OptomCAS.  \n☐ One letter is recommended from an optometrist or clinical supervisor.  \n☐ One letter is recommended from a faculty member, pre-health advisor, employer, or another individual familiar with your work.  \n☐ Letters must have at least two forms of contact information and a signature.  \n☐ G) UNDERGRADUATE COURSEWORK & PREREQUISITES  \n☐ Complete a minimum of 90 semester units or 135 quarter units of undergraduate coursework.  \n☐ Complete all required prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better; C-or lower is not accepted.  \n☐ Confirm one course is not being used to satisfy more than one prerequisite.  \n☐ Complete all required coursework by June 30 prior to matriculation.  \n☐ H) PROOF OF LEGAL U.S. RESIDENCY, IF REQUIRED  \n☐ If you are not a U.S. citizen and are living in the United States, provide proof of legal U.S. residency prior to matriculation.  \n☐ I) ADDITIONAL APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS  \n☐ Review the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) Functional Guidelines.  \n☐ Although a bachelor's degree is not required, earning a BA or BS may strengthen your application.  \nThe Admissions Office will email you to acknowledge receipt of your application. Once all required documents are received, your application will be processed, and you will receive an email with an update regarding your application status.  \nAll application materials and application fees must be received on or before the deadline. Materials received after the deadline are considered late and may not be processed.  \nWESTERN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES  \nATTN: OD Admissions  \n309 E. Second Street • Pomona, CA 91766-1854  \nAdmissions Contact Number: (909) 469-5335  \nQUESTIONS? CONTACT US  \nIf you have questions about the application process or your application, our Admissions team is here to help.  \nEmail: [admissions@westernu.edu](admissions@westernu.edu)","cbCaitusTB7guU4K","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaitusTB7guU4K","pdf",340167,"English","# OD Program Application Process\n## Application and Required Materials\n## Deadlines and Admission Updates","[{\"question\":\"What is the application deadline for the OD Program?\",\"answer\":\"The final application deadline is May 1, 2027. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early, and all materials and fees must be received on or before the deadline.\"},{\"question\":\"Do international applicants need a foreign coursework evaluation?\",\"answer\":\"Yes, for coursework completed outside the United States or Canada, a U.S. course-by-course evaluation is required from WES or Josef Silny \\u0026 Associates (JSA). The official evaluation must be sent/released directly to WesternU or OptomCAS.\"},{\"question\":\"What standardized test scores are required for the OD application?\",\"answer\":\"The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is the preferred standardized test, completed on or before May 1, 2027, with official scores released to Western University of Health Sciences. DAT, PCAT, or MCAT scores may be considered case-by-case.\"}]","Doctor of Optometry (OD) Program - Application Process and Checklist | PDF"]