Optometry School Admissions Guide

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Aran

Optometry School Admissions Guide outlines how optometrists evaluate and preserve vision, then details admission preparation for optometry programs at The University of Alabama. It lists prerequisite coursework across biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, English, and social sciences, and specifies that prerequisite grades must be C- or higher. It explains the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), including content areas, when to take it, and scoring rules, then provides GPA expectations and a year-by-year application timeline with key actions and resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

PREREQUISITES

EXAM AND GPA

TIMELINE

RESOURCES

Optometry School Admissions Guide Optometrists work to evaluate, improve and preserve vision. They diagnose and treat certain conditions and diseases of the eye. Depending on the diagnosis, optometrists may prescribe medication, visual training, or corrective lenses. They examine the internal and external structure of the eye, evaluate vision and determine if glasses or contact lenses are needed. The following is a brief guide to optometry school admissions requirements while here at The University of Alabama. PREREQUISITES: Below are a list of general prerequisite courses that most optometry schools require for admission; however, there are several other courses that are not required but are highly recommended. Please check with the admissions websites of individual optometry school programs to obtain a current listing of admissions course requirements. Please also take note of individual programs’ policies on acceptance of Advanced Placement (AP) credit. | General Biology: | BSC 114 and 115 (lab) and BSC 116 and 117 (lab) or honors equivalent | | --- | --- | | Biochemistry: | BSC 450 (BSC 300 prerequisite) or CH 461 (prerequisite CH 223, CH 232 and CH 237) | | Microbiology: | BSC 310 and BSC 312 (lab) | | General Chemistry: | CH 101 and 102 or honors equivalent | | Organic Chemistry: | CH 231, CH 232 and CH 237 (lab) | | Physics: | PH 101 and PH 102 or PH 105 and PH 106 (or honors equivalent) | | Mathematics: | 2 semesters Math; MATH 125 required by some schools | | Statistics: | PY 211, BSC 380, or CHS 425 recommended | | English: | EN 101 and EN 102 or Honors EN 103 or EN 104 or AP credit | | Social and Behavioral Sciences (SB): | PY 101 or honors equivalent
Two additional SB or History electives | | Highly Recommended: | BSC 300 Cell Biology
BSC 315 Genetics
BSC 469 Histology of Vertebrates
BSC 400 Vertebrate Function Morphology BSC 424 and BSC 425 Human Physiology | *All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C-” or higher. EXAM AND GPA: The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a standardized examination designed to measure general academic ability and comprehension of scientific information covering four tests: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics and Quantitative Reasoning. The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) sponsor the OAT for applicants seeking admission to an optometry program. All schools and colleges of optometry in the United States, and the University of Waterloo, Canada require the OAT. Its purpose is to test the skills and knowledge that have been identified as key prerequisites for success in optometry school and the practice of optometry. It tests your knowledge of science from the required coursework and, therefore, should not be taken until those courses are virtually complete; the months immediately following your completion of the course requirements are the best time to take the OAT. This may bethe spring of junior year, the summer after sophomore year, or anytime during senior year or beyond; it will depend on your individual timeline. How you prepare is up to you. The OAT is offered an unlimited number of times in a calendar year; however, applicants must wait 90 days between testing dates. Only scores from the four most recent attempts and the total number of attempts will be reported. Grade Point Average (GPA): Optometry Schools expect academic excellence. Good grades; typically an undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or better is required to be competitive. TIMELINE: | Freshman Year:
􀁸 Get to know your Health Professions Advisors Make an appointment
􀁸 Visit your professors during office hours
􀁸 Start taking basic sciences (See chart above)
􀁸 Begin getting involved with volunteer and service opportunities (campus and community)
􀁸 Look into getting involved in undergraduate research
􀁸 Join student organizations (Pre-Optometry Society)
􀁸 Begin

FAQs

What prerequisite courses are commonly required for optometry school admission?

Most programs require general biology, biochemistry, microbiology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, English, and social or behavioral sciences, using the specific course equivalents listed in the guide.

What is the OAT and when should applicants take it?

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) measures academic ability and comprehension of scientific information across survey natural sciences, reading comprehension, physics, and quantitative reasoning. The guide advises taking it after completing those key required courses, often shortly after completion, during junior year, summer after sophomore year, or anytime in senior year or later.

What steps are included in the application timeline by year?

Freshman and sophomore years focus on coursework and involvement in volunteering, research, organizations, and advising. Junior year includes studying for and registering for the OAT, preparing personal statements, obtaining letters, and interviews. Senior year centers on OPTOMCAS submission, secondary applications, waiting for interview contacts, and finishing degree requirements.

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Aran