In order to be considered for a reserved regional (contract) position, residency certification is required for applicants from regional states (see list below). The certification must be received by the College directly from the appropriate state certifying authority. The specific procedure for each regional state is indicated below. Please note that some states have strict deadlines for completing the process.
| Regional State |
|
Codes |
| |
|
|
| Arkansas |
|
(O), (N) |
| Georgia# |
|
(A), (R) |
| Kansas* |
|
(A), (R), (S) |
| Kentucky |
|
(C), (R) |
| Louisiana |
|
(A), (N) |
| Mississippi** |
|
(A), (R), (S) |
| South Carolina |
|
(A), (R) |
| Tennessee |
|
(B), (N) |
| West Virginia |
|
(A), (N) |
Type of Action Required:
(A) Applicants must write to or call the state certification officer for a residence form. Return the completed form to the state certification officer..
(B) A residency certification form will be sent to you. Mail the completed form to the Admissions Office at Southern College of Optometry. (Please call the Admissions Office if a form is not sent to you.)
(C) Applicants attending a Kentucky PUBLIC higher education institution can mail a letter to the Admissions Office from their university stating they qualify for in-state funding. Applicants attending PRIVATE institutions, or any institution outside Kentucky, must call the state certification officer.
(N) Re-certification of residency is not required upon submission of an application for a subsequent entering class unless there is information which might alter the state of residency.
(O) Residents should apply online at https://www.ark.org/adhe_financialaid/login.aspx
(R) Re-certification of residency is required each time an application is submitted, even though the applicant may have been previously certified as a resident of that state.
(S) Acceptance of a contract seat obligates the student to return to the state to practice optometry one year for each year he/she receives contract funds OR to repay the contract amount in full (with interest) after graduation.
# Indicate that you are applying for admission to optometry school.
* Applicants from Kansas must complete and submit their residency application to the state officer by May 1.
** Applicants from Mississippi must complete and submit their residency application to the office by March 31.
Residency questions should be directed to the appropriate certification office. Also, please note that residency certification does not guarantee a regional position, as these are limited.