Southern College of Optometry collects applications through a centralized service called OptomCAS from approximately June 30 until March 1 each year. OptomCAS requires a $180 application fee. Each application submitted to a new school costs $70.
Since we process applications as we receive them and offer acceptances on a rolling admissions basis, we strongly encourage applying early on in the application cycle.
Application Requirements for SCO
For an applicant to receive consideration, all of the following must be received by SCO:
1) The OptomCAS application and all supporting documents (which should be sent directly to OptomCAS), including:
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Official transcripts from all previous colleges attended;
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Two letters of recommendation: one from a pre-health advisor or natural science professor, and one from a non-relative Doctor of Optometry; and
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The short essay.
2) SCO's supplemental application and supplemental application fee:
Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
The OAT measures general ability and comprehension of scientific information. All applicants are required to take the OAT no later than March 1 of the entering year for which they are applying; however, we strongly recommend taking the test early in the application cycle. Any OAT score used for the admissions process must be no more than two years old from the date the applicant submits the SCO supplemental application.
OAT scores will be sent directly to OptomCAS as long as you select at least one optometry school to receive your scores when you apply to take the test. The OAT requires a $500 registration fee. Registration information and study resources can be found on the OAT website.
In some cases, we will consider the acceptance of the GRE or MCAT. Please contact our office at (800) 238-0180 or (901) 722-3224, or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions related to the GRE or MCAT tests.
Admissions Process at SCO
Applications to SCO are handled in the following way:
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Receiving the Application—After the application and all supporting documents have been received by the Office of Student Services, an initial review is completed by the admissions committee.
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Selecting the Interview Candidates—Following the initial review, interview invitations are e-mailed to those candidates with competitive applications.
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Hosting the Interviews—Interviews are held on SCO’s campus in Memphis beginning in mid-August and continuing through the end of March of each application cycle.
Please note that all prerequisite courses must be completed before a student can begin classes at SCO. However, an application may be submitted prior to the completion of the required courses. If an applicant is in the process of completing a degree and/or prerequisite courses, updated transcripts should be submitted to SCO after each semester or quarter.
It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure all documents are submitted and received by OptomCAS and the SCO Office of Student Services. Please call us at (800) 238-0180 or (901) 722-3224, or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.