Last date to submit OptomCAS application:
May 1, 2025
Last OAT or GRE
Test Date Accepted:
May 1, 2025
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How to apply:
Complete the OptomCAS application and collect all needed documents through OptomCAS. You will need to submit your OAT scores. Remember to factor in the studying for and taking of that test before you join in the fall. Be sure to list ICO when you submit your application. The application cycle typically begins at the end of June.
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Required materials for applicants:
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Two letters of recommendation
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Academic (Pre-Health Advisor, Science Professor and/or Academic Committee)
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Non-relative practicing Optometrist
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Transcripts from your prior schools
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Your OAT or GRE score.
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Prerequisites
We have found that science-specific courses completed at 4-year universities tend to better align with the types of courses students take at ICO. Grades of C or higher are accepted. Courses do not need to be completed before applying and can be planned or in-progress at the time of your application. Additionally, we strongly encourage the completion of human-based biological science courses.
We welcome applicants from any and all undergraduate majors. It is possible for exceptional non-degree candidates to be considered once they have completed a minimum of 90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours prior to enrolling at ICO. When these candidates graduate from ICO, they can also graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Visual Science. There are specific requirements for this degree to learn more, visit our degree requirements page.
Course
Minimum
Semester Hours
Minimum
Quarter Hours
English Composition/Literature
6
9
Or similar graded non-remedial writing courses. One course in public speaking is acceptable.
College Calculus
3
4.5
Pre-calculus is not acceptable.
Statistics
3
4.5
Business statistics is not recommended. Psychology statistics or biostatistcs are acceptable.
Biology with Laboratory
6
9
General biology, physiology, zoology and comparative anatomy are all acceptable. Botany does not apply.
Micobiology with Laboratory
3
4.5
Bacteriology is also acceptable.
General Chemistry with Laboratory
6
9
Inorganic Chemistry is also acceptable.
Organic Chemistry
3
4.5
Laboratory is not required.
Physics with Laboratory
6
9
The sequence does not need to be calculus-based.
Psychology
3
4.5
Both introductory and upper-level psychology courses are acceptable.
Social Science
3
4.5
Economics, political science, anthropology, sociology or an additional psychology course are acceptable.
English Composition/Literature
Or similar graded non-remedial writing courses. One course in public speaking is acceptable.
Minimum Semester Hours: 6
Minimum Quarter Hours: 9
​
College Calculus
Pre-calculus is not acceptable.
Minimum Semester Hours: 3
Minimum Quarter Hours: 4.5
​
Statistics
Business statistics is not recommended. Psychology statistics or biostatistics are acceptable.
Minimum Semester Hours: 3
Minimum Quarter Hours: 4.5
​
Biology with Laboratory
General biology, physiology, zoology and comparative anatomy are all acceptable. Botany does not apply.
Minimum Semester Hours: 6
Minimum Quarter Hours: 9
​
Microbiology with Laboratory
Bacteriology is also acceptable.
Minimum Semester Hours: 3
Minimum Quarter Hours: 4.5
​
General Chemistry with Laboratory
Inorganic Chemistry is also acceptable.
Minimum Semester Hours: 6
Minimum Quarter Hours: 9
​
Organic Chemistry
Laboratory is not required.
Minimum Semester Hours: 3
Minimum Quarter Hours: 4.5
​
Physics with Laboratory
The sequence does not need to be calculus-based.
Minimum Semester Hours: 6
Minimum Quarter Hours: 9
​
Psychology
Both introductory and upper-level psychology courses are acceptable.
Minimum Semester Hours: 3
Minimum Quarter Hours: 4.5
​
Social Science
Economics, political science, anthropology, sociology or an additional psychology course are acceptable.
Minimum Semester Hours: 3
Minimum Quarter Hours: 4.5
​
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Do I qualify for U.S. federal financial aid?The following criteria must be met to receive aid from the U.S. Federal Student Aid programs. ​Demonstrated financial need. Enrollment in the program at least half-time or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree. U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen. Valid Social Security Number. If you don’t have a Social Security Number, you can learn more about applying for one. Maintain satisfactory academic progress. Sign a statement on the application for U.S. Federal Student Aid certifying that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes (ICO’s school code is 001689). Sign a statement on the FAFSA certifying that you are not in default on a federal student loan and that you do not owe money back on a federal student grant. Registration with the Selective Service, if applicable (if you are an American male 18 through 25 years of age and you have not yet registered with Selective Service, you can register by checking a box on the FAFSA).
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How do I apply for financial aid?There are several types of financial aid and a variety of scholarships available to help with the cost of your education. To apply for U.S. Federal Financial Aid and Direct Loans, you will only need to complete the FAFSA. Our school code is 001689. This form is available every October 1 for the upcoming Fall Term and can be accessed through the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid. Annually, you will be asked to complete the FAFSA to renew your eligibility. If you are unsure of your eligibility, you can review the federal eligibility requirements as listed above to confirm that you qualify to receive financial aid.
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I completed my FAFSA, what's next?Following the submission of your completed FAFSA, we will put together a financial aid package that covers your full estimated cost of attendance and identifies all forms of Federal Aid for which you qualify. For students eligible for U.S. Federal Student Aid, you can expect that you will be able to fully cover your costs with the Federal Student Loan and work-study programs. You should not need to seek out private loans, which are often less cost-effective over the life of your loans. Scholarship recipients will see your award adjusted to include the scholarship.
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How do I apply for ICO scholarships?When applying for graduate programs in optometry, you might feel as though you have to submit a lot of information. We remove the step of having prospective students apply for ICO scholarships by automatically reviewing your application for merit-based scholarships; you do not need to apply separately. Scholarship recipients are notified by the Admission Office at the time of acceptance.
