College of Optometry

Getting Started

 

Applying to the College

Getting Started

• Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Official Transcripts
• Pre-requisites
• Online Application
• Interviews
• International Applicants
 

Before you begin applying to the College of Optometry at UMSL, it is recommended that you become familiar with the application process. Carefully follow the directions and tips provided. Doing so will ensure that your application is complete, accurate and reflective of your ability to become an exceptional optometrist.

The application season for the College of Optometry at the University of Missouri-St. Louis begins July 15 for the class entering the following year. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after the July 15 opening date.

This site includes the two links you will need to complete your application: Centralized Application Service and UMSL Optometry Supplemental Application

EARLY SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE:
If you wish to be considered for a merit scholarship, ALL application materials must be completed and received by the Centralized Application Service center by close of business January 5.

FINAL DEADLINE: 
All application materials, including a supplemental application, must be received at the Centralized Application Service center (application) and UMSL (supplemental) by close of business on February 15 of each year.

PREREQUISITES: 
You must complete a series of prerequisites courses. See list of pre-requisites. Note that we require a second psychology course (if you take psychological statistics, we accept this as both your statistics requirement and your second semester of psychology). High school trigonometry may be used to meet the trig requirement. Please note additional recommended courses include biochemistry and anatomy & physiology for your third biology course. Additionally, while course work may have been taken at any time, the Admissions Committee only accepts OAT scores which are taken within three years of application date. If you have specific questions about pre-requisites, please contact an admission advisor at optometry@umsl.edu. 

HOW WILL I KNOW THAT THE COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY RECEIVED ALL MY APPLICATION MATERIALS?
You will receive updates from the Centralized Application Service regarding general application materials. The university sends an automated response for your supplemental application and a separate one following payment of your supplemental application fee. Once we have a completed file on you, we will email you that your file has been sent to committee.

INVITATION FOR INTERVIEWS: 
Typically, interviews begin as early as September and extend to the end of March. An interview will be offered to you by email. In order to be contacted, we do require an email address.