College of Optometry

Applying to the College

 

Applying to the College

Getting Started

Application

Contact Information

Welcome to Admissions!

The College of Optometry accepts applications from July 15 until February 15 at 5 P.M. Applications will not be accepted after this date and time. Our classes beginning in late August. We employ a "rolling" admissions policy, which means the college sends out acceptances during the application period until the class is filled. The college has established two application deadline dates: January 5 and February 15. We recommend you apply before the January 5 deadline (close of business, all materials at Centralized Application Service center, including our supplemental application to our university) to qualify for merit scholarships. February 15 is the final deadline that completed applications will be accepted. Applications should be received in the Centralized Application Service center about four to six weeks prior to this deadline to insure your application materials will reach us by this deadline; this includes submission of our supplemental application and fee, which is non-refundable. There are no exceptions to this rule.

NOTE: Due to OptomCAS verification process, the deadline for submission for the OptomCAS application is January 15th. Verification can take up to 3 to 4 weeks.

Two Step Process

The Centralized Application Service for all Schools and Colleges of Optometry requires that you apply through the centralized service. The "Application" link to the left will direct you to a page from which you can find the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) portal and our supplemental application. You will be able to get to the supplemental application from the OptomCAS portal without having to return to our website, but both links are provided here for your easy access. A supplemental application and fee is required. Please note the $50.00 supplemental application fee is non-refundable.

NOTE: We can only accept payment of your supplemental application fee on-line. Please be prepared to enter your checking or saving account information or a credit card, before beginning your application. DO NOT SEND CASH, CHECKS, MONEY ORDERS or CREDIT CARD INFORMATION TO OUR CAMPUS. If you are not prepared to enter your payment at this time, please stop and come back at a later time.

Review of Your Application

The admissions committee has the responsibility to review and evaluate all applications and select the best-qualified applicants. The committee will consider your overall grade point average, the grade point you achieved in the sciences, your grade trends during college, and your scores on all sections of the Optometry Admission Test. Your application will also be evaluated on less quantitative measures such as extracurricular activities and interests, related or unrelated work experiences, written narrative and letters of recommendation.

If the committee feels you are a competitive applicant, you will be invited for an on-campus interview. This is also an opportunity for you to tour the campus, see St. Louis, meet with current students, and have your questions answered about our program, financial aid and housing.

Thank you for considering the College of Optometry at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to call the Student Services Office at 888-EYE-UMSL (393-8675) or email Student Services.