Pre-Optometry Advising Information
Every pre-optometry student must choose between two possible tracks:
| No Degree Track Remain a pre-optometry major and attempt to complete all the required courses for admission into optometry school in about three years. Take the OAT and apply for admission. Advantages: One less year of time and tuition. Disadvantages: No degree if you fail to get into optometry school, though you can always return to UWW and finish a degree. Admissions preference is often given to applicants with degrees. |
Degree Track Declare a related major (physics, chemistry, biology) and complete the requirements for that major, ensuring that you also complete the admission requirements for optometry school. Receive your degree in about four years, take the OAT and apply for admission. Advantages: Helps you get admitted. You still have a degree if you are not admitted. Disadvantages: Costs you more time and tuition up front. |
A good site to find information about Optometry programs is the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. They have links to ASCO Member Schools and Colleges of Optometry Programs.
Here are links to a few of the closest schools:
Illinois College of
Optometry
Indiana University
School of Optometry
Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University
The Ohio State University College of Optometry
Below is a checklist of requirements for the schools nearest to
UW-Whitewater:
 |
aThe foreign
language requirement can often be satisfied by high school
coursework. bOther psychology courses would be fine but this is the most applicable topic to optometry. cMicrobiology has prerequisites of 141, 142, 251, and 253. dFor Indiana at least 20 of the 90 required credits must be at the 300-400 level. |
