ADMISSIONS

Admissions Cycle 2011–12

July 1, 2011 is the OptomCAS launch date for the 2011-12 admissions cycle. Students vying for seats in SCCO’s class beginning Fall of 2012 should apply during this cycle. The OptomCAS online application service can be accessed at www.optomcas.org.

SCCO requires a supplemental application in addition to the centralized application. This supplemental application is included in the OptomCAS application and will be submitted as part of your centralized application; therefore, when you have completed the OptomCAS application you have also completed the supplemental application.

It takes two to three weeks before SCCO receives your verified application from OptomCAS. After SCCO receives your application, you will then be prompted via email to pay SCCO’s secondary application fee of $65.00.

The deadline for submitting your application through OptomCAS is March 15, 2012 at Midnight PDT. Please be advised to thoroughly review and comply with the OptomCAS deadlines for submission of your undergrad transcripts.

High school transcripts are to be sent directly to SCCO and NOT to OptomCAS.

The last date to take the OAT and be eligible for the 2011–12 admissions cycle is March 15, 2012.

Since SCCO uses rolling admissions, it is best to apply early. You do not need to have taken the OAT to apply. OAT scores will be reported directly to SCCO from ASCO (OAT test administrator).
Questions about OptomCAS or the admissions process? Email them to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

SCCO’s YouTube Channel

Videos on a host of subjects such as the admissions process and student life are uploaded routinely.  Become a subscriber so you don’t miss out.  Click here for SCCO on YouTube.   Guiding you through the admissions process are (l-r):  SCCO’s Director of Admissions Jane Ann Munroe, O.D., and Assistant Director of Admissions Eryn Kraning.

Applicant Planning

• SCCO uses Rolling Admissions:

• As applications are received, qualified applicants are invited for interviews.
• Applicants who successfully interview are offered seats in the class and the class roster gradually fills.
• Apply early for best success.

• Complete your application online through OptomCAS. To apply:

• You do NOT need to have taken the OAT.
• You need a copy of your college transcripts to complete the application.
• You need to have completed your essay questions.

• For an advance copy of the essay questions, email Dr. Munroe at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
• Make arrangements to have high school transcripts sent directly to SCCO: Office of Student Affairs/ SCCO/ 2575 Yorba Linda Blvd/ Fullerton, CA 92831.
• Pay the supplemental application fee.

• OptomCAS hosts SCCO’s supplemental application; therefore, when you have submitted your application through OptomCAS, you have also completed the supplemental application.
• Once OptomCAS has completed the verification process (takes about 3 weeks) SCCO will then receive your application and prompt you, via email, to pay the $65 supplemental application fee. (Check your SPAM email box if you don’t receive this email prompt.)

• Take the OAT.

• Best time to take the OAT for Rolling Admissions is before December 1st of any admissions cycle.
• There is a 90 day mandatory wait time should you need to retake the OAT so plan accordingly.
• SCCO will need your OAT scores before you would be considered for an interview invitation.

• Read Dr. Munroe's "Prescription for Success: 10 Steps to Becoming a Competitive Applicant".
• All prerequisite coursework must be completed before the start of SCCO’s fall classes.

OptomCAS

All applications are submitted through a centralized application service known as OptomCAS. By utilizing a centralized application service (CAS), prospective students will file one application that can be sent to multiple schools and colleges of optometry. The Admissions Team at SCCO is pleased to be a participant OptomCAS school as we strive to make the application process more efficient and convenient for you.

SCCO's admissions cycle begins on July 1 with applications being accepted through the March 15 deadline. The last date to take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) is March 15 of any admissions cycle.

Completion of Prerequisites

As you prepare to apply, keep in mind that you do not need to have completed all requirements for admission, such as Prerequisite Requirements and the OAT at the time of application. To be eligible to apply, you must be on track to take the OAT by March 15 and to finish all prerequisites by the end of Summer term just prior to beginning Fall classes as SCCO.

We utilize Rolling Admissions and therefore encourage all applicants to apply early.

Supplemental Application Fee

SCCO will require a supplemental application in addition to the centralized application. This supplemental application will be hosted by OptomCAS and will be submitted as part of your centralized application through the OptomCAS portal. You will be prompted to pay SCCO’s supplemental application fee of $65 upon completion of the OptomCAS application. This supplemental fee is non-refundable. To pay this fee now, click here.

High School Transcript

Apart from your OptomCAS application, SCCO requires an Official High School Transcript. Make arrangements with your high school to have them sent directly to:

Southern California College of Optometry
Office of Student Affairs
2575 Yorba Linda Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92831

If you are going to hand deliver your high school transcripts, please make sure that they are sealed and signed across the back flap.

Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

For specifics about SCCO's requirements for LORs, click here.

Students with professional potential and who are academically competitive are invited for a personal interview by the Admissions Policy Committee. The Committee attempts to respond to each applicant regarding his or her acceptance, within two weeks following the interview.

You can reach us by phone at: 800.829.9949 or 714.449.7444 or via email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The Southern California College of Optometry, as a regional and national resource, receives applications from nearly every state in the nation, as well as Canada. The College has a nondiscriminatory policy regarding race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, or handicap.

All accepted applicants must complete a matriculation agreement form and send a matriculation fee of $1,500, which applies to the first-year tuition, to confirm their space in the class.

For information on applicant competitiveness contact SCCO's Director of Admissions, Jane Ann Munroe, O.D., at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

What is Rolling Admissions?

We begin accepting and processing applications on July 1 of each year. This means that we will begin scheduling interviews in the early fall. We fill a class with 100 students each year. If you apply early for one of our first seats in a class, your chances for success are greatest. The earlier in the season you start the application process, the better your chances are to be admitted.

For more information about academic qualifications and applicant competitiveness, contact Dr. Munroe at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Preparing to Interview

Please contact the Office of Student Affairs for resources to help prepare you for the interview process via .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).