Ready to Apply?

We begin accepting applications September 1st for classes that begin the following August. The deadline is March 30th for the submission of all applications components. Prior to September 1st, we will begin accepting Letters of Recommendation and transcripts. Your OAT scores will be sent to us directly if you listed SCCO as an intended recipient.

Please note that your application fee must be paid in order to begin processing your application.

All application components should be mailed to:

Admissions Office
Southern California College of Optometry
2575 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831-1699

Once your application has been submitted and you pay the fee, your file will become official and its individual components will be assessed. As you submit new application components throughout the season, your application will be updated and reviewed. Once you meet the academic qualifications, you will be invited for an interview.

For more information about meeting the academic qualifications and information about the interview, email your request to jmunroe@scco.edu.

A First-time Application consists of the following:

  • Application form, three essays, and $65 fee (opens applicant file).
    1. Why do you wish to become an optometrist? How did you reach this decision?
    2. What professional goals do you hope to achieve after receiving the Doctor of Optometry degree?
    3. What are your reasons for applying to the Southern California College of Optometry? How does SCCO fit your needs for an educational setting?
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended and high school of graduation.
  • Results of the Optometry Admission Test (OAT).
  • Three letters of recommendation. It is suggested that at least one recommendation be from an optometrist and one from an academic source.
  • Resumé of extracurricular activities, awards and work experience.

In the case of re-application, we keep your application file contents for two years. You do not need to resubmit old transcripts or previously answered essay questions.

A Re-application consists of the following:

  • Application form and $65 fee.
  • An additional essay explaining how you improved your application profile since you last applied.
  • Any additional official transcripts of course work completed since you last applied.
  • Results of repeated Optometry Admission Test (OAT) testing.
  • One additional Letter of Recommendation from a source of your choice.
  • Resumé of extracurricular activities, awards and work experience.

Apply Online! Click here.
Prefer to submit a written application? Click here.

Students who are determined to be 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.

All accepted applicants must complete a matriculation agreement form and send a matriculation fee of $1,000, which applies to the first-year tuition, to confirm their space in the class.