ADMISSIONS


How to Apply

The admissions cycle runs from July 1st through March 15th of any given year.

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. SCCO is pleased to be a participating OptomCAS school as we strive to make the application process more efficient and convenient for you.

Ready to Launch –– Admissions Cycle 2013-14

July 1, 2013 is the OptomCAS launch date for the 13-14 admissions cycle. Students vying for seats in SCCO’s class beginning fall of 2014 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 your 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 $75.00.

The deadline for submitting your application through OptomCAS is March 15, 2014 at 9:00 pm PST.  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 2013-14 admissions cycle is March 1, 2014.

Click here to read a message from Dr. Lorraine Voorhees, Vice President of Student Affairs.

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).

For more information about the mandatory criminal background check, click here.

Questions about OptomCAS or the admissions process? Email them to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Just getting started and want to learn more about the admissions process?  Click here for Admissions Requirements and Click here for FAQs. 

What does SCCO look for in a competitive applicant?  Click here for advice.
 

Steps for Application

  1. Submit the OptomCAS application. This includes letters of recommendation, personal statement, supplemental application, and all undergraduate transcripts. Please be advised to thoroughly review and comply with the OptomCAS deadlines for submission of your undergrad transcripts.
     
  2. Request your High School Transcripts be sent to SCCO. 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.
     
  3. Submit the supplemental application fee of $75.00. You will be contacted via email with instructions to pay this fee once your application is received by SCCO.
     
  4. Request your OAT scores be sent to SCCO. This is performed on the OAT website and you must take the exam by the March 1st deadline.
     
  5. Take a deep breath…  You did it!  Now it's time to sit back, relax (we know it's hard, but try!), and wait for us to contact you!  If you receive an interview invitation, you will be instructed to call in and schedule your interview date.  Click this link for an overview of the interview day.
     

It takes two to three weeks before SCCO receives your verified application from OptomCAS.  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). 

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 1 and to finish all prerequisites by the end of Summer term just prior to beginning Fall classes at SCCO.

New for the 2012-13 admissions cycle will be a mandatory criminal background check.  To read more information, click here.

Questions about OptomCAS or the admissions process?  Email them to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).



Admissions