Application Requirements
Please note that many of our programs have made exceptions to the application process and admissions requirements due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Additionally, references to in-person campus visits, events, lab work, or classroom interactions should be read in light of current campus health and safety guidelines, which continue to evolve in response to changing conditions. More information can be found on WesternU’s COVID-19 Information page. Please contact us if you have any questions or need further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you navigate through the application process, and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions.
Step 1: Prerequisites and Application Requirement
The first step in the admissions process is to ensure you are on track to complete both the course prerequisites and application requirements in time to apply for your preferred year of entry.
International Students: We do not require a separate application or fee, and you should be prepared to meet all of the prerequisite and application requirements as outlined. If you need assistance with immigration (I-20 form, F-1 visa, SEVIS, etc.), our International Student Services (ISS) staff are available to help you. Visit the ISS website to learn more.
Step 2: Make Yourself a Competitive Candidate
Admission to the program is competitive so you should strive to not only meet, but exceed the minimum requirements. To get a feel for the competitiveness of the applicant pool we recommend that you view our class statistics page, review the national statistics for Optometry and read what the admissions committee recommends you do to maximize your candidacy.
Step 3: Preparing and Submitting your Application
Visit the apply now page for details on how to submit your application and what to expect next.
Minimum of 8 Semester Units or 12 Quarter Units (Must be full-year course sequence)
- General Biology or Zoology with lab– may not be an introductory course
- General (Inorganic) Chemistry with lab – may not be an introductory course
- General Physics with lab -may not be an introductory course
Required: 3 semester or 4 quarter units
- Organic Chemistry with lab– may not be an introductory course
- General Microbiology with Lab or Bacteriology with lab
- Human Anatomy
- If Anatomy and Physiology are combined, must be a minimum of 4 semester or 6 quarter units
- Must be taken out of the Anatomy, Physiology, Biology or Zoology Department
- Human Anatomy and Physiology are preferred but a Vertebrate A&P course that also includes Human A&P will be accepted.
- A lab is not required
- Human Physiology
- If Anatomy and Physiology are combined, must be a minimum of 4 semester or 6 quarter units.
- Must be taken out of the Anatomy, Physiology, Biology or Zoology Department
- Human Anatomy and Physiology are preferred but a Vertebrate A&P course that also includes Human A&P will be accepted.
- A lab is not required
- Biochemistry
- Statistics
- Calculus
- Psychology – may be an introductory, general or human development course
Required: 6 semester or 8 quarter units
- English
- May be an English Composition, English Literature, Writing or Critical Thinking course
- May not be an English as a Second Language (ESL) course
- May not be a Speech or Communication course
All Prerequisites:
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- Must be completed at a regionally accredited U.S. or Canadian institution (exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis) or its equivalent abroad
- Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better (a grade of “C-” or lower is not acceptable)
- One course cannot be used to satisfy more than one prerequisite
- Must be completed by June 30, 2026
- Online labs are NOT accepted – Due to COVID-19, online prerequisite labs completed in the spring 2020 through fall 2022 semesters will be accepted.
- English and Calculus may be taken on an advanced-placement basis. All other AP courses will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Pass/No Pass will not satisfy the prerequisite courses – Due to COVID-19, online prerequisite labs completed in the spring 2020 through summer 2022 semesters will be accepted.
- If you have questions about your prerequisite courses, are unsure about a few specific courses, or simply wish to lay out your coursework, you can submit an academic worksheet for review. Feel free to email it to your Admissions Counselor, or, if you prefer, you can print and submit a physical copy.
- All coursework taken from non-US institutions (excluding Canada) must be submitted to an approved service for evaluation
COMPLETION OF PREREQUISITE COURSES AS OUTLINED
Minimum of 90 semester or 135 quarter units of undergraduate coursework
- Must be completed by matriculation at a regionally accredited U.S. institution
Standardized Test Requirements
- OAT must be taken by application deadline of May 1, 2026.
- GRE scores may be considered at the discretion of the Admissions Committee if the candidate’s prerequisite and science GPAs are at least 3.0. Please explain in your application why you are submitting alternate test scores.
- IMPORTANT: When submitting GRE scores, you must list WesternU’s specific GRE Designated Institution (DI) Code of 4578 in order for your scores to match to your application.
- DAT, MCAT or PCAT scores may be considered at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Please explain in your application why you are submitting alternate test scores.
- Only scores after June 30, 2024, will be considered for the 2026 entering class
Letters of Recommendation Two (2) letters of recommendation are required.
- Suggested sources:
- Optometrist (should not be a family member)
- Professor
- Pre-health Advisor
- Note: Re-applicants should submit at least one new letter of recommendation that provides insights into the activities you have participated in since your last application submission.
- Methods of submitting letters of recommendation
- Electronic: Letters can be electronically submitted by the recommender to the application service or other services such as Interfolio.
- Paper: Letters must be typed on official letterhead and must be signed by the recommender. Letter must be submitted in a sealed envelope that is signed over the seal by the recommender.
- Email: Letters may be submitted by email directly from the recommender. The recommender’s email address should be a business or school email address.
- All required Letters of Recommendations must be received by the application deadline, May 1, 2026.
Although not required, having earned a BS or BA will likely strengthen your application
- BS or BA may be in any subject
Proof of Legal U.S. Residency – if required
- International applicants, or any other applicants who are not U.S. citizens and who are living in the U.S., must provide proof of legal U.S. residency prior to matriculation.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – if required
- The TOEFL is required for all applicants submitting coursework from foreign schools
- The online TOEFL is accepted
- A minimum score of 79 for the Internet-Based test must be submitted at the time of application.
- TOEFL scores are valid for two years
- Exceptions:
- The TOEFL exam will be waived for permanent and temporary residents of the United States who have completed at least six semester units, with a C or better, of College English/English Composition from an accredited institution in the United States. May not be an English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
- English courses taken from foreign countries whose native language is English will be accepted (e.g., Canada, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand and the British West Indies)
- We do not accept TOEFL’s “The Best” score. We only accept the Internet-Based test submitted at the time of application. If you retake the test prior to the to the deadline, we will accept the test that has been most recently submitted.
Other Documentation
- Certification programs and/or trainings, if listed on application, will require official documentation from the institution or training company. Include programs for which an official document can be provided.
ASCO Functional Guidelines
- Candidates must meet the functional guidelines established by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO).