Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Doctor of Optometry
Traditional Program
Application Process
The processing of applications by OptomCAS begins July 1, one year prior to the year of desired enrollment. Applications received on or before March 31 of the year of desired enrollment are given priority consideration.
- Student application reviews begin August 1
- Interviews are scheduled and initiated, beginning September 1
- Candidates meeting the requirements are admitted on a weekly basis until class capacity is reached
It is to a student’s advantage to apply as early as possible to ensure full consideration for admission.
Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS):
Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University has joined other colleges of optometry by accepting applications ONLY through the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) www.optomcas.org. OptomCAS begins accepting applications July 1.
To be considered an applicant must:
Submit a properly completed application to the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) at www.optomcas.org, beginning July 1. Detailed instructions regarding the completion of the application and the essay are provided on the OptomCAS website.
- Arrange to have forwarded directly to OptomCAS the following letters of evaluation to fulfill the requirement for Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University either:
- A PreProfessional Committee letter of evaluation
- Three natural science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics) teaching faculty or two science teaching faculty and one practicing optometrist whom you have shadowed.
- Letter packets containing the letters outlined in number 2.
- Additional letters will enhance the file but will not fulfill our required letters of evaluation.
- Arrange to take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) prior to June 1 of the desired entering year; taking the OAT between September and December of the application process is highly recommended.
- The exam is offered electronically.
- Information and registration for on-line testing: www.opted.org
- OAT results should not be more than two years old.
- If you have questions about the processing of your application, please contact an Admissions Counselor at 800-824-6262 or by email - admissions@salus.edu
International Students and Practitioners
Please provide the Admissions Office with the following information:
- A course-by-course credential review from an accredited agency, which evidences all post-secondary studies completed. Please consult agency’s web site for requirements to complete the evaluation. An official evaluation must be sent from the agency directly to Salus University, Office of Admissions, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027. These services are provided by various agencies including: World Education Services, PO Box 745, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113-0745, Phone 212-966-6311, www.wes.org
- Official results of a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language (www.toefl.org) examination.
- International practitioners should submit a letter of reference from a Department Chairperson or Supervisor along with two references from former faculty.
Record of Immunizations
All students are required to provide immunization records for Hepatitis B. Acceptable forms of proof are:
- serological evidence of current immunity to Hepatitis B or
- a signed physician statement that you have completed the three-dose series of vaccinations or
- an informed refusal to be vaccinated
Notification of Acceptance
An applicant may be notified of his or her acceptance as early as October. Upon receipt of acceptance, an applicant is required to pay a $1,000 matriculation fee to the University prior to the start of classes, payable as follows:
- Return the matriculation form within 14 days of the date of the acceptance letter. A $500 deposit is due by January 15; if accepted after January 15, the $500 deposit must accompany the matriculation form.
- The balance of $500 for the matriculation fee is due April 15.
- All monies received above will be applied toward first term fees.
09/083/2011