Northeastern State University

Application Procedure

Applications for admission will be accepted through February 1 prior to the Fall Semester in which the applicant wishes to enter. Applications should be filed as early as possible. Applications and all supporting documents should be sent to:

A complete application is composed of the following:

1. Completed application form to the College of Optometry.
2. Photograph (optional).
3. Three letters of reference.
4. Official transcript of all high school work which must be forwarded by the issuing institution.
5. An official transcript of all college work which must be forwarded by the issuing institution. Coursework completed after the application has been submitted must also be documented by official transcripts forwarded immediately upon completion.
6. A short autobiography by the applicant stating the applicant’s reasons for wanting to become an optometrist and emphasizing the applicant’s civic, social and school activities, experience in the field of optometry, achievements, and work history.
7. On-campus interviews with members of the Admissions Committee may be arranged with the applicant after receipt of the application and fee, official transcripts, and the autobiography. The applicant must have a 3.0 grade point average or better and at least a 300 OAT score (if taken) for automatic interviews. Not all applicants will be interviewed.
8. Results from the Optometry Admissions Test. A computerized version of the Optometry Admission Test is now available. This version is the same test that as been available in a written format, however testing is available year round and an examinee can select the date, time, and place to test. Information and online application are available at http://www.opted.org.
9. The Admissions Committee begins making selections for the new class shortly after the fall semester begins for students who enter the following fall semester. Class size is limited and the College is not able to accept all qualified applicants. The Admissions Committee will not consider any application until all of the required materials are in the applicant’s file. The applications and all supporting documents are to be received by February 1. Notification of acceptance will normally be completed by April.
10. Students accepted into the Optometry program must submit evidence of rubella immunization and a booster for DT (diphtheria/tetanus) immunization within the past 10 years. Students admitted into the Optometry Program are strongly encouraged to have completed the series of Hepatitis B vaccine prior to beginning the program. Students electing not to be vaccinated are required to sign a waiver indicating their understanding of the risks involved. This documentation must be received prior to enrolling for the fall semester.
11. Submission of the $45 application fee.