<p>I have been looking at colleges for some time now, and for some reason I can't find the college that fits. I want to be an optometrist, but it is pretty difficult to locate which colleges actually have pre-optometry programs. Would I have to go to a college with a pre-op program, or is the coursework the only thing that matters when applying to an optometry school? Would it be better to go to a college that is affilliated with an optometry school (so it might have a 7 year program) , or would it be the same if I would go to two different schools? If anyone can answer any of those questions or has any advice or knows any good colleges with a pre-op program, that would be so helpful!</p>
<p>I believe Indiana University is the best for this.</p>
<p>Have you checked out this site?
Association of schools and colleges of optometry
Member</a> Schools & Colleges - Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry</p>
<p>Ferris State University (ranked one of the worst colleges in the country) in Michigan has a pre optometry program and school </p>
<p>doubt you d want to go there though</p>
<p>I know two optometrists. One went to Drexel for undergrad, the other to Juniata. </p>
<p>Both went to the Philadelphia (or is it Pennsylvania?) College of Optometry for post-graduate.</p>
<p>I don't know where you are from, but I know of two good programs here in California, at UC Berkely and the California State University, Fullerton. There are some colleges that arn't affiliated with the schools but have the major, but a biology major anywhere would suffice.</p>
<p>There are very few optometry programs in the entire US, only 17 TOTAL.</p>
<p>You don't even need to be a biology major, it's much like med school--as long as you do well on the OAT <em>i think that's the test to get into optometry school</em>, have a good GPA in WHATEVER you study, and have the pre-reqs, you're set. I've been looking into optometry myself. I'm planning to be a bio major at a small liberal arts college, so it really doesn't matter where you go as long as you do well. </p>
<p>So I recommend you look at a college with a strong science department, doesn't have to be a notorious science school, but that fits you're personality. That way, you'll most likely enjoy and do better in your classes, and have a higher GPA.</p>
<p>It's Pennsylvania, haha.</p>
<p>Thank you for your advice pinkpanther09</p>
<p>I know that California has some pretty good optometry schools, but my parents don't really want me to go to cali so that's kind of out of the question</p>
<p>Where are you from? I understand that optometry is like med school, like pink panther said, as long as you have a science bachelor degree and do good you should be able to get into optometry school later.
here is info from eyecaresource.com</p>
<p>Applying to Optometry Schools
Optometry schools all have their own specific guidelines for admission and the application process. They are very selective and getting in is very competitive. You should read the specific requirements of the school you wish to attend and prepare all material needed. Generally, optometry schools require an application with a personal essay sometimes based on why you want to be an optometrist, transcripts of your undergraduate work, some letters of recommendation, experience or extensive knowledge in the field, and one of key factors, the Optometry Aptitude Test (OAT). Each optometry school has its own deadlines when applications and all required materials are due. It is a good idea to collect all material need and have it sent early to insure proper processing. The OAT test has deadlines for registration. Learn more about the OAT test. After all materials have been received by the school, applicants are selected for interviews, usually with the staff and senior students. Applicants are judged on all factors including OAT scores, GPA, leadership skills, extra-curricular activities, and many more. Each optometry school also has its own cost, housing, and curriculum. It is best to check out each one thoroughly to find the best one fit for you.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>I am from Minnesota, and I'm not really sure if all optometry schools accept mn residents, so that could be somewhat of a problem as well</p>