Research Optometry Schools Before You Apply
- The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry has an Optometry Programs Admissions Directory. Check it out before you apply.
- List of Texas Optometry Schools
- Consider the National Board of Examiners in Optometry Performance Report when researching programs
Learn About the Application Services
Texas optometry schools use OptomCAS (Optometry Centralized Application Service)
- Check out the OptomCAS Quick Start Guide
- For any school NOT using OptomCAS, see individual school admission web pages for application instructions
Complete Your Secondary Applications
Some health professions schools require secondary applications to be completed in addition to the primary application through OptomCAS.
- Applications are not considered complete until the secondary application is submitted!
- Most secondary applications require an additional fee and the majority of secondary application fees are non-refundable.
- Some secondary applications are available and should be completed very soon after you submit your primary application. Other secondary applications are by invite only.
- If a school's secondary application is by invite only they will notify you and ask you to complete their own specific secondary application only after they have reviewed your primary application.
- Please check with the schools on the secondary policies, availability and application fees. Application fees range from $0 - $100+.
- Any questions relating to a secondary application should be directed to the respective school.
Request Letters of Evaluation
Letters of evaluation are key pieces of your medical school application. Each application has its own way of collecting letters and number and type of letters vary from school to school. Check with the application service you are using for additional details.
- Letters of Recommendation are critical to the review of your application. Applicants should not send letters directly to OptomCAS; all letters should come directly from the Recommender to OptomCAS via the OptomCAS online portal. OptomCAS will not accept paper copies of references.
Enter up to four (4) evaluator names on your OptomCAS application. OptomCAS will not determine if you have met the letter requirements for a particular optometry program. Therefore, please review programs’ individual websites to determine the number and type(s) of letters required by each institution for which you wish to be considered for admission. Review OptomCAS Letter Types list.
You will provide the name, email address, and phone number for a maximum of four (4) people providing letters. OptomCAS will send an email evaluation request to the Recommender with information on how to electronically submit their letter.
Write Your Personal Statement
The personal statement is a critical component of your application to Medical school, as the personal statement can either significantly help or harm your chances for success, it is important to take it seriously. The statement must be personal. This is your chance to let the Admissions Committee hear from you and understand who you are. Take advantage of the opportunity to express your commitments, motivations and values
- HPO Personal Statement Resources
- Texas schools and out-of-state schools use OptomCAS. Check application instructions for the essay prompt.
Prepare for Your Interview
It is important to professionally and properly represent yourself to an admissions committee, from what to wear to anticipating what questions might be asked.