Before you proceed with the on-line application, please make sure to  review the following information:

  1. Admissions Requirements
  2. Admissions Procedures

Depending on the speed of your internet connection it may take a few minutes to load the various sections and forms required of the application process.  Please print out and read the directions below before beginning. If you encounter a problem contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-824-6262

Application Fee - At present the application fee ($50) must be mailed submitted by mail, so begin by printing out the Application Fee, completing it and submitting the fee. * IMPORTANT: You must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4 or higher  installed on your computer to view and print the document. If you do not have the reader installed on your computer click  to download a free copy of Acrobat Reader.

On-Line Application -  Print out and review the Admissions Procedures first. Please remember, that depending on the speed of your connection to the internet, it could take a few seconds or more to load.  Some people find it helpful to print-out an application (PDF) first and use it as a guide as they are filling out the on-line form. Complete all portions of the application form.

As part of the application process you are required to submit the following:

Job Resume/Curriculum Vita - All applicants should prepare an educational and job resume (or curriculum vita).  The data should list in chronological order education and work experiences, publications, and honors or achievements to date.

Essay - Applicants should submit an essay for one of the options provided in the application. These items can be submitted in any of the following ways:

Remember to include your name, address and social security number on all correspondence or emails to the college.

Optional Information - This request for information is for the purpose of assuring equal opportunity for all persons and effectuating the purpose of the Fair Educational Opportunities Act.  You are not obligated to complete this form for admission.

Reference Report Forms  - The applicant must request three letters of reference to be sent directly to the Department of Graduate Studies at the College of Optometry.  They should be from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic work, employment record, and personal characteristics. Print out the number of forms required (3) and the applicant should complete the top and bottom portions of each reference report.  Send the report to the individual who will be providing the reference.  Request that the individual complete the form and send it directly to the Department of Graduate Studies in Vision Impairment, Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Elkins Park Campus, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027. The department fax number is (215)-780-1357.

Transcripts - All applicants are responsible for having official copies of transcripts for every college or university that they have attended sent directly to the Department of Graduate Studies, regardless of whether a degree has been received from that particular institution or not.  These certified copies of official academic records (transcripts) for all undergraduate and graduate work should be mailed directly to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Department of Graduate Studies and NOT issued to the student. Have copies of your transcript available to assist you in completing your on-line Application and Academic Resume.

National Test Scores - Applicants who do not have a graduate degree, must have official scores of the appropriate national test sent directly to the Department of Graduate Studies in Vision Impairment, Pennsylvania College of Optometry.  Test scores must be no more than seven years old.

MAT: The Miller Analogies Test is a mental abilities test consisting of a series of intellectual problems stated in the form of analogies, mostly verbal, which the student must solve.  The examination is based on general knowledge, takes 50 minutes, and is administered throughout the country, on a regular basis by local test centers.  In the Philadelphia area, the test centers are at Temple University, LaSalle University, St. Joseph's University and Chestnut Hill College.  A $35.00 - $55.00 fee is payable at registration and required in cash or check.  The test is taken by appointment only.

GRE:  The Graduate Record Examination is administered through the National Program for Graduate School Selection and the Education Testing Service.  The Aptitude Test is a three-and-one-half hour examination measuring general scholastic ability at the graduate level and yielding separate scores for verbal, quantitative and analytic abilities.  The charge for taking the Aptitude test is $45.00.  The GRE is given five times a year.  (Special administrations are also listed in the GRE Information Bulletin). Score reports take approximately six to eight weeks to reach their destinations.  Students should therefore take care to register for an administration of the examination in time for scores to reach PCO for consideration.

OAT:  The Optometry Admission Test is designed to measure general academic ability and scientific knowledge.  All the questions are multiple choice; the sections of the test include verbal ability, quantitative ability, biology, chemistry, physics, and reading comprehension.  The charge for taking the test is $75.00.  The test takes approximately four and a half-hours; it is administered twice each year at established testing centers across the U.S.A. and Canada.

After completing the Application and the Optional Information hit the "submit" button. If during the process, you have any problems, contact the Admissions Office at 800-824-6262.