*All cadidates for admission must take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT)

1. The application for admission should be filed as soon as possible after August of the academic year prior to the year in which the applicant would like to commence study. Applications ordinarily will not be considered if received after April 1 of the calendar year in which admission is requested.
2. The candidate must submit official transcripts for all the courses taken at all institutions attended. The institution(s) must send official transcripts to the School Admissions Office. A partial transcript covering courses taken to date should be requested by applicants still studying at the time they apply for admission. These should be supplemented later by complete transcripts as soon as preadmission studies are finished. The transcripts should be issued to the School of Optometry (not to the student) to the following address: 500 Johh Will Harris Ave., Bayamón PR 00957.
3. The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) should be taken no later than May of the calendar year for which the candidate requests admission. To be eligible for early admission in January, the candidate must take the OAT in the fall so that the results reach the School before December. The candidate must request that the results of this test be sent directly to the Admissions Office. The application to take the test may be obtained from the Admissions Office or by writing to the:
   

Optometry Admission Testing Program
211 East Chicago Avenue,
Suite 1846 Chicago Illinois 60611-2678
Telephone (312) 440-2693.

4. Two letters of recommendation must be sent. One letter of recommendation must be sent directly to the admissions office by a professor with whom the candidate has taken courses in the natural sciences. This letter should cover the academic ability, behavior and professional aptitude of the applicant. An additional letter by a practicing optometrist who knows the applicant and is aware of his/her interest in studying optometry. All letters should be addressed and sent directly to the admissions committee and must be received before April 1 of the calendar year in which the applicant plans to begin classes.


5. A personal interview is an indispensable requirement for admission. Interviews will normally be initiated by the Admissions Office and may be held at the School or at the office of an authorized optometrist. A telephone interview may be arranged for students residing outside Puerto Rico. However, the applicant may, before formally filing any application for admission, visit the school and request an interview for guidance and counseling with staff members.
6. All applicants must submit proof of vaccination for Hepatitis B, and a medical certificate from the local health department (or equivalent). The confidentiality of all documents submitted by applicants is strictly observed. However, no documents will be returned to the applicant. All applicants will receive a written notification of action taken in response to their applications. Those admitted will have a period of fifteen (15) days after the date of notification to inform the School of their intention to attend and to pay the admission quota. If a candidate fails to respond within the period stated, his position will be declared vacant and another candidate will be chosen from the waiting list. Normally, fifty (50) students are admitted each academic year.