The regular application period for students entering with or without a bachelor's degree begins on September 1 and ends on February 1. Interviewing begins in October and continues through April. A rolling admissions process is used, and the selection process is usually completed by the end of May. A new class begins each fall.

The school also offers an "Early Decision" process for outstanding students hoping to enter with or without a bachelor's degree. The "Early Decision" application period begins on February 1 and ends on August 1. "Early Decision" admission offers numerous advantages, including elimination of the necessity and cost of applying to multiple schools. A student admitted under the "Early Decision" process will receive regular communication from the school, can be involved in some school activities, and can generally stay connected. In addition, an Early Decision provides more time for students to make financial arrangements to attend the Indiana University School of Optometry.

All candidates must take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) and provide an official score report by February 1, the application deadline. OAT scores are valid for only five (5) years and may be taken as many times as desired.

If you did not receive an OAT brochure with the application, you may request one from:

Optometry Admission Testing Program
211 E. Chicago Ave., Ste. 1846
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
(312) 440-2693
www.opted.org

The IU domestic graduate application fee is $50.00 and is non-refundable. Domestic applicants using a paper application should mail the fee directly to:

Indiana University
University Graduate School
130 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Kirkwood Hall 111
Bloomington, IN 47405-2801

You will need to include the following information on your check:

• Make payable to "Indiana University"
• Your date of birth
• Write "For O.D. Program" on the check
• Write the semester you plan to attend; i.e. "Entering Fall 2008"

All applicants who apply online MUST pay the fee using a credit card.

The IU international graduate application fee is $60.00 and is non-refundable. International applicants pay only the $60.00 application fee and NOT the Doctor of Optometry application fee. International applicants using a paper application must mail both the FEE and the PAPER APPLICATION directly to International Admissions:

Indiana University
Office of Admissions
300 N. Jordan Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47405

You will need to include the following information on your check:

• Make payable to "Indiana University"
• Your date of birth
• Write "For O.D. Program" on the check
• Write the semester you plan to attend; i.e. "Entering Fall 2008"

International applicants who apply online MUST pay the $60 fee using a credit card.

The admission process for non US citizens has two components: acceptance by the School of Optometry and formal admission to Indiana University. Formal admission and visa certificates are issued by the International Admissions Office. Applicants will need to provide proof of financial support for the first year's expenses to the International Admissions Office in order to be admitted to Indiana University.

Submit a minimum of three letters of recommendation from people who know you well (academic advisors, employers, etc.). A recommendation from an optometrist is required. You may also choose to have letters sent by the health professions advising office at your school, but committee letters will count as only one recommendation. Please give a letter of recommendation form to the people who will be writing your letters. We will accept letters on other forms or letterhead; however, the IU School of Optometry letter of recommendation form should accompany them.

An invitation for interview might be extended after your file has been evaluated to determine scholastic competence (college grades and admission test scores) and personal attributes. Letters of recommendation, accounts of participation in extracurricular activities, work experience, recognitions received, and the essay/personal statement determine personal attributes.

Interviews are arranged by the Office of Student Administration beginning mid-October through April. The interviews are held at the IU School of Optometry and are conducted by members of the faculty, Student Administration staff, and current students.

Proof of English Language proficiency will be required of all applicants whose native language is not English regardless of the applicant's present citizenship. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the preferred test. For information go to www.toefl.org or write to:

TOEFL
CN 6154
Princeton, NJ 08541-6154, USA

If you previously applied to the IU School of Optometry and wish to be reconsidered, you must renew your application by following these steps:

• Complete another application form. Be sure to check renewal on the face of the application form so we will know you are renewing.
• Provide one new letter of recommendation.
• Send transcripts reflecting any course work completed since the last application was processed.
• Provide a new statement stating what you have been doing since your last application.
• International students should check with the International Admissions Office for further instructions.

Students who accept an offer of admission to the IU Doctor of Optometry program are required to pay a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $500.00. If the student enrolls in the IU School of Optometry, the deposit will be applied to the student's tuition. If the student does not enroll, the deposit is not refunded.

Both Indiana University and the School of Optometry require students to provide proof of the immunizations listed below. Details can be found at www.registrar.indiana.edu/Services/immune.html.

• Measles
• Rubella (German Measles)
• Mumps
• Tetanus, Diphtheria

In addition to the above, the School of Optometry requires our students to complete the Hepatitis-B vaccination series (three appointments) prior to entering the clinic. Optometry students will also be required to update their immunizations and complete tuberculosis testing within three months prior to entering the clinic and updating any immunizations. Copies of immunization records need to be submitted to the Director of Clinics office in OP 306.