{"id":4283,"date":"2022-04-13T10:39:12","date_gmt":"2022-04-13T17:39:12","guid":{"rendered":"\/optometry\/?post_type=program&#038;p=4283"},"modified":"2026-01-08T08:38:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T16:38:10","slug":"requirements","status":"publish","type":"program","link":"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"Application Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"hero-secondary\">\n  <div class=\"relative bg-black\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"adhere object-cover\" src=\"\/media\/optometry\/images\/optometry-white-coat23.jpg\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"100vw\" alt=\"Students in white coats seated in auditorium reading from booklet\">\n      <div class=\"adhere gradient-overlay\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"relative container pt-56 md:pt-112 pb-144 md:pb-192\">\n      <div class=\"md:flex md:justify-between px-12\">\n        <div class=\"sm:w-8\/12 md:w-6\/12 xl:w-5\/12 px-12\">\n                      <div class=\"mb-20\">\n              <div class=\"block font-sans font-bold text-14 text-white leading-130\">\n  <span class=\"inline-block\">\n    <a href=\"\/\" class=\"block hover:underline\">WesternU<\/a>\n  <\/span>\n      <span class=\"inline-block mx-6\">\/<\/span>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/optometry\" class=\"inline-block hover:underline\">College of Optometry<\/a>\n          <span class=\"inline-block mx-6\">\/<\/span>\n      <a href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/\" class=\"inline-block hover:underline\">Doctor of Optometry<\/a>\n    <span class=\"inline-block mx-6\">\/<\/span>\n    <span class=\"inline-block\"><\/span>\n  <\/div>            <\/div>\n                                        <h1 class=\"t-h1-sans  text-white\"><\/h1>\n        <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"lg:flex px-12 lg:justify-start\">\n              <div class=\"w-full lg:w-5\/12 2xl:w-4\/12 -mt-80 md:-mt-112 mb-48 px-12 lg:pr-32\">\n                              <nav class=\"py-28 px-40 2xl:px-64 rounded-5 md:rounded-8 bg-gray-darker text-white mb-40\">\n            <ul>\n                                              <li class=\"block my-8\">\n                  <a class=\"text-22 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-white hover:text-yellow transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Admissions Information<\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                              <li class=\"block my-8\">\n                  <a class=\"text-22 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-white hover:text-yellow transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/apply\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Apply Now<\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                              <li class=\"block my-8\">\n                  <a class=\"text-22 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-white hover:text-yellow transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/requirements\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Requirements<\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                              <li class=\"block my-8\">\n                  <a class=\"text-22 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-white hover:text-yellow transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/competitive\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Competitive Class Stats<\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                              <li class=\"block my-8\">\n                  <a class=\"text-22 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-white hover:text-yellow transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/advanced-standing\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Advanced Standing<\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                              <li class=\"block my-8\">\n                  <a class=\"text-22 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-white hover:text-yellow transition-default\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/financial\/student-budgets\/od\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tuition\/Scholarships<\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                              <li class=\"block my-8\">\n                  <a class=\"text-22 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-white hover:text-yellow transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/webinars\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Recorded Content<\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                              <li class=\"block my-8\">\n                  <a class=\"text-22 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-white hover:text-yellow transition-default\" href=\"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/#upcoming_events\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Upcoming Events<\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                              <li class=\"block my-8\">\n                  <a class=\"text-22 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-white hover:text-yellow transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/faqs\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">FAQs<\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                              <li class=\"block my-8\">\n                  <a class=\"text-22 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-white hover:text-yellow transition-default\" href=\"https:\/\/apply.westernu.edu\/portal\/advising-optometry\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Virtual Advising Appointment<\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                              <li class=\"block my-8\">\n                  <a class=\"text-22 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-white hover:text-yellow transition-default\" href=\"https:\/\/apply.westernu.edu\/register\/request-information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Request Information<\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                              <li class=\"block my-8\">\n                  <a class=\"text-22 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-white hover:text-yellow transition-default\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/admissions\/visit-campus\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit Campus<\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                              <li class=\"block my-8\">\n                  <a class=\"text-22 font-normal leading-130 tracking-20 text-white hover:text-yellow transition-default\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/contact\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact Us<\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/nav>\n                            <\/div>\n      \n      \n                  \n                  \n      <div class=\"w-full px-24 wysiwyg-content lg:w-7\/12 2xl:w-7\/12\">\n        <p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve compiled a list of\u00a0<a href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/faqs\/\">frequently asked questions\u00a0<\/a>to help you navigate through the application process, and please do not hesitate to <a href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/contact\/\">contact us<\/a> if you have additional questions.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/requirements\/#accordion-1-button\"><strong>Application Process<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/requirements\/#accordion-2-button\"><strong>Prerequisite Courses<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/requirements\/#accordion-3-button\"><strong>Application Requirements<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\" vue-app>\n  <div class=\"container\">\n        <app-accordion class=\"px-24 lg:w-4\/5 mx-auto\">\n              <app-accordion-item class=\"accordion-group block leading-1 opt-1\" content-class=\"accordion-group__panel wysiwyg-content\">\n          <template #accordion-trigger=\"{ href, visible, setRef, clickHandler }\">\n            <a :href=\"'#' + href\" \n              :ref=\"setRef\"\n              :class=\"['accordion-group__button scroll-mt-160', {'accordion__trigger_active': visible}]\"\n              @click.stop.prevent=\"clickHandler\"\n            >\n            <span class=\"block py-10\">\n              Application Process\n            <\/span>\n            <span class=\"accordion-group-icon relative flex w-56 h-56 ml-20 justify-center items-center bg-black rounded-full flex-shrink-0\">\n                            <span class=\"w-16 icon-chevron-down\">\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--!Font Awesome Free 6.6.0 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d=\"M233.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0l192-192c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L256 338.7 86.6 169.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3l192 192z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <\/span>\n              <span class=\"w-16 icon-chevron-up\">\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--!Font Awesome Free 6.6.0 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d=\"M233.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0l192 192c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3s-32.8 12.5-45.3 0L256 173.3 86.6 342.6c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0s-12.5-32.8 0-45.3l192-192z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/template>\n          <template #accordion-content>\n            <h4>Step 1: Prerequisites and Application Requirement<\/h4>\n<p>The first step in the admissions process is to ensure you are on track to complete both the\u00a0course prerequisites\u00a0and\u00a0application requirements\u00a0in time to apply for your preferred year of entry.<\/p>\n<p><strong>International Students<\/strong>: We do not require a separate application or fee, and you should be prepared to meet all of the prerequisite and application requirements as outlined. If you need assistance with immigration (I-20 form, F-1 visa, SEVIS, etc.), our International Student Services (ISS) staff are available to help you. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/international\/international-welcome\/\">Visit the ISS website<\/a>\u00a0to learn more.<\/p>\n<h4>Step 2: Make Yourself a Competitive Candidate<\/h4>\n<p>Admission to the program is competitive so you should strive to not only meet, but exceed the minimum requirements. To get a feel for the competitiveness of the applicant pool we recommend that you view our\u00a0<a title=\"Competitive Class Stats\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/competitive\/\">class statistics page<\/a>, review the national statistics for Optometry and read what the admissions committee recommends you do to maximize your candidacy.<\/p>\n<h4>Step 3: Preparing and Submitting your Application<\/h4>\n<p>Visit the <a title=\"Apply Now\" href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/apply\/\">apply now<\/a> page for details on how to submit your application and what to expect next.<\/p>\n\n          <\/template>\n        <\/app-accordion-item>\n              <app-accordion-item class=\"accordion-group block leading-1 opt-1\" content-class=\"accordion-group__panel wysiwyg-content\">\n          <template #accordion-trigger=\"{ href, visible, setRef, clickHandler }\">\n            <a :href=\"'#' + href\" \n              :ref=\"setRef\"\n              :class=\"['accordion-group__button scroll-mt-160', {'accordion__trigger_active': visible}]\"\n              @click.stop.prevent=\"clickHandler\"\n            >\n            <span class=\"block py-10\">\n              Prerequisite Courses\n            <\/span>\n            <span class=\"accordion-group-icon relative flex w-56 h-56 ml-20 justify-center items-center bg-black rounded-full flex-shrink-0\">\n                            <span class=\"w-16 icon-chevron-down\">\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--!Font Awesome Free 6.6.0 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d=\"M233.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0l192-192c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L256 338.7 86.6 169.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3l192 192z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <\/span>\n              <span class=\"w-16 icon-chevron-up\">\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--!Font Awesome Free 6.6.0 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d=\"M233.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0l192 192c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3s-32.8 12.5-45.3 0L256 173.3 86.6 342.6c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0s-12.5-32.8 0-45.3l192-192z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/template>\n          <template #accordion-content>\n            <h3>Minimum of 8 Semester Units or 12 Quarter Units (Must be full-year course sequence)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>General Biology or Zoology with lab<\/strong>\u2013 may not be an introductory course<\/li>\n<li><strong>General (Inorganic) Chemistry with lab\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 may not be an introductory course<\/li>\n<li><strong>General Physics with lab\u00a0<\/strong>-may not be an introductory course<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Required: 3 semester or 4 quarter units<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Organic Chemistry with lab<\/strong>\u2013 may not be an introductory course<\/li>\n<li><strong>General Microbiology with Lab or Bacteriology with lab<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Human Anatomy<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>If Anatomy and Physiology are combined, must be a minimum of 4 semester or 6 quarter units<\/li>\n<li>Must be taken out of the Anatomy, Physiology, Biology or Zoology Department<\/li>\n<li>Human Anatomy and Physiology are preferred but a Vertebrate A&amp;P course that\u00a0<strong>also<\/strong>\u00a0includes Human A&amp;P will be accepted.<\/li>\n<li>A lab is not required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Human Physiology<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>If Anatomy and Physiology are combined, must be a minimum of 4 semester or 6 quarter units.<\/li>\n<li>Must be taken out of the Anatomy, Physiology, Biology or Zoology Department<\/li>\n<li>Human Anatomy and Physiology are preferred but a Vertebrate A&amp;P course that\u00a0<strong>also<\/strong>\u00a0includes Human A&amp;P will be accepted.<\/li>\n<li>A lab is not required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Biochemistry<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Statistics<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Calculus<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Psychology<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 may be an introductory, general or human development course<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Required: 6 semester or 8 quarter units<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>English<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>May be an English Composition, English Literature, Writing or Critical Thinking course<\/li>\n<li>May not be an English as a Second Language (ESL) course<\/li>\n<li>May not be a Speech or Communication course<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>All \u200bPrerequisites:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Must be completed at a regionally accredited U.S. or Canadian institution (exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis) or its equivalent abroad<\/li>\n<li>Must be completed with a grade of \u201cC\u201d or better (a grade of \u201cC-\u201d or lower is not acceptable)<\/li>\n<li>One course cannot be used to satisfy more than one prerequisite<\/li>\n<li>Must be completed by June 30, 2026<\/li>\n<li>Online labs are NOT accepted \u2013 <strong>Due to COVID-19, online prerequisite labs completed in the spring 2020 through fall 2022 semesters will be accepted.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>English and Calculus may be taken on an advanced-placement basis. All other AP courses will be considered on a case-by-case basis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Pass\/No Pass will not satisfy the prerequisite courses \u2013 <strong>Due to COVID-19, online prerequisite labs completed in the spring 2020 through summer 2022 semesters will be accepted.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>If you have questions about your prerequisite courses, are unsure about a few specific courses, or simply wish to lay out your coursework, you can submit an\u00a0<a href=\"\/media\/optometry\/pdfs\/programs\/od\/od-academic-worksheet.pdf\">academic worksheet<\/a>\u00a0for review. Feel free to email it to your Admissions Counselor, or, if you prefer, you can print and submit a physical copy.<\/li>\n<li>All coursework taken from non-US institutions (excluding Canada) must be submitted to an\u00a0<a href=\"\/optometry\/programs\/doctor-of-optometry\/foreign\/\">approved service for evaluation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n          <\/template>\n        <\/app-accordion-item>\n              <app-accordion-item class=\"accordion-group block leading-1 opt-1\" content-class=\"accordion-group__panel wysiwyg-content\">\n          <template #accordion-trigger=\"{ href, visible, setRef, clickHandler }\">\n            <a :href=\"'#' + href\" \n              :ref=\"setRef\"\n              :class=\"['accordion-group__button scroll-mt-160', {'accordion__trigger_active': visible}]\"\n              @click.stop.prevent=\"clickHandler\"\n            >\n            <span class=\"block py-10\">\n              Application Requirements\n            <\/span>\n            <span class=\"accordion-group-icon relative flex w-56 h-56 ml-20 justify-center items-center bg-black rounded-full flex-shrink-0\">\n                            <span class=\"w-16 icon-chevron-down\">\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--!Font Awesome Free 6.6.0 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d=\"M233.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0l192-192c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L256 338.7 86.6 169.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3l192 192z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <\/span>\n              <span class=\"w-16 icon-chevron-up\">\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--!Font Awesome Free 6.6.0 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d=\"M233.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0l192 192c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3s-32.8 12.5-45.3 0L256 173.3 86.6 342.6c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0s-12.5-32.8 0-45.3l192-192z\"\/><\/svg>\n              <\/span>\n                          <\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/template>\n          <template #accordion-content>\n            <h5>COMPLETION OF PREREQUISITE COURSES AS OUTLINED<\/h5>\n<p><strong>Minimum of 90 semester or 135 quarter units of undergraduate coursework<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Must be completed\u00a0<strong>by matriculation<\/strong>\u00a0at a regionally accredited U.S. institution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Standardized Test Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>OAT must be taken by application deadline of May 1, 2026.<\/li>\n<li>GRE scores may be considered at the discretion of the Admissions Committee if the candidate\u2019s prerequisite and science GPAs are at least 3.0. Please explain in your application why you are submitting alternate test scores.\n<ul>\n<li>IMPORTANT: When submitting GRE scores, you must list WesternU\u2019s specific GRE Designated Institution (DI) Code of 4578 in order for your scores to match to your application.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>DAT, MCAT or PCAT scores may be considered at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Please explain in your application why you are submitting alternate test scores.<\/li>\n<li>Only scores after June 30, 2024, will be considered for the 2026 entering class<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u200bLetters of Recommendation<\/strong>\u00a0Two (2) letters of recommendation are required.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Suggested sources:\n<ul>\n<li>Optometrist (should not be a family member)<\/li>\n<li>Professor<\/li>\n<li>Pre-health Advisor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><u>Note<\/u>: Re-applicants should submit at least one\u00a0<u>new<\/u>\u00a0letter of recommendation that provides insights into the activities you have participated in since your last application submission.<\/li>\n<li>Methods of submitting letters of recommendation\n<ul>\n<li><u>Electronic:<\/u>\u00a0Letters can be electronically submitted by the recommender to the application service or other services such as Interfolio.<\/li>\n<li><u>Paper:<\/u>\u00a0Letters must be typed on official letterhead and must be signed by the recommender. Letter must be submitted in a sealed envelope that is signed over the seal by the recommender.<\/li>\n<li><u>Email:<\/u>\u00a0Letters may be submitted by email directly from the recommender. The recommender\u2019s email address should be a business or school email address.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>All required Letters of Recommendations must be received by the application deadline, <strong>May 1, 2026<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Although not required, having earned a BS or BA will likely strengthen your application<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>BS or BA may be in any subject<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u200bProof of Legal U.S. Residency \u2013 if required<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>International applicants, or any other applicants who are not U.S. citizens and who are living in the U.S., must provide proof of legal U.S. residency prior to matriculation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u200bTest of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 if required<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ets.org\/toefl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TOEFL<\/a> is required for all applicants submitting coursework from foreign schools<\/li>\n<li>The online TOEFL is accepted<\/li>\n<li>A minimum score of 79 for the Internet-Based test must be submitted at the time of application.<\/li>\n<li>TOEFL scores are valid for two years<\/li>\n<li>Exceptions:\n<ul>\n<li>The TOEFL exam will be waived for permanent and temporary residents of the United States who have completed at least six semester units, with a C or better,\u00a0of College English\/English Composition from an accredited institution in the United States. May not be an English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.<\/li>\n<li>English courses taken from foreign countries whose native language is English will be accepted (e.g., Canada, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand and the British West Indies)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>We do not accept TOEFL&#8217;s &#8220;The Best&#8221; score. We only accept the Internet-Based test submitted at the time of application. If you retake the test prior to the to the deadline, we will accept the test that has been most recently submitted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Other Documentation<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Certification programs and\/or trainings, if listed on application, will require official documentation from the institution or training company.\u00a0 Include programs for which an official document can be provided.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u200bASCO Functional Guidelines<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Candidates must meet the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/optometriceducation.org\/students-future-students\/resources\/functional-guidelines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">functional guidelines<\/a>\u00a0established by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry\u00a0(ASCO).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n          <\/template>\n        <\/app-accordion-item>\n          <\/app-accordion>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"parent":4263,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-4283","program","type-program","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/optometry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/4283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/optometry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/optometry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/program"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/optometry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/4283\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6096,"href":"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/optometry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/4283\/revisions\/6096"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/optometry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/programs\/4263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/optometry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}