University of Waterloo Optometry

Contacts

Website: http://www.uwaterloo.ca/optometry-vision-science/
Phone: (519) 888-4567 ext. 33178
Admissions e-mail: admissions@optometry.uwaterloo.ca

Admission Requirements

General Notes

• Number of applicants in 2011: 300
• Class size for 2011: 90
• The only English language optometry program in Canada.

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Criteria

Required classes

• 15 one-term undergraduate classes which must include:
  • One term of each Introductory Psychology, Introductory Ethics, English, Microbiology, General Chemistry (with lab), Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Calculus, and Statistics.
  • Two terms of each General Biology (with lab), Physiology (Human or Mammalian), and Physics (with lab).
  • Recommended courses include one term of each Genetics, Human Anatomy, Histology, Embryology, Immunology, Linear Algebra or Geometry or Trigonometry.
• If uncertain that a particular course qualifies as a prerequisite, compare your course descriptions to those provided on the Admissions website.

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GPA

• The average of all courses taken since entering university, not just prerequisites, must be at least 75% (3.0/4.0)
  • In recent years, the actual averages of students admitted have ranged from 79% to 95%.

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The Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)

• Minimum eligible OAT score: 300
• Average OAT score for 2011 Waterloo Optometry applicants: 370
• For September 2013 admission, scores from August 1, 2010 to July 31, 212 will be accepted.

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Other Parts of the Application Form

• Autobiographical sketch
• Two Confidential Assessment Forms (references): One from an optometrist & one from an employer, supervisor, professor, etc.
• Application fee of $200.

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Citizenship

• You must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident of Canada for a minimum of twelve months prior to the first day of registration of your first term (September ). A limited number of international students studying on student visas may be considered for admission.

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English Language Requirements

• If your first language is not English and you have not studied in an English language school system for the most recent 5 years prior to studying in Optometry, you must take one of the following tests with minimum scores listed:
  • TOEFL: Paper-based: 580, or Computer-based: 237, Essay Rating: 4.5 and Test of Spoken English: 45
  • IELTS: 7.0
  • MELAB: 85

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Interview

• Interviews will be conducted at the School in late November and will consist of interviews with faculty and members of the profession, a round table discussion with current OD students, and a tour of the facilities.

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Timeline 2012-13

• July 3 - September 21, 2012: Online application available for September 2013 admission
• July 31, 2012: Deadline to write OAT
• September 21, 2012: Online application due
• October 17, 2012: Application for Admission to the School of Optometry (except the two CAFs) and interim transcripts due
• Late November: Interview invitations will be sent out
• November 30, 2012: Confidential assessment forms due
• January 31,2013: Final fall 2012 transcripts due
• Mid-March 2013: Admission decision letters will be mailed
• May 31, 2013: Final winter 2013 transcripts due

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Tuition & Fees 2012-13

• First Year Tuition
  • Domestic: $13,780
  • International: $33,800
• Books: $2,250
• Supplies and equipment: $3,500
• A number, of scholarships, bursaries, and awards are available for the Optometry program; contact the Admissions office for details or click here.

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