Difference between revisions of "University of Waterloo Optometry"

Revision as of 19:40, 1 November 2010

Contacts

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

Admission Requirements

General Notes

• Up to 90 candidates are admitted.
• 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 82% to 94%.

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The Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)

• The score minimum for application is 300
• The average OAT score for UW applicants (in 2009) was 370.
• For entry into 2011 year, scores from May 2009 to December 31, 2010 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 academic contact (a teacher, principal, professor, instructor).
• 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 our current OD students, and a tour of our facilities.

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Admission

• Admission decision letters will be mailed Mid-March.

Deadlines

• September 24 - online application deadline.
• The OAT must be completed by December 31, 2010
• By January 31st, 2011, all sections of the applications must be submitted.

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Tuition

• Yearly tuition is $11,700 for domestic students for each of the first three years, and $17,523 for the fourth year (in fourth year, students attend three full terms). International students pay $31,800 in the first three years and $47,700 in fourth year.
• Domestic students spend roughly $24,000 per year.
• Although equipment and textbook costs may seem high, you are purchasing the core set of professional equipment and reference material you will take you with into your practice.
• A number of scholarships, bursaries, and awards are available for the Optometry program; contact the Admissions office for details.

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