University of Waterloo Optometry
From SUS Redbooks
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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