Selection Process

Selection Process

To be competitive for an interview invitation, please ensure you have:

• A grade of C or better must be achieved in all prerequisite courses.
• A recommended minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale*
• A recommended minimum overall Optometry Admission Test score of 300 or above the 50 percentile on other entrance examinations made available to the University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Optometry
• Two letters of recommendation from sources in the following combination:
  • A health care provider letter (preferably an O.D. who is a member of the American Optometric Association). This letter is required along with one of the following:
  • Pre-health care professional advisor or committee member
  • A Science faculty member.

*In exceptional cases the strength of the overall application may warrant consideration of a lower GPA or OAT score.

At KYCO, the Admission Committee considers many factors in determining the students who will be selected for our program. While we do evaluate academic performance, grade point average (GPA), the results of the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT) or Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), performance in prerequisite courses, number of college credits completed and degree status, we also evaluate other non-academic qualifications including:

• Character
• Dedication to Service
• Genuine Interest in Optometry
• Interpersonal Skills
• Leadership
• Motivation
• Work and Extracurricular Activities

An important component of gauging these non-academic qualifications is through our interview process.

Interview Process

Candidates who have successfully met the required admissions selection criteria may receive an invitation to visit KYCO for an interview. This will allow the candidate to visit campus, participate in a tour, meet campus leaders and most importantly meet the faculty from whom they could spend the next four years learning. Your interview will also give our faculty additional time to assess both your academic and non-academic qualifications.

Should you be chosen for an on-site interview, you will receive a link that will enable you to choose a day and time that fits your needs. We ask all students who have selected an interview slot to communicate with the school if for any reason they cannot attend or have chosen not to attend.

Notice of Acceptance and Matriculation Fee

Applicants may be notified of his or her acceptance as early as the week following their in-person interview at KYCO. Upon receipt of the letter of acceptance, applicants have a certain time period to either accept or decline their place in the entering class. Those who accept must do so by submitting a matriculation form, along with a matriculation fee, which is applied to the tuition fee.

This matriculation fee is non-refundable and, therefore, accepted students are advised to send a matriculation fee only after they have made a final decision about attending the University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Optometry. Students must notify the Office of Admissions at (606) 218-5286 or at kycoadmissions@upike.edu if they wish to relinquish a reserved place in the entering class.