SWAGÊÓƵ

• A completed online application must be submitted on or before the application deadline.
• A non-refundable application fee of $200 must be paid online at the time you submit your application.

All non-native English speakers must be proficient in English speaking and reading comprehension as verified by one of the following:

• Official
  • A minimum score of 79 for the Internet-Based test must be submitted at the time of application.
  • Date of score report must be within two years of application.
  • Official score report should be sent/released directly to SWAGÊÓƵ.
• Official score results.
  • An overall minimum score of 75 must be achieved.
  • Date of score report must be within two years of application.
  • Official score report should be sent/released directly to SWAGÊÓƵ.

• Waiver Requests
  • Waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis for those who feel they are proficient in English speaking and reading comprehension.
  • If you wish to request a waiver, please email Nicole Gutzke a detailed explanation as to why you feel the TOEFL/E3PT test should be waived. Your request will then be forwarded to the Admissions Committee for consideration.

• We do not accept TOEFL’s “The Best” 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.

NOTE: If, at the time of the interview, there are concerns about an applicant’s English proficiency, they may be asked to take, or re-take, the TOEFL or E3PT exam in order to complete the admissions process.

• If you have taken the OAT, please release your scores to Western University of Health Sciences.

• We require three letters of recommendation. It is suggested that one letter be from an optometrist/clinical supervisor, and one from a faculty member, pre-health advisor, or employee who is familiar with the applicant’s work.
• The request for a letter of recommendation will be sent electronically to your recommenders with the information you provide in your application.

• A current curriculum vitae with details of your current and/or past professional experiences must be submitted with your application.

• As part of the placement decision, applicants may be requested to take and pass Parts I, II, or III of the NBEO examination testing sequence. Applicants are responsible for any score report fees through NBEO.org.
• All applicants who wish to be considered for placement into the 4th year curriculum will need to have passed all three parts of the NBEO examination before a final decision is made.

• An interview is required for admissions consideration. Competitive applicants will be invited for a virtual interview on Friday, November 15^th, 2024.
• Matriculating students accepted into the advanced standing program are expected to arrive 3 weeks prior to the start of the regular curriculum for AS orientation.

• International students are required to provide proof of funding for one academic year before an I-20 will be issued.

• 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.