Don't wait until the last minute to apply. Since applicants should submit their applications in the summer or fall of the year before they hope to begin optometry school, they should begin getting their applications in order at the end of the spring before they plan to apply.
Take the prerequisite coursework. While individual schools may require different classes, most optometry programs require their students to have taken a year of general chemistry with labs, a year of general biology with labs, a year of organic chemistry with labs, calculus, physics, statistics, microbiology or bacteriology with lab, psychology, and other upper level science courses. Since GPA plays an important role in admissions decisions, it is important to do well in your prerequisite courses.
Prep for and take the OAT or Optometry Admission Test. The OAT is made up of four portions: natural sciences (which includes biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry), reading comprehension, physics, and quantitative reasoning. To ensure that you do well for this standardized test, it is important to study, as well as take a practice exam.
Ask for recommendations. Most optometry schools want three recommendations for every application. Make a list of professors, employers, volunteer coordinators or other appropriate supervisors who would be able to attest to your intelligence, leadership ability, work ethics and other characteristics that make you a good candidate for optometry school. Find out the procedure for recommendations (such as whether they are to be submitted online, in sealed envelopes with your application or mailed directly to the school). Ask for references and explain the procedure. It is your responsibility to remind references of the deadlines, or find a new reference if your original choice does not complete the recommendation in a timely fashion.
Get involved. Optometry schools want well-rounded students and look for applicants who are not only intelligent and academically successful, but are also involved in the community. Community activities, such as shadowing an optometrist or volunteering at an eye clinic will demonstrate your interest in serving others, as well as your dedication to the field of optometry.
Make a list of the transcripts you will need for your application. Along with the transcript from your current university, send in transcripts from college level courses taken in high school, study abroad or any courses taken at another school. A list will help you keep track of from which schools you have ordered transcripts.
Write your personal essay. Your personal essay should give the optometry schools insight as to your motivation to become an optometry, your education and preparation for the profession, your aptitude and intelligence, and your future careers goals. Reread the essay to make any changes and corrections. Pass along your essay to family and friends to receive other opinions and get help editing it.