Apply to the Accelerated OD Program

• The application can be found online at GradCAS.  GradCAS will list the application cycle as 2025-2026 (it won’t include the summer of 2027 as a start term, but continue anyway).
• Create an account and login.
• Select the “NECO Accelerated Optometric Degree Program (AODP)” from the plus sign next to the program name.
• Complete the application’s four core sections: Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Program Materials.
• Finish essays and supplemental questions in the “Program” section.
• A non-refundable $75 fee is required for the GradCAS application. Fee waivers are available on a case-by-case basis. Email [email protected] to request one.

2. Send transcripts from each College or University you’ve attended

• Official transcripts from US and Canadian institutions must be sent directly from the issuing institution to GradCAS.
• Any transcript(s) from a university outside the United States or Canada will need to be evaluated by WES US and sent to GradCAS. A course-by-course evaluation is required, we strongly prefer the WES International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) that includes official transcripts as part of the report. If the ICAP is not submitted, official transcripts from all schools should be sent to us before enrolling.
• If your transcripts don’t include the name of the degree received, dates of attendance, and the date that the degree was awarded (month, day, and year) a letter must be sent with the transcripts that include that information.

3. Submit Language Testing Scores

Applicants whose native language is not English may submit either TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency.

TOEFL iBT (New Scoring Scale Effective January 21, 2026)
Beginning January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT will use a new scoring scale ranging from 1 to 6, with half‑band increments.

For TOEFL iBT exams taken on or after January 21, 2026, the minimum required scores are:

• Overall: 4.5
• Speaking: 4.5

For TOEFL iBT exams taken before January 21, 2026, the minimum required scores are:

• Total Score: 88
• Speaking: 22

The IELTS exam minimum required scores are:

• Total Score: 6.5
• Speaking: 7

Only one language test is required, either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Applicants must take one of these exams. Official TOEFL exam scores should be submitted directly to GradCAS with code B886, and official IELTS scores should be sent directly to New England College of Optometry. You may request to have this requirement waived if you attended an undergraduate institution where English is the language of instruction.  The admissions committee reserves the right to require applicants to undergo further language testing and instruction as necessary. Even if a waiver is granted prior to the interview, the admissions committee may still require a language assessment as part of the final review.

4. Submit 3 letters of recommendation 

• The letters are submitted through the GradCAS application. Three letters are required.
• First letter: from a non-relative optometrist (ideally one you have shadowed).
• Second letter: from a faculty member (preferably in the sciences) who taught you in a college-level course or supervised you in a lab setting.
• Third letter: from a person of your choosing. It can be an optometrist, ophthalmologist, professor, or supervisor familiar with your professional work.

5. Submit curriculum vitae (CV)

• Submit a detailed CV through GradCAS and include any optometric experience, including shadowing or work.
• We strongly recommend that you shadow an optometrist for at least 20 hours before applying to this program.

6. Take the OAT or GRE

• Either the OAT or GRE is required as part of the application.
• Please list NECO as the recipient of an official score report.
• If you apply before taking the OAT or GRE, list the date you will take the exam on your application.
• In some cases, we may accept other graduate/professional school exams, such as MCAT or DAT, for admissions.
• If you have questions about the acceptance of other tests, email [email protected] and include your resume/CV and unofficial transcripts.