Apply to Doctor of Optometry (Four Years)

The majority of our students apply to our traditional 4-year OD degree program and recently completed or are in the process of completing their undergraduate education. Yet, a significant number of our applicants have been working full-time, often in the field of optometry. Others may have experience in other graduate-level studies.

Program Details

Application Information

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for the Four-Year Doctor of Optometry program if:

• You will have earned at least 90 undergraduate credits or a bachelor’s degree by your intended start term.
• You have completed the majority of the prerequisite requirements and will have a plan in place to complete any remaining prerequisites by your intended start term.
• Recommended: You have 20 hours of shadowing an optometrist.

Application Cycle and Deadline

We recommend you apply as early in the cycle as possible. Our rolling admissions application cycle begins in July, and the priority deadline to apply is March 31.  After March 31, we will accept applications on a space-available basis until May 15.

Application Instructions

1. Visit OptomCAS to complete the online application. The priority deadline to apply is March 31, 2026. After March 31, we will accept applications on a space-available basis until May 15. 

• There is a fee of $187 to apply, plus $85 for each additional school. If you would like to apply for the opportunity to waive the OptomCAS fee, please complete this form.
• You will be directed to send official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you have attended to OptomCAS.
• You will be directed to request two recommendations: One letter must be from a non-relative optometrist. One letter must be from a faculty member (preferably in the sciences) who has taught you in a college-level course or supervised you in a lab setting. One comprehensive recommendation from a university health professions committee may substitute for the two recommendations if your optometrist recommendation is summarized in the letter.

2) Submit the NECO supplemental application fee of $30. Application fee waivers are available on a case-by-case basis. Email [email protected] to receive a waiver.  Submit application fee. 

3) Take the OAT or GRE early in the application cycle, if possible, and definitely when you feel best prepared. List OptomCAS as the recipient of an official score report. If you apply before taking the OAT or GRE, please list the date on your application for when you will take the exam. We will also accept the MCAT or DAT in lieu of the OAT or GRE.

4) Submit additional requirements as necessary.

• Transcripts from a university outside of the United States or Canada will need to be evaluated by WES US. A course-by-course evaluation is required, and we strongly prefer the WES International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) as it includes official transcripts as part of the report. If the WES evaluation is submitted without the ICAP, official transcripts from all schools will also need to be sent to NECO before enrolling.
• 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

Official TOEFL exam scores and official IELTS scores should be sent directly to New England College of Optometry. Only one language test is required: either the Test of English as a Foreign Language or the International English Language Testing System. You must take one of the exams. 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.

• Once your application has been verified by OptomCAS and received by Admissions, you will receive instructions for accessing your Application Portal. You can visit the portal to ensure we have received everything needed in order to review your application.

Review Process

We receive verified applications from OptomCAS regularly, and in most cases, we are able to screen them within 3-5 business days. The time it takes for your application to become verified and received by NECO may depend on how long it takes for all required information and transcripts to reach OptomCAS and OptomCAS processing times. Admissions regularly reaches out with interview invites, other application status updates, incomplete application notices, and advice to candidates who may wish to strengthen their applications. Some students may be invited to interview after an initial review of their applications, while others may be held for reconsideration as the application cycle continues.

Interview Process

If you are invited to interview, we will provide a list of available dates (mostly Mondays and Fridays) for you to choose from. We offer both virtual and in-person interviews during the application cycle. The interview day consists of a welcome program, a 30- to 45-minute interview with a faculty member, a student panel, a tour, and a clinic overview. Faculty, staff, and students are available throughout the day to help acquaint you with the college.

Be prepared to articulate your interest and experience in optometry and to discuss your academic and clinical background. The Admissions Committee looks for faculty interview recommendations to assess your clinical potential and fit for the Doctor of Optometry program.

Admission Decisions

If you are invited and attend an interview, you will be notified of your admissions decision within 2-3 weeks after the interview. Other types of admission decisions are communicated regularly as the application cycle continues. Applicants are welcome to contact Admissions anytime for an application status check.