Villanova University offers high school students interested in the field of optometry the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science degree and a Doctor of Optometry degree in a combined seven-year program. This program is an affiliation program with the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

The students attend Villanova for the first three years completing all Core requirements and most of the Science requirements leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. While at Villanova, the students have the choice between a Biology major, Biochemistry major or a Comprehensive Science (BSC) major. The latter major is a more math and physics intensive curriculum. Upon successful completion of the requirements at Villanova, the students attend Salus University (formerly Pennsylvania College of Optometry). Courses taken during the first year at Salus will be given credit at Villanova to complete the BS degree requirements. Upon completion of the degree requirements at Salus students are granted the Doctor of Optometry degree.

Criteria to be Considered

• have an SAT I score of 1320 or better on the Critical Reading and Math components (a specific score on the Writing component will not be used at this time)
• or ACT score of 30 or better and include the writing portion
• rank in the top 10% of their high school class where class rank is reported
• and have a GPA of at least 3.7 (unweighted) on a 4.0 scale
• high school Physics is not required but encouraged

Students in the program must complete the Core requirements for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and the majority of the science requirements as well as the prerequisites for Salus. They will work closely with the Health Professions Advisor to ensure all requirements are met. They are expected to maintain a 3.2 cumulative GPA during their time at Villanova. They must also take the Optometry Admission Test and receive scores of 300 or higher on each section. Failure to meet the minimum requirements may result in release from the program.

Application and Admission Requirements

• the candidate’s Common Application with the Villanova Supplement (November 1)
• application fee
• official high school transcript
• all SAT or ACT scores sent directly from the College Board and/or ACT
• Common Application School Report and recommendation
• Villanova essay
• Common Application essay

Complete the Common Application with the Villanova Supplement and submit by November 1. In the Villanova Supplement Major Section you should choose the health affiliation to which you are applying. Next, choose an alternate major that you would pursue as an undergraduate in the event you are not selected as a final candidate for the Health Affiliation Program.

Applicants who meet the criteria above will be asked to submit supplementary material to Salus University; these materials will be requested following receipt of the Villanova application. The Admissions Committee will evaluate all applications and make a decision by approximately March 1. No interview is required. Applicants will be notified shortly thereafter.

Students who are not selected for the second stage are notified by Villanova approximately January 15 and will be evaluated through the regular admission process for the major listed on their application.

For details pertaining to Salus University, view their web site at www.salus.edu. For more information about this unique opportunity at Villanova, please contact the Health Professions Advisor, at (610) 519-4833 or hpa@villanova.edu.