UAB has an early acceptance program for academically superior high school seniors, attracting them to UAB's Early Optometry School Acceptance Program (EOSAP) with guaranteed admission to the School of Optometry after completing their college degree.
Eligibility for EOSAP
Since acceptance to EOSAP means acceptance to the four-year Doctor of Optometry program, entry is highly competitive.
- Minimum GPA: 3.5 overall GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Test scores: At least a 30 ACT score
- State residency: Students must be residents of Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, or Florida. Preference is given to Alabama residents and those with strong ties to Alabama.
- Selection process: The UAB School of Optometry Student Affairs leadership team interviews a select number of eligible candidates. The committee seeks individuals who have demonstrated leadership, motivation, strong academic credentials, and an interest in optometry.
Applying for EOSAP
Step 1: Apply to UAB
You must first apply through UAB Undergraduate Admission.
You must be accepted to UAB as an undergraduate no later than May 1.
Step 2: Complete the EOSAP Application
Complete the EOSAP Application . Email the completed application and your resume to so-admissions@uab.edu.
Step 3: Submit Recommendation Letters
Your recommenders may be teachers, counselors, employers, or others who can speak to your potential to succeed in EOSAP at UAB. Please make sure they understand the program and can explain why you would be a successful candidate.
Recommenders should email their letters to so-admissions@uab.edu and include your first and last name and EOSAP in the subject line.
Request your letters well in advance. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all recommendation letters are received by the deadline.
Interviews and Decisions
The Priority Decision deadline is November 15. Interviews will take place in February, with admission decisions made in March.
The Final Decision deadline is May 1.
Criteria for Remaining in Good Standing
All EOSAP students must meet the following requirements and conditions to remain in good standing and maintain their acceptance to the UAB School of Optometry:
- Maintain an overall 3.6 GPA and a 3.5 GPA in all science coursework.
- Stay in contact with the EOSAP mentor each semester.
- Participate in regular academic counseling with an undergraduate major advisor or pre-health advisor.
- Complete HIPAA training.
- Develop a profile of volunteer and observational experiences, including:
- Shadowing several different optometrists to gain a variety of experiences.
- Volunteering with service organizations that benefit others, especially organizations serving underserved populations.
- Participate in ongoing activities with the School of Optometry and demonstrate leadership and maturity.
- Graduate with an undergraduate degree from UAB.
- Complete a verified OptomCAS application during the admissions cycle prior to fall matriculation into the UAB School of Optometry, typically during the fall of the student's senior year.
- Score a minimum of 300 Academic Average and 300 Total Science on the OAT.
- Complete a minimum of 40 hours of observation with licensed optometrists.