Chicago College of Optometry at Midwestern University (2026): OAT Requirements, Admissions, and Tuition | OAT Destroyer | DAT Destroyer | Dr. Jim Romano

OAT Study Guide – Start Here

The Chicago College of Optometry (CCO) at Midwestern University is one of the leading optometry programs in the Midwest. Located in Downers Grove, Illinois, CCO offers a four-year Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree within Midwestern University's interprofessional health sciences campus. Students benefit from a collaborative clinical environment shared with medical, dental, pharmacy, and other health professions students, with strong emphasis on primary care optometry and ocular disease management.

About the Chicago College of Optometry at Midwestern University

CCO at Midwestern University provides students with access to on-site clinics, simulation labs, and a wide range of clinical rotation sites throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. The program is known for its rigorous curriculum, strong board passage rates, and commitment to producing practice-ready optometrists.

• Location: Downers Grove, Illinois
• Degree Offered: Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)
• Program Length: 4 years
• Approximate Class Size: 100–120 students per year
• Application System: OPTOMCAS

OAT Score Requirements

CCO does not publish a strict minimum OAT score, but competitive applicants typically present scores in the following ranges:

• Academic Average (AA): 320 or higher (competitive range)
• Total Science (TS): 315 or higher
• Individual sections: Scores of 300+ in all sections strengthen your application

The OAT is scored on a scale of 200–400, with 300 representing the national average. Applicants with lower scores may consider strengthening their application before applying.

GPA Expectations

• Overall GPA: 3.2 or higher recommended
• Science GPA: 3.1 or higher recommended

CCO reviews applications holistically — strong clinical experience and letters of recommendation can strengthen a borderline application.

Prerequisite Coursework

Most applicants to CCO will need the following prerequisite courses completed before matriculation:

• Biology with lab (2 semesters)
• General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
• Organic Chemistry with lab (1–2 semesters)
• Physics with lab (2 semesters)
• Mathematics (Calculus or Statistics)
• English/Writing (1–2 semesters)
• Microbiology (recommended)
• Biochemistry (recommended)

Always verify current prerequisites directly with CCO's admissions office, as requirements may be updated.

Application Process

CCO participates in OPTOMCAS, the centralized application service for optometry schools. Key steps include:

1. Submit your OPTOMCAS application (opens in July each year)
2. Complete the Midwestern University supplemental application
3. Submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation (typically 3), and your personal statement
4. Optometry observation hours are strongly recommended (100+ hours)
5. Competitive applicants are invited for an on-campus or virtual interview

The application cycle typically opens in July and the program uses rolling admissions — applying early is strongly advised.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition at CCO is approximately $48,000–$54,000 per year (subject to change). Over four years, total tuition costs typically exceed $190,000. Students should budget for additional fees including equipment, clinical supplies, and living expenses in the greater Chicago area.

Financial aid, scholarships, and federal loan programs are available through Midwestern University's financial aid office.

How to Prepare for the OAT

The OAT tests Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning. Strong preparation in all sections is essential for a competitive score.

Dr. Jim Romano's OAT Destroyer series has helped students prepare for the OAT since 2006. The books used in his live and online courses include:

1. OAT Destroyer — comprehensive OAT prep covering all science and math sections
2. DAT Destroyer — the core science book also used by OAT students for Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry
3. Math Destroyer — targeted quantitative reasoning prep
4. General Chemistry Destroyer — deep-dive general chemistry review
5. Organic Chemistry Odyssey — focused organic chemistry preparation
6. Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book — comprehensive biology review for OAT and DAT

Start Your OAT Preparation

If you are preparing for the OAT, start with free resources from Dr. Jim Romano:

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