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

Southern College of Optometry building Memphis Tennessee

OAT Study Guide – Start Here

Southern College of Optometry (SCO) is one of the leading independent optometry schools in the United States. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, SCO offers a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree with a strong emphasis on clinical training, primary care optometry, and ocular disease management. SCO is known for its rigorous curriculum and its commitment to producing practice-ready optometrists.

About Southern College of Optometry

Founded in 1932, Southern College of Optometry is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). SCO operates The Eye Center, providing students with extensive hands-on clinical experience across a wide range of patient populations and ocular conditions.

  • Location: Memphis, Tennessee
  • Degree Offered: Doctor of Optometry (OD)
  • Accreditation: Accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE)
  • Clinical Facility: The Eye Center, Southern College of Optometry, Memphis
  • Founded: 1932

OAT Requirements

Southern College of Optometry is a competitive program. Competitive applicants typically present:

  • Academic Average (AA): approximately 320–350+
  • Total Science (TS): approximately 320–350+
  • Overall GPA: ~3.2+
  • Science GPA: ~3.1+

Admissions Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred
  • Completion of required science prerequisites (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Math, Statistics)
  • OAT scores (typically taken within the last 2–3 years)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Optometry shadowing experience strongly recommended
  • Applications submitted through OptomCAS

Tuition and Costs (2026)

Estimated annual tuition:

  • All students: ~$35,000–$45,000 per year

Prospective students should verify current figures directly with Southern College of Optometry.

Start Your OAT Preparation

If you’re applying to Southern College of Optometry, a strong OAT score is essential. Dr. Jim Romano’s OAT Destroyer series is trusted by thousands of optometry students nationwide:

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  2. Math Destroyer
  3. General Chemistry Destroyer
  4. Organic Chemistry Odyssey
  5. Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book

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