2018 Invest in Your Future

SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY

sco edu I N V E S T I N YO U R F U T U R E

OPTOMETRY AS A CAREER

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SCO 101

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COMMITTED TO SERVICE

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STUDENT LIFE

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MEMPHIS

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ADMISSIONS

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FINANCE & MANAGE DEBT

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SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

17 FAQs

19 TIMETABLES & FACTS

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Optometry as a Career With so many outstanding professions from which to choose, your career search should always keep this fact in mind: education is an investment in your future.

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During your educational journey, many

a career choice. Data from the American Optometric Association’s

windows of opportunity will open for you.

2016 Survey of Optometric Practice shows the average net

Whether it is in the courses you take, organiza-

incomes ranging from $140,013 for the primary practice of op-

tions to which you belong, or simply the people you meet, the

tometry to $172,356 for optometrists who own all or a portion

key to finding the best career match for you is to keep an open

of their practice.. At Southern College of Optometry, your edu-

mind, explore your options and ask questions.

cational training will prepare you for this outstanding career.

If you are interested in a profession that helps people live better lives, provides a stimulating work environment, and allows you and your family an attractive income and comfortable lifestyle, optometry is a career you should investigate.

Optometrists are the primary care providers for eye and vision care who diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the eye, the visual system and associated structures.

Optometrists work in a variety of settings ranging from a solo or group private practice to larger venues such as hospitals, HMOs, and referral centers. Optometrists also provide patient services in the areas of specialty contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, sports vision rehabilitation, and post-surgical care.

Flexibility allows optometrists to enjoy a life balance of personal and family priorities. Optometry’s positive career factors, including financial security, result in the profession’s high regard as

Remember, your education is an investment in your future. If you make sound decisions now, you will reap the benefits later.

SCO 101

Our mission is to lead the profession of optometry by educating the best possible healthcare providers, promoting lifelong learning, and fostering a personal commitment to service.

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optometry labs, laser instruction, and biomedical and clinical research areas.

With a low 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, SCO’s faculty are easily accessible for one-on-one classroom and/or clinical instruction.

Faculty members engage in a wide range of research projects, including a collaborative summer research program with students. By contributing to basic and visual science literature, faculty research enriches each student’s classroom experience.

The college’s academic facilities utilize cutting edge technology and interactive instructional methods, including Tegrity, a comprehensive classroom recording system that video records class sessions for later playback. Students also use Moodle, an internetbased course management system. In 2013, SCO constructed a Founded in 1932, Southern College of Optometry is an independent non-for-profit coeducational institution of higher learning.

As the largest optometry school in the south, SCO has graduated over 8,000 optometrists, including 12 presidents of the American Optometric Association.

SCO offers a four-year curriculum with courses in the biomedical, optometric and clinical sciences leading to the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) Degree. Students learn in state-of-the-art facilities that include biomedical labs, expanded and renovated

new, state-of-the-art academic and educational facility to provide greater classroom space and technology access over 23,016 new square feet of space. SCO also offers a 14,264 square foot Activity Center that features basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts, fitness equipment, aerobics, along with a recreation area.

Committed to Service Optometry is a people profession dedicated to enriching the vision health and lives of patients.

7 One of the hallmarks of the Southern College of Optometry mission is fostering a personal commitment to service.

Optometry is a people profession dedicated to enriching the vision health and lives of patients. That same sense of helping others is encouraged in SCO’s students through service-learning.

SCO’s students serve others in a variety of positive ways. Some are active in the local community by tutoring and mentoring at risk students. Others volunteer their time with service projects such as the annual Martin Luther King Day event where volunteers paint or renovate a local school.

SVOSH members have seen over 200,000 patients in 16 different countries. SVOSH members work year-round to prepare for their

The Eye Center features examination rooms equipped with

10-day mission to impoverished international areas to provide

the latest in electronic health record management systems, 14

free eye care and glasses to underprivileged citizens.

individual spaces for advanced technology-based testing, a

Students also travel to Remote Area Medical clinics in underserved areas to provide vision screenings. Volunteering at the Special Olympics is also another way our students give back to others.

retinal laser center, a digital angiography center, an advanced procedures and observatory suite, conference rooms for group learning, a patient simulation laboratory, an optical service area, and practice suites which enable interns to experience an exceptional practice atmosphere with the attending staff doctors.

Whether volunteering time or service through an awareness

The facility is designed to be patient friendly, student friendly,

event or a student organization, opportunities are plentiful for

and doctor friendly.

the SCO community to make a difference in the lives of others by giving back to those who need our service.

The Eye Center has 48,000 square feet of usable space and provides the opportunity to introduce clinical exposure to the

SCO is renowned for providing the highest quality and

students early in the curriculum. Interns also join faculty members

comprehensive optometric patient care services

in seeing patients at The FocalPoint at Crosstown Concourse and

and clinical education. Our clinical facility, The Eye

University Eyecare on the campus of the University of Memphis.

Center, is the largest state-of-the-art vision and

The MobilEYES Community Vision unit takes care directly to

eye care facility in the nation.

patients as it travels throughout the community.

Student Life

Our student diversity makes the SCO experience a true learning endeavor.

9 Approximately 90% of SCO students are active members in at

students come from 44 states, the Bahamas, Canada and

least one student organization. For almost any organization

Vietnam. Our diversity makes the SCO experience a true learning

which exists on undergraduate campuses, a comparable organi-

endeavor.

zation is active at SCO.

The geographic representation of the SCO student body for the

The Student Government Association recommends policies and

2017-2018 academic year is as follows:

coordinates many of the academic, service and social events on

Alabama.................. 4

Nevada..................... 2

campus. The SGA oversees an extensive intramural program

Alaska....................... 0

New Hampshire. 1

Texas......................... 19

open to all students, spouses, faculty and staff. Intramural sports

Arizona..................... 1

New Jersey............. 0

Utah ......................... 10

Arkansas.................. 34

New Mexico............ 1

Vermont.................. 1

California................. 5

New York................. 6

Virginia..................... 9

Colorado.................. 1

North Carolina....... 21

Washington............ 4

Connecticut............ 0

North Dakota......... 2

West Virginia......... 10

• Omega Delta, Iota Chapter

Delaware................. 0

Ohio.......................... 15

Wisconsin................ 10

• Optometry Private Practice Club

Florida...................... 21

Oklahoma............... 2

Wyoming................ 1

Georgia.................... 33

Oregon..................... 1

• Remote Area Medical

Hawaii...................... 1

Pennsylvania.......... 8

• Spectrum

Idaho........................ 5

Rhode Island.......... 1

• Sports Vision Society

Illinois....................... 17

South Carolina....... 12

• State Clubs

Indiana..................... 4

South Dakota......... 3

include basketball, softball, golf, flag football, racquetball, and volleyball, with many events housed in the SCO Activity Center.

The following is a list of the student organizations on campus: • American Optometric Student Association • Beta Sigma Kappa • College of Optometrists in Vision Development • Contact Lens Society • Fellowship of Christian Optometrists • Gamma Omicron • Gold Key Society • Latter Day Saints Club • Low Vision Club • Lions Club • National Optometric Student Association • Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association

• Student Ambassador Program • Student Chapter of the Academy of American Optometry • Student Government Association • Student Volunteers in Optometric Service to Humanity – SVOSH • Who’s Who

SCO has a diverse student body, evidenced in the various academic backgrounds, geographical representations, ethnicities, and life experiences our students have. For example, our current

Iowa.......................... 20 Kansas...................... 24 Kentucky................. 18 Louisiana................. 25 Maine........................ 0 Maryland................. 8 Massachusetts....... 1 Michigan.................. 14 Minnesota............... 11 Mississippi............... 29 Missouri................... 14 Montana.................. 0 Nebraska................. 16

Tennessee............... 82

Canada..................... 7 The Bahamas......... 1 Vietnam................... 1

Memphis A big city with a small town feel.

11 One of the reasons why the student experience is enjoyable is

Students with families find Memphis a great place to live. Because

that SCO is located in Memphis. A big city with a small town feel,

Memphis offers a low cost of living and very reasonable housing

Memphis has one of the lowest costs of living in the nation. This

market, about 10% of SCO students own a home. The city is also

allows our students to enjoy many of the things Memphis has to

home to the wonderful Children’s Museum and the Memphis Zoo

offer, yet at an affordable price.

Sitting on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, Memphis is

and Aquarium, which both offer family discounts. Plus, being centrally located, Memphis is a manageable drive home or a flight away for most students.

known for its rich musical heri-

The Memphis sports scene is very active. The city is home to

tage. With Graceland, the home

the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, who play their home games just

of Elvis; Beale Street, birthplace

minutes from SCO in the FedEx Forum, located in the heart of the

of the blues; numerous musical

Beale Street District.

clubs ranging from rock ‘n roll to

SCO students also enjoy going to the Memphis Redbirds (AAA

jazz; and an array of festivals throughout the year, SCO students

Baseball) games at Auto Zone Park, voted one of the best base-

have many opportunities to enjoy the sounds of Memphis.

ball venues in America. Memphis also annually hosts professional

Memphis is renowned for its culture. The Memphis in May International Festival annually hosts and celebrates another country’s culture, music, and cuisine. This festival also sponsors the World

tour tennis and golf tournaments. If you prefer college sports, the city not only has the University of Memphis, but is also in the heart of the Southeastern Conference.

Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and the Beale Street

Memphis is home to one of the largest retail stores in the world,

Music Festival. Memphis offers the historically acclaimed National

Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid. The massive destination expe-

Civil Rights Museum and various other museums and galleries.

rience offers something for everyone, from the serious outdoor

The city is also home to a great selection of locally-owned res-

enthusiast to families looking to have fun.

taurants with a broad range of cuisines, most of which are well

The weather in Memphis is moderate with average high tempera-

within a student’s budget. Conveniently, many of these attrac-

ture is in the 90s during the summer and relatively mild winters.

tions are located in or near the city’s rejuvenated Downtown area

This allows our students to enjoy the numerous parks, lakes, golf

just minutes from SCO.

courses and other outside endeavors year-round.

Admissions Like any endeavor worth pursuing in life,

it takes careful preparation to become an optometrist.

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SCO participates in the centralized ap-

Strong preference is given to applicants with baccalaureate or

plication service known as OptomCAS.

higher degrees. The pre-requisite courses are as follows:

The service collects official transcripts

• General Biology w/labs (1 year)

• General Physics w/labs (1 year)

and letters of recommendation and

• Microbiology w/lab (1 course)

• Calculus (1 course)

forwards them with the application

• General Chemistry w/labs

• Statistics (1 course)

to each school to which the applicant

• Organic Chemistry w/lab

applies. SCO accepts applications July 1 through March 1; however, applying in the early stages of the cycle is strongly encouraged.

(1 year)

(1 course)

• Biochemistry (1 course)

• General Psychology (1 course) • Social Science (1 year) • English (1 year)

SCO utilizes a rolling admissions process and offers of acceptance

For the 2018-2019 academic year, non-regional tuition is $37,176.

begin in August each year.

A limited number of regional seats are available for competitive

SCO requires a minimum of one letter of recommendation from a

applicants from states that support contracts with SCO. The con-

pre-health advisor or natural science professor and one letter of

tracts provide those students with significant reduction in tuition.

recommendation from an optometrist with whom the applicant

For more information about regional seats, please contact the

has worked or shadowed but is not related. OptomCAS accepts

Student Services Office or visit the SCO website.

up to four letters of recommendation, so be sure these two are

SCO attracts students nationally and internationally. The college

among those sent to OptomCAS.

recruits and visits close to 100 campuses annually. Updated

Before an interview invitation can be extended, SCO must

listings of those visits are found in the Events for Prospective

receive all application and supplemental documents, as well as

Students section of the SCO website. Prior to application,

the official Optometry Admission Test (OAT) scores. Interview

prospective students are encouraged to schedule a campus visit

invitations are only extended to the most promising applicants

to meet with an admissions officer and receive a tour of SCO. For

based upon academic performance, OAT scores, and experience

more detailed information or to schedule a campus tour, contact

in optometry.

the Student Services Office at admissions@sco.edu or 800-

A minimum of 90 semester or 135 quarter hours of undergraduate

238-0180. More information can also be found on our website

work is required for admission, with at least 30 semester hours or

at sco.edu.

45 quarter hours completed at a four-year college or university.

Finance & Manage Debt Our Financial Aid Office strives to see that every student receives the funds necessary to complete the program with the least possible debt at graduation.

15 One of SCO’s primary objectives is to

freedom. SCO’s Office of Financial Aid offers a debt manage-

provide students with the means to com-

ment program where financial aid officers work closely with each

plete our program with the least possible

student in developing a budget and planning out financial needs,

debt at graduation. The first step in man-

leading our students to be better borrowers. This program,

aging debt is controlling what you spend.

coupled with minimal tuition increases and added scholarships

Our Financial Aid Office works individually with students to develop realistic

and awards, has led to SCO graduates having a 0% default rate for the past 21 years.

financing strategies. Counselors meet with students at least an-

Below is a loan repayment chart using the example of a SCO

nually through our Debt Management Program to make sure

graduate who accumulates $130,000 in student loans. The chart

students have sufficient funds at the best rates, and that they

uses annual net income projections in line with national averages

are borrowing wisely. Our Debt Management Program educates

and is assuming a repayment period of 10 years with no deduc-

students on how debt can also be minimized through budgeting,

tions taken.

personal savings, maintaining zero credit card balances, and parttime work. SCO participates in the Federal Work-study Program allowing students to work on campus up to 20 hours per week.

To apply for Federal loans and/or Federal Work-study, each student must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to the Federal government. A student’s ability to contribute to educational costs will be calculated according to Federal criteria and will determine eligibility.

Years after graduation

Annual net income

After tax net monthly income

Monthly loan repayment

After tax net monthly income after payment

1

$90,000

$6,064

$1,443

$4,621

2

$97,500

$6,529

$1,443

$5,086

3

$105,000

$6,980

$1,443

$5,537

4

$112,000

$7,429

$1,443

$5,986

5

$120,000

$7,879

$1,443

$6,436

6-10

$140,000

$9,080

$1,443

$7,637

A growing number of scholarships and awards are annually dis-

This chart uses a federal loan rate of 6.21%. Since most graduates

bursed to enrolled students through our endowed scholarship

have some tax deductions (i.e. marriage, children, mortgage,

program and our Student Awards Program. Almost 30% of SCO

etc.), these estimates are conservative. Many SCO graduates

students receive academic scholarships ranging from $1,000 to

choose to slightly increase the amount of their monthly

$20,000 per year.

repayments. This method, even with only a small increase

Graduating with the least possible debt allows our alumni greater

each month, will shorten a 10-year repayment schedule by

flexibility in repaying loans and thus greater personal financial

several years.

Scholarships & Awards Rewarding academic and clinical excellence through scholarships is a top priorty for SCO.

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SCO is committed to helping students

IIn addition to the endowed scholarships awarded to entering

to lower their indebtedness level. This is

students, SCO offers other endowed scholarships and awards to

evidenced by the significant number of

currently enrolled students through the Annual Student Awards

endowed scholarships the college provides. Eligibility require-

Program. During the 2017-18 academic year, the college awarded

ments vary, but most require exemplary achievements in

over $100,000 to current students based on their excellent SCO

academics, OAT performance, leadership and/or service.

achievements.

Approximately $500,000 is scheduled to be awarded to the

SCO is actively seeking to expand the number of scholarship

entering class of 2019 through the endowed scholarship fund.

opportunities award to students. Rewarding academic and

A complete listing of scholarships with the requirements for each

clinical achievement through scholarships is a top priority for the

is published in the college catalog; however, SCO annually awards

college and its alumni.

four-year scholarships to more than one-third of each entering class. Annual scholarships anticipated for the entering class of 2019 include: • $20,000 (5 students)

• $7,000 (10 students)

• $15,000 (10 students)

• $5,000 (10 students)

• $10,000 (15 students)

• $1,000-4,000 (10 students)

FAQs

19 How do I apply for admission and how difficult is it to get into SCO?

Lauren Watson | Baltimore, MD | SCO Class of 2021

To become a competitive applicant, I would suggest applying early. This will put you in a good spot to receive scholarships as well—the earlier you apply, the more money is available! It is also a good idea to be familiar

Applications for all optometry schools are submitted

with the day-to-day of an optometrist. That can mean

through a centralized application service called Optom-

shadowing them, working in an office, learning about

CAS. This will be where you enter all of your personal

your state’s laws affecting optometry. Many students

information, transcripts, letters of recommendation,

came in not having worked in an optometrists office, but

personal statement, shadowing and work experience, etc.

we all had a good knowledge of the profession we were

SCO requires two letters of recommendation, one from

choosing. Lastly, I would recommend being professional

a pre-professional advisor or science professor and the

during the entire application process.

other from a practicing optometrist who is not related to you. We also require some pre-requisite classes that can be found on our website. In addition to the OptomCAS application, SCO requires a supplemental application, which

If chosen for an interview, those will occur from AugustMarch. Enjoy the day and really ask all the questions you would like!

can be found on our website. Lastly, we will need a copy of

What are the similarities and differences between optometry and medical school

your OAT scores. Applications are accepted July 1-March 1 every year.

Southern College of Optometry is competitive in that many students are interested in participating in our program. We have a very positive reputation in the optometric community. Last year, we had about 821 applicants and our class was 136 in size. The mean GPA was a 3.56, and the mean OAT was a 331. Don’t fret if you don’t meet those numbers--that is just an average and SCO looks at much more than numbers to determine the class.

Marie Huegel | Blythewood, SC | SCO Class of 2021

Medical school and optometry school are very similar in many ways beyond them both being in the medical field.

They both require a great deal of dedication because they consist of four years of didactic and clinical training.

Medical school gives physicians the ability to enter into any particular field of the human body: dermatology, ophthalmology, surgery, neurology, orthopedics, etc., which is why their education is very detailed in each system of the

body. On the other hand, optometry is concentrated in the

The OAT is required for optometry school and consists of a

eyes from the very beginning.

mathematics and physics section. They both have multiple

During the third year of each school, students start seeing

applications and an interview round.

their own patients under a staff doctor. The fourth year of

If you have a passion for vision and ocular health, optom-

school consists of externships, where the students rotate

etry is the field for you.

among different sites of their choosing and continue their skills and knowledge by seeing more patients in a

How expensive is optometry school? How will I finance my education?

particular setting such as a private practice, VA, hospital, and more. The tuition and costs of books are very similar among optometry and medical school.

Nicolas Vu | Mission Viejo, CA | SCO Class of 2019

After the four-year degree, many doctors continue their

As a private institution, Southern College of Optometry

education by completing a residency. A residency is

has among the lowest tuitions of all optometry schools.

further advancement in education in a concentrated

The cost of equipment and textbooks will vary from year

area such as pediatrics or primary care. With medical

to year as students are given the freedom to choose

school, it is required that everyone completes a residency,

between competing equipment vendors and purchase

which can be anywhere between three and seven years.

reading materials at their own discretion. For a good idea

Whereas with optometry, a residency is not required to

of the total cost, you can use the online debt calculator

become a practicing license optometrist. A residency in

and annual budgets that are found in the Financial Aid

optometry is between one and two years.

section of the SCO website.

The process of applying to optometry and medical school

Of course, a student’s living situation impacts the total cost

are very similar. An admission test is required to ensure

too and Memphis offers very affordable living options. In

a basic knowledge of certain areas are mastered before

fact, Memphis has one of the lowest cost of living indexes

attending school: biology, chemistry, organic chemistry,

in the nation.

and reading comprehension. The MCAT is required for

SCO is a not-for-profit institution dedicated solely to

medical school and contains a behavior sciences section.

the student of optometry so every penny goes toward

21 educating well-rounded doctors of optometry. While at

Do I need a degree in science?

first glance this may seem expensive, a quality education from SCO is a worthwhile investment for establishing and

Vishal Patel | Atlanta, GA | Class of 2020

maintaining the longevity of your future career.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a degree in Financial aid, primarily in the form of governmentsubsidized, low interest loans, is available to students at Southern College of Optometry. However, loans are not the only way to pay for school. SCO has many endowed scholarships available to its students, ranging anywhere from $1,000-$20,000 annually, and about a third of SCO’s

science to apply to optometry school. However, with the required prerequisite courses, SCO ensures that you have a science background to be considered as a competitive applicant, as well as preparing you for the rigors of optometry school. If you have a degree in one of the sciences, a majority of the required prerequisites are covered.

students receive an endowed scholarship.

I have a classmate that graduated with a bachelor’s If working for the military sounds like something you would be interested in, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for military scholarships, as well. Each branch of the military has its own requirements, but if chosen, tuition and books are paid for, and a monthly stipend is awarded as well. A part-time job can also bring in extra cash, and SCO has many work-study positions available to its students. Work-study is a really great option to keep in mind as SCO understands and works with your schedule.

With all of the options available, the friendly folks in the Financial Aid Office will be able to guide you to the best financial aid package available and you will be able to fund your education with no problems.

degree in Journalism with a concentration in Advertising.

While her degree is entirely unrelated to science, she also completed the pre-requisite courses before applying. She was concerned about the learning curve when starting optometry school but, as expected, the required courses had prepared her adequately. With the help from a health professions advisor at your undergraduate institution, you can complete both your degree requirements and the prerequisite courses with minimal interference.

One piece of advice I would offer to all incoming students, regardless of major, is to strongly consider taking an anatomy course before you start optometry school. The first semester at SCO is anatomy heavy and having prior exposure to this subject matter helped tremendously.

Is optometry a career with a strong future? How will I find employment after graduation?

Hannah Williams | Bunker Hill, WV | SCO Class of 2020

Hayes Center has a database of open positions for practices throughout the nation that are looking to hire a new doctor, including private practice, group or solo practice, and so on. This resource is not something that we take

Absolutely! Optometry has only continued growing in the last decade or two, and it is projected to continue to do

lightly. We want every student to succeed, and therefore, we will do everything we can to help that happen!

so. Fields of specialization are still arising out of the needs of our patients, such as primary care for geriatric patients

How will The Eye Center enhance my education at SCO?

that are living longer than before or vision rehabilitation therapies for children and patients with traumatic brain injuries, to name only a few. Optometry is very much its

Laila Tawfik | Overland Park, KS | SCO Class of 2019

own profession, standing outside of any other medical

The Eye Center at SCO provides an unparalleled education

doctor that is in the community. We can provide care that

for a variety of reasons. First of all, one of the best ways

other doctors cannot and/or chose not to provide.

to learn is simply by exposure. At the Eye Center, we see

The optometry profession is a community in the United

somewhere between 300-350 patients a day, which adds

States. Networking opportunities through conferences and optometric events are a great way to meet practicing doctors that may be looking to expand their practices in the coming years that you are ready to be hired. Most impressively, Southern College of Optometry has a department called The Hayes Center for Practice Excellence.

With money donated from Dr. Jerry Hayes and his wife and a matched donation from SCO, this department brings speakers, courses, and resources that students will use to prepare for practice, hiring, and being a doctor as soon as desired outside of graduation. Specifically, The

up to around 60,000 patients a year. On a more personal level, each SCO student has an average of about 3,500 individual patient encounters by the time they graduate ensuring that they have enough experience with all age levels. Furthermore, due to the high density of chronic illness in Memphis such as diabetes, students leave SCO well-equipped to manage these and other diseases instead of simply learning about them in the classroom.

We are fortunate enough to have state of the art technology at The Eye Center that allows us to perform tests such as visual field exams, fluorescein angiography, and

23 OCT imaging just to name a few. Students and patients

school is easier than undergrad because every class you

alike benefit from this technology because patients

take will have a direct impact on your future patients

receive a thorough exam and students gain hands-on

and your career. As you’ve probably guessed, if you

experience using this technology. Additionally, our Minor

try to tackle optometry school in the same way many

Surgical Procedure Suite houses four different types of

tackle undergrad (all-nighters fueled by pizza the night

lasers and students can observe ophthalmologists as

before the exam) you’re likely headed for a mid-semester

they perform procedures using these lasers. This allows

mental breakdown! For me, success in optometry school

us to understand exactly what our patients will experience

has come from consistency. Studying a little bit every

when we refer them elsewhere for surgeries.

day, active studying (more than just reading my notes),

The Eye Center provides an extremely well-rounded

and group studying has helped me turn what we learn

clinical education for each and every student that passes

in class into knowledge that sticks with me, rather than

through SCO. Your patient encounters coupled with the

knowledge that leaves my brain the moment I submit

outstanding didactic education that SCO offers will equip

my exam.

you with all of the necessary skills to be a phenomenal

As I alluded to, success in optometry school requires

optometric physician.

consistency and consistency equals time. Well, how do you juggle family, friends, and hobbies if your time is

How difficult is optometry school? Will I have time for my family/personal life?

Courtney Beaumont | Tampa, FL | SCO Class of 2021

dominated by optometry school? As a wife, dog mom, rock climbing enthusiast, and animal shelter volunteer it was difficult for me to strike a balance between school and personal life. I found that efficiency and discipline

Optometry school courses are definitely challenging, but

to be the key ingredients in being able to still be me in

none are impossibly difficult, individually. The difficulty

optometry school.

that most refer to when talking about optometry school stems from the sheer volume of information that you are responsible for, which greatly outweighs any undergraduate curriculum. However, in some ways, optometry

In undergrad, I would spend an entire day studying for one exam, but when I got to optometry school, I realized that not only is that a miserable way to spend a day, it’s also pretty much impossible to do when faced with the

Is it difficult to work while going to optometry school?

massive course load of optometry school. I also realized that my “studying” in undergrad also consisted of reading a BuzzFeed article, getting a third Frappuccino, scrolling through FaceBook, and chit chatting with friends. As an optometry school student, I can now make two hours of studying as fruitful and productive as the 8 hours I would spend studying in undergrad. By putting away my iPhone, and setting a goal for what I want to accomplish in those next couple hours I can master skills and concepts in a shorter amount of time. Efficiency in my studying has allowed me to make time for the other things in my life that are important me. Like taking my sweet pup to the dog park, or finally getting to the top of a rock climbing route!

Jed Harrison | Brigham City, UT | SCO Class of 2019

With any graduate-level education comes the responsibility of paying for it through loans, scholarships and other resources. As a result, it’s common for students to look for ways to provide additional income. Not all students have jobs during the school year, but for those who can, finding a few hours of work a week is a great way to make a small income and take a break from studying. In my experience, it’s not hard to work throughout the school year as long as you maintain a reasonable amount of hours. While each student’s financial needs are different, many students work anywhere from 5-10 hours a week without it nega-

Self-discipline is a virtue vital to just about any venture

tively affecting their study schedule. Even those who work

that you will undertake, and optometry school is no ex-

2-3 hours a week find that it’s beneficial.

ception. I’ve found that in order to have time for my family

Most students who work do so through a Federal Work-

and myself, and still be successful in school I’ve had to

Study position on campus. Several Work-Study positions

have discipline to wake up an hour or so early to prepare

are available in almost every department and hours are

for class, and to be intentional about my time and com-

very flexible according to your class and study needs.

mitments. I’ve done my best to discipline myself so that

These provide students with a few hours of work each

when it’s time for studying and school work, I’m giving it

week and often allow students to study when work is

everything I’ve got, and because I do that I can have time

slow. Most of these positions are held by 1st and 2nd year

for fun. It’s a balancing act! Optometry school prepares

students, but a few students continue to work through

you for a full time job; both professionally and personally

their 3rd year as well. In addition, many students choose

if you do it right!

to work part-time on weekends at Optometric practices or other businesses. In all cases, it’s important to realize that

25 you are a student first. Time management is key when

SCO doesn’t forget that you need to have fun, too!

determining how much to work each week and priority

Intramurals are very popular with students, with sports

should be given to your studies.

running year-round. Omega Delta is a social organization that plans a few fun parties for us each semester around

What activities are available to students at SCO?

Melissa Pongratz | Fort Worth, TX | SCO Class of 2020

Memphis.

SCO also has religious organizations that host bible studies, prayer groups, and other service activities. Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, similar to SVOSH, conducts

Most students at SCO are involved in multiple activities

a mission trip each summer to Central America, at which

outside of class. Since everyone is on the same schedule,

they provide free vision care.

clubs are able to schedule around exams and other

In addition, some of the most popular organizations are

campus events so that we don’t have too many conflicts.

those that center around community outreach and eye

I also encourage you to find groups and activities in the

care service trips. Students Volunteers for Optometric

Memphis community!

Services to Humanity, Lions Club, Fellowship of Christian

Several clubs exist across various focus-areas within the

Optometrists, and Remote Area Medical trips are all

optometric profession including American Optometric Stu-

organizations that push students beyond school walls

dent Association, Optometric Private Practice, state clubs,

into underserved areas to give care both locally and

and Sports Vision among others. These clubs hold regular

abroad. Lastly, SCO has a social fraternity, Omega

meetings that typically host a speaker with experience in

Delta, which organizes events to bring everyone

that area to build on what we learn in the classroom.

together for some fun. Moreover, there are extensive

Although most campus organizations participate in service activities, some are dedicated solely to service.

These include Beta Sigma Kappa and Gold Key Society, both of which are honor societies, and Lion’s Club. One of our largest organizations is Student Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity (SVOSH), which sends over 80 students to countries across Central and South America to provide free vision care.

intermural seasons such as basketball, soccer, and flag football that are taken almost as seriously as exams.

Overall, SCO’s expansive organization options serve as an outlet to help all students find the balance and involvement they need to become well-rounded doctors and leaders.

Timetables & Facts

27

Admissions

Financial Aid

Entering Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Each Fall (Late August)

Financial Aid Application Cycle. . . . . . . . January-April (all 4 years)*

Application Cycle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 1-March 1

Registration/Financial Aid Disbursements. . . . . . . . Each semester

Admissions Decisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rolling

Percent Receiving Financial Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90%

First Admissions Decisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mid-August

Debt Management Counseling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annually

OAT Administration Deadline . . . . . . . . . . March 1 of entering year Tentative Class Size. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

* Financial aid application packets (SCO application and FAFSA) are sent in early January to students accepted into the program by that date. Students accepted after January are sent the financial aid application packets along with their acceptance letters. Enrolled students must re-apply annually for financial aid.

States Represented . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . Canada, The Bahamas, and Vietnam

Applicants to Southern College of Optometry may access the Annual Security Report posted on the college website, sco.edu/

Regional Tuition 2018-2019. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37,176

campus-safety. The report contains safety efforts and statistics

Regional Tuition 2018-2019*

for the campus. Applicants may also request a printed copy by

Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,976 Kansas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31,976 Tennessee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBD West Virginia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,666 * Regional tuition is available for a limited number of students from each regional state.

Acceptance does not guarantee the regional tuition.

contacting the Safety and Security Department at 901-722-3312 or emailing donhenson@sco.edu.

For further information please contact: Office of Student Services and Admissions Southern College of Optometry • 1245 Madison Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38104-2222 901-722-3224 • 800-238-0180 • www.sco.edu