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  5. CCO Dual Acceptance Program

CCO Dual Acceptance Program

The Dual Acceptance Program offers early acceptance into the Chicago College of Optometry for qualified students.

Chicago College of Optometry Dual Acceptance Program

The Chicago College of Optometry (CCO) Dual Acceptance Program (DAP) is an early acceptance program for selected students who successfully complete the specified pre-optometry coursework. The Dual Acceptance Programs are currently in effect with Benedictine University, DePaul University, Elmhurst University, Lake Forest College, Lewis University, and Arizona Christian University.

Benefits of the DAP

  • Provides for an excellent foundation in pre-optometry education.
  • Sets out a clear road map for which courses to take and when.
  • Exempts the student from the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) and associated fees.
  • Exempts the student from the OptomCAS application process and associated fees.
  • Guarantees entry to MWU CCO well in advance with successful completion of all program requirements. 

Track 1

This track is available to high school students who apply by March 1 of  senior year of high school. To receive consideration for the Dual Acceptance Program, Track 1, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Earn admission to the undergraduate institution as a first-year student.
  • Must obtain a minimum score of 26 (ACT) or 1250 (SAT) on a College Entrance Exam.
  • Obtain a minimum high school GPA of 3.20/4.00.
  • Demonstrate a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities.
  • Demonstrate commitment to the optometry profession as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer, or other life experiences.
  • Possess the oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues.

Track 2

This track is available to students who have recently enrolled at their undergraduate institution. To receive consideration for the Dual Acceptance Program, Track 2, students must meet the following requirements:.

  • Must be completing spring term coursework, and must have not been enrolled in any other post-secondary institution.
  • Minimum undergraduate overall and science GPA of 3.40/4.00.
  • Must have obtained a minimum score of 26 (ACT) or 1250 (SAT) on a College Entrance Exam.
  • Demonstrate a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities.
  • Demonstrate commitment to the optometry profession as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer, or other life experiences.
  • Possess the oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues