KYCO Admissions

Applying to the Kentucky College of Optometry

Students from across the country choose UPIKE’s Kentucky College of Optometry because of our commitment to excellent education and patient care. Optometry faculty are innovators in their field and prepare students with a clear path for professional success.

Application Process

The Kentucky College of Optometry is accepting applications with application cycles closing each year on March 31.

Below is a checklist of all required materials necessary for a completed Admissions Application to the University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) program. Based on the submitted application and information, applicants will be invited for an on-site interview. All application materials must be received by the Kentucky College of Optometry by the March 31 deadline. Admission to the Kentucky College of Optometry is done on a rolling basis; therefore, early application is highly recommended.

1. Completed OptomCAS application and fee
2. Official transcripts (also submitted through OptomCAS)
   – Submit all transcripts from undergraduate, post-baccalaureate and graduate programs attended through OptomCAS.
   – Request transcripts to be sent to OptomCAS early in the application process to ensure they are received prior to the application deadline.
3. Letters of evaluation (submitted through OptomCAS)
   Although OptomCAS allows up to four letters of recommendation to be entered into the online application, KYCO requires, and will only review, two letters of recommendation.
   – One recommendation should be from a healthcare provider (preferably an O.D. who is a member of the AOA)
   – One recommendation should be from any of the following:
   • Pre-healthcare professional committee member
   • Pre-healthcare advisor
   • Science faculty member

Students are also required to take one of the following professional exams: Optometry Admission Test (OAT), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT) or Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT).

KYCO Student Ambassadors

At the Kentucky College of Optometry, students may apply to become student ambassadors after their first semester of optometry school. Our student ambassadors work closely with our admissions team and help with various admissions events throughout the application cycle. Click the button below to meet our current student ambassadors.

Financial Aid

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