Requirement for retention in BIOP while at TCNJ
What if I fail to meet the requirements?
Can I defer admission to SUNY?
The following are required while attending TCNJ for BIOP:
1. Maintain at least a 3.3 overall GPA
2. Maintain at least a 3.3 overall GPA in the math and science prerequisites with no individual grade below a “C”
3. Take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) in the 3rd undergraduate year and attain all individual scores above 330 each on each section
4. All students (including BIOP) applying to SUNY must obtain a composite letter from the Pre-professional Committee.
- Get the correct forms for the recommendation letters from the department office
- Have four (4) letters of recommendation with the forms sent to the department office
- Once your letters arrive a file will be created for you
- All of your letters must arrive in the department office one (1) month before the application deadline
- A composite letter will be prepared and sent to SUNY on your behalf
- Without a composite letter your application to SUNY will not be considered
- If applying to a school other than SUNY you should check with the admissions department for composite letter requirements
5. Submit all transcripts of academic work
6. Show evidence of community involvement
7. Explore the profession extensively
8. Submit the routine SUNY College of Optometry application required of all students during your 3rd undergraduate year
9. Submit to a final interview at the SUNY College of Optometry during your 3rd undergraduate year
10. Meet all the requirements for TCNJ graduation (toward the BIOP)
What if I fail to meet the requirements while at TCNJ?
1. If you are in the BIOP program and fail to meet the requirements (e.g. 3.3 GPA) then you will not be admitted to SUNY and will have to complete a regular 4-year degree at TCNJ
2. If you meet the requirements for transfer into BIOA (or other major) then you can apply for a change of major
3. If you meet all the requirement for BIOA (or other major) AND the prerequisites for SUNY you can apply for admission as a regular applicant
NOTE: If GPA or OAT test scores are slightly below minimum requirements then admission decisions will be made on a case by case basis by the V.P. of Student Affairs at SUNY (Dr. Jeffrey Philpott, jphilpott@sunyopt.edu).
Can I defer admission to SUNY?
1. Provided that you have met all the requirements for the BIOP program it may possible to defer your entry into SUNY
2. Decisions will be made on a case by case basis by the V.P. of Student Affairs at SUNY (Dr. Jeffrey Philpott, jphilpott@sunyopt.edu) and the admissions committee