This was our first meeting of the semester and Sunnie Ewing from Southern College of Optometry came to present to us.
Southern College of Optometry (SCO) is a stand alone optometry school in Memphis, TN. They have:
- 100% Board passage rate
- Summer research program
- Known for clinical program – largest optometric center in the country
- Offsite clinic called Focal Point (boutique setting)
- UEC at University of Memphis
- MobileEYES bus
- Regional tuition options for certain states
- Scholarships range from $1,000-$20,000 per year
- Students see approximately 3,000 patients before graduating
- Start clinic 2nd year and 3rd year – 4th year is completely clinical
- Over 100 extern sites for 4th year
- Student organizations – 20+ (AOSA, SVOSH, etc)
- State day – reps from different states come to learn about legislation and make connections
- Travel grants available for national conferences
- Hayes Center for Practice Excellence – work with students’ individual goals
- Memphis
- Mud Island
- Music
- Food
- Prerequisites
- No specific major requirements
- Can be accepted without a bachelors degree
- OptomCAS
- Apply early
- Recommendation letters, supplemental, OAT
- Verified application, invited for interview
- Closed-file session with faculty, open-file session with Admissions Office
- Tour of facilities, lunch with financial aid session
- Shadow at least 45 hours, different modes of practices
Thank you to Sunnie for coming to talk to us about SCO!