Assessing The Michigan College Of Optometry's Curriculum And Admissions Process.

Background. This study provides information about the Michigan College of Optometry’s (MCO) current curriculum and admissions process from the view point of the students. This project also cross analyzed many different criteria including the number of schools applied to, grade point average, admission test scores, and reasons for choosing MCO over other optometry schools in order to obtain a reason for the abnormally high applicant scores for the class of 2010. Methods: A survey was distributed in order to assess MCO’s curriculum and admissions process. The information obtained from this study could provide the school with a basis for making adjustments to the current program. Results: Based on the results of this study microbiology was recorded as the least useful class while, ocular health assessment was recorded as the most useful class. Students also felt that more ancillary testing procedures and interpretation of results needed to be taught by MCO faculty. When looking at the admissions process, most students chose MCO due to instate tuition and small class size and the majority of applicants with scores of 330 or greater on the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) only applied to MCO. This study also concluded that statistically there is not a difference between the Classes of 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 at MCO based on OAT scores and grade point average (GPA). Conclusions: Students are an invaluable asset to helping critique and exemplify current curriculum and admissions, thus their thoughts should be considered before modifications are made.