Berkeley Optometry Opto-Camp

Excited by the idea of spending three days at UC Berkeley? Interested in a career in the health professions? Intrigued by the field of Optometry and want to learn more? ... then Opto-Camp is for you! Opto-Camp applications will be available in mid-2010. Coming June 21-23 and July 19-21, 2010!

Goal

The goal of Berkeley Optometry's Opto-Camp is to introduce underrepresented pre-health science majors to Optometry as a potential future career track and to prepare them to be successful applicants to optometry school.

Objective

The objective of Berkeley Optometry's Opto-Camp is to present a three-day "in residence" experience that will provide participants with opportunities to learn about the profession of optometry and the process of becoming an optometrist.

 You can view the past schedule from summer 2008: Agenda/Schedule 2008 [PDF format].

Who Can Participate?

• Participants must be enrolled for the fall of 2009 in an accredited four-year college or university, or a junior college.

• Preferential consideration will be given to those applicants who will be entering into their senior year of college in the fall of 2009, then to those who will be juniors, and then to those who will be sophomores.

• We will also consider applications from those who have already completed their undergraduate studies.

• Out-of-State prospective Opto-Campers are welcomed and encouraged to apply.

• A declared, or anticipated, major in the Sciences is preferred, but not required.

• Preferential consideration will be given to applicants who are the first in their family to pursue post-high school education.

• Preferential consideration will also be given to applicants who have a 2.8, or higher, cumulative GPA.

• Participation will be capped at 30 Opto-Campers per session.

• We do not consider applications from high school students.

Support If selected, there is a $100 program fee to attend. A limited number of scholarships are available per session. Instructions are listed under "How Do I Apply". Opto-Camp participants need to cover their travel expenses to and from the UC Berkeley campus.

How Do I Apply?

Opto-Camp Applications Are Closed for 2009.

Before starting the application, please note that we prefer self-managed applications. This means that applicants should mail their application, one letter of recommendation and cover form, official transcripts, and application fee in ONE envelope.

The Opto-Camp application is available as a writeable PDF file. You may choose to either type or handwrite your application. We do not have a preference either way; however, should you choose to handwrite your application, make sure your handwriting is clear and legible.

Application Materials

In order to deem your Opto-Camp application complete, the following must be submitted by the postmark deadline of Monday, April 27, 2009:

• Completed Student Profile
• Completed Family Profile
• Completed Short Answers
• Letter of Recommendation and accompanying cover form in a signed and sealed envelope
• Your most recent college or university official transcript in a signed and sealed envelope
• $15.00 non-refundable application processing fee. Only pay by personal check or money order, made out to "UC Regents." Please do not include cash! Sorry, no application fee waivers!
• If you wish to be considered for an Opto-Camp scholarship, please submit your financial aid award letter from the undergraduate institution you currently attend. If you are not currently enrolled, please submit a copy of your and your parents', where applicable, income tax return(s) and W2(s) from 2008. In addition to documentation, please complete the scholarship form in the Opto-Camp application.
• Application Form: Opto-Camp Application 2009 (applications closed for 2009)

Mail everything to:

Berkeley Optometry Opto-Camp
Admissions and Student Affairs Office
397 Minor Hall
School of Optometry
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720-2020