Here’s my shameful, horrible (GPA) undergraduate story.
Freshman year: 1.97
Sophomore year: 1.77
Junior year: 2.05
And was dismissed in spring quarter because of many repeated quarters with low gpa (< 2.0). Took 2 quarters of classes through the university’s extension program, and eventually, they let me back to complete my B.S. In the process, switched major from pure Biology to semi-science BioAnthropology. Literally, I was slaughtered by science classes; Ochem and Physics were brutal!
Senior year: 2.88
And phew! Graduated from UCLA, but now with my abysmal 2.49 overall gpa and OT prerequisite gpa 3.9 (although I still need physiology).
Do you think I even have a chance with OT schools? Or even any graduate school? What should I do, be a bum forever? Please help, I’ve pretty much hit bottom. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Does anyone know any OT school that has low (<2.4, doubt any exist!) gpa requirement or one that looks at last 60 or 90 units? I know San Jose State does.
OT is something I really want and dream to do, especially in the pediatric field. Currently, I work with special needed, developmental delay and autistic children; and seeing them, I want to do so much for them to overcome the obstacle of their special need/dependence. Whenever I see their progress or even the slightest improvement, it’s the most amazing feeling ever! I believe OT greatest reward is knowing "it made a difference for that one." (from the starfish story, you guys should read it)

Did you say OT prerequisite gpa 3.9 ?

Either way... look around for all the schools you can that look at the last 60 to 90cr.
York college in NY likes to say they value the interview over the grades.. wherever you go you have to make it look like you can get through the program. IF you bail or fail half way through, that's one seat that isn't making them money for the rest of the class for years, and that isn't good.

your essay should be spot on, how you work w/ OT's in peds and maybe a letter of recommendation from one. (or all of them :meanie:)
Student loans may be harder to get and if you can get them and someone else cant you may gain points. The worst they can say is no.....

Perhaps the schools that want the MAT or GRE would be an angle (if you think you can stand out in them.)

Maybe a COTA spot would be the move.. out a lot sooner, less competitive? Easy to get through w/ a nice 3.5 or better? Just a thought.

You still have a chance, dont worry. You just cant apply to big school names (No NYU's, USC's, or anything with a U in it). There are too many applicants that apply there.
With that being said, there are programs that do NOT get enough applicants! They need to fill 30 seats but only have 23 applications! LOL. Most of these schoos ask the Physical therapy applicants (who dont get into PT) if they want to go to OT school (fact;Ive had so many friends that has that happened to them).

A friend of mine with a 2.7 cum, and 2.7 pre req got in a small college somewhere in the middle of no where. If you are willing to travel to a small college in a small town, chances are application counts are low.
You at least have a 3.9 pre req!
Another person i know got in a small college in Oakland, California, with also a 2.7 gpa cum, and 2.9 pre req.

However you need to have lots of obervation hours and/or health care experience with OT, to show your passion for OT.

With that being said, there are programs that do NOT get enough applicants! They need to fill 30 seats but only have 23 applications! LOL. Most of these schoos ask the Physical therapy applicants (who dont get into PT) if they want to go to OT school (fact;Ive had so many friends that has that happened to them).

A friend of mine with a 2.7 cum, and 2.7 pre req got in a small college somewhere in the middle of no where. If you are willing to travel to a small college in a small town, chances are application counts are low.
You at least have a 3.9 pre req!
Another person i know got in a small college in Oakland, California, with also a 2.7 gpa cum, and 2.9 pre req.
Wow! That's really reassuring to me. Do you know the names of any of these programs that do not receive enough applicants? Even though I'm probably going the OTA to OT route, it's nice to know that there are backups.

Also, stressout, I hope all works well for you. I have no advice, but I feel sympathy.