SUNY Downstate Masters program for the summer of 2013?

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Hello All!!

I'm in the process of beginning my applications for Grad School and SUNY downstate is my top choice! I'm getting so nervous though because I hear it is so hard to get accepted. Anyone who has been accepted or currently goes there have any helpful advice? I'll be applying for the summer of 2013 semester.

Science is not my strongest point btw. I'm determined as heck to get A's on all my pre reqs though. My cumulative gpa from my undergrad was a 3.6. I've currently racked up about 60 something hours volunteering at a rehab center for the elderly in their OT dept, and I'm in the process of taking my pre reqs. I work full time in a position similar to OT work because I help developmentally disabled adults become more independent doing adls (activities of daily living) and I have years of experience working with special needs populations. I'm searching for volunteer work now in a different setting to switch it up.

Please, I need all the advice I can get. And honestly, will my gpa be too low to get in?

You have some pretty solid volunteer and work experience. Honestly, my pre-req gpa and undergrad gpa were far from perfect; 3.2 (I think? Sciences dragged me down) for pre-reqs and 3.4 overall. But I had good volunteer experience. If anything, broaden your volunteer exposure. Not sure where you can observe peds since I've never done it. You can try googling sensory gyms and ask if you can observe for a day.

thanks for the reply! you went to downstate?

how were the sciences there? I'm going to try to do really well in my pre req sciences, especially the anatomy and physiology since its so important, but I'm afraid they wont overlook my undergrad science grades. Thank you for the advice about the volunteering! I just emailed a hospital in queens about possibly volunteering, and someone i know is going to get me the number to an OT hand clinic they volunteered at. Going to def look into peds too, like you said. thank you again! any advice is appreciated!

I'm in my 2nd year right now.

The sciences are tough, but they're completely doable. Anatomy will be like having cold water splashed on your face. But once you get through it, you'll realized it wasn't so bad. My biology and chemistry 1 grades were terrible. I think what they want is someone who shows a clear passion for the profession. With your work and volunteering experience, I think they'll overlook it as long as you meet their requirements.

thank you so so so much! I'll be completely honest, I was feeling a bit hopeless about getting into their program but knowing that they dont only accept students who have outstanding grades in science makes me feel more confident about getting in. I'm gonna go all out in trying to get more volunteer experience! And I'm gonna start doing more research into the field so I know what the heck im talking about if i score an interview. Good luck in graduating, and thank you again! your reply is being so appreciated right now!

Glad I could help! Grades are important, but they value experience more. Good luck with your application! There is an info session in 2 weeks, I think. You should attend if you're interested. There will be students there to answer questions from those who attend. One of the professors and someone from admissions will be there to look at your transcript.