2014 applicants?!

[RedDevilOT]

Also, would it be possible to somehow make this a sticky? This thread may be quite valuable for many of us in the coming months!

Does anyone know how to make this a sticky? I don't mind doing it but I don't know how...

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[latechdawgs1]

Hey all---

so I've taken the GRE twice and my first time I got a 145 on verbal and math with a 4 on analytical writing...second time I got a 152 verbal and 146 on math with a 3.5 analytical writing. I know that a lot of OT schools care a lot about the writing score and your overall writing abilities in general, so I was just wondering what you guys thought about if I should submit both of my scores to schools (since my first writing score was better even though my overall was lower) or if I should just stick to submitting my second score since it was better!!

Thanks so much for the help

 

[LaxgirlluvsOT]

Major: Therapeutic Recreation
Overall GPA- 3.3
Prereqs- 3.3-3.5 depending on schools
Last 60- 3.4
GRE-149 Verbal 149 Quantitative 4.0 AW

Observation Hours: 120+ in Pediatric OT setting that specialized in the Sensory Learning Program developed by Mary Bolles. 10+ hours in OT hand specialist. 20+ hours in Pediatric OT summer camp.

Volunteer Hours: 560+ hours as a Recreational Therapy Intern. 500+ hours in non-profit agencies. 200+ hours in a adolescent psychiatric facility.

Applying to as many as I can. Any recommendations on other places to shadow/observe or advice?

 

[Dhisle0932]

College: Eastern Kentucky University
Major: Occupational Science
Undergrad GPA: 3.20
Last 60 Hours GPA: ~ 3.30
Pre-req GPA: ~3.5
GRE: Will be taking first of August

I have ~ 20 hours shadowing an OT in an in-patient skilled nursing facility. Will have around 100 observation/volunteer hours when finish.

 

[NCSUgopack]

North Carolina State University
B.S. degrees in Zoology and Botany, B.S. Biological Sciences anticipated Dec 13
Undergrad GPA: 3.62
Last 60 hours: 3.75
Pre-reqs: 3.8 (with A&P I/II, abnormal and dev psych to go)
GRE: Yet to take, expired 2005 score of 700Q, 480V, 5.5W
Native American and Hispanic minority
Presenter at two national conferences (one poster, one oral)
Two research papers
Bilingual English and Spanish
LORs from primary author on my one paper, anesthesiology research director (and my boss) that I was a research assistant with for a year, and an OT that I shadowed 80 hours with
160 observation hours (90 acute care, rest in inpt psych, inpt rehab, hand clinic, SNF, operating room, and outpt peds sensory integration clinic)
500 clinical hours from research assistant position
Looking to specialize in neurology or burns, hoping to address OT needs of Native Americans
Applying to (in order of pref) Columbia, Tufts, UNC, UIC

 

[OTGUY313]

Hi I will be applying to Medical University of San Antonio and Galveston, along with University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Saint Augustine, Medical University of South Carolina, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and NOVA Southeastern University.

I have a 3.3 GPA overall,3.3 Pre Req GPA, 15 Hours of Pediatric, 50 Hours Inpatient, and 50 Hours Outpatient of Shadowing/Volunteering hours. Taking the GRE in a few weeks


What are my chances of getting in these schools and could you guys PLEASE recommend any other schools in Texas or Florida that are worthy of applying for and any advice you could give! Thank you!!!

 

[CharacterZero]

Major: Psychology, Studio Art

Cumulative GPA: 3.12 Otcas, 3.3 from undergrad (college replaced a poor grade for retakes)

Last 60: poor (I switched majors 5 years ago and then quit caring about and going to school so I failed several classes. I eventually quit for about two years, went back and aced my last five classes, and finished two bachelors degrees. However, although it was 5 years ago now, because of this my last 60 is very poor. I'm pretty worried about this).

Pre-req GPA: 4.0 (currently taking A&P II) or 3.9 if biology is included

GRE: Verbal 157, Quant 156, AWA 4.0

Observation: A little over 150: 115+ in pediatric outpatient, 10 snf, 8 hand therapy, 20 inpatient hospital

Applying to: University of Puget Sound, Ithaca College, Midwestern-Glendale, AT Still, University of New England, Colorado State, St Scholastica, Creighton, Shenandoah, U of Utah

 

[tguido]

Hi there! I just joined this forum in hopes that it will help me prepare my applications for OT school. So glad I found this thread! If anyone could give me some insight on whether my low GRE and pre-req GPA will hurt me it would be greatly appreciated. Hoping my experience will make up for them.

Major: Public Health Studies
Minor: Pyschology
Undergraduate GPA at Elon: 3.74, Overall: 3.5
Pre-Req GPA: about 3.41
GRE: V-153, Q-154 W-4

Work Experience: rehab tech at two different clinics- 500 hours

Volunteer: OT in school system- 50 hours, OT in nursing center- 100 hours, shadowed in-patient- 10 hours

Extra-Curric: Studied abroad in India for public health practicum, note taker for disabled students, Division 1 lacrosse student athlete (captain), Exercise Science Society, Girl Scout Gold Award

Plan to Apply to: MUSC, VCU, Thomas Jefferson, UNC, OSU, Rush, Pitt, Illinois and Midwestern (I really want to get in somewhere!)

 

[futureotter]

Hi everyone! I'm hoping to apply for 2014, but reading these timelines I'm wondering if it might be more realistic for me to shoot for 2015?

Here are my stats:

Overall GPA: 2.98 BFA in Photography (graduated in 2010)
Last 60 credit hrs: not positive but I think its much higher, 3.7-4.0, I've taken a lot of community college classes since graduating, all 4.0s
Prereq GPA: 4.0 so far (I am taking Stats and Chem this summer, A&P I in the fall and A&P II in the winter)

GRE: haven't taken yet...plan to take in the fall. should I take it this summer instead?

OT Shadowing: 30 hrs OT shadowing at a children's hospital, more shadowing/volunteering starting in May at a hand clinic, nursing home, hospital, and outpatient pediatric clinic. Shadowing an OT in elementary school this fall.

Related Volunteering: over 1700 hours as a City Year New Orleans Americorps member, teaching math and literacy in the lowest performing elementary school in the city, running an afterschool program, and organizing/participating in various physical service events across the region. I've also done 40 hours as an Applied Behavior Analysis tutor at a preschool for children with autism.

I plan on applying to Temple, Thomas Jefferson, Philadelphia U, U Sciences, and LSUHSC-New Orleans. Possibly more, but definitely those ones. I am currently a resident in PA.

I thought I could finish and turn in my applications around end of December/beginning of January, when my first A&P class is done...then I would only have one prereq to go at time of application. Would this be unrealistic/too last minute?

Thanks for any help/support! This is an incredibly indepth process, and reading this forum has been really helpful! I am ready to work hard and do whatever it takes to become an OT.

Your stats sound really good! But just one thing, I know that Temple and Jefferson are rolling schools. For rolling schools, it's recommended you send in your app as early as possible. Jefferson wants it in during late summer - VERY early fall, and Temple suggested the fall as well. I have my heart set on Temple however and I know I won't be able to get it in until January. I'm still applying even though it may be a long shot because they do take people off the waitlists. I was told Temple typically has a full class by January

 

[IndianaOT]

@philadelphia:

I would advise you to look at each institution's policies carefully on repeated coursework. Some institutions accept the highest score of a repeated prerequisite. Others may average the grades. There are often limitations on prerequisite repeats. The policy for Indiana University's MSOT program is 15 credits only and the second (last) repeat counts.

Best wishes.

Josh Morrison
Director, Student Enrollment Services
IU School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
www.shrs.iupui.edu
[email protected]

 

[DFW Student]

Hi Everyone!

I'm new to the site and this is my first post so I hope I'm doing it right...

I was just wondering if there is anyone on here planning on applying for 2014 admission? Maybe I'm jumping the gun a little but I'm already so anxious about this whole process! Anyway, I'm a first time applicant so I was just curious as to what everyone is working on at the moment (volunteer hours, classes, personal statement, etc). I was also wondering if people already know where they're applying to and if so, where!

I would love to hear from you guys!

Hello all!

I will be applying to the MOT program at TWU (Dallas and Houston). I have completed most of my pre-requisites; so far with a 3.5 gpa (I still have 2 more classes in progress). I graduated with a degree in Health Studies and have a 3.8 on my last 60 hours. For the past couple years I have been working as a case manager (children/adults with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities). I am fluent in Spanish and will have completed over 100 hours of observation at a Pediatric OT clinic by the time I apply.

When I read these forums and see an average gpa of 4.0 and 100+ hours of observation, I can’t help but stress and think my gpa may not be as competitive. TWU no longer interviews, so I plan to submit a strong personal statement with my application.

I am curious to ask… how many of you are working parents? What kind of experience do you have aside from volunteer work? Also, do you think being bilingual will give me an opportunity to be considered amongst the 4.0’s??

I look forward to your feedback and good luck everyone!

 

[classydame]

I'm also hoping to apply for a 2014 program...I'd been thinking about OT for awhile (but not very seriously), and only started getting my act together a few months ago. It's been such an overwhelming process! I would love some feedback/advice/words of wisdom...

I graduated with a BA in Journalism in 2007, so this is a career change for me, and it's been long enough since I'm out of college that I have to take ALL the prerequisites. Currently, I'm a few weeks away from finishing my first two prerequisite courses (out of at least 6...). I'm taking the GRE on Thursday (I have to re-take it because my scores were more than 5 years old!). I'm in the process of trying to find a place to volunteer/observe...I'm nervous though, as I do have a full-time job and am taking two classes a semester on top of working 40 hrs. So I'm not sure how to squeeze volunteering into that!

Any advice regarding applying to schools without all my prerequisites complete (a lot of schools ask that you explain your plan for how you'd complete the courses before the program starts)? Or recommendations for finding a place to volunteer? Or ideas for schools that might be more flexible/easier to get into? Or advice for how not to go crazy because this feels like the most overwhelming thing in the world?

I would so appreciate it!

 

[IndianaOT]

@14otstudent:

Don't forget non-OTCAS programs. Indiana University does not participate in OTCAS, but is a very well-regarded program (#21 in US according to US News). Our NBCOT scores are excellent and our graduates outperform the national average yearly. Hope you'll consider Indiana University in Indianapolis!

Cheers,

Josh Morrison
Director, Student Enrollment Services
IU School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, IUPUI
[email protected]
shrs.iupui.edu

I am also preparing to apply for 2014 admission, and the process is overwhelming!

Major: BS Human Development and Family Science
Overall GPA: 3.85
PREREQ GPA: 4.0

I am currently taking A&P I and will be taking A&P II in the fall. This summer I will be taking abnormal psychology and statistics and the GRE.

I have been shadowing this semester in between classes and on spring break. I have shadowed at two Children's OT centers and one of the OTs there suggested I shadow her in an elementary school setting, which I hope to do when the semester ends. I am also planning to shadow in a nursing home environment this summer. I will probably end up with only about 40-50 hours total, but I plan to have experienced a variety of settings.

I will be applying to several schools through OTCAS. My first choice is University of Alabama at Birmingham. I will probably also apply to Ohio State,
Brenau University in Georgia, and Rush University in Illinois. My plan is to apply early to the schools in OTCAS for which I have met the prerequisite requirements.

I think the hardest part for me is the letters of recommendation. At a large university, you can go through a degree and never see the same professor twice, and in large classes, they might not get to know you. I typically don't need a lot of assistance from them, so it has been a challenge to get to know a professor well enough for a letter of recommendation.

 

[133909]

Hey prospective students! Good luck to you all during this process! I will be starting my MSOT program this August--but it took me two rounds of admissions cycles to get accepted into a program. The first year I applied only to two schools and got i to neither. The second year I applied to 10 and got into four and waitlisted at 3. So dont give up but also dont put all your eggs in one basket, as the programs are very, very competitive. I saw a few of you are applying to UIC, which is one of the schools I did not get into, and I just want you all to be aware they are extremely particular about the students admitted in their program. This is an excerpt from my rejection letter. It is a wonderful program, I just want applicants to be aware of what they are looking for!

Thank you for your interest in and application to the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. We had a large increase in the number of applicants this year, approximately 600 applicants for 38 slots.

With our average grade point average of about 3.75 for the last 60 hours of the bachelor’s degree as well as for the prerequisite courses, and the average GRE score well above the 60th percentile, it is very competitive to be admitted to our program. While we also value volunteer and work experiences, students that are below in one or more of the academic areas above typically do not get accepted. The accepted student will usually be in the higher range in at least two of the three areas of grade point average, GRE, and experience, or in the middle-high range for all three areas.The higher range for experience would include over 200 hours of relevant volunteer or service experiences plus some work experience, or relevant work experience of two years or more.


I hope you all get into programs for the 2014 cycle good luck to you all!

 

[RedDevilOT]

I'm glad to see that everyone has been working hard and getting things ready to apply! For those of you applying to OTCAS schools, 1 WEEK UNTIL IT OPENS!! I don't know about you all, but I'm starting to freak out a bit...I feel like I still have so much to do!

Right now I'm kind of struggling on the personal statement. I feel like I could take it in so many different directions and I don't know which one's best. I definitely realize the importance of the PS and how it can boost an application with a lower GPA, prereq GPA, etc. so I think that's adding to my writer's block. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

 

[mlc54]

I'm not sure if you've seen it already, but this was the prompt for the personal statement during the 2012-2013 OTCAS cycle:

Your Personal Essay should address why you selected OT as a career and how an Occupational Therapy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals. The personal essay is an important part of your application for admission and provides you with an opportunity for you to clearly and effectively express your ideas.

Do NOT personalize your essay for a particular degree institution.You can NOT make any edits to your Personal Essay after you have e-submitted your completed application to OTCAS.

You are encouraged to compose your essay in a text-only word processor (e.g., Notepad), review your essay for errors, then cut and paste the final version into the text box above. Click the Save button and then return to the Personal Essay to review the formatting of your text. You are limited to approximately 1 page (7500 characters, including spaces). Some formatting characters used in programs like Word (angled quotes, accents, special characters) will not display properly. Take care to review your final text and to make the necessary corrections to the format.

Hopefully that will help guide you a little since I don't think they would change the prompt much from year to year (if they change the prompt at all).

Good luck everyone!!

 

[Kidamnesiac]

Major: Psychology/Religious Studies; Graduate: MDiv
Overall GPA- 3.38
Prereqs- 3.8 (4 left...2 in the fall, 2 in the spring)
Last 60- 3.5
GRE-162 Verbal 157 Quantitative 5.5 AW

Observation Hours: 4 h Early Intervention and 4 coming next week in Hand Therapy!

Volunteer Hours: Alot...working with homeless populations and hispanic populations in ministry settings, human trafficking awareness, food/nutrition ethics. Nothing directly health related.

Applying to: UNC-CH, ECU

I'm a career change guy, and a little worried that this is going to work on my first try. I went all out on the GRE's because I was aiming for graduate work in philosophy, and very, very recently, I changed my mind on that track. I became very disenchanted by what I saw on the other end of humanities programs in the academy. I absolutely love what I'm experiencing so far in this field. I'm hoping that a killer S.O.P. (I've been studying how to do these for a while for another program) and good recommendations, along with my GRE's will help me. I'm looking at some of the other profiles on this site and it looks like the competition is steep for OT. I've been reading the literature of the OS scholars at UNC, and I'm excited about the approach to OS and OT. Good luck to everyone!

 

[alg5443]

University: Penn State
Major: Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.74
Pre-Req GPA: 3.74 - 4.0 Depending on the school
GRE: 154 V 156 Q 5.5 AW

Shadowing: Will have about 120 hours in by the end of the summer. Hand Therapy, SNF, and an outpatient clinic.

Extra-Curric: Resident Assistant for 2 years, over 300 hours volunteering for Penn State's Dance Marathon (THON) to fight pediatric cancer, psych tutor for students with disabilities in college, spanish tutor for a high school student, occupational therapy club, a year practicum working with children with a variety of conditions such as autism and oppositional defiant disorder, and a member of the National Residence Hall Honorary.

I'm planning to apply to Temple, Pitt, Thomas Jefferson, PhilaU, Sacred Heart, Misericorida, and Bay Path.

This is such a stressful process and I am so nervous!
Wishing everyone the best of luck and I hope we all end up where we want to be!

 

[RedDevilOT]

Hi Everyone! I'm posting my finalized stats because I'm planning on submitting my OTCAS app today!

Major: Biology, Economics Minor
Overall GPA: 3.28 (Undergrad GPA: 3.19)
Last 60: 3.70
Prereq GPA: Somewhere between 3.72 and 3.97 (depending on the school)

OT observation hours: 20 in hand therapy, 20 in pediatric outpatient hospital clinic, 23 in inpatient pediatric hospital, 52 in skilled nursing facility (115 hours total)
GRE: 155 V (66%), 149 Q (37%) and 4.0 W (54%)
Extracurriculars: 4-year NCAA DIII Varsity Softball, Pre-Health Society, Alpha Phi Omega (National Co-ed Service Fraternity), Alpha Lambda Delta (National Honor Society)
Other: Got a job for the year off as a clinical associate helping children and adolescents with autism and other intellectual or developmental disabilities overcome severe behavioral challenges

Plan on applying to: Thomas Jefferson, VCU, Towson, Temple, Philly U, Sacred Heart, and Richard Stockton

Good luck to everybody! The process in so stressful but it'll be worth it in the end!