Info on WestCoast University Los Angeles

[cal1992]

Hey! I'm currently a student in this program. Just make sure you know how to verbalize what occupational therapy means

Thank you! How do you like the program?

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[RiverSong47]

I also just finished my first trimester at WCU and it was intense but I feel confident that this school is going to prepare me well for my future practices! The staff is amazinnggg! If you guys do decide to attend, be prepared, it'll be tough but definetely worth it :]
If you guys are interviewing...GOOD LUCK!! DON'T BE NERVOUS! YOU'LL BE FINE

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! With the school being recently accredited I haven't heard much feedback on the program and wanted to know how current students felt about it before applying for Spring 2016. I have now decided to apply! Do you mind sharing your stats and/or any advice for people like me going through the application process right now?

 

[cici88]

Have anyone heard back from the school yet?

 

[cici88]

Hey! I'm currently a student in this program. Just make sure you know how to verbalize what occupational therapy means

I also just finished my first trimester at WCU and it was intense but I feel confident that this school is going to prepare me well for my future practices! The staff is amazinnggg! If you guys do decide to attend, be prepared, it'll be tough but definetely worth it :]
If you guys are interviewing...GOOD LUCK!! DON'T BE NERVOUS! YOU'LL BE FINE

Can you please give us a heads up or example what should we prepare for or expect when you say its going to be tough please? Are the materials really hard?

 

[brebre1019]

Does anyone know when we are supposed to know if we have been accepted or not for the Fall?

 

[KIMMYOT]

I was told after the interview and essay completion that emails would be sent june 12th

 

[cal1992]

I emailed the admissions person and she said she will try to start sending emails today, the latest we will hear is the 12th. If anyone receives anything let me know!

 

[futureOTsj]

I got wait listed but, I'll be attending Touro NV next month. Good luck to everyone!

 

[cal1992]

I got wait listed as well

 

[jjhale0787]

I am also on the wait list and very disappointed!

 

[JQ353]

I got accepted!!

For all those who didn't get accepted or got waitlisted.. don't give up. This is my third year applying. Strengthen your application, rock your interviews and just don't give up.

 

[cal1992]

I got accepted!!

For all those who didn't get accepted or got waitlisted.. don't give up. This is my third year applying. Strengthen your application, rock your interviews and just don't give up.

Congrats on getting accepted! And thanks for your encouging words

 

[jjhale0787]

I got accepted!!

For all those who didn't get accepted or got waitlisted.. don't give up. This is my third year applying. Strengthen your application, rock your interviews and just don't give up.

Yes, Congrats! You must feel so relieved and excited right now!

A couple questions:
Do you mind sharing your stats?
Did you apply to WCU 3 times?
How did you feel your interview went?

Thanks!

 

[Baka2017]

I got accepted too!!

JQ353 was right! For those who got wait listed, don’t give up!! I got rejected by other schools too…..

 

[CK_ot]

Hi all,

I was also wait listed for the program, i was somewhat disappointed but glad that I was not rejected alltogether.

It just makes me wonder what the university considers a qualified candidate.

 

[deejayy]

Hi, for all those receiving wcu admissions decisions around this time, do you mind sharing your stats when you post?
It'll be a great help for others! Thanks!
Also, Congrats to everyone! and remember to keep your head up and keep pushing on!

 

[Baka2017]

here are my stats:

Overall GPA:3.57
Prerequisite GPA:3.8
Over 300 volunteer hours (one in pediatric clinic and another one in rehab center)

 

[JQ353]

Yes, Congrats! You must feel so relieved and excited right now!

A couple questions:
Do you mind sharing your stats?
Did you apply to WCU 3 times?
How did you feel your interview went?

Thanks!

Honestly my stats aren't the best.
My Cumulative GPA: 2.70 (I was a very bad freshman)
Pre-req GPA: 3.5
150+ hrs of Volunteer experience (all in outpatient pediatrics)
I currently work as a personal trainer.

This was my first time applying to WCU. I thought I had a really good interview and I think it's what really saved me. I really tried to just treat it like a conversation. I used my interview to not only explain how passionate I was about being an OT but how my experiences during volunteering and training has helped me understand OT. My best advise during an interview is to not just tell them why you want to be an OT, but explain to them you understand it. Give them examples and stories of what you've personally done that translates into the life of an OT.

WCU was one of the few schools that would consider my application due to my poor cumulative. It just shows though that there is still hope for anyone with a low GPA.

 

[KIMMYOT]

I got accepted too!!!! Let's start a Facebook group

 

[prodigiousflame]

For those who got waitlisted..just curious what your stats were?

 

[CK_ot]

For those who got waitlisted..just curious what your stats were?

Hi! I was wait listed. Here are my stats:

Over all GPA: 3.65
Pre-Req GAP: 3.7-3.8, it's somewhere in between that, I'm not exactly sure!
Volunteer hours: 300+ from work experience and a pediatric clinic

 

[KIMMYOT]

I got accepted!!

For all those who didn't get accepted or got waitlisted.. don't give up. This is my third year applying. Strengthen your application, rock your interviews and just don't give up.

I got ACCEPTED !!!

Undergrad: UCLA
Pre req gpa: 3.7
Overall gpa: 3.2
Volunteer work: 110 hrs skilled nursing facility/ private care taker/ Volunteered at an orphanage in Panama/ Worked at a pharmacy for 2 years

Honestly, I agree with JQ353! The interview felt more like a conversation. I don't think it's a matter of who did more volunteer hours, but rather who understands how it is applicable to your future OT settings.

I originally applied to Pharmacy School 3 years ago, until I realized I wasn't passionate about it anymore. However, during the interview I explained my transition, and applied the skills I gained from working at a Pharmacy (communication/ patient privacy/ being able to work with a multitude of health care providers, just to name a few). I was hesitant about explaining my Pharmacy path but I think it showed sincerity and growth during my interview. Honestly, you just have to be yourself and be able to show that their investment in you is not only to pass classes but truly make a difference in the Occupational Therapy field.

 

[cal1992]

My stats for being wait-listed are:

GPA: 3.46
Pre-req: Not sure of exact GPA but mostly A's and some B's
Volunteer: 80+ hours in various settings, outpatient hand therapy, pediatrics and hospital.
I currently work as a fitness specialist/trainer in a medical fitness center.

I honestly thought I did well in the interview but I guess I didn't give the exact answers they were looking for. The interviewer did ask me why I want to do OT as opposed to PT because I have a very physical background with where I work. She didn't seem convinced when I tried to stress that OT is really what I want to do. I made sure I knew how to explain OT and relate it to my field now. I'm pretty bummed since this was the last school possibility for this cycle for me. I plan on trying again, but if anyone has an advice feel free to reach out! I'd appreciate any help.

 

[jjhale0787]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the responses. Yeah my stats aren't great either.

Over-all GPA: 2.9
Prerequisite: 3.6
150 hours of volunteer in two different setting

Right now Ian working as a resource counselor for adults with disabilities.

I felt that the interview didn't go so well. I was really nervous and I felt like I rushed all of my answers. At the end of the interview she asked me if I had any questions and I completely blanked on everything I had prepared.

I am really curious about how the wait list works and if there is rolling admission.

I am also concerned about applying the next time around because on the website under admission requirements it says a bachelor's degree with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. I know this wasn't the case this time around considering I have a 2.9.

Anyways, congrats again to everyone!

 

[jjhale0787]

For those of you who got in- can you let us know when you have to confirm that you are attending WCU?

 

[KIMMYOT]

For those of you who got in- can you let us know when you have to confirm that you are attending WCU?

JUNE 24 th, very soon!!!

 

[jjhale0787]

JUNE 24 th, very soon!!!

Thanks KimmyOt.

 

[jjhale0787]

Honestly my stats aren't the best.
My Cumulative GPA: 2.70 (I was a very bad freshman)
Pre-req GPA: 3.5
150+ hrs of Volunteer experience (all in outpatient pediatrics)
I currently work as a personal trainer.

This was my first time applying to WCU. I thought I had a really good interview and I think it's what really saved me. I really tried to just treat it like a conversation. I used my interview to not only explain how passionate I was about being an OT but how my experiences during volunteering and training has helped me understand OT. My best advise during an interview is to not just tell them why you want to be an OT, but explain to them you understand it. Give them examples and stories of what you've personally done that translates into the life of an OT.

WCU was one of the few schools that would consider my application due to my poor cumulative. It just shows though that there is still hope for anyone with a low GPA.

Thanks for the encouraging words! I emailed Mary and they changed the cumulative GPA to 3.0 to be able to apply. So lucky for you you got in just in time! For me it really sucks. My overall is a 2.9 ;(((

 

[JQ353]

My stats for being wait-listed are:

GPA: 3.46
Pre-req: Not sure of exact GPA but mostly A's and some B's
Volunteer: 80+ hours in various settings, outpatient hand therapy, pediatrics and hospital.
I currently work as a fitness specialist/trainer in a medical fitness center.

I honestly thought I did well in the interview but I guess I didn't give the exact answers they were looking for. The interviewer did ask me why I want to do OT as opposed to PT because I have a very physical background with where I work. She didn't seem convinced when I tried to stress that OT is really what I want to do. I made sure I knew how to explain OT and relate it to my field now. I'm pretty bummed since this was the last school possibility for this cycle for me. I plan on trying again, but if anyone has an advice feel free to reach out! I'd appreciate any help.

You can totally do this. My background is almost identical to yours. I'm a trainer as well. I've been asked why I didn't choose pt a billion times. My advice, don't just tell them ot is really what you want to do. Explain to them why ot is what you want to do. Give examples from your experience that made you so passionate about pursuing ot. Open up and be honest.

You can do this, definitely! Plus you have much better grades than me! Best of luck.

 

[JGonzo_CSUF]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the responses. Yeah my stats aren't great either.

Over-all GPA: 2.9
Prerequisite: 3.6
150 hours of volunteer in two different setting

Right now Ian working as a resource counselor for adults with disabilities.

I felt that the interview didn't go so well. I was really nervous and I felt like I rushed all of my answers. At the end of the interview she asked me if I had any questions and I completely blanked on everything I had prepared.

I am really curious about how the wait list works and if there is rolling admission.

I am also concerned about applying the next time around because on the website under admission requirements it says a bachelor's degree with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. I know this wasn't the case this time around considering I have a 2.9.

Anyways, congrats again to everyone!

Hi everyone,

Hello!

I got wait listed but also had the option of accepting for Spring admission too. So I guess that means it's rolling admission? I was a little confused and emailed Mary. She said I could be put on the wait list and if a spot opened, I would go in the Fall. If not, then I could get in for Spring still. Hope that helps a little!

 

[CK_ot]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the responses. Yeah my stats aren't great either.

Over-all GPA: 2.9
Prerequisite: 3.6
150 hours of volunteer in two different setting

Right now Ian working as a resource counselor for adults with disabilities.

I felt that the interview didn't go so well. I was really nervous and I felt like I rushed all of my answers. At the end of the interview she asked me if I had any questions and I completely blanked on everything I had prepared.

I am really curious about how the wait list works and if there is rolling admission.

I am also concerned about applying the next time around because on the website under admission requirements it says a bachelor's degree with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. I know this wasn't the case this time around considering I have a 2.9.

Anyways, congrats again to everyone!

Hi!

I asked Mary in previous emails about rolling admissions and they do not have rolling admissions. Just to let you know!

I saw that you were wait listed with an option to get in for spring, was that in your email? Sorry, if I'm sounding nosey, lol. I was just given several different answers as far as being wait listed but also having an option to start in spring, depending on WCU and what your email stated.

In my email, mary said that I was just wait listed for fall and I would need to reapply for spring.. It's just kind of sad and frustrating.

 

[jjhale0787]

For me, I am just wait listed. She said I didn't get chosen for the spring option. Which makes my chances very very slim of getting in. She said I need to raise my prerequisite GPA to 3.7 if I want to reapply. She said that is the exception to having a Overall GPA lower than 3.0. She also said you are only allowed to reapply once!

 

[CK_ot]

For me, I am just wait listed. She said I didn't get chosen for the spring option. Which makes my chances very very slim of getting in. She said I need to raise my prerequisite GPA to 3.7 if I want to reapply. She said that is the exception to having a Overall GPA lower than 3.0. She also said you are only allowed to reapply once!

Ahh, I see. Thanks for your help! I guess I have a slim chance of getting as well since I was just wait listed and not given the option for spring acceptance. I'd email her but she's probably tired hearing from me again, lol.

 

[jjhale0787]

Ahh, I see. Thanks for your help! I guess I have a slim chance of getting as well since I was just wait listed and not given the option for spring acceptance. I'd email her but she's probably tired hearing from me again, lol.

Lol I know me too. She has probably gotten so many emails!

 

[KIMMYOT]

If you've gotten accepted please add the group WCU MSOT Fall 2015 on Facebook!!

 

[CK_ot]

Lol I know me too. She has probably gotten so many emails!

Lol right! She's probably so annoyed with emails right now. All I can say right now is that, I hope we have a chance of getting in this Fall!

 

[cmgrand]

I just heard back from WCU last week. I received my acceptance letter and i'll begin the OT program in September. Has anyone else been accepted?

 

[Baka2017]

I just heard back from WCU last week. I received my acceptance letter and i'll begin the OT program in September. Has anyone else been accepted?

hi cmgrand!congrats!! join the Facebook group “WCU MSOT FALL 2015” to meet some of the students who got accepted too

 

[underwaterrr]

congrats to everyone who got accepted

Welcome to WCU, Orange cohort

 

[cookiemonsterOT]

I was wait listed as well. Hoping to find out some kind of ranking soon. Congrats to those accepted!!

 

[ashlykwz]

Congrats to everyone accepted!

I was wait listed (not with the choice of Spring) Very curious where I am ranked. Hopefully we find out soon. I had to give an answer of whether I wanted to be on the wait list by June 26th.

My overall gpa: 3.0
Prerequisite gpa: 3.7
(Medical terminology A
English/Communication courses: A and A
Statistics: A
Anatomy: A
Physiology: B
Developmental Psych/lifespan human development: A-
Abnormal Psych: B
2 courses in humanities/Social Sciences: A and A-)

Observation/Volunteer hours: Over 2,000 (inpatient, outpatient, pediatrics, handy therapy, behavioral aba therapy, pt clinics)
I felt my interview went well overall but I felt like I ran out of time in which I wasn't able to fully express myself.
I also felt like I did well on my essay.

The waiting game is brutal! I am well prepared and anxious to begin my OT journey!

How many accepted candidates have accepted their spots?

 

[JGonzo_CSUF]

I had been wait listed with acceptance to Spring. I had filled out everything for Spring and Mary had let me know I was #2 on the wait list for Fall. Then she called last Friday and told me that I got into the Fall cohort. Hope that helps a little and good luck to everyone!

 

[jjhale0787]

I have terrible news for myself! Mary let me know that I am #69 on the waitlist! I do not know how many people are on the waitlist but I think it is crazy how many people they allow on the waitlist. I'm assuming they put everyone on the waitlist and then rank them and I am at the end;(

 

[CK_ot]

I have terrible news for myself! Mary let me know that I am #69 on the waitlist! I do not know how many people are on the waitlist but I think it is crazy how many people they allow on the waitlist. I'm assuming they put everyone on the waitlist and then rank them and I am at the end;(

Omg! That's INSANE and a bit ridiculous that they allow that many people on the wait list! Did she email you?

I'm sorry for your news!

 

[jjhale0787]

Yes, I emailed her asking what my rank was on the waitlist. I really wish I didn't ask now.

 

[CK_ot]

Yes, I emailed her asking what my rank was on the waitlist. I really wish I didn't ask now.

Oh my gosh, I'm sorry. I would definitely feel the same way you do and I'm so feeling it now!

Now I feel like I don't want to know where I stand on the list. It almost seems like it's their way of rejecting people? Idk.

 

[ashlykwz]

I have terrible news for myself! Mary let me know that I am #69 on the waitlist! I do not know how many people are on the waitlist but I think it is crazy how many people they allow on the waitlist. I'm assuming they put everyone on the waitlist and then rank them and I am at the end;(

Hi jjhale0787- I am also on the wait list (with no option for Spring) and anxious…yet not so anxious…to hear where I stand on the list. I was pretty bummed after hearing that many people were on the wait list with the option for Spring admission. I suppose their rejection/wait list is bittersweet. My stats are similar to yours and therefore feel I may be around the same spot on the wait list. Do you remember exactly what they measure us on? I don't believe our overall gpa was part of the ranking. I believe they rank us on a point system consisting of our prerequisite gpa, our references, our interview, and our essay on interview day. I will definitely apply for the Spring cohort, but I wish I knew where I lacked/what I could improve on. I emailed Mary and she told me that they do not offer advice on how to be a more competitive candidate.
-Ashley

 

[jjhale0787]

Hi! I don't remember exactly what they measure us on. I do know that Mary said what hurt me was my interview score. I knew the interview didn't go well. I was just so nervous and didn't click at all with the faculty member who interviewed me. I think the interview is a huge aspect of West Coast University's decision.

 

[ashlykwz]

They said that interviewed candidates are ranked based on a variety of different factors.
I was told I am currently #24 on the wait list. Mary also said that my grades had no issue and that it was other factors that lowered my ranking. That being said, it must have been my interview and essay. I felt decent about my interview but not great.

 

[CK_ot]

They said that interviewed candidates are ranked based on a variety of different factors.
I was told I am currently #24 on the wait list. Mary also said that my grades had no issue and that it was other factors that lowered my ranking. That being said, it must have been my interview and essay. I felt decent about my interview but not great.

I am also on the waitlist like you, but I have not emailed mary about my ranking. It's a bit frustrating that their waitlist is so large! I almost feel like it's a "nicer" way of rejecting candidates.