General Admissions & OTCAS 2020-2021 Cycle Stats / Etc.

[BHfutureOT]

Hi all!

I wanted to start this thread for those of us who are applying this upcoming cycle to post and compare stats, as well as give each other advice!

University: University of Delaware
Major: Health Behavior Science with a concentration in Health and Disability
Overall GPA: 3.4 (last 60 GPA about 3.6-3.7)
Pre-Req GPA: Approx 3.4
GRE: Verbal - 152 Quant - 147 AW - 4.0 (didn't prep much at all so retaking September 1st)
Extra-Curric: Held multiple positions in sorority (Service chair, Panhellenic Delegate, Assistant New Member Educator, President) - through sorority volunteered for Special Olympics and Girls on the Run among other philanthropies, OT club member, UDance Dance Marathon fundraiser and participant, intramural soccer, studied abroad in New Zealand on a Health Sciences trip, University of Delaware Alternative Breaks spring break service trip, EduMate NYC (tutor child from NYC throughout pandemic), Recruitment Counselor, Volunteer for New York Cares (currently doing virtual event's for Gigi's playhouse - Down Syndrome Achievement Center and VISION/Services for Blind and Visually Impaired), Have over 100 hours of Athletic training hours
Work Experience: Current Client Relations Specialist / Therapy Aide at a PT clinic, Direct Support Professional Intern, Waitress past 5 years, Nanny/private child care all through college
OT Hours: Approx 100 pediatric, 40 hippotherapy, 40 inpatient hospital setting
Applying to: Not 100% sure yet but I definitely want to apply to MUSC, Hofstra, Seton Hall, Sacred Heart, MGHIHP, MCHPS, and more

I'm super nervous about applying and my stats with a lower GPA so any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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[Thughey]

Hi all!

I wanted to start this thread for those of us who are applying this upcoming cycle to post and compare stats, as well as give each other advice!

University: University of Delaware
Major: Health Behavior Science with a concentration in Health and Disability
Overall GPA: 3.4 (last 60 GPA about 3.6-3.7)
Pre-Req GPA: Approx 3.4
GRE: Verbal - 152 Quant - 147 AW - 4.0 (didn't prep much at all so retaking September 1st)
Extra-Curric: Held multiple positions in sorority (Service chair, Panhellenic Delegate, Assistant New Member Educator, President) - through sorority volunteered for Special Olympics and Girls on the Run among other philanthropies, OT club member, UDance Dance Marathon fundraiser and participant, intramural soccer, studied abroad in New Zealand on a Health Sciences trip, University of Delaware Alternative Breaks spring break service trip, EduMate NYC (tutor child from NYC throughout pandemic), Recruitment Counselor, Volunteer for New York Cares (currently doing virtual event's for Gigi's playhouse - Down Syndrome Achievement Center and VISION/Services for Blind and Visually Impaired), Have over 100 hours of Athletic training hours
Work Experience: Current Client Relations Specialist / Therapy Aide at a PT clinic, Direct Support Professional Intern, Waitress past 5 years, Nanny/private child care all through college
OT Hours: Approx 100 pediatric, 40 hippotherapy, 40 inpatient hospital setting
Applying to: Not 100% sure yet but I definitely want to apply to MUSC, Hofstra, Seton Hall, Sacred Heart, MGHIHP, MCHPS, and more

I'm super nervous about applying and my stats with an average GPA so any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I am currently in the MSOT program at Sacred Heart! My GPA was 3.55, so not the best either. And I had a C+ in Anatomy, so I was really worried about that! But just try your best to have your personal statement show why they need you in their program! If you have any questions about Sacred Heart, then let me know! I will be happy to answer them!

 

[OThopefully183]

If anyone needs help or have any questions please feel free to message anytime. Even if you aren't planning to apply to the same schools I did, I hope to be able to provide tips and tricks so that you don't have to deal with any unforseen circumstances that could be prevented. Since school hasn't started yet, have lots of time on my hands.

Below are the schools I applied. I will be attending San Jose State. Declined UNE interview because I was accepted to USAHS already. I was accepted by the rest of the schools except UW.

Applied: UW, Stanbridge, USAHS San Marcos, San Jose State, University of New England (UNE)

 

[vgreenlee]

Hi everyone! I applied last cycle so just wanted to put my info out there Incase anyone had any questions or wanted a mentor-type friend! When I was going through this process it was so draining and I wish I would have known someone.

Feel free to reach out

Schools I applied to: Stanbridge (Irvine, CA), USC (Los Angeles, CA), Elmhurst University (Elmhurst, IL), UIC (Chicago, IL). Was accepted to all of them and ended up committing to Elmhurst University.

My classes don’t start until Aug 31, so if anyone needs me to read over personal statements let me know

 

[emily23ot]

If anyone needs help or have any questions please feel free to message anytime. Even if you aren't planning to apply to the same schools I did, I hope to be able to provide tips and tricks so that you don't have to deal with any unforseen circumstances that could be prevented. Since school hasn't started yet, have lots of time on my hands.

Below are the schools I applied. I will be attending San Jose State. Declined UNE interview because I was accepted to USAHS already. I was accepted by the rest of the schools except UW.

Applied: UW, Stanbridge, USAHS San Marcos, San Jose State, University of New England (UNE)

Hi there!
Congrats on your acceptance! I am applying to some of the same schools as you and was curious if you could share your stats? I am looking to apply to SJSU, USAHS San Marcos, and UW for sure, but am nervous I do not have a strong application and would love to compare to get an idea of what stats it took to be accepted to SJSU and USAHS! Thanks!

 

[OThopefully183]

Hi there!
Congrats on your acceptance! I am applying to some of the same schools as you and was curious if you could share your stats? I am looking to apply to SJSU, USAHS San Marcos, and UW for sure, but am nervous I do not have a strong application and would love to compare to get an idea of what stats it took to be accepted to SJSU and USAHS! Thanks!

Sure thing! Below are my stats. Hope this helps and good luck! If you have any more questions let me know or message me!

San Jose State

One thing I really loved about SJSU is they take the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units is considered which significantly helped me more as my GPA freshman and soph year were terrible. Not to mention that have really clear instructions on what they require. As long as you follow it you should be good. I think it is beneficial to attend one of their info sessions. I am not going to lie the application process is challenging as there are so many parts to it. Since it is rolling admissions, I think its in your best interest to have everything ready before October and make sure the packet arrives at their office 10/1 as they review applications by time stamp of when they receive it.

Also, for letter of recommendations (on OTCAS), as they also require another 2 from other OTs completed separately and mailed in with your packet, make sure you have a professor (academic) source besides an OT writing you one. As they require it, I almost did not get accepted as I did not have one. Since I have been out of school for so long, I was fortunate enough to have my ceramics professor write one (I took the class recently) in such a time crunch. With COVID outbreak however, I am sure things have changed so check the updates they have and the links below!

Link:Application Information and Criteria for Acceptance | Department of Occupational Therapy | San Jose State University
COVID Updates: Prospective Student Advising | Department of Occupational Therapy | San Jose State University

USAHS

I really loved the campus to be quite honest with you the atmosphere is great! I ultimately did not go with them as tuition was way too high. So for the most part their applications for Summer (which was the session I applied to) was due on 10/15 so I just submitted through OTCAS and they were just really simple. I think you can also apply through their website and the app is free, but to make it more convenient for my recommenders I decided to just use OTCAS. I got an interview invite a week after I submitted my apps and the interview was in November. I got my acceptance letter a week after the interview and a phone call from the academic advisor. For the most part, everything was just really relaxing and chill. The people there were incredibly helpful. If you have question with whether your pre-reqs are good or if you have any concerns talk to them. I applied for MOT program but I believe they have OTD as well.

Link: Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Graduate Degree Program | USAHS (If you request info, I believe someone will reach out to you.)

UW

As this is my second time applying here, it was a tough pill to swallow. UW is my first choice but they only have 25 seats and they had 600 applicants. I believe it was my GRE score and my GPA? Or it could also be my volunteer hours... not sure that I got rejected. But for the most part they don't require much besides an OTCAS application and they have a separate prompt on the app you have to answer so in a way they require a OTCAS statement and a UW MOT statement. Out of all the schools I applied they probably required the least amount of requirements.

Link: Apply | Division of Occupational Therapy

University: UC Irvine
Major: Public Health Sciences
Minor: Accounting
Overall GPA: 3.38 (according to OTCAS this is including Post Bac)
Pre-Req GPA: 3.71-3.80 Depending on School
GRE: V: 155 Q: 149 W: 4 (Not my strong suit)

Volunteer Hours
-80 Research Lab (Shadowing OT)
-100 Neurofeedback Tech (During Undergrad Practicum)
-121 Pediatric Clinic
-25 Animal Assisted Therapy
-112 Hand Therapy Clinic

 

[allyssat]

University: Ave Maria University
Major: Psychology
Minor: Exercise Physiology
Overall GPA: 3.25
Pre-Req GPA: 3.6+ (depending on the school)
GRE: taking August 5th (only needed for 2 schools)
Extra-Curric: Founder & captain of my university dance team (3 years), class representative Student Government Association (1 year), Biology research assistant (1 semester), Mother Theresa Project Scholar (4 years)/ Mother Theresa Project leadership team (1 year), cheerleader (2 years)
Work Experience: ABA Behavioral Health Technician, Waitress, Babysitter
OT Hours: 77 hours in pediatrics & hand therapy (wanted to get more this summer, but COVID)
Applying to: Grand Valley State University (MI), Gwynedd Mercy University (PA), Wesley College (DE), Walsh University (OH) & Eastern Michigan University (MI)
Interview: Walsh University (OH) & Grand Valley State University (MI)
Acceptance: Walsh University (OH) & Grand Valley State University (MI)
Attending: Grand Valley State University (MI)

I know my GPA isn't the best but I have a lot of leadership experience / direct therapy hours from my ABA job and I am hoping that helps

 

[OTMentalHealth96]

University: University of Richmond
Major: Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.60
Pre-Req GPA: 4.0
GRE: didn't take
Work experience: Worked as a behavioral health technician for a private therapeutic integration center for individuals with autism for the past 2 years
Shadowing/volunteering: 50 hours with a hand therapist, 51 hours in an outpatient pediatric center, have some volunteer experience (66 hours) at a summer camp for kids with autism
Was also a psychology research assistant for one semester and presented findings at the virginia academy of science
Applying to: D'youville College, Thomas Jefferson University, Bay Path University, University of Pittsburgh, maybe NYU

 

[wannabeOT2021]

University: The Ohio State University
Major: Human Development and Family Science
Minors: Studio Art and Disability Studies
Overall GPA: 3.977
Pre-Req GPA: 4.0
GRE: V: 152 Q: 151 W: 4.5
Work Experience: Worked as a student classroom aide at the a childcare center on med-campus that served mostly children with special needs for 2.5 years. Also worked as a research assistant for 1 year at the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, translating Spanish data into English data and organizing new literacy research projects.
Extra Curricular: President of Empower Sports which is a student org provides sports programs for children with autism (have been an active member all 4 years of college and this is my third exec position with this org), trip leader for a spring break service trip through OSU in addition to attending another service trip as a participant the previous year, VP of Academic for Excellence for my sorority for 1 year and Assistant Director of Recruitment the following year, Director of Interviews for a campus scholarship fund for 1 year, and a volunteer for GVI in Thailand for a month where I served at a rehabilitation center and taught English to children in the local village
Observation Hours: 20 rehabilitation, 15 pediatric in elementary school, 20 geriatrics, 60 as an intern via Telehealth for a pediatric OT
Applying To: OSU, Boston University, Tufts, UIC, Rush, MUSC, Columbia

Any honest feedback would be great (as well as likelihood of getting into some of the higher ranked schools). I'm currently looking for ways to make my personal statement stand out, possibly incorporating my studio art minor. My GRE scores weren't great so I'm also wondering if I should retake it? Will that affect my chance of getting scholarships?

 

[OThopefully183]

University: The Ohio State University
Major: Human Development and Family Science
Minors: Studio Art and Disability Studies
Overall GPA: 3.977
Pre-Req GPA: 4.0
GRE: V: 152 Q: 151 W: 4.5
Work Experience: Worked as a student classroom aide at the a childcare center on med-campus that served mostly children with special needs for 2.5 years. Also worked as a research assistant for 1 year at the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, translating Spanish data into English data and organizing new literacy research projects.
Extra Curricular: President of Empower Sports which is a student org provides sports programs for children with autism (have been an active member all 4 years of college and this is my third exec position with this org), trip leader for a spring break service trip through OSU in addition to attending another service trip as a participant the previous year, VP of Academic for Excellence for my sorority for 1 year and Assistant Director of Recruitment the following year, Director of Interviews for a campus scholarship fund for 1 year, and a volunteer for GVI in Thailand for a month where I served at a rehabilitation center and taught English to children in the local village
Observation Hours: 20 rehabilitation, 15 pediatric in elementary school, 20 geriatrics, 60 as an intern via Telehealth for a pediatric OT
Applying To: OSU, Boston University, Tufts, UIC, Rush, MUSC, Columbia

Any honest feedback would be great (as well as likelihood of getting into some of the higher ranked schools). I'm currently looking for ways to make my personal statement stand out, possibly incorporating my studio art minor. My GRE scores weren't great so I'm also wondering if I should retake it? Will that affect my chance of getting scholarships?

Hmm honestly for GRE you have to see if it is worth your time. Do the schools you apply to have a minimum requirement? I feel like GPA and experience wise you are on top of it and your extra curricular is extraordinary. If not necessary and you meet the requirement, I think it is a better use of your time to spend it on your personal statement as this is the only area you can really show how you are unique and a perfect fit for the school.

I suck at test taking so I retook the GRE to meet the minimum requirement. I feel like applications are a balancing act. If one area is weaker than the other, make sure you make it up on another category. Since my GPA and GRE were on the lower side, I made up for it through my personal statement, letter of rec, and observation hours.

If I understand correctly, scholarships are based on your GPA in grad school not so much your past. I could be wrong.

 

[Kimboslice12]

University: Oregon State University
Major: Kinesiology
Overall GPA: 3.28
Pre-Req GPA: 3.38-3.58
GRE: 161 Verbal, 149 Quantitative, 4.0 Analytical Writing

Extra-Curric: Volunteer at IMPACT (a physical activity program for children with disabilities at my university) for 1 year, tabletop officer of the Gaming Club at OSU for 1 year, 100 hours volunteer ER Liaison, 8 years volunteer Sunday school teacher and youth volunteer at my church in my hometown, and 60 hours serving community meals in my hometown.

Work Experience: I am currently an Instructional Assistant at an EC/SE preschool, and I have signed a contract to continue through the end of next year (love this job)! I am also working as Personal Support Worker (temporarily/permanently suspended due to COVID-19), DoorDash Driver, and Instacart Grocery Delivery Driver as side jobs. Previously, I was an Registered Behavior Technician for 5 months and I worked at HP as a Test Technician for 6 months.

OT Hours: 85 hours pediatric outpatient observation at two different clinics with 3 separate therapists, 11 hours outpatient hand therapy, 15 hours inpatient transitional care, 18 hours special education preschool through work experience

Applying to: Sacred Heart University, D'Youville College, Messiah University, Moravian College, Salus University, Maryville University of Saint Louis, and University of Southern Maine

Interviews: Messiah University 10/2/20, University of Southern Maine (unofficial invitation?) 11/14/20

 

[OTnv46]

Hi! Here are my stats:

University: Michigan State University
Major: Human Biology
Overall GPA: 3.95
GPA for 60 credits: 4.0 (as of now, I still have to finish up 2 summer courses)
Pre-Req GPA: 3.9-4.0
GRE:
- Verbal: 158
- Quantitative: 159
- Writing: 5.5
Extracurriculars:
- 1.5 years in a Professional Foreign Service Sorority (a member of the sisterhood and philanthropy committee for 2 semesters)
- 1 year of Junior Class Council (Student Government), planning on doing Senior Class Council as well
- 2 Summers working in retail
- 2 Summers working as a ABA behavior technician (about 250-300 hours)
- 20 hours as a client care volunteer at a Brain Injury Rehab Center (got cut short due to COVID-19)
- 30 hours as a volunteer at a hospital environment rehab center
- 2 summers as a camp counselor for kids with special needs (about 120 hours, it was one week, 2 times each summer)
- 2 years as mentor in a program that found internships for adults with developmental disabilities (50 hours)
- member of Student Council for Exceptional Students (1 year)
- 2 years as a member of the pre-PT/OT club
- Various One-Time Volunteer Events: Night to Shine (2 years), Dance Marathon, Step Up for Down Syndrome (Do you recommend adding these to my application or is it better to leave them out?)
Research:
- volunteer research assistant at a lab at MSU for 1 summer (about 20 hours, directly interacted with kids with ASD)
- 3rd author to two manuscripts that are currently under review to be published in the journal adapted physical activity quarterly
Shadowing Hours:
- 20 hours in Hand OT
- 25 hours in Pediatric OT
Letters of Recommendation: Anatomy/Anatomy Lab Professor, Research Supervisor, and Pediatric OT I shadowed
Potential Schools: UIC, UPitt, Tufts, OSU, St. Catherine's, Wisconsin-Madison, Rush University, Western Michigan, Midwestern University (Downers Grove), University of Minnesota, Sacred Heart, Chatham University, MCPHS, Kean University, Grand Valley State, and Davenport (I know this is a long list. I still have to attend more info sessions to narrow the list down.)

Good luck to everyone

 

[hmot]

University: Indiana University
Major: Journalism (certificate in Clinical Psychological Science)
Overall GPA: 3.7
Pre-Req GPA: 3.8
GRE: Verbal - 157 Quant - 152 AW - 3.5
Extra-Curric: behavioral health research intern, therapeutic interventions intern for Head Start, intern for a pediatric therapy clinic, volunteer for Rock Steady Boxing program (exercise program for individuals with Parkinson's), volunteer for another pediatric therapy clinic
Work Experience: currently a behavioral therapist for a pediatric therapy clinic that also provides OT, preschool teacher every summer for 3 years, resident assistant and receptionist for my residence hall, tutor for K-12
OT Hours: 15 school, 8 inpatient acute care, 11 early intervention/First Steps, 20 outpatient orthopedic, 28 outpatient pediatric
Applying to: Indiana University & Indiana State University

Good luck everyone

 

[OTDreamer98]

When is everyone submitting their applications/What is the goal date?

 

[Kimboslice12]

When is everyone submitting their applications/What is the goal date?

My goal date is August 16th, exactly a month after the apps opened, but its not an absolute deadline! Especially since the earliest deadline for the colleges I'm applying to is at the end of September.

 

[hmot]

When is everyone submitting their applications/What is the goal date?

I submitted on July 23rd and was verified the 27th. I submitted early because one of my schools has a deadline of September 15.

 

[allyssat]

When is everyone submitting their applications/What is the goal date?

None of my schools have due dates until the new year accept for one in October so my goal is the end of September.

 

[blanter]

Hi everyone!

University: Florida Gulf Coast University
Major: Biology, Pre-professional Concentration
GPA: 3.76 (Last 60 - 3.81)
Pre-req GPA: 3.7
Volunteer: Hospital Pre-Op volunteer, Intern leader in an international setting
Work Experience: Tutor for high school student with ADHD, International internship coordinator, data manager for a non-profit organization, ESL teacher in S. Korea, paraeducator for special needs department in a high school
Shadowing Hours: 75 hours outpatient setting, 30 hours pediatrics, early intervention, Quinnipiac Virtual Shadowing Experience
GRE: Verbal - 161 Quantitative - 155 AW - 4.5
Applying to: Towson University, CSU Fort Collins, UIC, UW, FGCU, University of Utah

My goal is to submit everything by mid-September

Good luck to you all! I'm working on my personal statement right now, does anyone want to exchange to give feedback?

 

[alicexot]

Hi everyone!

I truly do not think anyone will have a lower GPA than I do, haha. Below are my stats, I welcome any constructive cristicism!

University: College of Staten Island
Major: Psychology, minor in Chinese
GPA: 3.04 (upward trend since Junior year)
Pre-req GPA: 3.83+ (depending on the school)
Volunteer:
37.5 hours- School OT / 63 hours- Summer camp for children with special needs / 41.5 hours- hand therapy / enrolled in 2 Pre-OT programs (one which provides a certificate and second approves for 10 volunteer hours)
Volunteer etc: Provided finance advisement for domestic abused survivors in a community mental health
Work experience: School secretary in a English Language Learning students Transfer HS / ABA Therapist / PT & OT Aide in an outpatient clinic (total of 3 years)
GRE: N/A; hoping to take it once they allow in person testing
Applying to: Loma Linda University, West Coast University, Dominican University of California, and D'youville College! Once I take my GRE, I will look to apply to USC and USAHS.

Good luck to everyone! Looking at your stats, I do not doubt any of you will not get into a program!. I'm happy to connect with anyone on a personal level so we can go through this together.

 

[alicexot]

Hi everyone!

University: Florida Gulf Coast University
Major: Biology, Pre-professional Concentration
GPA: 3.76 (Last 60 - 3.81)
Pre-req GPA: 3.7
Volunteer: Hospital Pre-Op volunteer, Intern leader in an international setting
Work Experience: Tutor for high school student with ADHD, International internship coordinator, data manager for a non-profit organization, ESL teacher in S. Korea, paraeducator for special needs department in a high school
Shadowing Hours: 75 hours outpatient setting, 30 hours pediatrics, early intervention, Quinnipiac Virtual Shadowing Experience
GRE: Verbal - 161 Quantitative - 155 AW - 4.5
Applying to: Towson University, CSU Fort Collins, UIC, UW, FGCU, University of Utah

My goal is to submit everything by mid-September

Good luck to you all! I'm working on my personal statement right now, does anyone want to exchange to give feedback?

Could you explain a little more of the Quinnipiac Virtual Shadowing Experience?

 

[Kimboslice12]

Hi everyone!

I truly do not think anyone will have a lower GPA than I do, haha. Below are my stats, I welcome any constructive cristicism!

University: College of Staten Island
Major: Psychology, minor in Chinese
GPA: 3.04 (upward trend since Junior year)
Pre-req GPA: 3.83+ (depending on the school)
Volunteer:
37.5 hours- School OT / 63 hours- Summer camp for children with special needs / 41.5 hours- hand therapy / enrolled in 2 Pre-OT programs (one which provides a certificate and second approves for 10 volunteer hours)
Volunteer etc: Provided finance advisement for domestic abused survivors in a community mental health
Work experience: School secretary in a English Language Learning students Transfer HS / ABA Therapist / PT & OT Aide in an outpatient clinic (total of 3 years)
GRE: N/A; hoping to take it once they allow in person testing
Applying to: Loma Linda University, West Coast University, Dominican University of California, and D'youville College! Once I take my GRE, I will look to apply to USC and USAHS.

Good luck to everyone! Looking at your stats, I do not doubt any of you will not get into a program!. I'm happy to connect with anyone on a personal level so we can go through this together.

Hi Alice,
About GRE in-person testing, I just took the GRE in person yesterday and they had new safety measures including social distancing and mask requirements. In my state (Oregon), they had openings every day of August!

I have also noticed that a lot of schools that usually require the GRE aren't requiring it due to COVID. Check with the schools you're applying to see if you even need to take it and good luck!

- Kim

 

[blanter]

Could you explain a little more of the Quinnipiac Virtual Shadowing Experience?

It's something I found through the University of Utah, they suggested it as a substitution for shadowing hours. Here's the link: Rise 360 , it requires a password that I'll pm you, although if you add UoU to OTCAS you'd get access to it, just in case anyone else is interested. It's basically a collection of videos along with questions and essays to give you an idea of the scope of OT.

 

[BHfutureOT]

It's something I found through the University of Utah, they suggested it as a substitution for shadowing hours. Here's the link: Rise 360 , it requires a password that I'll pm you, although if you add UoU to OTCAS you'd get access to it, just in case anyone else is interested. It's basically a collection of videos along with questions and essays to give you an idea of the scope of OT.

I was planning to complete these as well. How are you listing it in OTCAS and are you attaching the doc with questions for all schools? I wasn't sure if all schools would be willing to accept the hours or not. I have plenty but definitely would love more to supplement my application.

 

[OTDreamer98]

Would you be able to send the password in this thread

 

[blanter]

I was planning to complete these as well. How are you listing it in OTCAS and are you attaching the doc with questions for all schools? I wasn't sure if all schools would be willing to accept the hours or not. I have plenty but definitely would love more to supplement my application.

I haven't completed it yet, but I'm just going to follow the instructions UoU listed for it: Applicants will list this experience under Observation Hours in OTCAS for a minimum of 12 hours. Applicants will need to upload the completed Assignment and Reflection Documentation Packet for Online Shadowing Program in OTCAS under Documents, Observation Hours

 

[futureotstudent1999]

Hi everyone- I am super nervous about applying to OTD and Ot master programs because of my lower overall GPA and just wanted some feedback on my stats.

Overall GPA: 3.38
Last 60 GPA: 3.7
GRE: retaking because I got a 289-hoping for a 300 at least.

Observation hours:
10 in a pediatric setting ( couldn't get more with the peds OT due to COVID)
62 hours with a hand specialist OT

Work experience:
Receptionist at an Urgent Care Clinic for three years-over 6000 hours of work with patients


Extracurriculars:
Sorority member, Future OT of America club, Stem Academy Peer mentor for college freshman going into STEM majors, Bulls For Kids Dance Marathon Volunteer(personally raised over 2000 for Shriners Hospital), Undergraduate research in a music lab for one year, Tampa General Hospital Child Life and Volunteer for one year,

Letters of reccomendation:
5 letters: One from biology professor, one from hand OT, one from chemistry TA, one from supervisor at work, and one from an NP I work with at my job.

Applying to:
Nova Southeastern (dream school), UF, Advent Health University, Saint Augustine University (Coral Gables Campus), and Gannon University

Any truthful advice or help is appreciated!

 

[OTnv46]

Hey! I see a lot of you guys are behavior technicians. I was wondering how you categorized this experience in OTCAS? Did you list it as health care experience, internship/clinical experience, teaching experience, or just regular employment? I am having trouble figuring out which category it would fall under.
Thanks!

 

[FutureOTLu]

Hi everyone!!

University: Florida International University

Major: Health Services Administration
Overall GPA: 3.6 (I initially went the PT route and struggled through the hard sciences (Chem/Physics) before realizing I had more of a passion for OT)
Pre-Req GPA: 3.4-3.8ish depending on the school!
GRE: V: 150, Q: 143 awaiting AW score

Extra-Curic:
Pre-Therapy Student Association club member for 2 years, Pride Alliance club member for 3 years, Health Executive Student Organization member for 2 years
Volunteer for 70 hours at children’s hospital in rehabilitation department, Multicultural Programs and Services Scholar at FIU attending various workshops

Work Experience:
Registered Behavior Technician currently working mainly with peds
Rehab Aide at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for OT/PT/SLP for 1 year
Crew member at Trader Joe’s for 2 years

OT Hours:
545+ in pediatric hospital outpatient setting (Ortho, Neuro, Cardio, Sports)
60 hours in outpatient ortho clinic with all ages (Peds/Adults/Geriatric) (Ortho, neuro, cardio, wound management)
5 hours in home health setting (Peds)
Extra: PT observation at outpatient ortho clinic 35 hrs

Applying to: Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU),
NOVA (Ft. Lauderdale MOT & Tampa Bay OTD), University of St. Augustine

Possibly also applying to: Gannon University & Jacksonville University

Good luck everyone!!

 

[FutureOTLu]

Hey! I see a lot of you guys are behavior technicians. I was wondering how you categorized this experience in OTCAS? Did you list it as health care experience, internship/clinical experience, teaching experience, or just regular employment? I am having trouble figuring out which category it would fall under.
Thanks!

Hi!
I put it under health care experience
For employment, I put my old retail job.

 

[OTnv46]

Hi!
I put it under health care experience
For employment, I put my old retail job.

Thank you so much! Good luck on your applications
Your stats and experience look great.

 

[FutureOTLu]

Thank you so much! Good luck on your applications
Your stats and experience look great.

Aw thank you so much! It means a lot.
Good luck to you as well!!!!!

 

[OTnv46]

University: The Ohio State University
Major: Human Development and Family Science
Minors: Studio Art and Disability Studies
Overall GPA: 3.977
Pre-Req GPA: 4.0
GRE: V: 152 Q: 151 W: 4.5
Work Experience: Worked as a student classroom aide at the a childcare center on med-campus that served mostly children with special needs for 2.5 years. Also worked as a research assistant for 1 year at the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, translating Spanish data into English data and organizing new literacy research projects.
Extra Curricular: President of Empower Sports which is a student org provides sports programs for children with autism (have been an active member all 4 years of college and this is my third exec position with this org), trip leader for a spring break service trip through OSU in addition to attending another service trip as a participant the previous year, VP of Academic for Excellence for my sorority for 1 year and Assistant Director of Recruitment the following year, Director of Interviews for a campus scholarship fund for 1 year, and a volunteer for GVI in Thailand for a month where I served at a rehabilitation center and taught English to children in the local village
Observation Hours: 20 rehabilitation, 15 pediatric in elementary school, 20 geriatrics, 60 as an intern via Telehealth for a pediatric OT
Applying To: OSU, Boston University, Tufts, UIC, Rush, MUSC, Columbia

Any honest feedback would be great (as well as likelihood of getting into some of the higher ranked schools). I'm currently looking for ways to make my personal statement stand out, possibly incorporating my studio art minor. My GRE scores weren't great so I'm also wondering if I should retake it? Will that affect my chance of getting scholarships?

Wow! I think your experiences are awesome. As for the GRE, I am pretty sure Tufts waived their GRE requirement (double check this though!). Additionally, I found this information. of OSU's website: "*Due to ongoing restrictions from COVID-19, the GRE requirement has been suspended from the 2020-2021 admission cycle. While GRE scores will still be accepted, two scores will be calculated – one with GRE scores and one without. The higher score will be used in determining admission outcomes." I thinks it's totally up to you on whether or not you want to retake the GRE, but I think your experiences and GPA do a good job of showing OT schools who you are as a person and that you do well in their programs.

 

[OTsm16]

Hi everyone!

University: University of California, Santa Barbara
Major: Psychological and Brain Sciences
Overall GPA: 3.88
Pre-req GPA: 4.0
GRE: 167 verbal, 161 quant, 5 AWA
Extra-Curricular: a member of my schools tour association (aka I was a tour guide), Lebanese club, Adventure Program, Education Abroad Program, official UCSB social media ambassador
Work Experience: Physical Therapy Aide for two summers, and now full-time
Legal Assistant - during quarantine
UCSB Visitor Center Intern - 2 years
UCSB Tour Guide - 3 years
YMCA Children's Camp Counselor - 1 summer
Preschool Teaching Assistant - 2 years
OT Hours: 48 hours at an Inpatient Rehab Facility and 21 hours with a certified hand therapist. I was planning to reach 95 total hours but wasn't able to because of Covid :-(

I'm only applying to one school, so I'm pretty anxious about everything, especially my volunteer hours, but I'm hoping for the best! Good luck to all!

 

[ReadytobeOT]

Hi everyone! I applied last cycle so just wanted to put my info out there Incase anyone had any questions or wanted a mentor-type friend! When I was going through this process it was so draining and I wish I would have known someone.

Feel free to reach out

Schools I applied to: Stanbridge (Irvine, CA), USC (Los Angeles, CA), Elmhurst University (Elmhurst, IL), UIC (Chicago, IL). Was accepted to all of them and ended up committing to Elmhurst University.

My classes don’t start until Aug 31, so if anyone needs me to read over personal statements let me know

Hi! Thank you so much for reaching out on this forum. I just submitted my application to Elmhurst! How are you liking the program so far? If you feel comfortable, would you mind sharing your stats?!

 

[linaot]

Hi everyone!
I have been looking at this thread the last few days and I’ve decided to create my own account and reply!
Is anyone applying to Loma Linda for this upcoming cycle? I just submitted the supplemental application this past Monday and I am SO nervous!! I’m hoping to get an interview because LLU is my top choice.

 

[Morgan OT]

Hi! Has anyone had any interviews yet for any schools?

 

[linaot]

Hi! Has anyone had any interviews yet for any schools?

Hi! Has anyone had any interviews yet for any schools?

Not yet. I’m waiting to hear back from LLU and WCU.
You?

 

[theOTguide]

Hi friends! I applied to Texas Tech in July and I am a little worried because they stated that they are doing rolling admissions, yet I still haven't heard from them. I understand I need to be patient and they could just be looking over a lot of applications, but I know I was one of the first few people to apply. Should I just wait it out, or should I send an e-mail in case they meant to contact me but I never received it?

Thanks!

 

[OTgirl2021!]

Hi! Has anyone had any interviews yet for any schools?

I did for Salus University!

 

[Morgan OT]

I did for Salus University!

Was it online? How did it go

 

[OTgirl2021!]

Was it online? How did it go

It was two interviews! One with faculty which was a phone call & another with admissions which was a video call

 

[Kimboslice12]

I did for Salus University!

When did you apply? I applied at the end of August and I haven't heard anything yet.

 

[OTgirl2021!]

When did you apply? I applied at the end of August and I haven't heard anything yet.

I applied the second week of Aug!

 

[KLS1226]

University: Baylor University
Major: Psychology (BS)
GPA: 3.79
Pre-req GPA: 4.0 unless the school includes physics, then its about a 3.8
Volunteer: 20 hours at animal shelter and 20 hours with Special Olympics
Extracurriculars: In a sorority and secretary of my honors society (Psi Chi)
Shadowing: 40 hours at acute inpatient, about 30 hours at pediatric outpatient, and only 10 at outpatient rehabilitation (COVID got shadowing suspended)
GRE: 154 quantitative, 152 verbal, 4.5 writing
Applying to: TWU, Baylor, Texas Tech, UTMB Galveston, UTSA, University of Arkansas

Good luck everyone!!!

 

[lcastaneda28]

It's something I found through the University of Utah, they suggested it as a substitution for shadowing hours. Here's the link: Rise 360 , it requires a password that I'll pm you, although if you add UoU to OTCAS you'd get access to it, just in case anyone else is interested. It's basically a collection of videos along with questions and essays to give you an idea of the scope of OT.

Hi there, I am currently in the process of applying which I would love to get more experience, would you mind sharing what the password is for this RISE 360 course.

 

[jerseyot2b]

Hi! I'm in the process of submitting my applications this week but I am so uneasy about my stats. I would love to hear some feedback from anyone on how they think I'll do / if you have any tips please let me know!

University: Stockton University
Major: Health Science (BS) with a concentration in pre-occupational therapy, minor in childhood studies
GPA: 3.65
Pre-req GPA: 3.7
Volunteer: I tutored elementary students in a low income community, tutored in a high school, I've done volunteer service with my sorority
Extracurriculars: In a sorority and I'm on executive board as academics chair, I'm in OT club at my school, currently in 3 honors societies
Shadowing: 75 hours in an outpatient hospital setting viewing hand therapy and peds and 4 hours in a nursing home facility with Alzheimers OT patients (I was supposed to shadow at a camp for special needs this past summer but it was cancelled bc of covid which also effected me as anywhere I've reached out to will not let me shadow anymore)
GRE: applying to schools who don't require GRE, I'm not taking it
Applying to: mainly jersey, pa, and ny schools (Pace, Kean, Stockton, Thomas Jefferson)

 

[e_OTD]

University: Texas A&M University
Major: Nutrition (BS) - lots of science classes and science-based classes
GPA: 3.36
Pre-req GPA: 3.75
Volunteer: Volunteered at a multitude of places throughout college from animal shelters to a sexual assault center; other than that I worked 20-30 hours all throughout college
Extracurriculars: Was in a women's organization, a pre-OT society in which held a position at one point, and a nutrition society
Shadowing: Over 1000 hours of shadowing in pediatrics (some inpatient and some outpatient) and a lot of previous experiences in medical/therapeutic settings such as working at a chiropractor clinic and a physical therapy clinic
GRE: 151 Verbal, 149 Quantitative, and 4 writing
Applying to: ONLY Texas (North Texas): University of Saint Augustine - Dallas Spring start and Baylor University

I have interviewed and been accepted to both only a week and 2 weeks after submitting my app

P.S. St. Augustine's deadline passed for the Spring and Summer but they said that isn't a firm deadline. They are still accepting applicants for the Spring and Summer past the deadline from what I last heard

 

[OTstudent1311]

Hi guys! I'm so glad to have found a thread of 2020-2021 applicants! I wish you all the best in your applications! I can't wait to hear where everyone ends up!

Has had an interview with Midwestern (Glendale) yet? I just got an invite and scheduled it for mid November and am wondering what to expect! (What to wear, how long the interview was, group or individual, etc).

 

[victoriab]

Hey everyone! I applied to 13 programs (both masters and doctorate) in the Long Island, NYC, RI, CT, NJ area, basically everywhere within a few hours from Long Island. I got accepted to Yeshiva in the Bronx so far but no where else yet. Have an interview at Johnson and Wales in November. Stony Brook is my dream school but haven't heard anything from them. Has anyone been invited to interview at Stony Brook?

And has anyone heard back from Hofstra yet? I interviewed on September 25th and was told I would hear back in a few weeks (it's been 2 already).

Good luck everyone!!

 

[ng_leen]

Hey everyone! I applied to 13 programs (both masters and doctorate) in the Long Island, NYC, RI, CT, NJ area, basically everywhere within a few hours from Long Island. I got accepted to Yeshiva in the Bronx so far but no where else yet. Have an interview at Johnson and Wales in November. Stony Brook is my dream school but haven't heard anything from them. Has anyone been invited to interview at Stony Brook?

And has anyone heard back from Hofstra yet? I interviewed on September 25th and was told I would hear back in a few weeks (it's been 2 already).

Good luck everyone!!

I was also interviewed at Hofstra on September 25th! I haven't heard anything either and was starting to get worried. I guess they haven't sent anything out yet.