General Admissions & OTCAS 2nd time applying

[hannieOT]

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Hey y’all!

This is my second year applying and I’m hoping for better results this year (obviously). Just wanted to make a thread for anyone who has been through this process before and wants to vent about how exhausting it is :-/

If we encourage each other, we can make these waiting months so much easier!

 

[Nonameiwant]

I'm right there with you. I'm grateful for this opportunity however because I have a new job related to the field I was interested in pursuing (neuro rehab) but could never get a hold of anyone to obtain observation hours. I also have grown so much and have come to recognize new levels of independence, the importance of documenting, and gotten great experience guiding and encouraging therapy exercises given by either a pt or to.

Oh and my confidence has increased which will help me immensely during interviews (my weakness last year).

 

[hannieOT]

I'm right there with you. I'm grateful for this opportunity however because I have a new job related to the field I was interested in pursuing (neuro rehab) but could never get a hold of anyone to obtain observation hours. I also have grown so much and have come to recognize new levels of independence, the importance of documenting, and gotten great experience guiding and encouraging therapy exercises given by either a pt or to.

Oh and my confidence has increased which will help me immensely during interviews (my weakness last year).

This is awesome to hear! It's super comforting to know you're such a stronger applicant this time around. I hope we have a better cycle 🙂

 

[hwood410]

I am also in the same boat. I got very frustrated last year because I worked so hard in undergrad, knew I was a competitive candidate, and got rejected by all five schools. However, after some pouting I decided to call each and every program I applied to and ask what aspects of my application I could improve to get in this upcoming cycle. I was encouraged to hear when the biggest advice they had was to simply apply earlier. (My OTCAS was verified January 1st last cycle.) This year my OTCAS was verified August 1st and so far I have gotten an interview at 3/7 schools and accepted into one program. THIS IS OUR YEAR 🙂

 

[Aot007]

I am in the same boat as well. This is my second year applying and I as well after getting rejected from every school last year I asked them what I could have done to become more competitive. I raised my gpa by retaking classes, got more observation time, got different recommendations, REWROTE my personal essay! And I applied very early this time around while last year I didn't apply until January. So far I had one interview and waiting to hear from the rest of the schools. I really think this year is the year for all of us who didn't get in last year!

 

[hannieOT]

You guys absolutely ROCK. Your stories are inspiring. My application was just verified last week so I have yet to hear from anyone but I have a good feeling about this year as well! Last year I was feeling so alone and torn about whether or not to try again but I am so glad we all didn't stay discouraged!

 

[myOT1995]

It's my first time applying this year, but honestly, reading this thread has helped me be okay with the prospect of not getting in. I can truly see that, even though the rejection caused initial disappointment, all of you seem to be better prepared than you were last year, and probably much more prepared than many first-time applicants that are accepted. You will enter your programs with more confidence and knowing that you truly did everything you could to be there! I have a good feeling for all of you, and truly hope you get into the program of your liking!

 

[hannieOT]

It's my first time applying this year, but honestly, reading this thread has helped me be okay with the prospect of not getting in. I can truly see that, even though the rejection caused initial disappointment, all of you seem to be better prepared than you were last year, and probably much more prepared than many first-time applicants that are accepted. You will enter your programs with more confidence and knowing that you truly did everything you could to be there! I have a good feeling for all of you, and truly hope you get into the program of your liking!

You are so so sweet and definitely right! We are more prepared this time around and I know for sure that I will appreciate getting accepted this cycle more than I would've last year. I have no friends going through this process so this site has really helped reassure me that things will work out. I'm sure things will look great for you too this cycle, but if they don't, don't ever lose hope!

 

[JforOT_]

I applied last year and didn't get into any schools as well. Believe me when I say that I was COMPLETELY DEVASTATED. After speaking with many OTs I learned that it's fairly common nowadays for many people to not receive acceptances the first time around :/ Still, it's disappointing knowing you put so much effort into applications to hear you didn't get into any schools.
This year I retook my A&P courses to change those grades to all A's. I also completed additional observation hours at different settings, changed up my personal statement, found a rehab techician job, and APPLIED EARLY. Last year, I submitted my applications literally the same week of the deadlines, but this year, I turned them in at least 3 months earlier. I now have 2 interviews coming up in the next two weeks to schools that completely rejected me last year, and am waiting to hear from 7 other schools. I'm feeling a lot more hopeful this year! Good luck to everyone, especially to those who are applying a second time around!

 

[Aot007]

So glad to not feel alone in this process! To add on to my post, last year I only applied to like 3 schools and was not very realistic with myself of which schools I actually have a chance at getting accepted to. This year I've done more research on schools and am applying to TEN schools, most of which I feel I have a better chance at getting into.

 

[gina2493]

I also applied 2 years ago and didn't get accepted anywhere and was really devastated. Last year, I took another science class to boost my gpa and be able to apply to more schools, which I did lol. I applied to almost 10 schools. I updated my personal statement and got better LOR's. I got more interviews, and was accepted into a great school which I attend now. If you don't get in the first time around definitely don't give up hope, just try to look for ways to improve your application!

 

[Future OT2Be]

I applied to eight schools last cycle. I was wait listed at one (later accepted), rejected from six, and told that they were no longer doing interviews at the school I am currently attending. In all accounts I consider my application average compared to others. However, I still ended up getting accepted in two schools. I was told that I was accepted two week before the start of each program. To be honest I was prepared to be not be accepted anywhere and I was devastated. I think one of the things that I did that helped was that I applied as fast as I could and worked on my application the very first day it opened. But do not be like me, do not give up hope. I cried when I was accepted into a program. I know how it feels to feel lost. But try to be positive. I would work on improving GPA, getting more shadowing and volunteering in, and asking for others opinions on your personal statement. I wish all of you luck! OT school is hard, but so far it has been fun to! If you are not accepted into a school think of it as a chance to improve.