General Admissions & OTCAS Advice to those rejected OT 2017-- gap year

[HopefullyAnOTStudentSoon]

Hey everyone! As disappointing/embarrassing as it is to say, it's looking like I may be a gap year re-applicant. (rejected to UIC, St. Scholastica, Puget Sound, Wisconsin Madison; waitlisted at Rush; waiting to hear from Wisconsin Milwaukee, Davenport, Eastern Washington University (had an interview)).

Anybody else in the same boat? If so, what are your plans for the coming year?

Any past gap year applicants have any advice -- classes they retook, retaking the GRE, jobs, job shadowing they did? Did you have success the second time applying?

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[canadianot2017]

Hey everyone! As disappointing/embarrassing as it is to say, it's looking like I may be a gap year re-applicant. (rejected to UIC, St. Scholastica, Puget Sound, Wisconsin Madison; waitlisted at Rush; waiting to hear from Wisconsin Milwaukee, Davenport, Eastern Washington University (had an interview)).

Anybody else in the same boat? If so, what are your plans for the coming year?

Any past gap year applicants have any advice -- classes they retook, retaking the GRE, jobs, job shadowing they did? Did you have success the second time applying?

Hey, first of all, do not be embarrassed! This process is hard. Speaking from experience I personally have had success applying a second time. So I definitely encourage you to do so! ( My first time I only applied to one school and was rejected. This is my second time applying and I got into one of my top choices and it is a better program than the one that rejected me one year ago.)

I know some schools will inform you how to improve your application so I would suggest messaging them and ask what you can do to make your application stronger.
Here is what I did during my gap year and how I strengthened my application.
(1) I reviewed the admissions requirements and average stats of students who got into the schools I wanted to apply for.
(2) I reviewed my application and determined what areas where I could improve on.
- low GPA: take courses related to OT to show that you can show a pattern of improvement
- low pre-req GPA : upgrade those courses
- low observations hours: in my opinion, you can never have too much of this. Tip look at what your school emphasizes. For example, some schools like seeing that the applicant are exposed to different OT settings. Cater your experience to this.
- references: perhaps your GPA is great but you do not have a strong academic reference. I would consider doing a course or doing some research with a prof that you can really get to know and show off your skills.
(3) Then I planned how to improve on those areas.

In my gap year, I devoted my time improving my GPA, gaining relevant/diverse work experience and building strong relationships with individuals I knew I wanted to write my reference letter.

 

[othopeful93]

This is VERY common. Please do not feel embarrassed. Many people underestimate just how competitive it is to get into OT school. Last semester I was waitlisted to 4/6 schools and got no acceptances.

This year I have an acceptance to one of my top choices and a waitlist at another school that's very good.

What I did differently:
Went back to the place I did my hours at and took notes on what I saw. Based on my interview experience I realized that these hours are more than just arbitrary numbers on my application. Most of my interviews wanted details! I just didn't have enough information last year.

Applied earlier. Rolling admissions, even admissions with a cut off date, you need to get your application in around October at the latest. Most schools go from the top of the pile and when they are full, they are full. Your application might not even get seen if you're a month out from the deadline.

I increased my GRE score, specifically my writing from a 3.5 to a 5. I think this really helped me because my GPA isn't super strong.

I don't recommend this, but I did it because I wasn't ready to get a job when I would be reapplying a few months after my last waitlist denial notification, but I postponed graduation and added a health science major. The classes I took in the fall helped me with my interview (I had an ethics course specifically) and showed that I was a dedicated student.

Finally, I retook a prereq I knew I would get an A in over the summer to raise my GPA, every bit helps.

Don't give up! It's hard, but when you get that first acceptance, it's all worth it!

 

[PuppyloverOT]

I didn't apply last year but I think my gap year made me a really competitive applicant. Definitely don't be embarrassed! OT school is hard to get into and a lot of schools (especially the top ranked) tend to do cuts on stats from what I've heard. I worked as a rehabilitation specialist full time and everybody loved that! I basically helped people with disabilities find and maintain jobs. I also shadowed more and really got to know one OT so I could get an awesome letter. Americorps is also a great option! I know one of the schools I applied to gave me "bonus points" simply for doing Americorps. Best of luck

 

[FINGERS_CROSSED]

It looks like you still are waiting to hear from schools. I would not count yourself out yet!

I agree with what the other folks are saying here. I am a re-applicant and waiting an entire year did stink but I used that time to finish all my prereqs, added three other OT volunteer/shadowing experiences (only one the previous year), tweaked my personal statement and applied to more schools. I have heard that applying early does help but I was accepted to a school that I sent in my application a week or two before the deadline. But it probably doesn't hurt to apply early. Good luck!

 

[HopefullyAnOTStudentSoon]

Thank you everyone for the responses!! I've started applying to jobs such as ABA therapists, rehab assistant, milieu therapist, caregiver, etc. I'm hoping the next six months or so will be enough time to gain a lot more shadowing hours, retake a couple classes, retake the GRE, and work. I've already started making a new list of schools to apply to on the next go round! Thank you for the advice and good luck, and it's awesome to hear the success stories.

 

[RUNNING_OT]

Do not feel embarrassed! I was rejected my first time around and had to apply a second time. During that year I re-took a couple of classes I had Bs in. I also volunteered in different settings. I was already working as a rehab tech in an outpatient clinic, so I shadowed at a school district, neuro clinic, and volunteered for the Special Olympics. Don't be so tough on yourself, it is so hard to get in. And trust me, once you get in you appreciate the program so much. I know so many people that either didn't interview or had an easier process (like friends writing their letters of rec) and they complain all the time. That additional year allowed me to be exposed to so many diverse populations and I feel like that has helped me be more well-rounded. I appreciate the need for OTs in all settings. Take your time, if this is what you really want to do, it is worth it.

 

[NPULFC]

I am in the same/similar boat. Unfortunately, I think if I don't get off the waitlist on the two schools I am on, I will scrap OT all together.

 

[fit_OT]

Hey, I don't think you should give up yet. I'm still waiting to hear back from Davenport, UW-Milwaukee and Midwestern. I've been rejected to KU-OT and Belmont University but having a back up plan for the worst is the best plan. I plan to apply to be an ABA therapist as well, but I do currently work at a school for kids who have Autism which has given me so many hours and shadowing opportunities while getting paid so getting a part-time job in this field is also a great plan. I hope that we hear back soon, but I've heard many stories of people getting accepted in mid to late may. Stay positive and work hard!

 

[otlove23]

I'm in the same boat too. rejected/waitlisted to most schools and holding my breath for the waitlist schools. I want to be an OT but I'm very drained from this whole process.

 

[Future OT2Be]

I have been rejected from ever school I applied to except Touro University of Nevada in which I am on the wait list for. I am planning on applying to Pima Medical Institute to become a COTA if I am not accepted into Touro. After getting my degree in two years from there I will work for a year as a COTA and then apply to OT bridge programs. I chose this rout because I know I am not a strong applicant and that things like retaking classes will not help me since I have had to retake both A&P classes. If not accepted into Touro I hope that going this rout will make me a stronger candidate and help me start to get my foot in the door of OT. I know not everyone wants to go such a rout but I do think it is a good idea. Just food for thought.

 

[akk3]

Hello everyone! I am a current undergrad student studying OT. I received a "C" in Anatomy and Physiology I, should I retake that class?

 

[RUNNING_OT]

Hello everyone! I am a current undergrad student studying OT. I received a "C" in Anatomy and Physiology I, should I retake that class?

Definitely! This is one of the core classes and you will be taking anatomy in the program. It will only benefit you in the long run

 

[student4life101]

Yep! what RUNNIGNG_OT said. My program is starting the first semester with anatomy, and my classmates and I are still nervous about it, even though many of us made As previously. Two months, 4 days a week 8am- 5pm, 2 lectures and 2 labs everyday, a test every Friday ...you get the idea. Be kind to yourself and take the time now to really get those core concepts down. You've already seen the material once before. You can do it, go for that A!