General Admissions & OTCAS Applying to Southeast Schools

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

sk129

New Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2015
Messages
10
Reaction score
4
Anyone applying to schools in the Southeast?!?

I'm starting the application process for several OT programs in SC/GA/FL. My top choice is MUSC (go figure) but I am also trying to expand my chances so I'm looking into other schools. Right now I'm definitely going to apply to GRU as well and I'm thinking about St. Augustine but don't know much about it. I visited Brenau recently and was very disappointed/underwhelmed and will not be applying there any more. I have looked into other schools in NC/FL/AL but decided not to apply to any of those (rereqs/location/money/etc.)

I would love to hear anything from people attending these schools or those planning on applying to these schools!

I also have a few questions that I wanted to try to shed some light on here before sending emails to admissions...

Does anyone know when the GRU application opens? Major struggling to find this on the website and I'm eager to work on the application!

References: MUSC/GRU/USA all require reference forms to be filled out, but should letters of recommendation be provided as well? Trying to figure out what I need to tell my references will be expected from them.

MUSC: personal essay not required but should I include it anyway?
 
Just out of curiosity what didn't you like about Brenau... once about a time I really wanted to attend their OT program. But now seeing your feed and hearing from a friend, I guess I dodged a bullet??

Oh and you should ask your schools if your recommenders can submit a letter in addition to the form. I know when I applied to OT school, I had to do that and some schools didn't mind a letter with their forms... while one or two said just the form (schools vary which is why you should email them directly... better safe then sorry).

Also, why are you limiting yourself to that area (I'm assuming for personal reasoning)? I know some people apply to one or two schools and get in, but others soon regret limiting themselves. Your perfect school could be in VA or PA, haha... But nonetheless, GOOD Luck!
 
Just out of curiosity what didn't you like about Brenau... once about a time I really wanted to attend their OT program. But now seeing your feed and hearing from a friend, I guess I dodged a bullet??

Oh and you should ask your schools if your recommenders can submit a letter in addition to the form. I know when I applied to OT school, I had to do that and some schools didn't mind a letter with their forms... while one or two said just the form (schools vary which is why you should email them directly... better safe then sorry).

Also, why are you limiting yourself to that area (I'm assuming for personal reasoning)? I know some people apply to one or two schools and get in, but others soon regret limiting themselves. Your perfect school could be in VA or PA, haha... But nonetheless, GOOD Luck!

The biggest turn off for me was the campus/environment. Just could not see myself going to classes there every day

I want to stay relatively close to home/family. I have looked into schools in Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, but most were out of my price range or had prereqs I wouldn't be able to get in!
 
The biggest turn off for me was the campus/environment. Just could not see myself going to classes there every day

I want to stay relatively close to home/family. I have looked into schools in Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, but most were out of my price range or had prereqs I wouldn't be able to get in!

Oh, okay. That's understandable!! I hope it all works out for you!
 
I am also applying to MUSC, from everyone I talked to I've only heard wonderful things about it!
 
I am also applying to MUSC, from everyone I talked to I've only heard wonderful things about it!
Are you planning on asking for letters of recommendation in addition to the reference forms?
 
I already have letters of recommendation from applying to other schools, but it never hurts to have them!
 
Have anyone applied to Georgie Regents University OT program and heard anything back or know when they will be mailing out decisions for the 2015-2016 application cycle?
 
Have anyone applied to Georgie Regents University OT program and heard anything back or know when they will be mailing out decisions for the 2015-2016 application cycle?

I had an interview December 14 but have not heard back yet...... Really liked the school, students, and professors I met. Not sure how the interview itself really went I was pretty nervous because it was my first one.
 
I had an interview December 14 but have not heard back yet...... Really liked the school, students, and professors I met. Not sure how the interview itself really went I was pretty nervous because it was my first one.
I didn't get a chance to meet any students but I do know some therapist who went there and they are awesome. I really like the professors too. GRU was also my first interview and I was a little nervous but I think I did fine. I'm sure you did too. 🙂
In November I was told that people would start hearing back after Dec 15th interviews. I still haven't heard anything and I interviewed in October during the 1st round of interviews. I know some people that have already received acceptance letters before Dec 15th but haven't heard of anyone getting rejected or wait listed yet. I recently called and someone told me that they are finalizing their list and will probably send letters out in February. I'm assuming those would be mostly rejection letters for people who haven't been accepted yet and a few acceptance letter for any remaining spots. There may be a few wait list letters just in case someone changes their mind. Idk?... I wish they would update applicants on their status and not make us wait so long. Especially if it's possibly a rejection letter. It's not looking good for me but good luck to you. Hopefully they send out decision letters really soon.
 
I didn't get a chance to meet any students but I do know some therapist who went there and they are awesome. I really like the professors too. GRU was also my first interview and I was a little nervous but I think I did fine. I'm sure you did too. 🙂
In November I was told that people would start hearing back after Dec 15th interviews. I still haven't heard anything and I interviewed in October during the 1st round of interviews. I know some people that have already received acceptance letters before Dec 15th but haven't heard of anyone getting rejected or wait listed yet. I recently called and someone told me that they are finalizing their list and will probably send letters out in February. I'm assuming those would be mostly rejection letters for people who haven't been accepted yet and a few acceptance letter for any remaining spots. There may be a few wait list letters just in case someone changes their mind. Idk?... I wish they would update applicants on their status and not make us wait so long. Especially if it's possibly a rejection letter. It's not looking good for me but good luck to you. Hopefully they send out decision letters really soon.

I interviewed in December and received my acceptance yesterday! I think they are still sending them out so don't give up just yet! 🙂 Good luck!
 
I interviewed in December and received my acceptance yesterday! I think they are still sending them out so don't give up just yet! 🙂 Good luck!

I was also interviewed in December and received my acceptance yesterday by phone call!
 
I interviewed in December and received my acceptance yesterday! I think they are still sending them out so don't give up just yet! 🙂 Good luck!
I was also interviewed in December and received my acceptance yesterday by phone call!

just when I was going to give up... I received a phone call and was told good news was on the way. I'm super excited!! . That still was a long wait though lol.

Congratulations everyone!!!
 
If y'all are thinking about attending Augusta University, there's a Facebook group for the 2018 class!
 
If y'all are thinking about attending Augusta University, there's a Facebook group for the 2018 class!
Do you mind posting a link to the page? Please and Thanks 🙂
 
Aww, I interviewed in December, too. Still haven't heard 🙁
 
I interviewed in December and received my acceptance yesterday! I think they are still sending them out so don't give up just yet! 🙂 Good luck!

Congrats on your acceptance!! I know you are beyond happy!!

I also applied to GRU and interviewed in December. Unfortunately, I did not get accepted yet I will apply again for the 2016-2017 cycle.

GPA: 3.3
Pre Req GPA: 3.8
GRE: Verbal 150 Quat: 149 Analytical 4.0
Shadowing Hours: 100 volunteered in adult outpatient rehab and pediatric OT setting
Community Service Hours: 200 served as a volunteer and site leader for a community service organization
Work Experience Hours: 500 served as a caregiver for 3 years

This was my top choice school so I will apply again this year. Can you post your stats to serve as goals for this year. I really want to gain acceptance into OT school. This has been a long process.
 
Congrats on your acceptance!! I know you are beyond happy!!

I also applied to GRU and interviewed in December. Unfortunately, I did not get accepted yet I will apply again for the 2016-2017 cycle.

GPA: 3.3
Pre Req GPA: 3.8
GRE: Verbal 150 Quat: 149 Analytical 4.0
Shadowing Hours: 100 volunteered in adult outpatient rehab and pediatric OT setting
Community Service Hours: 200 served as a volunteer and site leader for a community service organization
Work Experience Hours: 500 served as a caregiver for 3 years

This was my top choice school so I will apply again this year. Can you post your stats to serve as goals for this year. I really want to gain acceptance into OT school. This has been a long process.

I'm glad you're applying again! I applied to a couple out of state schools the first time I applied and didn't get in. This is the second time I've applied and am so glad I finally got in. When I didn't get in, I called one of the schools (MUSC) and asked them to review my application so that I could understand why I didn't get in. I would call GRU/Augusta University and ask them if they'd do the same thing. It helps a lot. I can't remember exactly all of my stats:

Overall GPA:3.53
Prereq GPA: 3.8
GRE score: verbal: 152, quantitative: 160, essay: 4.0
Shadowing: 30 hours at a pediatric facility, 30 hours at another pediatric facility that specializes in sensory processing disorder
Currently a part-time intern at a nonprofit in the city that I live. Also a part-time nanny for two kids, one of which has sensory processing disorder.

I can't remember what else was on my application, but that was the majority of it. I would definitely try and call to have them discuss your file. There's no harm in doing it and it may show how much you want it for next year!
 
Congrats on your acceptance!! I know you are beyond happy!!

I also applied to GRU and interviewed in December. Unfortunately, I did not get accepted yet I will apply again for the 2016-2017 cycle.

GPA: 3.3
Pre Req GPA: 3.8
GRE: Verbal 150 Quat: 149 Analytical 4.0
Shadowing Hours: 100 volunteered in adult outpatient rehab and pediatric OT setting
Community Service Hours: 200 served as a volunteer and site leader for a community service organization
Work Experience Hours: 500 served as a caregiver for 3 years

This was my top choice school so I will apply again this year. Can you post your stats to serve as goals for this year. I really want to gain acceptance into OT school. This has been a long process.

It is definitely a long process, I took a year off and worked so I undestand completely! I'm sure you'll get in you seem pretty motivated! Here are some stats..

GPA: 3.48
Pre Req GPA: 3.7
GRE V:154 Q: 151 A: 4.0

I held a lot of leadership positions throughout college and I have spent the past two years working for early intervention and rehab programs. I've made a lot of connections and I think I had really good recommendations plus a lot of work experience..which im sure is what helped me out! In my opinion, GRU cares about the student as a whole, not just their numbers. You'll end up in a program where you're meant to be 🙂 best of luck to you!
 
I'm glad you're applying again! I applied to a couple out of state schools the first time I applied and didn't get in. This is the second time I've applied and am so glad I finally got in. When I didn't get in, I called one of the schools (MUSC) and asked them to review my application so that I could understand why I didn't get in. I would call GRU/Augusta University and ask them if they'd do the same thing. It helps a lot. I can't remember exactly all of my stats:

Overall GPA:3.53
Prereq GPA: 3.8
GRE score: verbal: 152, quantitative: 160, essay: 4.0
Shadowing: 30 hours at a pediatric facility, 30 hours at another pediatric facility that specializes in sensory processing disorder
Currently a part-time intern at a nonprofit in the city that I live. Also a part-time nanny for two kids, one of which has sensory processing disorder.

I can't remember what else was on my application, but that was the majority of it. I would definitely try and call to have them discuss your file. There's no harm in doing it and it may show how much you want it for next year!



Well, knowing you received acceptance the 2nd time around certainly gives me hope. I plan to call Augusta this week to discuss my application in order to be more competitive. Best of luck for your first year! You deserve it!
 
It is definitely a long process, I took a year off and worked so I undestand completely! I'm sure you'll get in you seem pretty motivated! Here are some stats..

GPA: 3.48
Pre Req GPA: 3.7
GRE V:154 Q: 151 A: 4.0

I held a lot of leadership positions throughout college and I have spent the past two years working for early intervention and rehab programs. I've made a lot of connections and I think I had really good recommendations plus a lot of work experience..which im sure is what helped me out! In my opinion, GRU cares about the student as a whole, not just their numbers. You'll end up in a program where you're meant to be 🙂 best of luck to you!


Thank you for sharing your stats. So far, I have signed up for an online GRE course which I plan to retake June. As well, I have created a list of potential OT places to volunteer in order to gain more hours and build connections with more OTs. Also, I found more volunteer opportunities with the Special Olympics to serve as a coach to train participants for the Summer Olympics-which I am really excited for it! Either way, this is part of the journey. Thanks again for sharing your stats! Best of luck in the Fall! Rock it!
 
Got an email with my MUSC acceptance today and am thrilled!!!!!

I have my St. Augustine interview tomorrow and am very excited to see the school and learn more about their program!
 
Just found this forum and wondering how everyone is liking school? My top two choices are MUSC and Augusta University. I'm trying to stay in the Southeast. Also applying to Georgia State, St. Augustine, and NOVA. Any advice?
 
Top