Program-Specific Info / Q's BU vs Tufts / masters vs OTD

[OT_Student2018]

So I got accepted into both Tufts MOT and BU OTD programs, both with merit scholarships. I am so excited about both and now just have to make a decision about where to go. I originally thought Tufts was my top choice since I thought I just wanted a masters, but after visiting BU for my interview I realized I could see myself there also. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions for either comparing the schools or on the idea of a masters vs. a doctorate?

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[PCOTD_21]

I feel ya. I even made a little weighted chart to compare cost (including additional cost with loan interest), location, curriculum, research, fieldwork, class size, and degree.

For me, I like Tufts curriculum a little bit more, but BU has great research opportunities. Tufts' faculty seems extremely flexible in making sure you get to do what you are interested in though. Fieldwork between the two programs seems pretty similar to me (Tufts has some places abroad and BU has a ton of place across the US). Also, I was really sold on getting an OTD, but now I am wondering if I should save money with a master's while I can. For me, BU will be 50k more when I take into account my scholarships, rent, and loan interest rates. I feel like if i really wanted a OTD, I could easily get one right after for less than 50k.

Most of those things are my impressions though! I know I value certain aspects over things that may be important to other people.

I was not able tour the campuses. Anyone have input on how the campuses "felt"?

 

[OT2018OT]

I feel ya. I even made a little weighted chart to compare cost (including additional cost with loan interest), location, curriculum, research, fieldwork, class size, and degree.

For me, I like Tufts curriculum a little bit more, but BU has great research opportunities. Tufts' faculty seems extremely flexible in making sure you get to do what you are interested in though. Fieldwork between the two programs seems pretty similar to me (Tufts has some places abroad and BU has a ton of place across the US). Also, I was really sold on getting an OTD, but now I am wondering if I should save money with a master's while I can. For me, BU will be 50k more when I take into account my scholarships, rent, and loan interest rates. I feel like if i really wanted a OTD, I could easily get one right after for less than 50k.

Most of those things are my impressions though! I know I value certain aspects over things that may be important to other people.

I was not able tour the campuses. Anyone have input on how the campuses "felt"?

I toured Boston University. It's a city campus, so it has those vibes. Really nice city, very walkable. It's historic and well kept. Everyone is young because Boston University is right next to Northeastern and all other schools like Tufts, Boston College, etc. are all a hop, skip, and jump away. Sargent College itself is where you will probably spend most of your time though, and it's only one building. I liked the facilities and labs and they do great research there.

 

[lstrattOT]

I was told by the admissions director at Tufts that since they're transitioning to the OTD, all masters students in this class will be given the option, at the end of their masters, to apply and stay for a third year to complete the OTD. It sounded like you'd have time to work with an advisor and figure out if that was right for you. And it sounded like they'd be pretty generous with funding/scholarships for masters students that wanted to do that extension.

 

[aspiringot101]

I toured Boston University. It's a city campus, so it has those vibes. Really nice city, very walkable. It's historic and well kept. Everyone is young because Boston University is right next to Northeastern and all other schools like Tufts, Boston College, etc. are all a hop, skip, and jump away. Sargent College itself is where you will probably spend most of your time though, and it's only one building. I liked the facilities and labs and they do great research there.

I feel ya. I even made a little weighted chart to compare cost (including additional cost with loan interest), location, curriculum, research, fieldwork, class size, and degree.

For me, I like Tufts curriculum a little bit more, but BU has great research opportunities. Tufts' faculty seems extremely flexible in making sure you get to do what you are interested in though. Fieldwork between the two programs seems pretty similar to me (Tufts has some places abroad and BU has a ton of place across the US). Also, I was really sold on getting an OTD, but now I am wondering if I should save money with a master's while I can. For me, BU will be 50k more when I take into account my scholarships, rent, and loan interest rates. I feel like if i really wanted a OTD, I could easily get one right after for less than 50k.

Most of those things are my impressions though! I know I value certain aspects over things that may be important to other people.

I was not able tour the campuses. Anyone have input on how the campuses "felt"?

I toured Tufts back in the Fall. The OT building is a little bit away from main campus but extremely new and nice (complete with private study rooms and lounge areas, very modern).There is a little cafe right next door that seems great for coffee or lunch. The main campus is a short walk and gorgeous— lots of trees, a bit hilly! Not as much as a city feel but kind of nice to be close to the city, but in a quieter area (plus living close to campus would be less expensive). Just like BU, I like the idea of being on a campus with an undergraduate program— gives you lots of locations to study, things to get involved with, sporting events to attend, etc. I also toured BU though and loved it— professors seem super connected to their students, the students went on and on about their opportunities within the community and often having class at locations around Boston instead of in the classroom, city campus was unique from what I was used to but a cool feel, right next to the water... Both are great schools! Good luck with the decision and your path to becoming an OT!

 

[THATotGIRL]

So I got accepted into both Tufts MOT and BU OTD programs, both with merit scholarships. I am so excited about both and now just have to make a decision about where to go. I originally thought Tufts was my top choice since I thought I just wanted a masters, but after visiting BU for my interview I realized I could see myself there also. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions for either comparing the schools or on the idea of a masters vs. a doctorate?

 

[THATotGIRL]

Hello! I’m not sure if you’ll still use this, but if so, would you be willing to share your stats? I’m trying to get in with merit scholarship to both / either of these programs, and was looking to see what previous students stats were that had been offered scholarships . Thanks!!!

 

[YayOT]

My daughter loved Tufts OT program! Back then it was MSOT. She was in the class of 2016 and was also fortunate to study abroad in the UK for a semester. Also, took part in a two week program in Chengdu, China one summer. Tufts prepared her well for the NBCOT exam. She was hired by the pediatric therapy clinic where she completed her 2nd Fieldwork ll assignment. We’re on the west coast and she really wanted to study back east. She got a merit scholarship for $15,000-18,000 for each year which put a small dent in the tuition. Everything helps! She also had two jobs while in Medford—one on campus as a Time Management and Study Strategies Consultant. Also, she worked as a caretaker for a young girl with autism close to where she lived. Both were part times jobs and very flexible.
She had a good relationship with her professors, some more than others, of course. All in all, she had a great experience at Tufts! I wish she was on this forum to answer for herself, but I know she’s busy with her job and life, in general. She was so close to Boston, it was a short ride on the T subway. Spentna lot of time in the city. She drove her car cross country her second year.

She also toured BU when she was looking at schools on the East Coast. Loved that school, as well. But, the 2nd year student at Tufts really gave her a thorough tour and really made her feel at home. I’m sure either school would have been fine. Tufts University, itself, is the quintessential brick college with rolling lawns she visualized when she was in undergrad. 😉

 

[future_OT3]

Hello! I’m not sure if you’ll still use this, but if so, would you be willing to share your stats? I’m trying to get in with merit scholarship to both / either of these programs, and was looking to see what previous students stats were that had been offered scholarships . Thanks!!!

I got into Tufts with a scholarship and BU for this year so message me if you have any questions and I can share my stats!

 

[THATotGIRL]

I got into Tufts with a scholarship and BU for this year so message me if you have any questions and I can share my stats!

Thank you! for some reason, it says I can’t message you..


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[future_OT3]

Thank you! for some reason, it says I can’t message you..

I think I fixed it and you can now!