Program-Specific Info / Q's BU vs USC?

[gonnabeot]

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Hi everyone! Congrats to everyone who has already gotten accepted and chosen their programs for the upcoming year!

I am currently stuck between Boston University's OTD program and USC's MA (and probably eventually OTD) program. I have been going back and forth between the two, so I would love to hear any opinions from those who currently attend/are about to attend as well as those who chose to turn either of the schools down for whatever reason. Basically, I'd like some neutral opinions because all of my family and friends have their own biases. I'm trying not to take financial stuff into the equation too much because they are pretty neck and neck and I think the cheaper program can't be decided until financial aid for future years in the program are determined.

Thanks so much!! 🙂

 

[OTAtoOTR]

If you eventually plan on getting the OTD, why not just go to BU? It’s a very good school but also very intense from what I’ve heard from past students. Which one is closer to you?

 

[gonnabeot]

If you eventually plan on getting the OTD, why not just go to BU? It’s a very good school but also very intense from what I’ve heard from past students. Which one is closer to you?

I'm from the west coast, so USC is closer but I would be moving into an apartment either way. I've had a lot of clinicians tell me that the OTD isn't necessary so I like the idea of not having to commit to it, but I'm pretty sure I still want it. BU would be a nice straight shot to it and USC would give me the option to either do the doctoral year there after my masters or do a post-professional OTD elsewhere

 

[OTAtoOTR]

I'm from the west coast, so USC is closer but I would be moving into an apartment either way. I've had a lot of clinicians tell me that the OTD isn't necessary so I like the idea of not having to commit to it, but I'm pretty sure I still want it. BU would be a nice straight shot to it and USC would give me the option to either do the doctoral year there after my masters or do a post-professional OTD elsewhere

Oh ok. I’d do the Masters program now, and then if you want to explore a post professional OTD later on, at least it will be more tailored towards yours interests rather than an entry level degree. The post professional OTDs are also usually more flexible in terms of completion (a lot of the coursework from what I’ve seen is distance education so you can work as an OT while doing it, making it more affordable). Also being closer to home is always something to keep in mind. Which program is cheaper?

 

[Husky19]

Hi! I'm also deciding between USC and another school, but I did interview at BU! I actually really did not like BU for many reasons. First, from the tour they gave us, there were no simulation labs of any kind, whereas every other school I've been to has at least a kitchen and bedroom/bathroom area. This is pretty important to me cause this is where you'll practice on actors or other students before working with real clients. Second, there was kind of an impersonal vibe I got, especially when interviewing with 2 of the faculty members. They really did not do anything to make me feel welcome or put me at ease, whereas every other interview, the first 5 minutes at least were the faculty members trying to calm us down and helped us feel less anxious haha. Third, it seemed VERY research focused; the whole interview day was just touring the research labs (which were literally just computer labs anyway). Finally, I don't really like how they did their curriculum; every class is in terms of "lifespan development," which I think seems really innovative, but in the end, every developmental phase is so completely different, I think different classes for like children and adults are necessary.

These were just my thoughts on the program, you might have had a totally different experience! I also visited USC and I loved it there! They had some great simulation labs and just seem like a very put together program, with very welcoming people. I have heard they are also more research focused, so that's something to keep in mind.

Also, I agree, I don't think the OTD is really necessary right now, so I don't know if that should be a factor for you, unless you really want to go into research right off the bat.

Hope this helped somewhat!

 

[gonnabeot]

Oh ok. I’d do the Masters program now, and then if you want to explore a post professional OTD later on, at least it will be more tailored towards yours interests rather than an entry level degree. The post professional OTDs are also usually more flexible in terms of completion (a lot of the coursework from what I’ve seen is distance education so you can work as an OT while doing it, making it more affordable). Also being closer to home is always something to keep in mind. Which program is cheaper?

If I do just the masters then USC is cheaper but if I want the OTD all from the same school then BU is probably cheaper, but I think it will ultimately depend on how aid in future years works out so I'm trying to focus on that a little less in this decision. Thank you and @Husky19 for your feedback!!