General Admissions & OTCAS Chances of Getting into any OT School?

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DCGTOT

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Hello everyone,

So I am very conflicted in the application process right now. I went through two rejections already (one school does not accept classes passed graduation, so my undergraduate GPA is low, and another school rejected me after an interview), and I feel a bit overwhelmed with the process.

I've shared my stats for you to see if I require any improvements to strengthen my OT application.

Major:
Public Health
Undergraduate GPA: 2.612
Cumulative GPA: 2.93 to 3.04 (I repeated classes; some schools average out both grades & not choose the highest one)
Last 60-Unit GPA: 3.77
Pre-Req GPA: 3.62 to 3.76 (depending on program)
GRE: 141V 152Q 4.5W
Relevant Work/Volunteer/Shadowing Experience: Instructional Assistant - Resource Specialist Program/Special Day Class (6 months), Substitute Teacher - Regular/Special Education (1.5+ Years), Best Buddies (45 hours), Inpatient Rehabilitation Gym (103 hours), Outpatient Pediatric Clinic (43 hours), Inpatient/Outpatient General Hospital (41 hours), Special Olympics Volunteer (8 hours)
Work/Extra-Curricular Activities: Customer Service Associate for Integrative Medicine (6 months), After School Teacher (1.5 years), Day Camp Counselor (2+ years), Sunday School Teacher (5+ years), Church Youth Leader (1 year), Hospital Volunteer (1 year), Public Health Intern (100 hours), Dance Performer/Instructor (3 years), Youth Shelter Activities Lead (2 months)
Will Apply: USC, Stanbridge University, San Jose State University, Dominican University of California, Pacific University

To be honest, I'm very upset that I was rejected to my "safety school," and right now I'm not feeling confident in being accepted to the schools mentioned above (especially USC, hahah). I am aware that I need to raise my Verbal GRE Score to at least a 153, but I would like some constructive criticism to see which parts in my application requires to be strengthen, or if you have tips in scoring high in the GRE -- that's helpful too. My goal is to be accepted to OT School in 2018. Thank you all in-advance for your help, and best wishes to all applying this year.

EDIT: Hi guys, it's been a while. I just wanna update on my status for admission. Fortunately, I got accepted and will start this Fall 2018! :) I would like to thank you guys for your input, and for those who are discouraged, don't lose hope!

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Hello everyone,

So I am very conflicted in the application process right now. I went through two rejections already (one school does not accept classes passed graduation, so my undergraduate GPA is low, and another school rejected me after an interview), and I feel a bit overwhelmed with the process.

I've shared my stats for you to see if I require any improvements to strengthen my OT application.

Major:
Public Health
Undergraduate GPA: 2.612
Cumulative GPA: 2.93 to 3.04 (I repeated classes; some schools average out both grades & not choose the highest one)
Last 60-Unit GPA: 3.77
Pre-Req GPA: 3.62 to 3.76 (depending on program)
GRE: 141V 152Q 4.5W
Relevant Work/Volunteer/Shadowing Experience: Instructional Assistant - Resource Specialist Program/Special Day Class (6 months), Substitute Teacher - Regular/Special Education (10 months), Best Buddies (45 hours), Inpatient Rehabilitation Gym (103 hours), Outpatient Pediatric Clinic (43 hours), Inpatient/Outpatient General Hospital (41 hours), Special Olympics Volunteer (8 hours)
Work/Extra-Curricular Activities: Customer Service Associate for Integrative Medicine (6 months), After School Teacher (1.5 years), Day Camp Counselor (1.5 years), Sunday School Teacher (4 years), Church Youth Leader (1 year), Hospital Volunteer (1 year), Public Health Intern (100 hours), Dance Performer/Instructor (3 years), Youth Shelter Activities Lead (2 months)
Will Apply: USC, Stanbridge University, San Jose State University, Dominican University of California, Pacific University

To be honest, I'm very upset that I was rejected to my "safety school," and right now I'm not feeling confident in being accepted to the schools mentioned above (especially USC, hahah). I am aware that I need to raise my Verbal GRE Score to at least a 153, but I would like some constructive criticism to see which parts in my application requires to be strengthen, or if you have tips in scoring high in the GRE -- that's helpful too. My goal is to be accepted to OT School in 2018. Thank you all in-advance for your help, and best wishes to all applying this year.

Thanks for sharing your stats with us! The whole application process is daunting for all of us whether you have amazing stats or "bad" stats, so your not in this alone! To be honest, your undergrad GPA and GRE score are very very low. I know you know this already, however, with that being said, you should and can only apply to schools that look at ONLY your last 60 unit GPA. That really is the only way you will get in. In addition, you NEED to retake the GRE. If you find that you are not that great at test taking, but do really well in interviews, I highly recommend applying to schools that not only looks at your last 60 units but also DOES NOT require the GRE, but has an interview component.

I noticed all the schools you are applying to are in California. If you are trying to stay within CA, I highly recommend applying to West Coast University. They only look at your last 60 unit GPA and does not need GRE scores. They also interview all their candidates. To be honest, you will not get in with your current stats to USC, Stanbridge or San Jose State. Let's face it USC & SJSU are a numbers school, i.e. since they don't have interviews they can really only set you apart from other candidates by your GPA, Pre-reqs, & GRE scores. I also recommend you retake your pre-reqs to not only boost your pre-req gpa, but it will also boost your last 60 unit GPA.

As for tips and tricks for the GRE, Magoosh is really helpful, but only if you have enough time to really use the program. I find that 3-6 months is the best amount of time to study for the GRE without cramming. I believe 2-3 hrs per day for 3 months should be sufficient. In addition, take a lot of practice tests!
 
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You're applying to all the wrong schools to be quite honest because these schools all heavily weigh your cumulative GPA. Also they all probably say on their school website you need a certain cumulative GPA to even be considered. You're really hurting your chances by being so selective, especially USC, San Jose, Pacific, I can't really say about Dominican and Stanbridge because I haven't looked into those schools myself. You should look at schools across the country especially at schools that require a lower cumulative GPA some schools only say you need a 2.5 or schools that look at the last 60 units. Also, it might benefit you to write about what was going on that caused your low GPA either as a short statement as part of your application or incorporated into your personal statement somehow. I think AT Still has a lower requirement for GPA, but I might be wrong and you might want to look into Loma Linda, that's in California too. GPA isn't everything, but your wasting your time applying to schools that view it as everything. Apply to different schools! Find one that would view your application as strong! Make sure you get stellar LORs, great GRE scores, and an awesome personal statement.
 
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This is my plan: I'm currently studying for the GRE. Minimum requirements for the GRE is 153V 144Q 3.5W. My GRE stats for quantitative and writing exceed that requirement. I just need to student constantly for the verbal portion to have a more competitive score (possibly, receive a higher quantitative and writing score?). I know that my undergraduate GPA is low -- that is why I am taking more classes to raise it up to at least a 3.0. By the end of this semester, it should reach to 3.15 and hopefully these factors will change the likelihood for me to be accepted. As of this moment, my Last-60 Semester GPA is a 3.77. I am also going to apply to different schools out-of-state. The majority of the schools I applied to are in California, because I was born and raised in Southern California. But, like everyone said, my stats are so low, I won't even be considered to be admitted in my home. I'll consider out-of-state...come to think of it, it is only a 2 - 3 year program and I can always come back once I graduate.

It's really hard to be fed with all the constructive criticisms at this time -- I'm dealing with a rejection and it led me to a lot of self-doubt. At the same time, this is what I asked for. But, I appreciate the feedback. Thank you.
 
This is my plan: I'm currently studying for the GRE. Minimum requirements for the GRE is 153V 144Q 3.5W. My GRE stats for quantitative and writing exceed that requirement. I just need to student constantly for the verbal portion to have a more competitive score (possibly, receive a higher quantitative and writing score?). I know that my undergraduate GPA is low -- that is why I am taking more classes to raise it up to at least a 3.0. By the end of this semester, it should reach to 3.15 and hopefully these factors will change the likelihood for me to be accepted. As of this moment, my Last-60 Semester GPA is a 3.77. I am also going to apply to different schools out-of-state. The majority of the schools I applied to are in California, because I was born and raised in Southern California. But, like everyone said, my stats are so low, I won't even be considered to be admitted in my home. I'll consider out-of-state...come to think of it, it is only a 2 - 3 year program and I can always come back once I graduate.

It's really hard to be fed with all the constructive criticisms at this time -- I'm dealing with a rejection and it led me to a lot of self-doubt. At the same time, this is what I asked for. But, I appreciate the feedback. Thank you.

Don't worry! Everyone at some point in their lives will go through some type of rejection. Don't let your "low" stats deter you or cause self-doubt. It is ultimately up to you if you really really want to become an OT, you will do anything to make it happen. It's not a matter of if, but WHEN will you get into OT school. If you are super determined to become an OT, you should branch out to different schools in different states. A school WILL accept you, just don't give up if you really want this! :)

Your plan is great! Just work really hard on raising ALL scores and consider applying to out of state schools and schools that have an interview component.
 
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My OTCAS application was verified Jan. 8, 2018 and two of the three schools I applied to has sent emails stating they received my application. Still waiting for them to reach out if accepted for interview process.
My info is:
AAS degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant
Bachelor degeee in Psychology from University of Phoenix
Freshmean: 1.92
Sophomore: 3.12
Junior: 3.85
Senior: 4.00
Overall GPA: 3.11
Pre-req GPA: 3.9 (repeated a few)
Hours: Been working as a COTA since June, 2012 and worked as a director of therapy for the past two years. Have thousands of hours in OT as I currently work full time. Work in a SNF and have observed in other areas (acute rehab, out patient, home health, hand therapy, mental rehab, etc.
GRE: Did not take the GRE
LOR: 2 OTs (each school I applied to this year only requires a minimal of two)

Applied to: Midwestern (Glendale), Belmont, and Gwynedd
Rejections:
Waitlist:
*Haven’t heard from any schools yet.

What do you guys think are my chances of getting accepted? I have a total of 172.83 graded hours so it will be difficult to raise my GPA.
I have applied twice to Concordia and was denied and they said to not apply again. :/ in the years of 2015 and 2017. This year applied to three different schools making this the third time applying,but first time using OTCAS. Passed the fall semester with 12 credits and a 4.0. GPA. I re-took a few pre-reqs last fall and got GPA up to a 3.11
 
My OTCAS application was verified Jan. 8, 2018 and two of the three schools I applied to has sent emails stating they received my application. Still waiting for them to reach out if accepted for interview process.
My info is:
AAS degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant
Bachelor degeee in Psychology from University of Phoenix
Freshmean: 1.92
Sophomore: 3.12
Junior: 3.85
Senior: 4.00
Overall GPA: 3.11
Pre-req GPA: 3.9 (repeated a few)
Hours: Been working as a COTA since June, 2012 and worked as a director of therapy for the past two years. Have thousands of hours in OT as I currently work full time. Work in a SNF and have observed in other areas (acute rehab, out patient, home health, hand therapy, mental rehab, etc.
GRE: Did not take the GRE
LOR: 2 OTs (each school I applied to this year only requires a minimal of two)

Applied to: Midwestern (Glendale), Belmont, and Gwynedd
Rejections:
Waitlist:
*Haven’t heard from any schools yet.

What do you guys think are my chances of getting accepted? I have a total of 172.83 graded hours so it will be difficult to raise my GPA.
I have applied twice to Concordia and was denied and they said to not apply again. :/ in the years of 2015 and 2017. This year applied to three different schools making this the third time applying,but first time using OTCAS. Passed the fall semester with 12 credits and a 4.0. GPA. I re-took a few pre-reqs last fall and got GPA up to a 3.11

I definitely think you have excellent observation hours and experiences! The only areas of your application that may still need some improvement would be your GPA and the GRE.

If possible, I would try to take a handful of easy courses at a community college - possibly psychology courses or other courses that could seem potentially relevant to the OT field in someway. This will then help boost up your overall cumulative GPA that OTCAS will calculate for you.

Also some applications allow you to include an additional essay explaining any extraneous circumstances - you may want to use this additional essay to explain any situations that occurred your freshman year of undergrad which led to your lower GPA than the following years.

Also if you are considering taking the GRE this can greatly increase the range of schools that you can apply to - just something to think about!

Hope this helps somewhat!
 
I definitely think you have excellent observation hours and experiences! The only areas of your application that may still need some improvement would be your GPA and the GRE.

If possible, I would try to take a handful of easy courses at a community college - possibly psychology courses or other courses that could seem potentially relevant to the OT field in someway. This will then help boost up your overall cumulative GPA that OTCAS will calculate for you.

Also some applications allow you to include an additional essay explaining any extraneous circumstances - you may want to use this additional essay to explain any situations that occurred your freshman year of undergrad which led to your lower GPA than the following years.

Also if you are considering taking the GRE this can greatly increase the range of schools that you can apply to - just something to think about!

Hope this helps somewhat!
To add to this, I definitely think you still have a chance - you just need to make sure with your current stats that you're seeking out schools that do not require the GRE and do not have a GPA minimum for their program. Your observation hours should definitely help you stand out though!
 
Hello everyone,

So I am very conflicted in the application process right now. I went through two rejections already (one school does not accept classes passed graduation, so my undergraduate GPA is low, and another school rejected me after an interview), and I feel a bit overwhelmed with the process.

I've shared my stats for you to see if I require any improvements to strengthen my OT application.

Major:
Public Health
Undergraduate GPA: 2.612
Cumulative GPA: 2.93 to 3.04 (I repeated classes; some schools average out both grades & not choose the highest one)
Last 60-Unit GPA: 3.77
Pre-Req GPA: 3.62 to 3.76 (depending on program)
GRE: 141V 152Q 4.5W
Relevant Work/Volunteer/Shadowing Experience: Instructional Assistant - Resource Specialist Program/Special Day Class (6 months), Substitute Teacher - Regular/Special Education (10 months), Best Buddies (45 hours), Inpatient Rehabilitation Gym (103 hours), Outpatient Pediatric Clinic (43 hours), Inpatient/Outpatient General Hospital (41 hours), Special Olympics Volunteer (8 hours)
Work/Extra-Curricular Activities: Customer Service Associate for Integrative Medicine (6 months), After School Teacher (1.5 years), Day Camp Counselor (1.5 years), Sunday School Teacher (4 years), Church Youth Leader (1 year), Hospital Volunteer (1 year), Public Health Intern (100 hours), Dance Performer/Instructor (3 years), Youth Shelter Activities Lead (2 months)
Will Apply: USC, Stanbridge University, San Jose State University, Dominican University of California, Pacific University

To be honest, I'm very upset that I was rejected to my "safety school," and right now I'm not feeling confident in being accepted to the schools mentioned above (especially USC, hahah). I am aware that I need to raise my Verbal GRE Score to at least a 153, but I would like some constructive criticism to see which parts in my application requires to be strengthen, or if you have tips in scoring high in the GRE -- that's helpful too. My goal is to be accepted to OT School in 2018. Thank you all in-advance for your help, and best wishes to all applying this year.

EDIT: Hi guys, it's been a while. I just wanna update on my status for admission. Fortunately, I got accepted and will start this Fall 2018! :) I would like to thank you guys for your input, and for those who are discouraged, don't lose hope!

^^ That's so awesome! Where did you end up getting accepted?
 
Hey! I would really like to know where you got accepted. Im trying to get into USC, but I feeling really doubtful

GPA 3.39
GRE taking in 3 days (without much studying)
Observation 35 hours
 
Hey! I would really like to know where you got accepted. Im trying to get into USC, but I feeling really doubtful

GPA 3.39
GRE taking in 3 days (without much studying)
Observation 35 hours

Hey there! It looks like your GPA is in good-standing for USC. Hopefully your GRE will be within their requirements! I would suggest having more observation hours to stand out in your application. You can try receiving volunteer hours in school settings, hospitals, and acute-care facilities. I wish you luck!
 
Hi!! I am going to start my application process an s your stats and everything are very similar to me. Congrats on getting into a program. If you don’t mind me asking where did you get Into?


Hello everyone,

So I am very conflicted in the application process right now. I went through two rejections already (one school does not accept classes passed graduation, so my undergraduate GPA is low, and another school rejected me after an interview), and I feel a bit overwhelmed with the process.

I've shared my stats for you to see if I require any improvements to strengthen my OT application.

Major:
Public Health
Undergraduate GPA: 2.612
Cumulative GPA: 2.93 to 3.04 (I repeated classes; some schools average out both grades & not choose the highest one)
Last 60-Unit GPA: 3.77
Pre-Req GPA: 3.62 to 3.76 (depending on program)
GRE: 141V 152Q 4.5W
Relevant Work/Volunteer/Shadowing Experience: Instructional Assistant - Resource Specialist Program/Special Day Class (6 months), Substitute Teacher - Regular/Special Education (1.5+ Years), Best Buddies (45 hours), Inpatient Rehabilitation Gym (103 hours), Outpatient Pediatric Clinic (43 hours), Inpatient/Outpatient General Hospital (41 hours), Special Olympics Volunteer (8 hours)
Work/Extra-Curricular Activities: Customer Service Associate for Integrative Medicine (6 months), After School Teacher (1.5 years), Day Camp Counselor (2+ years), Sunday School Teacher (5+ years), Church Youth Leader (1 year), Hospital Volunteer (1 year), Public Health Intern (100 hours), Dance Performer/Instructor (3 years), Youth Shelter Activities Lead (2 months)
Will Apply: USC, Stanbridge University, San Jose State University, Dominican University of California, Pacific University

To be honest, I'm very upset that I was rejected to my "safety school," and right now I'm not feeling confident in being accepted to the schools mentioned above (especially USC, hahah). I am aware that I need to raise my Verbal GRE Score to at least a 153, but I would like some constructive criticism to see which parts in my application requires to be strengthen, or if you have tips in scoring high in the GRE -- that's helpful too. My goal is to be accepted to OT School in 2018. Thank you all in-advance for your help, and best wishes to all applying this year.

EDIT: Hi guys, it's been a while. I just wanna update on my status for admission. Fortunately, I got accepted and will start this Fall 2018! :) I would like to thank you guys for your input, and for those who are discouraged, don't lose hope!
Hi
 
Hey Everyone!
I am a currently a junior preparing to apply for OT this upcoming cycle. I'm worried about my grades since I did mess up my gpa pretty early into school. I failed one of my pre-reqs and I am retaking it this semester with A's. I transferred from a CC and my grades weren't the best, so I am retaking classes to improve my gpa. My new gpa after transferring is a 3.4, and I am more dedicated now that I was at 18. I'm still worried they won't even look at me because of my grades.
Major: Psychology concentation in Sociology
Gpa from transfer school: roughly 3.28-3.33
Gpa from last 60 units: 3.4
Pre-rep gpa: 3.6-3.72
I did not take the GRE because the schools I am planning to apply to do not require the test.
I am doing my observation hours this summer because most OTs already had someone shadowing them.
Extra-curricular activities: I am a member of the Autism Awareness Club, Psi Chi (psychology honor society) and the Pre-OT Society looking to run for a position on the e-board this upcoming semester.
Schools applying to: Stony Brook, Downstate, York College, Touro, LIU, NYIT, Hofstra

Your grades and gpa look fine! :) my overall gpa is 3.4 and though I didn’t apply to any of those schools, I got into 2/3 schools and waitlisted on the third. I think you should build on your observation and variety of settings. Don’t go crazy getting hundreds of hours. Judging from the schools you picked you’re from New York, I can recommend some places that I shadowed/volunteered at!
 
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Hey Everyone!
I am a currently a junior preparing to apply for OT this upcoming cycle. I'm worried about my grades since I did mess up my gpa pretty early into school. I failed one of my pre-reqs and I am retaking it this semester with A's. I transferred from a CC and my grades weren't the best, so I am retaking classes to improve my gpa. My new gpa after transferring is a 3.4, and I am more dedicated now that I was at 18. I'm still worried they won't even look at me because of my grades.
Major: Psychology concentation in Sociology
Gpa from transfer school: roughly 3.28-3.33
Gpa from last 60 units: 3.4
Pre-rep gpa: 3.6-3.72
I did not take the GRE because the schools I am planning to apply to do not require the test.
I am doing my observation hours this summer because most OTs already had someone shadowing them.
Extra-curricular activities: I am a member of the Autism Awareness Club, Psi Chi (psychology honor society) and the Pre-OT Society looking to run for a position on the e-board this upcoming semester.
Schools applying to: Stony Brook, Downstate, York College, Touro, LIU, NYIT, Hofstra
I agree with Mumoysmom - your GPA looks good. Mine was/is much, much lower - I went through 2 OT application cycles and didn't get into 2 schools until my 2nd cycle. Just continue to build on observation hours in different settings (what helped me get these was to ask to observe an OT for just a few hours - many facilities were more open to a one-time thing vs a long-term commitment. Even a few hours is better than nothing.) and it does help to keep taking classes that will raise your GPA - but honestly your GPA right now seems good to me. So don't feel discouraged by that!
 
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