Hello all, this thread is unrelated to applications and choosing schools, as I am already in OT school. My problem is that I failed a class by a mere half point, and decided to come back to take the course over in the next academic year. However, i did have the option to appeal and possible fight for a C for the course( which would have resulted in me passing). My problem is that I was already placed on academic probation from fall semester(not to due to struggling in classes, but failure to cite correctly costed me to fail a final and brought my gpa down).If I would've appealed and gotten that C and continued through summer semester, it would be my last chance to bring up my gpa above a 3.0, as I was given two academic semesters to bring up my gpa. If not, I would have faced the possibility of dismissal. I dread the fact that I have to take this class over again, although it will only be this one class that I have to take next spring, I have to score higher a B or higher. The class was very difficult for me, as the professor's tests required critical thinking(i.e. it was not just multiple choices, or true and false, but actual case studies which required clinical reasoning). Moreover, the majority of my classmates had recieved Cs as final grades, which scares the hell out of me. So in short, did I make the right decision to come back, or should have I fought to appeal?What are your thoughts and opinions?
Did I make the right choice?
- Thread starter andgelyo
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Well, this is all said and over now isn't it? If so, you can't change anything. Maybe, I'm confused. You sound somewhat stressed.....
Anyway, my opinion will probably be unique and based on my point of view as an undergraduate.
My opinion is to repeat the course. You, yourself, seem to make the better case for it.
Anyway, my opinion will probably be unique and based on my point of view as an undergraduate.
My opinion is to repeat the course. You, yourself, seem to make the better case for it.
Thanks for your opinion physiorep. I guess I was torn between the two decisions, several of my classmates really wanted me to push for appealing considering the difficulty of the class. However, several others also told me to retake the class and go the safer route(it's better to get a second a chance than to rush through and possible fail out for good). It just sucks that i'd have to wait a year to retake the course and than progress through the program.
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I really feel for you. My school does things the same way, although I haven't been on probation yet, many of my classmates have. One lady was brought to the "committee" for accidentally not citing a major paper, (due to a similar assignment in the same class not requiring APA and she got confused). She was already on probation before for another matter, and they told her that if she gets ever makes another APA-related mistake she'll be kicked out. She is a very experienced COTA and runs a home modification business with her husband and has to run the business, a family, and her COTA job while going through OT school. So I guess my point is that you're not alone. I can already tell you I'm ready to crack under the pressure of OT school. This isn't easy, and my advice to you would be to repeat the course, take you time, and do your best. Good luck.
Thank you for your reply jewel11786, it really comforts me to know that I am not alone struggling in OT school. Like you, I was incredibly stressed this past semester due to the coursework and amount of classes given( in my opinion, spring semester was 10x harder than fall, due to the material and coursework). There were so many times that I wanted to just withdraw from the program and give up, but I somehow managed to muster up energy to see it through(at least pass all my other classes except that one class). You're right, OT school is far from easy, and I will take this as a lesson learned. For now, I plan on doing some self studying and finding a job as a rehab aid until January comes.
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That is why it is called graduate school. I don't understand how C is passing, as requirements are a 3.0 gpa. In my program you fail if you don't get a B in every class, and that is how it should be, because it is supposed to be challenging and you are becoming a skilled clinician and must meet minimum requirements to be competent. Critical thinking is required in OT school, and you are becoming a clinician so you must have clinical reasoning as well. How do you expect to pass the NBCOT exam without critical thinking and clinical reasoning? How do you expect to assess and treat clients without these skills?
Most graduate programs, in any discipline, are like that - anything below a B- is pretty much unacceptable. My first Masters was like that, and that was just in Literature, but I agree, the idea of a Master's degree is to become specialized in a particular field - and you don't do so by doing mediocre work.
Thanks for all your replies. The next time around, I plan on getting an A( I really can't get anything below a B+ at this point, if I want to salvage my gpa). I am currently trying to change my habits and routines, and become more efficient in studying. It will only be this one class this time, so I have no excuse to get anything less than a B+. Anyone have any effective studying tips for this type of class? The class required a lot of readings, which i did, but like i said, it was more of application rather than memorizing.
Hi Sunny324,
The class was based on tests, assignments, and one group project. What really hit me were the tests, since questions were more open ended and essay style( for example, we were given a case study and had to take into account safety, what the client valued, our reasoning behind our statements, etc.)
The class was based on tests, assignments, and one group project. What really hit me were the tests, since questions were more open ended and essay style( for example, we were given a case study and had to take into account safety, what the client valued, our reasoning behind our statements, etc.)
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I would ask the prof for some example questions of that type well before the test, then have him/her read your answers and give you some feedback on how you can improve.
When you ask, frame it like you are looking to understand the material better, not just have an advantage on the test.
When you ask, frame it like you are looking to understand the material better, not just have an advantage on the test.
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I would retake the class. Get a head start!! Read the material and make sure you know your textbook from beginning to end. Develop a relationship with your professor and ask him to help you. Have him pick your brain. Ask for practice tests. Look at your tests and see what you got wrong. You can take notes and focus on those things in your second run. Good luck 🙂
Thank you for all your replies sunny and dobber. That is exactly what I attend to do, and the instructor is willing to set up appointments with me to help me with the material. Thank you for all your opinions and replies, it is now time to for me to do some self studying( as well as some self reflection) to prepare me for january 🙂
I am with you I failed my thesis got an F but my other grades in my classes are good and on my final year ...I didnt miss any cited but maybe missing a intext citation had it edited over n over n over n over n over by a professor at my old college...you never know what can be missed! I dont know what happens to me yet find out next week. For those that are sitting here you know saying oh i cant understand my friend is at nearby college and they dont even do a thesis but mine does it makes it harder and you have to look at they are not all the same every school has its own grading styles, courses, and professors. Cause what you dont get is here a lot are on probation just sat next to one the other day in class she was telling me she was on probation. We need a B cant make C.
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Hi OTCareer,
You are definitely not alone in this ordeal, like many others have said, occupational therapy school is extremely difficult. Based on this forum and discussions with my classmates, academic probation is more common than you think. I can tell you that coming straight from undergrad, I was definitely unprepared for my program. However, in my opinion, taking this time off is probably one of the most beneficial things for me right now. This is only a bump in the road for both of us, and you are already almost done with school. Keep your head up and come back stronger! I PMed you, so please do not hesitate to message me back.
You are definitely not alone in this ordeal, like many others have said, occupational therapy school is extremely difficult. Based on this forum and discussions with my classmates, academic probation is more common than you think. I can tell you that coming straight from undergrad, I was definitely unprepared for my program. However, in my opinion, taking this time off is probably one of the most beneficial things for me right now. This is only a bump in the road for both of us, and you are already almost done with school. Keep your head up and come back stronger! I PMed you, so please do not hesitate to message me back.
Thanks for the reply on probation this term so well see how it goes praying for the best working hard at it! And yes probation is very common at a small college and half are on probation ...I was honors before OT school.
