Forced to take a year off... Job suggestions? General advice?

[wja91]

Hello,

I have been put on the waitlist for two schools (MWU-IL, and USC), but unfortunately have not received any acceptances 🙁. It looks like I will be taking a year off and then re-applying.

I am wondering if this has happened to anyone else, and if they have any suggestions for where to work or what to do during the year off. As of right now I am looking into finding a job at a nursing home or something like that, because MWU told me I was lacking in adult inpatient experience.

The other thing I was interested in was being an OT tech. How does one go about finding this type of position?

I'm feeling discouraged and would really appreciate any insight or advice from anyone.

Thank you much!

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[SamuraiIAmurai]

I would first say, don't give up on MWU and USC yet. I am wait listed at two schools, one of which is my very top choice school. My top-choice program sent information about how many people usually get in off the wait list, and it was more than I expected. That being said, even with that information I feel like I will never get accepted off the wait list. I really want to go to that program, but I am worried no one will decline so I won't get in. It's a very stressful position, and I feel like I am just waiting and waiting and it may be for nothing.

About the OT tech job, I volunteered at an outpatient clinic at a hospital, and they talked to me about becoming an OT tech. I would suggest just reaching out to some hospital HR and rehabilitation departments. If you let them know what you're looking for, you might be able to find a position. And, they might need an adult inpatient OT tech.

I hope this is helpful.

 

[wja91]

I would first say, don't give up on MWU and USC yet. I am wait listed at two schools, one of which is my very top choice school. My top-choice program sent information about how many people usually get in off the wait list, and it was more than I expected. That being said, even with that information I feel like I will never get accepted off the wait list. I really want to go to that program, but I am worried no one will decline so I won't get in. It's a very stressful position, and I feel like I am just waiting and waiting and it may be for nothing.

About the OT tech job, I volunteered at an outpatient clinic at a hospital, and they talked to me about becoming an OT tech. I would suggest just reaching out to some hospital HR and rehabilitation departments. If you let them know what you're looking for, you might be able to find a position. And, they might need an adult inpatient OT tech.

I hope this is helpful.

It is definitely helpful, thank you! I am sorry you are in the same position as me, it is very stressful. I understand. The thing is, even if I get into MWU, USC, I am not sure if I would be able to go because it is too expensive. When I applied, I didn't really consider how much of an effect taking out such large loans would have on me later in life.

I will look into the hospital stuff for sure. thanks and good luck to you!

 

[StudentK13]

The whole waiting game with these schools is really the worst! Last year, I was rejected and forced to take a year off. I was devastated because I just wanted to jump right into grad school after undergrad. I then decided to go back to school and take chemistry because I had not previously taken it and one of the schools I wanted to apply to this year required it. Well, turns out I just got their rejection letter a few weeks ago so I'm now in chemistry for what seems like no reason. I applied to five schools this time around and I have already received two rejection letters, one wait list, and the other two I have not heard from yet. So it seems like we are in the same boat, sadly.

It is so easy to get discouraged. I keep telling myself to have some kind of hope but I also don't want to be disappointed if it doesn't work out and then I have to be set back yet another year. I had also planned on obtaining more observation hours this year to boost my resume because I only have 80 so far and it seems that people have hundreds. Unfortunately, both places I called told me they would get back to me, but never did. This whole process is becoming so stressful 🙁

If you do wind up having to take another year off make sure you get as many hours as you can so you can talk about your experiences in your personal statements. It seems like this is vital to many applications. As discouraging as it may get, if this is your dream then don't give up!

 

[OTdream]

My first advice for everyone is to stop looking at it like taking a year off but rather look at it like an opportunity to improve your application. I am in the same boat, applied to 13 schools, wait-listed at 2 and no news from 2 (prob rejections based on other people). The way I look at it, is- I have one more year to make my application better. retake what needs to be improved and weed out schools that I found to be unprofessional this time around, and applying to schools I didn't consider before.

Find a job hopefully related to OT but you could also find a random job part time, and volunteer at different places when you don't work. Keep your head up and persevere! I know I am.

 

[wja91]

My first advice for everyone is to stop looking at it like taking a year off but rather look at it like an opportunity to improve your application. I am in the same boat, applied to 13 schools, wait-listed at 2 and no news from 2 (prob rejections based on other people). The way I look at it, is- I have one more year to make my application better. retake what needs to be improved and weed out schools that I found to be unprofessional this time around, and applying to schools I didn't consider before.

Find a job hopefully related to OT but you could also find a random job part time, and volunteer at different places when you don't work. Keep your head up and persevere! I know I am.

OTdream,

I think we are on the same page. It of course isn't what I wanted to have a gap year, but I am also trying to be positive and focus on how I can best build up my resume. I've heard that a lot of people don't get in the first time. Maybe this is all a blessing in disguise? Who knows. Anyway, glad to hear someone with a positive outlook. Best of luck to you!

 

[mlc54]

This happened to me last year. I applied to only 1 school (since I went to undergrad there) thinking that if I get in I'll go and if not I'll take a year off. Well, I wasn't accepted last year, and even though at the time it really hurt and messed up the plans I was putting in place, now I realize that it was probably one of the best things that could have happened.

I took prerequisite classes and did observation hours. It also gave me plenty of time to look into schools and decide where I was going to apply to this time around (I ended up applying to 9 different schools this time around. Which seems like a lot, but I wanted to make sure I was going to end up somewhere this time!) And it also allowed me a little down time after 4 years of undergrad and constantly having something to do before the next 2+ years of crazy. The best part about it (for me) is that I was accepted into the program I was rejected from last year, and will be attending in the Fall. So for whatever reason, taking a year off allowed me to strengthen my application and made me "worthy" of attending their program this time around!

Sorry for the rambling, but this is definitely a topic I can relate to. I agree with what OTdream said about not looking at is as a bad thing, but as a good opportunity for doing things that you want/need to do to make your application better! I too would have loved to get right back into school, but after the past year, I realized that I'll have the rest of my life to work in OT and that I should enjoy this time while I can!

Hope that helps a little 🙂 Good luck everyone!!!

 

[prodigiousflame]

My first advice for everyone is to stop looking at it like taking a year off but rather look at it like an opportunity to improve your application. I am in the same boat, applied to 13 schools, wait-listed at 2 and no news from 2 (prob rejections based on other people). The way I look at it, is- I have one more year to make my application better. retake what needs to be improved and weed out schools that I found to be unprofessional this time around, and applying to schools I didn't consider before.

Find a job hopefully related to OT but you could also find a random job part time, and volunteer at different places when you don't work. Keep your head up and persevere! I know I am.

your overall GPA is awesome though, what do u think is preventing you from getting in? Have you applied to any schools in Philly, Cali, Florida, Nevada or Arizona? Just out of curiosity

 

[OTdream]

your overall GPA is awesome though, what do u think is preventing you from getting in? Have you applied to any schools in Philly, Cali, Florida, Nevada or Arizona? Just out of curiosity

I think my biggest pb was I had a few pending pre-req and 2 of them were science so even though they say they still look at your app I believe if there is a candidate equally as good as you with all his pre-req completed they'll take him first. That's just a guess. I applied to Philly, applied to CA but withdraw my apps there (moved there for a few months and hated it), no FL and no NV.

 

[prodigiousflame]

ahh thank you for clarifying otdream

 

[KJ7984]

I can absolutely comiserate here. In 2011 I "quit" my full time job as a paralegal (they wound up letting me stay on part time) to complete my prerequisite courses at community college. That first semester I took AP1, Chemistry 2, Bio2 and Physics 1 in addition to observing in a hand setting and volunteering in a nursing home (and working 20 hours a week for my firm in downtown NYC). I don't think I slept for more than 4 hours a night but it was worth it to me to bust my butt because I knew the payoff would be getting into grad school. My applications went in that September/October with the academic update happening around the end of December when those courses were done. I finished with a 3.8 that semester and I was feeling really good. I had 3 interviews which all went well, I started my spring semester (AP2 and Physics 2), started observing in 2 new pediatric settings then boom I was waitlisted at all of my programs. I was devastated. I knew since the programs only accepted around 30 students a piece it would be a longshot to get in off of the wait list. I wasn't trying to be pesimistic, just realistic because I needed to start on my plan B. As some of the other posters said, I did my best to look at it as an opportunity to increase my observation hours and build my resume. I went back to work full time as a paralegal (hey I had a mortgage to pay!!!) and continued to observe/volunteer when I could and as much as I could. I also took a weekend math course because I knew I would get an A in it and it would replace the C+ I received in 2002 when I first took it. I contacted the programs to see if they had any advice for me going forward (which they did) and I stayed focused. When the new cycle opened up I got my applications in very early and crossed my fingers LOL I was accpted to 2 programs this cycle (I declined a third interview at another school) with my two rejections being NYU and Downstate which was not a surprise since my undergraduate GPA was only a 3.0 (my freshman year in 2002 was a rough year for me). At one of my interviews this year I spoke directly with the director and she said "ohhh I remember you <with a smile> you missed it by thaaat much didn't you. If I recall it was because you had 2 outstanding prerequisites to finish." And it never dawned on me that something like that would get in my way! Especially after doing so much. But alas that was my downfall. So all that said, not getting in IS in fact a great opportunity to build you resume, get more observation hours, even get a job as a tech. Do what you can to make sure you stand out from the rest. There are so many things you can do in this period of time that will only better your application for next cycle. Not to mention applying a second time (after spending a year building your resume) shows staying power and commitment to the field. It proves to them that you REALLY want it and will do whatever it takes. Stay positive and I know it will all work out for you!

 

[prodigiousflame]

awesome post kj. By the way when you went to apply your second time around did the schools still hang onto your letter of rec and observation forms or did you have to redo those?

 

[KJ7984]

prodigious- I had to re-do EVERYTHING! What a pain!!!! Even my first aid/CPR card was not saved LOL

 

[prodigiousflame]

prodigious- I had to re-do EVERYTHING! What a pain!!!! Even my first aid/CPR card was not saved LOL

ooooh lord...lol

 

[6888115]

I also was not accepted the first time I applied, nor the second time, nor the third (I only applied to a handful of school). Although I was distraught over this I used this time to gain an incredible amount of experience and feel much more prepared to start graduate work. If you are feeling discouraged please know that you are not the only one and to really use this as an opportunity. Although I was initially very upset after every rejection I am truly thankful for all of the people I have had a chance to work with and the direction my life took after each one. I've spent the last few years working in a mental health setting and then in a public school (where I got to work/shadow with the OT's). If you are dedicated to this field be persistant your hard work will pay off. Wishing you all the best.

 

[VioletOT]

wja91, I took a year off after college as well and I think it was the best decision I've ever made. I didn't bother applying last year because I didn't have much OT experience and still needed to finish three prereqs (I decided on OT kind of late in the game) so I took the year to focus on my prereqs and complete over 200 hours of observation. You have a ton of time to deal with all of the paperwork and personal statements without having to juggle a full courseload at the same time.

Another great thing about taking a year off- saving money! Grad school is super expensive and I've been able to save a good chunk of money by working full time to cut down on the loans I will need to take out. I did not get a job related to OT, I just relied on my observation experience for my applications. When I applied this year I got into my dream school. Look at your year off as a blessing in disguise! Also, my brain is very happy for the break 😉

 

[KJ7984]

If it makes anyone feel better I took 7 years off in between!! LOL

 

[cvy123]

Honestly...after i received 10 rejections from OT schools, i began to have a "giving up feeling" to OT. To me, if i decide to reapply again, then i have to retake GRE, getting to know more Ot, get more obvervation lettets, rewrite my essay and wait for another year hoping I can get in somewhere. Thats would be totally 2 yrs of not making any "real money or job". One day, i asked myself :" will i never be happy if i cant become an Ot?" my answer is no.. What i want is that i want to help people, to work in healthcare setting, like science, and interested in human body.So my new plan is to also aplly for an ADN program during this year. If i get in nursing program, then i just go ahead becoming a RN and be happy as i got a job rather than having nothing at all. I just simply tell you what my plan is, i dont want to discourage anyone to give up your dream. 🙂) be happy with what you choose

 

[OTchick1590]

wja91, I took a year off after college as well and I think it was the best decision I've ever made. I didn't bother applying last year because I didn't have much OT experience and still needed to finish three prereqs (I decided on OT kind of late in the game) so I took the year to focus on my prereqs and complete over 200 hours of observation. You have a ton of time to deal with all of the paperwork and personal statements without having to juggle a full courseload at the same time.

Another great thing about taking a year off- saving money! Grad school is super expensive and I've been able to save a good chunk of money by working full time to cut down on the loans I will need to take out. I did not get a job related to OT, I just relied on my observation experience for my applications. When I applied this year I got into my dream school. Look at your year off as a blessing in disguise! Also, my brain is very happy for the break 😉

I took the past year off, too, decided on OT last summer and did everything to apply for this upcoming fall start. It was too rushed of a process, I didn't study for the GRE as much as I should have and it showed. I should have just relaxed and applied for the 2014 cycle instead. Now I know! I'm just really grateful to be able to save some money as a CNA for the time being, and gather more observation hours at the places I'm currently volunteering at (I had very little at the time of application, just the minimum requirements).

You live and you learn. Let's just all keep our chins up 🙂

 

[wja91]

I took the past year off, too, decided on OT last summer and did everything to apply for this upcoming fall start. It was too rushed of a process, I didn't study for the GRE as much as I should have and it showed. I should have just relaxed and applied for the 2014 cycle instead. Now I know! I'm just really grateful to be able to save some money as a CNA for the time being, and gather more observation hours at the places I'm currently volunteering at (I had very little at the time of application, just the minimum requirements).

You live and you learn. Let's just all keep our chins up 🙂

"You live and learn". Isn't that the truth!! I'm with you, totally. I also should have studied more for the GRE and volunteered in a wider variety of settings. I have 200 hours in pediatric outpatient rehab, but virtually nothing with adults or any other settings. My grades are good, as well as my LOR and personal statement, so I am assuming my GRE and lack of variety in observation is what set me back?

Anyway, I think maybe this time will be good to really research schools, financial stuff like loans, gain more experience, and hopefully save some money. Hey, maybe we will end up in the same program in 2014! Best of luck to you. Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[OTchick1590]

"You live and learn". Isn't that the truth!! I'm with you, totally. I also should have studied more for the GRE and volunteered in a wider variety of settings. I have 200 hours in pediatric outpatient rehab, but virtually nothing with adults or any other settings. My grades are good, as well as my LOR and personal statement, so I am assuming my GRE and lack of variety in observation is what set me back?

Anyway, I think maybe this time will be good to really research schools, financial stuff like loans, gain more experience, and hopefully save some money. Hey, maybe we will end up in the same program in 2014! Best of luck to you. Thanks for the encouragement.

You're already on the right track! I'm planning to apply more on the west coast and maybe one out east, since I am from Washington and don't want to venture too far off. I'm taking another "recommended" pre-requisite and retaking an anatomy course, so by the end of the summer I should have around a 3.6 pre-req gpa, on top of a 3.0 undergrad gpa.

Apply early! It'll help, especially with programs that do rolling admissions! I've called Nova and I was basically competing for the last spots in their program and it came down to the smallest things, like hours. At the time of application, I was only a CNA for maybe four months, but now it's almost been a year! Besides, I don't know how young you are, but I'm only 23 so there's still lots of time to become an OT.. I've noticed my study habits are much more mature than when I was at 18/19 years old, so I plan to include that in any additional statements that schools may allow. OTCAS and the new application rounds start this late summer/fall for the following year, so we've still got this! And yeah, who knows, we may be in the same program next year 🙂

 

[wja91]

You're already on the right track! I'm planning to apply more on the west coast and maybe one out east, since I am from Washington and don't want to venture too far off. I'm taking another "recommended" pre-requisite and retaking an anatomy course, so by the end of the summer I should have around a 3.6 pre-req gpa, on top of a 3.0 undergrad gpa.

Apply early! It'll help, especially with programs that do rolling admissions! I've called Nova and I was basically competing for the last spots in their program and it came down to the smallest things, like hours. At the time of application, I was only a CNA for maybe four months, but now it's almost been a year! Besides, I don't know how young you are, but I'm only 23 so there's still lots of time to become an OT.. I've noticed my study habits are much more mature than when I was at 18/19 years old, so I plan to include that in any additional statements that schools may allow. OTCAS and the new application rounds start this late summer/fall for the following year, so we've still got this! And yeah, who knows, we may be in the same program next year 🙂

It sounds like you have a really solid plan! I couldn't agree with you more about applying early... I was definitely not on top of that this time around. I didn't get my OTCAS submitted until December, which I actually thought was early, since most deadlines are in February. I really want to get my apps in ASAP this time... like August, September at the latest.

By the way, I'm only 21! We definitely have plenty of time. Also, how do you like being a CNA? I am trying to find a decent paying job on this "year off" and am hoping for something in the health care field. My number one choice is a therapy tech, but those positions are really hard to come by. How do you become a CNA?

Thanks!

 

[OTchick1590]

It sounds like you have a really solid plan! I couldn't agree with you more about applying early... I was definitely not on top of that this time around. I didn't get my OTCAS submitted until December, which I actually thought was early, since most deadlines are in February. I really want to get my apps in ASAP this time... like August, September at the latest.

By the way, I'm only 21! We definitely have plenty of time. Also, how do you like being a CNA? I am trying to find a decent paying job on this "year off" and am hoping for something in the health care field. My number one choice is a therapy tech, but those positions are really hard to come by. How do you become a CNA?

Thanks!

I love being a CNA! I'm in an assisted living facility and the same OTs and PTs from a home health agency come in weekly, so I chat with them all the time during my process of trying to get into school, aside from the actual therapies I need to execute daily with my residents. I'm too busy to "shadow" them while I'm at work 😛 Being a CNA is a fairly short process. You can be done with programs in as little as a month (luckily, I found an independent program such as this), or three months (an entire quarter at a community college as it may be offered).

So! Do some research at the local CCs in your area 🙂 Then, you take a state exam to become certified (usually in the form of a written and a practical exam) and ta-da! I was a CNA within a couple of months, total. I'm glad to have a job at all during my off years! haha. Being a CNA can be a lot of dirty work (you do total care for people.. assist in bathroom, showers) but it can totally vary in the type of setting you're in. I like how my residents are fairly "all there" for the most part. Other than that, it's a very rewarding career and it's definitely a nice jumpstart and introduction to individuals' activities of daily living in regard to Occupational Therapy!

 

[andgelyo]

Don't feel so bad, while I am technically still an OT student, I recently failed a class and will have to come back next year! I also plan on working as a rehab aid to pay off loans and to also somewhat continue my education about OT. In my opinion, the people who have had time off before starting the program in my class seemed to do better, as they weren't as burnt out and had some relaxation time. Just my two cents, because I came to the program straight from undergrad and i felt incredibly burnt out. I am still relatively young so in a way i am not that mad, but still it sucks having to come back after a year 🙁

 

[RedDevilOT]

I know this thread has been inactive for a while, but I was hoping to get some help for a similar problem!

I just submitted my application for 2014 admission so I have the next year off (granted I get in somewhere!). I'm currently employed somewhere but I'm not really loving the work and I feel like I could find something better where I could learn more and get some more relevant experiences.

The bottom line is I need some advice on jobs to look for! More specifically, what job titles to search for. My current searches include "rehab aide" and "therapy tech" and things along those lines. What jobs do you guys have/had? Any advice for places to call or positions to look for? Any help is much appreciated!

 

[OTtoB]

Direct support professional

 

[RedDevilOT]

Actually, the job I have now is essentially a direct support professional position. I think the position itself is great but the facility I work at now just isn't working out. I am looking at doing DSP at a different location but I also wanted to look at jobs that are a little more closely related to OT. Thank you for your suggestion though!

Any suggestions besides things like "rehabilitation aide/assistant/tech", "restorative aide/tech", "OT or PT aide/tech", "therapy aide", etc? My ideal job would be in a rehab facility or hospital somewhere but with these searches, I'm not finding much. Please help! What are those of you applying for 2014 admission working as right now?