GPA's, GRE's, XTRA's, ACCEPTANCES

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@Smilez1219 & @cmyang05 How did you hear of your rejection from Towson? And when?

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Here's a brief list of my stats:

University attended: Iowa State University, Major- Psychology, Minors- Child, Adult, Family Services and Design Studies (Photography)

GPA-Overall: 3.77
Pre-requisite: 3.81-3.9 (depending on program)

Shadowing: Over 300 hours in inpatient, outpatient, 3 different locations. Observed many different forms of therapy- vestibular, hand therapy, lymphedema, pelvic floor strengthening, etc

Volunteering: Pet therapy with my dog, Students Helping Rescue Animals Club VP of Education, Cystic Fibrosis Walk for 5 years, going to the nursing home and playing Hangman with the residents, etc

Extracurricular: Yoga and exercise, book studies through my church, photography

Work Experience: I have worked for the last 6 years in direct care. I have worked with adults with disabilities for the most part, and now work as a para-educator for children with disabilities at a school while working part time for adults with disabilities (over 9,000 hours of work experience). I have also worked at a daycare and at a home for teenage girls with substance abuse troubles. I also have my own independent photography business that I have had for two years.

Applied: Creighton University, St. Ambrose University, St. Catherine's University
Rejections: St. Catherine's University
Interviews: Creighton University, St. Ambrose University
Accepted: (still waiting to hear from Creighton and St. A)

Creighton is definitely my number one choice! Apparently, St. Catherine's had over 400 applications and 60 seats, 20 of which are reserved for their undergrad students, so my chances of getting in there were slim.

Please lemme know what you think of my odds of getting in! Thanks :) This whole process of applying and then waiting has made me so anxious!

Creighton said I will hear from them 3-4 weeks after my interview February 7th so that's this Friday or next Friday (fingers crossed).

Good luck, everyone!
 
University: New York University (3 semesters) and then Temple (1 semester)
Major: Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.64
Pre-Req GPA: Not finished most by time I applied
GRE: N/A

Extra-Curric: Steinhardt Scholars Member at NYU

Shadowing: So far 25 hours in two outpatient hand centers

Volunteer: 7+ years volunteering at two therapeutic horseback riding centers for children with special needs

Work Experience: Full time babysitter, some of the children had special needs

Applied: Jefferson BS/MS OT Program

Acceptances: Jefferson!

Rejections:

Interviews: Jefferson

Hope to see some others in my program next fall :)
 
Update:

Acceptance: St. Ambrose University

Still waiting on Creighton (fingers crossed!!)
 
Now that decisions are all in and made...

Major:
Psychology and French Studies
Overall GPA: 3.67
Pre-Req GPA: 3.8-3.9ish
GRE: 168 V, 158 Q, 4.5 AW
Observation: 122 hours; the majority were at a children's development clinic and a sports care center (with a CHT); others are schools, sensory clinic, inpatient rehab, neurodevelopment center, hippotherapy
Other experience: 3 years in a psych research lab in college, 2 years afterwards working as a research assistant in a lab that studies autism, 1 semester tutoring English to kids during a semester abroad in France... a few various volunteer things but nothing big
Applied: U Pitt, Thomas Jefferson, Medical University of South Carolina, Virginia Commonwealth University
Acceptances: MUSC (11/20), Pitt (12/11), VCU (2/4)
Rejections: N/A
Interviews: N/A
Waitlist: Thomas Jefferson (2/14), declined spot on list
Attending: MUSC!

Good luck everyone!
 
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University: University of Maryland

Major: Biology

Overall GPA- Undergraduate Transcript from graduating college: 3.13
Pre-req: 3.30-3.45 depending on the schools req.
OTCAS calculations:
Total Undergraduate 2.8
Post-BS/BA Baccalaureate 3.39
Cumulative Undergraduate 2.93

GRE: V:143 Q: 137 Writing: 3.0

Extra-Curric:
Rehabilitation Volunteer, Meals-on-Wheels Volunteer, All American Summer Track Camp Assistant, National Zoo Keeper Aide, Cat Caretaker Volunteer, Biology Society, Youth Mentor
-Chiropractic Assistant for 3 yrs

OT observation hrs-50+ (elementary school, pediatric clinic, home health care)

Applied: D'youville, Towson, Howard, University of the Science, Springfield College, Alabama State
Rejections: D'youville, Towson
Interviews: Howard
Accepted: Howard
-Still waiting to hear back from the other schools

Verified OTCAS- end of Jan

*Don't become discouraged to apply to schools because of a low gpa or gre. I believe my extra-curricular activities made me stand out a little from the avg applicant (the person who interviewed me actually remembered I volunteered at the zoo). I did really well on my interview which I think helped me a WHOLE lot. I could of did better on the gre buuuut what can I expect when I didn't study.
I saw that you have a Post/BS. The universities you applied to did they consider classes that were taking after you graduated college? Have you heard from Alabama State University yet? I'm thinking about applying there this year for 2015 cycle. I saw on their website that they will take the MAT test. Congrats!!
 
I saw that you have a Post/BS. The universities you applied to did they consider classes that were taking after you graduated college? Have you heard from Alabama State University yet? I'm thinking about applying there this year for 2015 cycle. I saw on their website that they will take the MAT test. Congrats!!

Thank you!!! Im not 100% sure. But I'm assuming Howard did because those were the req. classes needed to apply to the program that I took after I graduated. No, I haven't heard anything from Alabama State yet. I applied there just in case I didn't get into a closer school to where I live. I'll update my stats if I here anything back from any of the other schools I applied to.
 
University: Gonzaga University
Major: Human Physiology, Minor: Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.65
Pre-Req GPA: around a 3.8 depending on the school
GRE: 153 verbal, 159 quantitative, 4.0 analytical
Observation: 90 hours in multiple settings
Applied: A.T. Stills University, Belmont University, Boston University, Creighton University, Midwestern University-AZ, Pacific University, Tufts University, University of Washington, Washington University in St. Louis
Acceptances: Washington University in St. Louis (11/15), Midwestern University-AZ (11/15), Belmont University (12/9), Creighton University (2/28)
Rejections: Boston University (2/19), Pacific University (2/28)
Interviews: Midwestern University-AZ (11/13), Belmont University (11/15), Creighton University (1/24), A.T. Stills University (declined)
Still Waiting On: Tufts University, University of Washington
Attending?? WashU and Creighton are my top choices right now but waiting until I have heard from all schools to make a final decision
 
University: California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
Major: Kinesiology (Child Development Minor)
Overall GPA: 3.66 (OTCAS GPA)
Pre-Req GPA: varies by school (generally all A's except B's in Anatomy)
GRE: V 157, Q 154, AW 4.0
Average stats but felt like my essays were strong!

Extra-Curric: 98 hours of observation at pediatric clinic, SNF, and hand rehab center. President and PR Coordinator of STRIDE Club during undergrad (Kinesiology Dept. club related to health and physical activity).
Member of PT/OT Club. Facilitator of fitness testing with on-campus organization called Polyfit. Involved in Greek life and choir. Also worked at a summer camp for children and adults with physical & developmental disabilities, and worked as a tutor for Functional Muscle Anatomy class. Senior project paper related to motor learning and occupational therapy.

Volunteer: Special Olympics basketball coach, local marathon volunteer for two years, homeless shelter, Relay for Life

Applied: UIC, Boston U, WUSTL, Tufts, NYU, UW, Colorado State, Cleveland State, Thomas Jefferson, University of Limerick (Ireland)

Acceptances: NYU, Tufts

Waitlisted: Thomas Jefferson

Rejections: UIC, BU, University of Limerick (I mistakenly didn't realize that applicants are required to have already completed their undergrad degree...different than in U.S.)

OTCAS was verified in mid-November.

Hey! How and when did you hear from NYU?
 
Congratulations! Thanks for getting back to me :)
 
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University: Undergrad and prereqs at two different schools. Most recent: IU
Major: Accounting with history minor, also many education and science courses
Overall GPA: 3.4
Pre-Req GPA: 3.8-3.9 depending on school
Last 70 hours: 3.87
GRE: 152 verbal, 155 quantitative, 4.5 analytical
Observation: 85 hours in multiple settings
Applied: IUPUI, University of Indianapolis, Pacific University, University of Washington
Acceptances: IUPUI, University of Indianapolis
Rejections: None yet
Interviews: IUPUI, University of Indianapolis, Pacific University (I declined)
Still Waiting On: University of Washington (Mary said they would know any day now)
Attending?? UW is my top choice, but no answer back yet.
 
Congrats pittpensfan for your acceptances!



University: Undergrad and prereqs at two different schools. Most recent: IU
Major: Accounting with history minor, also many education and science courses
Overall GPA: 3.4
Pre-Req GPA: 3.8-3.9 depending on school
Last 70 hours: 3.87
GRE: 152 verbal, 155 quantitative, 4.5 analytical
Observation: 85 hours in multiple settings
Applied: IUPUI, University of Indianapolis, Pacific University, University of Washington
Acceptances: IUPUI, University of Indianapolis
Rejections: None yet
Interviews: IUPUI, University of Indianapolis, Pacific University (I declined)
Still Waiting On: University of Washington (Mary said they would know any day now)
Attending?? UW is my top choice, but no answer back yet.
 
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University: Big 10 School, and community college
Major: Psychology, minor in English
Overall GPA: 3.62
Pre-Req GPA: 3.8-3.9 ish
GRE: 162 verbal, 158 quantitative, 5 analytical
Observation: 30 hours inpatient rehab, 10 ish hours pediatrics, and 3 hours neurology
Volunteer/extra-curric: 300+ hours as a physical therapy aide, 15 hours working with horses with an SLP who's starting a hippotherapy facility, background working with middle school kids and kids with Autism.
Applied: University of Puget Sound, Colorado State University, Eastern Washington University, University of South Dakota, University of Washington
Acceptances: University of Puget Sound
Rejections: University of Washington and Colorado State University
Interviews: Eastern and South Dakota (declined at South Dakota)
Waitlisted: #1 on the waitlist at Eastern, here's to hoping!!
 
University: Big 10 School, and community college
Major: Psychology, minor in English
Overall GPA: 3.62
Pre-Req GPA: 3.8-3.9 ish
GRE: 162 verbal, 158 quantitative, 5 analytical
Observation: 30 hours inpatient rehab, 10 ish hours pediatrics, and 3 hours neurology
Volunteer/extra-curric: 300+ hours as a physical therapy aide, 15 hours working with horses with an SLP who's starting a hippotherapy facility, background working with middle school kids and kids with Autism.
Applied: University of Puget Sound, Colorado State University, Eastern Washington University, University of South Dakota, University of Washington
Acceptances: University of Puget Sound
Rejections: University of Washington and Colorado State University
Interviews: Eastern and South Dakota (declined at South Dakota)
Waitlisted: #1 on the waitlist at Eastern, here's to hoping!!

you have such great stats and extra-curriculars...here's a testament to how competitive it is to get into OT school!
 
you have such great stats and extra-curriculars...here's a testament to how competitive it is to get into OT school!

Thanks!! I will say that Puget Sound was my first choice throughout the application process. I've since switched to Eastern as my number one, but my application was sort of geared towards UPS. Also my GRE is strong, but my overall gpa is average, and I'm low on OT observation hours.

I don't feel like my supplemental essays for CSU or UW were nearly as strong as my supplemental for UPS.

So I feel like I was/am a strong applicant but there are definitely things I could have improved - I felt like I should post for any future applicants to the programs I was rejected from :)
 
University: Shorter University
Major: Biology; Psychology Minor
Overall GPA: 3.82
Pre-Req GPA: 4.0
GRE: Verbal-150, Quantitative- 153, Analytical- 4.0

Extra-Curric: Cross Country/ Track & Field
Volunteer: 120+ hours of observation/shadowing. pediatrics and outpatient rehab
Applied: Brenau, UAB, Belmont, UTC, Georgia Regents
Acceptances: UAB
Rejections: Georgia Regents
Wait listed: Brenau
Interviews: Belmont, UAB, Brenau, Georgia Regents
Attending: Most likely UAB, Brenau was my top choice but now I'm not so sure!
 
Overall GPA: 3.4
Last 60 Units GPA: 3.8
Pre-Req GPA: 4.0
GRE: 310 combined 4.0 analytical
OT Volunteer Hours: 250+ hours
Applied: USC, LLU, CSUDH, SJSU, UW (Seattle), UIC, BU, NYU, UPitt, TJU, Columbia University
Acceptances: USC, LLU, NYU, Columbia Univ
Rejections: CSUDH, SJSU, UW, UIC, BU
Waitlisted: TJU, UPitt (planning to withdraw my application)

Will be attending USC! Good luck to all!
 
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Acceptances: 3
Jefferson College of Health Sciences (Roanoke, VA)
Advantages: Caring Staff, Small Class Size, Great area (see picture)

Creighton University
(Omaha, NE) (way too unrealistically expensive but had very nice students)

Midwestern University
(Glendale, AZ) (liked the school and had a nice updated feel, but thought JCHS was a better fit for me)

Anyone else going to OT school at JCHS or Radford or something?

best-places-to-live-roanoke-virginia-1040cs071712.jpg
 
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University: Seattle Pacific
Major: Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.38
GRE: V:510 Q620 W5 (old version 2010)

Observations:50 total-
28 skilled nursing, 22 child development/diagnositic

Volunteer:
30hr Special Olympics, 65 Inclusive art education, 208 Brain injury camp/outdoor recreation, 600 outdoor education.

Work: I listed 6,800 hours of applicable work experience on OTCAS
Directly working with people with developmental disabilities as a direct support provider (1.5 years), Program Manager (3 years), and a Behavior specialist/Program Director (6 months-current)

Presentation: 2010 Conference on Human Development

Research:
University of Oregon Brain lab (40 hours) and Seattle Pacific University Psychology Lab (500hours)

Applied in order of preference:
Belmont, Washington University St. Louis, Pacific, University of Wisconsin Madison, University of New England, University of Washington Seattle, Ithaca.

Interviews: Belmont, UNE

Acceptances: none yet

Waitlist: UW Madison

Rejections: Pacific University 2/28, UW Seattle 3/17

Updated 3/17

Hope you get into UNE at the very least, especially considering you'd be traveling across the entire US. That won't be cheap. Good Luck!
 
Hope you get into UNE at the very least, especially considerin' you'd be travelin' across the entire US. That won't be cheap. Good Luck!
Well- I was wait listed at UNE... Still waiting on Belmont, WUSTL, and Ithaca (although considering they have done interviews, I know the answer there)...
 
University: Seattle Pacific
Major: Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.38
GRE: V:510 Q620 W5 (old version 2010)

Observations:50 total-
28 skilled nursing, 22 child development/diagnositic

Volunteer:
30hr Special Olympics, 65 Inclusive art education, 208 Brain injury camp/outdoor recreation, 600 outdoor education.

Work: I listed 6,800 hours of applicable work experience on OTCAS
Directly working with people with developmental disabilities as a direct support provider (1.5 years), Program Manager (3 years), and a Behavior specialist/Program Director (6 months-current)

Presentation: 2010 Conference on Human Development

Research:
University of Oregon Brain lab (40 hours) and Seattle Pacific University Psychology Lab (500hours)

Applied in order of preference:
Belmont, Washington University St. Louis, Pacific, University of Wisconsin Madison, University of New England, University of Washington Seattle, Ithaca.

Interviews: Belmont, UNE

Acceptances: BELMONT! and UNE

Wait list: UW Madison, UNE

Rejections: Pacific University 2/28, UW Seattle 3/17, Ithaca 4/12, WUSTL 4/14

Updated 4/14
 
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So did Creighton University told you it was to late.......I believe I will not get a seat.
Hello!!!!!!!! I applied to Creighton University in Nov/Dec. So where are you applying t0 next year??? I'm thinking about!
Tennessee State University
University of Tennessee
Milligan College
Belmont University
Creighton University
Schools in Oklahoma
Schools in North Carolina and South Carolina
I interviewed with Belmont on 3/28 and was accepted yesterday- their program is amazing and I would definitely recommend it. I completely fell in love with it once I was their- beautiful facilities and diverse and expert faculty! Not to mention a student driven residency for the OTD :)
 
University: Dickinson College
Major: Biology, Economics Minor
Overall GPA: 3.3 (Undergrad GPA: 3.19)
Last 60: 3.70
Prereq GPA: Somewhere between 3.72 and 3.97 (depending on the school)

OT observation hours: 20 in hand therapy, 20 in pediatric outpatient hospital clinic, 23 in inpatient pediatric hospital, 52 in skilled nursing facility (115 hours total)
GRE: 155 V (66%), 149 Q (37%) and 4.0 W (54%)
Extracurriculars: 4-year NCAA DIII Varsity Softball, Pre-Health Society, Alpha Phi Omega (National Co-ed Service Fraternity), Alpha Lambda Delta (National Honor Society)
Other: Worked for 3 months as a clinical associate helping children and adolescents with autism overcome severe behavioral challenges, currently working as a PT Aide in an outpatient clinic that offers both PT and OT (500+ hours)

Applied: VCU, Towson, Sacred Heart, Temple, Thomas Jefferson, Philly U, and Richard Stockton
Acceptances: Temple, Richard Stockton
Waitlisted: Philly U
Rejections: VCU, Towson, Sacred Heart, TJ

I will be attending Richard Stockton! So excited!

My advice for future applicants is to 1. apply to a wide range of schools to keep your options open (I applied to schools I thought would be "safety schools" that I ended up getting rejected from) and 2. visit campus! I fell in love with Stockton when I went to interview and knew it was the place for me! Good luck to everybody.
 
I interviewed with Belmont on 3/28 and was accepted yesterday- their program is amazing and I would definitely recommend it. I completely fell in love with it once I was their- beautiful facilities and diverse and expert faculty! Not to mention a student driven residency for the OTD :)
How much is Belmont Tuition?
 
University: Minnesota State University

Major: Child Development and Family Studies

Overall GPA:3.85

Pre-Req GPA:4.0

GRE: Verbal: 151 Quantitative: 149 Writing: 4.0

Extra-Curric: 200 hours pediatric outpatient therapy and hippotherapy observation, 50 hours outpatient general observation, 50 hours TCU observiaton, 100 hours PT inpatient observation, years experience working as PT-aid, CNA experience, in-home therapy internship, and pre-OT club.

Volunteer: 50 hours with special needs, 250 hours at pediatric therapy facility.

Applied: University of Minnesota, University of South Dakota, St. Kates, Universtiy of Wisconsin- Madison, University of Wisconsin- La Crosse, and Wash U. (Mid- September)

Acceptances:U of M(March 17th, via email, had less than a week to decide with $250), St. Kates(February, Wait listed first, had 2 weeks to decide with $500), UWL (February 28th, one week to decide, $250), Wash U(October 31st one week to decide, $250).

Rejections: UW- Madison

Interviews: USD (declined interview)

Attending: University of Wisconin- La Crosse!

Tips: Start your observation hours Freshman year! They add up quickly and you can make great relationship with OTs for letters of recommendation/ jobs while still in under grad. Apply early (August or September). Your major does not matter! I chose an easier major so that I could focus on my pre-requisites and it paid off in GPA and graudating a year early! Applying and holding your spot in programs is very expensive ($1,300 total for me) save up or take out loans ahead of time. Once you are accepted you only have about a week to put down a deposit ($250- $500) or they give away your spot.

Good Luck!!!
 
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I've just been accepted to UTMB off of the waitlist!! Hallelujah!
 
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Yay I finally get to post here!

Overall GPA: 3.47 (OTCAS 3.38)
Last 50 hr GPA: 3.7-ish
GRE: quant- 155; verbal- 151; writing- 4.5
Observation hours: 45 inpatient & 15 in school/special population setting
Worked as a special needs swim instructor and Special Olympics coach through undergrad, which is part of the reason I had little time for observation hours.

Applied: UTC, UTenn Health Science Center, TSU, and Eastern Kentucky Univ.
Accepted: UTC and UTHSC
*Haven't heard from TSU or EKU yet
Attending: UTC!
 
University: Purdue University
Major: Public Health
Overall GPA: 3.44
Pre-Req GPA: 3.5-3.6

GRE: Quantitative: 150
Verbal: 155
Writing: 5

Extra-Curric: Leadership position in my sorority
Adopt-a-Grandparent club (100 hours)
Chapter Bible study leader (100 hours)
Student Intern at PT/OT Outpatient clinic- 350 hours
Student Intern at Purdue Student Wellness Office- 150 hours

Volunteer: Physical/Aquatic activity weekly camp for kids with cognitive, physical disabilities (leadership position) (75 hours)
Adaptive water ski camp volunteer (12 hours)

Acceptances: VCU, Brenau U, Milligan College, Indiana State, UTHSC, WUSTL

Rejections: St. Louis University, Spalding University

Interviews: University of Indianapolis, UNE (declined interview), Milligan College, Belmont

Waitlist: University of Indianapolis, Belmont, Shenandoah

Updated 5/4/2014

Have you decided which school you're going to yet?!
 
University: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Major: Geography & French Language
Overall GPA: 3.5
Last 60: 3.7
Prereq GPA: Somewhere between 3.5 and 3.6 (depending on the school)

OT observation hours: over 200 hours between peds, acute rehab and outpatient rehab (hand therapy)
GRE: 162, 150 Q and 4.0 W

Other
: Was in management consulting for 5 years previously working with clients from major hospitals and military medical facilities

Applied: Thomas Jefferson University, Temple University, Salus University (Declined Interview), Midwestern University (IL), U. Puget Sound, UPITT, D'Youville College
Acceptances: Thomas Jefferson University, Temple University, D'Youville College
Waitlisted: UPITT, U. Puget Sound
Rejections: Midwestern University (IL)

I am attending Thomas Jefferson University!!
 
Hey OT Forum,
I was wondering what can I do to improve my possibility of acceptance.

Undergrad: BA 3.1; Post undergrad: 3.7 (15 credits); considering retaking: statistics and med term; physics in Fall

Etc.: co-ed soccer/tennis through college, leadership organization w/ volunteer experience, summer study abroad, tutor for kids with ASD w/ water therapy one weekend per month (1 year), staff in home for people with disabilities (4 months), working in healthcare field not as a healthcare worker though

OT Prerequisites:
AP 1/L: B/B
AP 2/L: C/C (took freshman year) retake grade: A/A
Dev. Psych: C(took freshman year) retake grade: A
Abn. Psych: A
KIN Biomechanics:B
Soc.: A
Med Term: C (freshman year), RETAKING THIS SUMMER
Statistics: B (SHOULD I RETAKE STATISTICS?)
Chem (no lab): A
Physics/L: taking Fall semester due to math prereq completion over the summer

OT hours: 20 OT observation hours, and will be volunteering 10 hours a week at a local hospital with different OT settings.

1.Do OT schools look down on retaking classes?
2.How does OTCAS calculate retake classes?
3. Is it worth retaking both Statistics and Medical Terminology? I know I can easily get an A because I am motivated.
4. How long did you know your OT recommendation writer before you asked for a rec?
5. How can I be a strong candidate for my recommender?
5. How can I become a stronger candidate in general for OT?
6. I don't really want to ask a professor for a recommendation, is a recommendation from an employer looked differently upon?
7. Does have one pre-req (physics) in progress at the time of application affect my chances?
8. Any book/life experience recommendations to learn more about Occupational Therapy (besides intro to OT books)?

Any advice would be great and appreciated! Thank you =)
 
University: UNC-G (undergrad), Radford (MS)
Major: psychology BA; clinical psychology MS
Overall GPA: 3.7; 3.69
GRE: Verbal 81%, Quant 61%, Written: 4.0

Shadowing: year long internship working alongside OTs plus 40 hours at various facilities

Work Experience: internship from previous MS degree

Applied: WSSU, UNC

Acceptances: WSSU

Rejections: UNC

Interviews: none

I was waitlisted with WSSU in February of 2014, told the following June that the class was closed and to reapply for the next year. I called to request to speak with someone on how I could strengthen my application for next year. Eventually spoke with the chair who was very kind and had great ideas for me. Three weeks later I get an email saying that they have a spot open for me due to last minute cancellation!! God is GOOD!

Never give up!!
 
Curious as the where I Stand for OT schools...

Major: Psychology
CumGpa: 3.7
Last 60 hours: 3.8

OT Prerequisites:
AP 1/L: B/B
AP 2/L: A/A
Intro Psych: A
Dev. Psych: +A
Abn. Psych: B
Soc.: A
Med Term: A
Statistics: B
Bio/Lab: B/B
Physics/L: -A/-A

460 OT observation hours.
3 leadership positions in clubs/lots of volunteer experiences
 
University: DePaul University
Major: Public Health, minor in Sociology
Overall GPA: 3.45 (Might be a little less because of retaken courses via OTCAS)
Last 60: 3.60
Prereq GPA: Somewhere between 3.3-3.6
OT observation hours: 120 hours shadowing Nurse in home healthcare, 70 hours shadowing Occupational therapist in home healthcare. These numbers can/will increase by much more by matriculation. Also plenty of internships and experience in healthcare but not OT related
GRE: Not good. Cant remember exactly but verbal and quant were both around 148-149, 4.o on writing

I am looking to apply to UIC (GRE required), Rush (GRE required, Midwestern (IL), Chicago State, Governors State for the 2015 cycle. Can anyone give me an idea of what my chances are?
 
Hey guys! I've noticed a lot of people post their stats in other specific threads, but seem to have stopped posting on this sticky, which is really the most helpful place for it...so, I thought I'd post mine and hope more follow! :) I've noticed in the pre-physical therapy forum they post their stats even before hearing back from schools, and then update it once they receive admissions decisions, which I think would be great if we do too. If we want to build this forum and eventually have enough to split it into pre-OT and OT then updating this sticky could help too!

OTCAS calculated overall GPA: 3.18 (graduated 2010, 4.0 post-bac)
Prereq GPA: 4.0 (All completed except for Anatomy & Physiology 2)
GRE: 161 Verbal, 152 Math, 4.5 AW
OT volunteering: ~ 150 hrs observing/volunteering in 5 settings
Other volunteering: City Year Americorps, ABA tutor with preschoolers with autism, assisted a professor with a disability advocacy related research project
OTCAS verified: Sept 3rd

Applied: Temple, Thomas Jefferson, Philadelphia U, Salus U
Interview: Salus U (12/12)
Denied: Temple
Waitlisted: Jefferson
Accepted: Salus, Philly U, Jefferson (7/8)
Attending: TJU!

I was accepted off the wait list to Thomas Jefferson a few days ago!!!! Its crazy but I think I'm going to attend since it is my dream school. So excited!
 
Hi all, I'm currently going into my last year of college and preparing for OT school. I want to know my chances of getting accepted so far with the grades I have. I still have a year or 2 until I want to go to grad school, but would love to have some feedback on both GPAs, espeically pre-req. I ideally want to apply for 2016 year so that I can have an extra semester to prepare and complete any pre-reqs.

I transferred from Fresno City College a year ago and at the Junior college I received my AA degree in Social Science.

University: CSU Monterey Bay
Major: Kinesiology- Exercise Science
Overall GPA currently: 3.2
Pre-req GPA currently: 3.1
GRE: not yet
Hours: so far only had 2 in an OT clinic (before I moved for college) with Peds and 32 in pre-school for orthopedics (OT was on duty a few times)

I work as a respite worker/provider for 3 boys who have autism and 1 girl who has epilepsy. I have had the job for almost a year.

I know my pre-req gpa is extremely low, however I have only taken half of my pre-reqs and during that time I was having some personal issues. I got a high C in stats at my JC and was wondering if I should re-take it?

ANY advice would be great.

Thank you!
 
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Hi all, I'm currently going into my last year of college and preparing for OT school. I want to know my chances of getting accepted so far with the grades I have. I still have a year or 2 until I want to go to grad school, but would love to have some feedback on both GPAs, espeically pre-req. I ideally want to apply for 2016 year so that I can have an extra semester to prepare and complete any pre-reqs.

I transferred from Fresno City College a year ago and at the Junior college I received my AA degree in Social Science.

University: CSU Monterey Bay
Major: Kinesiology- Exercise Science
Overall GPA currently: 3.2
Pre-req GPA currently: 3.1
GRE: not yet
Hours: so far only had 2 in an OT clinic (before I moved for college) with Peds and 32 in pre-school for orthopedics (OT was on duty a few times)

I work as a respite worker/provider for 3 boys who have autism and 1 girl who has epilepsy. I have had the job for almost a year.

I know my pre-req gpa is extremely low, however I have only taken half of my pre-reqs and during that time I was having some personal issues. I got a high C in stats at my JC and was wondering if I should re-take it?

ANY advice would be great.

Thank you!
Definitely retake the stats class if you can, pre-req gpa is quite important universally to admission committees because it is an indicator of how you would possibly fair doing OT schooling so try to raise it as high as possible. Have you done anatomy? If so what were your grades? As for your overall gpa that is also important as some schools use it as in informal cut-off to narrow down the hundreds of applicants they are going to receive. Just having the minimum gpa to apply (which is typically a 3.0) is not very competitive seeing as most schools will have a decent number of applicants who have a 3.5 or above (hence using an informal cutoff based on the applicant pool) which means you should aim to raise this gpa as well. Don't panic though........ there are several schools out there that take a more holistic approach to the application and accept applicants with an overall gpa between 3.0-3.5 who probably wouldn't get in other OT schools that are more academia focused in admissions. This adds to the importance of the prereq gpa because a high prereq gpa can make up for a lower overall gpa. Your work experience with those children is invaluable and is definitely something you want to elaborate on whenever you get the chance during the admissions process whether it be through an essay, personal statement, interview etc.(and God bless you for doing that because helping kids with mental/physical disabilities is something the world needs much more of). Explain how that experience with those children have sparked a passion to you being an OT. If ya can, add some more observation hours over time and add a different setting or two if ya can. Mix that all with a good GRE score and an upward trend of high gpa semesters in the upcoming year and you will be a fine applicant and get in somewhere :)!!
 
Definitely retake the stats class if you can, pre-req gpa is quite important universally to admission committees because it is an indicator of how you would possibly fair doing OT schooling so try to raise it as high as possible. Have you done anatomy? If so what were your grades? As for your overall gpa that is also important as some schools use it as in informal cut-off to narrow down the hundreds of applicants they are going to receive. Just having the minimum gpa to apply (which is typically a 3.0) is not very competitive seeing as most schools will have a decent number of applicants who have a 3.5 or above (hence using an informal cutoff based on the applicant pool) which means you should aim to raise this gpa as well. Don't panic though........ there are several schools out there that take a more holistic approach to the application and accept applicants with an overall gpa between 3.0-3.5 who probably wouldn't get in other OT schools that are more academia focused in admissions. This adds to the importance of the prereq gpa because a high prereq gpa can make up for a lower overall gpa. Your work experience with those children is invaluable and is definitely something you want to elaborate on whenever you get the chance during the admissions process whether it be through an essay, personal statement, interview etc.(and God bless you for doing that because helping kids with mental/physical disabilities is something the world needs much more of). Explain how that experience with those children have sparked a passion to you being an OT. If ya can, add some more observation hours over time and add a different setting or two if ya can. Mix that all with a good GRE score and an upward trend of high gpa semesters in the upcoming year and you will be a fine applicant and get in somewhere :)!!


Thank you so much for your reply! I have done 1 semester of a combination anatomy/physiology class and this fall have the second semester. I got a B in the first class both lecture and lab. Do you know of schools that look at last 60 units more? I've been researching but can't find where it says that. I wasn't as focused when I was going to my JC, especially since I played volleyball competitively there.
 
Kind of exciting to be writing in this thread! You guys think these are good stats?

University: San Jose State University
Major/Minor: Health Science/Child and Adolescent Development
Overall GPA: 3.4 (SJSU), 3.48 (took 28 units after undergrad at a community college)
Pre-Req GPA: estimated around 3.5-3.6 (haven't submitted it into OTCAS yet)
--Anatomy: A
--Physiology: B
--Psychology: A (retook it because it was a B- and it was also taken back in 2008)
--Developmental psychology: A
--Abnormal psychology: A
--Statistics: B
--Sociology: A
--Anthropology: A
--Physics: A
--3-D skills course: B
GRE: 151 Verbal, 144 Quantitative, 5 Analytical || MAT: 410
Extra-Curric: volunteer at a family shelter/transitional housing facility (14 hours), member of the Golden Key Honor Society
Volunteer: 300+ hours at an outpatient, pediatric clinic; 40+ hours at an outpatient pediatric/adult clinic

So what do you guys think? I know my GPA is not something too much to brag about, but I think my volunteer experience and my letters of recommendation will really help me get an edge (my professors and OT's are writing me really strong LOR's!)
 
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University: Florida A&M
Major: Occupation and Wellness
Overall GPA: 3.2
Pre-Req GPA: 2.9ish
GRE: 292
Volunteer hours: 40
Applied: FAMU, FGCU, FIU
Accepted: FAMU

I have been reading various articles on this website and I am very honored to be able to post my acceptance. Do not be discouraged because admissions criteria varies. My GPA is not in the same hemisphere as many ppl I see posting on this site. If you are dedicated and have a genuine passion for OT you will be admitted, assuming you are within reach of the req. of the program. I , like every prospective OT student, spent time stressing about getting into school. My best advice to everyone is to remain calm and continue to pursue your dream to the best of your ability. Remain dedicated and I guarantee you will ultimately be accepted. I wish you all the best of luck and I will continue to visit this site to offer any advice I can. #MSOTFall2014
 
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University: Warren Wilson College/ CU Boulder
Major: History and Political Science
Overall GPA: 3.2
Pre-req GPA: 3.4-3.6
Gre: 164 verbal, 147 quant 4.5 essay
Volunteer: 63 pediatric clinic w OTs, 20 w program for adults w disabilities, 15 w adaptive sports program, 15 in hospital inpatient rehab, 10 kindergarten screening w OTs, 10 w hand therapist, 30 apprenticing w PT/CST, 15 w women's shelter
Work: nanny for children with disabilities for 3 years
Acceptances: Stanbridge
Rejections: Colorado state, U Puget Sound, Idaho State, Midwestern IL, Winston Salem,
Wait list: Touro, Midwestern, AZ, AT Stills
 
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Exactly how hard is it to get into CSUDH? It's my top choice, but I don't think I'll make the grades. :(
 
University of North Texas
Major: Kinesiology
Overall: 3.38
Pre-req: 3.45-3.69 (Depending on the school applied to)
GRE: None
Volunteer- 217 hrs total for OT split between inpatient, outpatient, and geriatrics.
Extra-Curricular- Scholarship student athlete with multiple academic and athletic awards, volunteer for local intermediate school and seasonal volunteer for local 5th grade track meet.
Applied: Creighton University, Texas Tech University, UTMB, A.T. Still University
Interviews: Creighton University, A.T. Still University
Rejections: A.T. Still University, Texas Tech, UTMB
Acceptances: :soexcited:CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY:soexcited:(My number one choice by the way!!! I thought I would get rejected by Creighton and accepted into one of the other schools.......... but I was hoping to get in Creighton from day one and now I have!!! THANK GOD!!)

For those of you with a lower GPA like mine DON'T LOSE HOPE!!!! I will admit my stats are not that competitive for most schools because OT is becoming an extremely competitive field and from what I have heard several schools have it to where 3.5+ overall gpa and 3.6+ gpa for prereqs is standard. but there is still rays of hope for the little people with an intimate passion to become an OT. Get involved in your community, expand your exposure to OT and its many work settings, practice and develop efficient people skills that you plan on expressing at the interviews for OT schools, and most importantly PRAY and TRUST IN THE LORD!


Do you know why you got rejected from UTMB? If you don't mind me asking?
 
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Do you know why you got rejected from UTMB? If you don't mind me asking?
GPA, particularly prereq, I have heard of students with an overall gpa of 3.3-3.4 getting in, but their prereq gpa is usually very high (3.65-4.0). My prereq gpa for them was a 3.45.
 
GPA, particularly prereq, I have heard of students with an overall gpa of 3.3-3.4 getting in, but their prereq gpa is usually very high (3.65-4.0). My prereq gpa for them was a 3.45.
What is your gpa looking like? Sorry for the error on last message.
 
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