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

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mgeagle said:
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.
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🙁 i have a low pre req gpa too
 
My overall GPA is 3.3 and pre req. is practically the same. I still have a few pre reqs to take but I've already done the math and it won't go above a 3.5 if I get As. I have to retake stats cause its the only C I've gotten, but I'm going to see if I get accepted anywhere before I do that.
 
I just don't want to wait a whole other year just to take 1 class .. That darn stats class that I received a high C in a couple years ago 🙁
 
hopefullyOT said:
I just don't want to wait a whole other year just to take 1 class .. That darn stats class that I received a high C in a couple years ago 🙁
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Then if I were you I would not apply to UTMB because it is SUPER competitive compared to some other schools because Texas is a highly populated area and the school is VERY inexpensive for instate residents compared to most OT schools. If you are not packing a more competitive gpa then the chances of getting in just aren't too great. Don't get me wrong, there are always rare cases where a person writes an incredible essay or personal statement and has unique extra-curricular that has them stand out in spite of a sub-par or par gpa, but for the most part UTMB like other Texas OT schools will by no means have a shortage of applicants that not only have great gpas but also have stellar all-roundness so if you are lacking in one or the other you are really behind the eight ball.
 
yeah the expense being so low was one reason why I was considering the school.
 
hopefullyOT said:
yeah the expense being so low was one reason why I was considering the school.
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Lol I hear ya, me too, but looking back now I wish I had saved that application money because UTMB wasn't my top choice anyways and I ended up getting into my top choice. As crazy as this may sound I highly recommend applicants with sup-par or par stats to seriously consider the more expensive OT schools because they often times have very qualified applicants that they accept turn down a seat because they got into a less expensive school. It may sound silly but if OT is worth it to ya then all it means is that you will be paying on student loans X number of years longer than some other folks.
 
mgeagle said:
Lol I hear ya, me too, but looking back now I wish I had saved that application money because UTMB wasn't my top choice anyways and I ended up getting into my top choice. As crazy as this may sound I highly recommend applicants with sup-par or par stats to seriously consider the more expensive OT schools because they often times have very qualified applicants that they accept turn down a seat because they got into a less expensive school. It may sound silly but if OT is worth it to ya then all it means is that you will be paying on student loans X number of years longer than some other folks.
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Yeah I'm starting to figure that out lol. Guess I'll just have to have that mind set when I apply next year. What school was your top choice and where'd you end up going? Thanks for all the advice btw 🙂
 
hopefullyOT said:
Yeah I'm starting to figure that out lol. Guess I'll just have to have that mind set when I apply next year. What school was your top choice and where'd you end up going? Thanks for all the advice btw 🙂
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You're welcome 🙂, Creighton was my top choice and that is where I am going. Several factors played into me wanting to go there but arguably the biggest is that they have an entry level OTD so even though I will be in school a year longer I will have a degree that I otherwise had planned on getting after several years of practice in the field in a post-professional manner. I figured no need to wait, I have always wanted some sort of doctoral degree in the profession of my choice and I understand that an OTD is not a PH.D or an MD but it is still a doctorate that is EARNED respectively and that is good enough for me lol.
 
mgeagle said:
You're welcome 🙂, Creighton was my top choice and that is where I am going. Several factors played into me wanting to go there but arguably the biggest is that they have an entry level OTD so even though I will be in school a year longer I will have a degree that I otherwise had planned on getting after several years of practice in the field in a post-professional manner. I figured no need to wait, I have always wanted some sort of doctoral degree in the profession of my choice and I understand that an OTD is not a PH.D or an MD but it is still a doctorate that is EARNED respectively and that is good enough for me lol.
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That's awesome that you're motivated to earn a doctorate. I'm trying to only go into a masters program for 2 years. If I absolutely have to go for 3 years I will, but I prefer 2. I want to be done with school by the time I'm 25 lol.
 
hopefullyOT said:
btw, did you apply to any Cali schools?
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No I did not, I had friend that did a few years back and didn't get in. From what I hear it can be very hit or miss and sometimes difficult to gauge if you are truly a shoe in for that school. However don't take my word for it, by all means ask around. What programs were you considering applying to?
 
I live in Cali and have my whole life so I'd prefer to stay in state but decided to keep my options open.. So far, I'm planning to apply to Loma Linda, CSUDH (tho I doubt I'll get in), USC, MUSC, Winston-Salem State, Rush, and possibly a few more. I'm going to apply to them at different times though. I think that's smart for my situation.
 
hopefullyOT said:
I live in Cali and have my whole life so I'd prefer to stay in state but decided to keep my options open.. So far, I'm planning to apply to Loma Linda, CSUDH (tho I doubt I'll get in), USC, MUSC, Winston-Salem State, Rush, and possibly a few more. I'm going to apply to them at different times though. I think that's smart for my situation.
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I'm thinking about applying to Samuel Merritt too.
 
hopefullyOT said:
I live in Cali and have my whole life so I'd prefer to stay in state but decided to keep my options open.. So far, I'm planning to apply to Loma Linda, CSUDH (tho I doubt I'll get in), USC, MUSC, Winston-Salem State, Rush, and possibly a few more. I'm going to apply to them at different times though. I think that's smart for my situation.
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Yes it can be beneficial to apply at different times. Who knows maybe you get accepted to a school that fits you and you don't have to shell out application money that you were fully prepared to. That was the case for me as I applied to 4 schools but had it spanned out over time to apply to 6 but fortunately I got into where I wanted so there was no need to continue applying. You are YOUNG so definitely keep your options open. It is a disservice to your youth if you live in the same place or area for most of your life and never get out to experience a different area of the country (or even the world!) for at least a full week while you are in the prime of life and have the freedom to do so. Vacationing annually can fit the bill but nothing does it quite like moving out of your comfort zone and actually LIVING there for an extended period of time. You can't say you won't like something until ya try it. Besides, who knows the kind of doors that may open for ya if you put your best foot forward, go out on a limb, and be willing to go to OT school in another state outside of your home if it came to it.
 
yeah! I've totally been thinking about that. I want to go to Europe after graduation in the spring for a month. 🙂
 
Hi all! I am getting ready to submit my application by mid-September and am still nervous about the whole process and where all to apply too.

University: The Ohio State University
Major/Minor: Psychology/ Disability Studies & Spanish
Overall GPA: 3.93
Pre-Req GPA: 3.82
GRE: 153 Verbal, 151 Quantitative, 5.0 AW
Extra-Curricular:
-Research assistant at lab about mood disorders for 1 year
-Working at the disability center on campus with adults with IDD for 2.5 years
-Volunteer at the cancer hospital for 3 years
-University ambassador for 3 years
-Volunteering at the county board of developmental disabilities for 1 year
-Few other not long-term activities
Schools applying to (in order of preference): WashU in STL, Ohio State, University of Toledo, Belmont University.

I really have no other idea of what schools to apply to. I really want to stay in the midwest area but haven't found many programs that caught my attention. I plan my focus of OT to be working in employment with individuals with IDD. If ya'll have any advice/suggestions, it would be much appreciated.
 
OTD_Employment said:
Hi all! I am getting ready to submit my application by mid-September and am still nervous about the whole process and where all to apply too.

University: The Ohio State University
Major/Minor: Psychology/ Disability Studies & Spanish
Overall GPA: 3.93
Pre-Req GPA: 3.82
GRE: 153 Verbal, 151 Quantitative, 5.0 AW
Extra-Curricular:
-Research assistant at lab about mood disorders for 1 year
-Working at the disability center on campus with adults with IDD for 2.5 years
-Volunteer at the cancer hospital for 3 years
-University ambassador for 3 years
-Volunteering at the county board of developmental disabilities for 1 year
-Few other not long-term activities
Schools applying to (in order of preference): WashU in STL, Ohio State, University of Toledo, Belmont University.

I really have no other idea of what schools to apply to. I really want to stay in the midwest area but haven't found many programs that caught my attention. I plan my focus of OT to be working in employment with individuals with IDD. If ya'll have any advice/suggestions, it would be much appreciated.
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You should have no problem getting into a program, as long as you have good references and decent interview skills. I found that interviewing / going to information sessions (most programs have them) helped me decide where to go. Remember, when you interview it's a time for you to get to know them as well. Don't be afraid to ask them about their program and how IDD fits into that. Good luck 🙂
 
hopefullyOT said:
My overall GPA is 3.3 and pre req. is practically the same. I still have a few pre reqs to take but I've already done the math and it won't go above a 3.5 if I get As. I have to retake stats cause its the only C I've gotten, but I'm going to see if I get accepted anywhere before I do that.
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If you've only gotten one C it definitely looks better than having grades all over the place. My old boss was in an admissions selection group for a PT graduate program and said that a 3.3 that is all B+s is better than a 3.3 with a smattering of C's and A's mixed in.
 
katahdin said:
If you've only gotten one C it definitely looks better than having grades all over the place. My old boss was in an admissions selection group for a PT graduate program and said that a 3.3 that is all B+s is better than a 3.3 with a smattering of C's and A's mixed in.
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Okay. Thank you for the feedback. I really hope I get in somewhere the first time that is a decently priced school.
 
University: Boston College
Major/Minor: Psychology/Philosophy

OTCAS GPA: 3.23
Prereq GPA: 3.75

GRE: 153 V, 153 Q, 4.0 W

OT Work/Volunteer Experience: 400+ hours in 3 different settings (Psychiatric unit of a hospital, Geriatric short term rehab, School for children with special needs)

Applied: NYU, Columbia, SUNY Downstate, LIU Brooklyn, Temple, Thomas Jefferson, Philly U, BU, MGH, Tufts, MUSC, Sacred Heart
Accepted: Sacred Heart, MGH, Temple, NYU
Rejected: BU, MUSC, Columbia, Tufts, SUNY Downstate
Interviews: LIU Brooklyn (Declined)
Waitlist: NYU (accepted), Thomas Jefferson, Philly U

Attending: NYU
 
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If anyone has examples of personal statements that they used and got in, can you please submit them if you don't mind? I can't find any online I just need examples of OT/PT to get started.

THANK YOU!! IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!
 
Hi everyone!! I am planning on applying for OT school for the 2016 cycle. I am wondering how qualified of an applicant I would be and what my chances of getting accepted into a good program would be.

School: Ashland University
Total Undergrad GPA: 3.56
Major: Music Education
Minor: Religion
Prereqs: Still need to take most. Currently taking medical terminology. Got an A in general psychology. I took developmental psychology back in my freshman year and got a C due to an awful professor. I definitely plan on taking lifespan human development to make up for this.

I plan on doing a lot of observation hours in different OT settings this summer. I am also about to start a job which will end up being over 1000 hours of experience working with I/DD population ranging from moderate to profound, teaching them independent living skills and community integration and socialization.

Extracurriculars include: Flute, piccolo, the ability to teach beginning piano and all band instruments to children/adult beginners, drum corps international, winter guard international, color guard instructor and designer, Ohio Collegiate Music Educator's Association, being a performer and captain/section leader in several performance groups, Alpha Phi Sorority, Kappa Delta Pi Education Honorary. I also have over 4 years of additional work experience in unrelated positions.

I also serve part-time in the military as a member of the Army National Guard.

The main places I am considering applying to are University of Toledo, University of Findlay's weekend program, Chatham, Midwestern IL, Ohio State, University of Pittsburgh, and Western Michigan University.

What do you think my chances are of getting into any of these schools? Do you have any suggestions of things I can do to build up my application or do you have any suggestions of other schools I should also consider applying to? My preference is to go to a school either in or near Ohio.

Thanks!!
 
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ColorGuardLove said:
Hi everyone!! I am planning on applying for OT school for the 2016 cycle. I am wondering how qualified of an applicant I would be and what my chances of getting accepted into a good program would be.

School: Ashland University
Total Undergrad GPA: 3.56
Major: Music Education
Minor: Religion
Prereqs: Still need to take most. Currently taking medical terminology. Got an A in general psychology. I took developmental psychology back in my freshman year and got a C due to an awful professor. I definitely plan on taking lifespan human development to make up for this.

I plan on doing a lot of observation hours in different OT settings this summer. I am also about to start a job which will end up being over 1000 hours of experience working with MR/DD population, teaching them independent living skills and community integration and socialization.

Extracurriculars include: Flute, piccolo, the ability to teach beginning piano and all band instruments to children/adult beginners, performing in and working with several drum corps from drum corps international, performing in and teaching for winter guard international, color guard instructor and designer, Ohio Collegiate Music Educator's Association, being a performer and captain/section leader in several groups including marching bands, orchestra, pit orchestras, wind ensembles, etc., Alpha Phi Sorority, Kappa Delta Pi Education Honorary. I also have over 4 years of additional work experience in unrelated positions.

I also serve part-time in the military as a member of the Army National Guard.

The main places I am considering applying to are University of Toledo, University of Findlay's weekend program, West Virginia University, and Grand Valley State University. I am also thinking about adding Chatham, IUPUI, University of Indianapolis, and Ohio State to the list.

What do you think my chances are of getting into any of these schools? Do you have any suggestions of things I can do to build up my application or do you have any suggestions of other schools I should also consider applying to? My preference is to go to a school either in or near Ohio.

Thanks!!
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Sorry no info to give you. Just wanted to say hi and good luck on your remaining classes. I plan on applying to the 2016 or 2017 cycle also
 
ColorGuardLove said:
Thanks! Where do you want to apply?
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In no particular order but:

Texas Woman's University-Houston
University of Illinois at Chicago
Touro University Nevada
Howard University
University of Missouri

Also I want to find 2 or 3 more schools to apply to

May I ask what year in school you are?
 
KStar3 said:
In no particular order but:

Texas Woman's University-Houston
University of Illinois at Chicago
Touro University Nevada
Howard University
University of Missouri

Also I want to find 2 or 3 more schools to apply to

May I ask what year in school you are?
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I graduated with my bachelor degree in December 2012. I'm a "career changer" so to speak, although I never actually really tried to get a job with my degree, so I'm just doing prerequisites now!

How about you?
 
ColorGuardLove said:
I graduated with my bachelor degree in December 2012. I'm a "career changer" so to speak, although I never actually really tried to get a job with my degree, so I'm just doing prerequisites now!

How about you?
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I'm a junior. So I got about 2 years left and some prerequisites to finish. Depending how early I finish my prerequisites I can apply for the 2016 cycle and if not 2017 cycle it is.
 
University: Ferrum College
Major/Minor: Health and Human Performance/Coaching

OTCAS GPA: 3.34
Prereq GPA: Between 3.7-3.9

GRE: 150 V, 145 Q, 4.5 W

OT Work/Volunteer Experience: I work as an OT rehab tech in a hand therapy clinic as well as 60+ hours in pediatrics and SNF. I also work as a children's fitness instructor and interact with special needs children almost every day.

Applied: VCU, Mary Baldwin- Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
Accepted:Murphy Deming (9/18/14
Rejected: VCU (4/1/14)
Interviews: Murphy Deming (9/6/14)
Waitlist:

Attending: Murphy Deming!
 
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hi everyone! i turned in my application to CSUDH just yesterday and it's honestly my number one choice due to price and location. i know my GPA is rather mediocre and my GRE score is not so great either, but to anyone who is already in the program or knows anything of it, how much of a difference can letters of rec make for an applicant? that's pretty much where the strength in my application lies. thanks so much for your time and if you need clarification on anything, please let me know.

University: University of California, Riverside
Major/Minor: Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.4
Pre-Req GPA: 3.4-3.5 depending on the program
GRE: 152 Verbal, 150 Quantitative, 4.0 AW
Extra-Curricular:
-50 hours at a pediatric OT clinic that works with children with autism
-35 hours with a rehab center
-16 hours with a certified hand therapist
-1 year experience as a behavior interventionist & 1 year experience as a behavior respite worker (my current jobs)
- volunteered in a month long medical mission in Bulacan, Philippines, dedicated to granting free tumorectomies to residents (assisted nurses during nightshifts, translated between medical workers and patients, checked in on patients just to make sure everything was ok)
-member of Psi Chi International honor society, treasurer of UNICEF @ UCR, contributing writer to "The Highlander" newspaper, America-Reads work study scholar

Schools applying to (in order of preference): CSUDH, USC, SJSU, Loma Linda
 
KStar3 said:
Awesome! What schools do you want to apply to?
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I have a huge list, but off the top of my head, CSUDH, Loma Linda, USC, maybe one school in northern Cali. Then MUSC, RUSH, some in Ohio, and one in North Carolina too. Just depends how many pre reqs. I finish and if I get accepted first time around.
 
hopefullyOT said:
I have a huge list, but off the top of my head, CSUDH, Loma Linda, USC, maybe one school in northern Cali. Then MUSC, RUSH, some in Ohio, and one in North Carolina too. Just depends how many pre reqs. I finish and if I get accepted first time around.
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I was thinking about adding Rush and CSUDH to my list. Keep me updated! Nice to talk to someone who's applying the same time as me.
 
hopefullyOT said:
I have a huge list, but off the top of my head, CSUDH, Loma Linda, USC, maybe one school in northern Cali. Then MUSC, RUSH, some in Ohio, and one in North Carolina too. Just depends how many pre reqs. I finish and if I get accepted first time around.
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Which Ohio schools are you thinking of applying to? I was thinking about Toldeo, Ohio State, and Findlay
 
I haven't turned in my application quite yet (my goal is October 1) so I may add more hours in the next few weeks.

University: Small private university in the PNW
Major/Minor: Double major in Special Education and Biology
Overall GPA: 3.91
Pre-Req GPA: 3.8-3.9 depending on the program
GRE: 162 Verbal, 158 Quantitative, 4.5 AW
Extra-Curricular:
- Observation: 15 hours SNF, 44 hours pediatrics, 6 hours with a CHT, 8 hours in an inpatient geropsych facility
-OT related volunteer: early intervention, outpatient OT/PT department, special education classroom, two years as a chore worker
-Other volunteer: Tutoring at a women and children's shelter and an elementary school
-2 years working at an assisted living home
-Biology TA

Schools applying to: UW, UPS and WUSTL
Acceptances: UPS, UW
Waitlist: WUSTL
Attending: UW
OTCAS submitted 10/25
 
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Can anyone tell me if they think I have a good chance? I did so poorly on my GRES.

Major: Psychology
GPA: 3.95 BA (62) Credits
GPA from my associates: 3.55
Hours: 150 in three different settings (Elem. School, Rehab Clinic, Skilled nursing facility)
Gres: 139, 142 writing 3.0
 
otschoolhopeful said:
hi everyone! i turned in my application to CSUDH just yesterday and it's honestly my number one choice due to price and location. i know my GPA is rather mediocre and my GRE score is not so great either, but to anyone who is already in the program or knows anything of it, how much of a difference can letters of rec make for an applicant? that's pretty much where the strength in my application lies. thanks so much for your time and if you need clarification on anything, please let me know.

University: University of California, Riverside
Major/Minor: Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.4
Pre-Req GPA: 3.4-3.5 depending on the program
GRE: 152 Verbal, 150 Quantitative, 4.0 AW
Extra-Curricular:
-50 hours at a pediatric OT clinic that works with children with autism
-35 hours with a rehab center
-16 hours with a certified hand therapist
-1 year experience as a behavior interventionist & 1 year experience as a behavior respite worker (my current jobs)
- volunteered in a month long medical mission in Bulacan, Philippines, dedicated to granting free tumorectomies to residents (assisted nurses during nightshifts, translated between medical workers and patients, checked in on patients just to make sure everything was ok)
-member of Psi Chi International honor society, treasurer of UNICEF @ UCR, contributing writer to "The Highlander" newspaper, America-Reads work study scholar

Schools applying to (in order of preference): CSUDH, USC, SJSU, Loma Linda
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Let me know if you get accepted!

Thank you!
 
First Post!

University: UC Irvine
Major: Sociology
Overall GPA: 3.3...... 🙁

Volunteer: ~120hrs split in three settings (inpatient, nursing, children)

Applying: Just verified for Samuel Merritt :bucktooth:
I'm very nervous about my chances because this is my top choice (I've never lived in NorCal before!)
USC (after I take my GRE)

Will be updating
Acceptances: N/A
Rejections: N/A
Interviews: N/A
 
Cumulative GPA: 3.01
Pre-Req GPA: 3.4-3.7 depending on the program
Last 60: 3.64
GRE: 163 Verbal, 158 Quantitative, 5.0 AW
Extra-Curricular:
-200 hours at a pediatric OT clinic
-50 hours at a hospital
-1 year as a K-12 tutor
-Lots of extraneous volunteer work
-Involved with many community service oriented clubs during undergrad.
Schools applying to: VCU, NYIT, UIC
Acceptances: VCU
Rejections: NYIT

Do I have any chance? Should I take the GRE again? Thanks in advance!
 
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cupcake123 said:
Major/Minor: B.S.
Cumulative GPA: Maybe slightly below 3.0. Haven't calculated it yet.
Pre-Req GPA: 3.4-3.7 depending on the program
Last 60: 3.64
GRE: 163 Verbal, 158 Quantitative, 5.0 AW
Extra-Curricular:
-200 hours at a pediatric OT clinic
-50 hours at a convalescent hospital
-1 year as a k-12 tutor
-200 hours at museums
-Lots of extraneous volunteer work
-Involved with many community service oriented clubs during undergrad.
Schools applying to: SJSU, VCU, WMU, and a few others. (in no particular order)

Do I have any chance? Should I take the GRE again? Thanks in advance!
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I would kill for a GRE score like that! Honestly, if that isn't considered an awesome score then I don't know what is!

I'm applying to VCU too, good luck! 🙂
 
cupcake123 said:
Do I have any chance? Should I take the GRE again? Thanks in advance!
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No need to retake the GRE, your score is so good! I would sell my soul and unborn child for that verbal score....:bow: jk but seriously, please tell me how you got that, I do not understand how to break 160 hah hah

Best of luck, with scores like that, I say your chances are very good
 
HopefulOT17 Thanks! Good luck! 🙂

OTCrazyCassie: Take lots of practice exams timed, especially full length practice exams without breaks to build endurance because the test is tiring. Good luck and thanks for your response! 🙂
 
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Has anyone been notified about an interview ? Just submitted to OTCAS Sep. 19th. I applied to Belmont. Pacific University (not through OTCAS), Northern Arizona, Huntington, Nova Southeastern and Creighton. Praying to get in somewhere!
 
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