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

[SheLovesOT]

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Currently on the waitlist for Temple & UNE This process is so nerve wracking!

If anyone can share tips/advice it would be highly appreciated

 

[FutureArmyOT]

University: Grand Valley State University
Major: Recreational Therapy
Overall GPA: 3.7
Pre-req GPA: 3.6
GRE: 149 verbal, 147 math, 4.0 analytical writing

Observation: 100 hours in Orthopedic Rehabilitation/Back to Work program, 30 hours in Hippotherapy, 75 hours in Pediatrics, 30 hours at a school for individuals with developmental disabilities

LOR: 1 OT, 1 Professor- my academic supervisor/Recreation Therapist, 1 Work Supervisor

Work experiences: 1 summer and 3 winters as a Lead Camp Counselor at a camp for individuals with disabilities, 4 months Recreation Therapy Intern at a therapeutic riding center, 5 months Recreation Therapy Intern at an outdoor based TR program for Veterans dealing with PTS, TBI and/or MST, 1.5 years working as a CTRS (Recreation Therapist) serving Veterans and their families dealing with PTS, TBI and/or MST.

Research experiences: Literature Review regarding the outdoors impact on the rehabilitation of Veterans transitioning into civilian life, issue and collect information from clients to provide to researchers to build evidenced based practice in Veteran rehabilitation

Volunteer experiences: Started a Recreational Therapy after school program for students in inner city GR, Alternative Breaks for spring breaks in college, volunteered at rehabilitation hospital as a therapy aide, volunteered at a therapeutic riding center, volunteered with Special Olympics

Extras: President of disability advocates group on campus, President/Founder of transfer student support group, President of Recreational Therapy student group on campus, Waterski Team for 3 years

Applied to: Midwestern-IL, Colorado State University, UW-Milwaukee, U of Minnesota- Twin Cities
Interviews: Midwestern-IL (declined)
Acceptances: U of Minnesota- Twin Cities
Rejections: Colorado State University
Attending: N/A

 

[StressedToTheMax]

When did you hear from U of M -Twin Cities?

University: Grand Valley State University
Major: Recreational Therapy
Overall GPA: 3.7
Pre-req GPA: 3.6
GRE: 149 verbal, 147 math, 4.0 analytical writing

Observation: 100 hours in Orthopedic Rehabilitation/Back to Work program, 30 hours in Hippotherapy, 75 hours in Pediatrics, 30 hours at a school for individuals with developmental disabilities

LOR: 1 OT, 1 Professor- my academic supervisor/Recreation Therapist, 1 Work Supervisor

Work experiences: 1 summer and 3 winters as a Lead Camp Counselor at a camp for individuals with disabilities, 4 months Recreation Therapy Intern at a therapeutic riding center, 5 months Recreation Therapy Intern at an outdoor based TR program for Veterans dealing with PTS, TBI and/or MST, 1.5 years working as a CTRS (Recreation Therapist) serving Veterans and their families dealing with PTS, TBI and/or MST.

Research experiences: Literature Review regarding the outdoors impact on the rehabilitation of Veterans transitioning into civilian life, issue and collect information from clients to provide to researchers to build evidenced based practice in Veteran rehabilitation

Volunteer experiences: Started a Recreational Therapy after school program for students in inner city GR, Alternative Breaks for spring breaks in college, volunteered at rehabilitation hospital as a therapy aide, volunteered at a therapeutic riding center, volunteered with Special Olympics

Extras: President of disability advocates group on campus, President/Founder of transfer student support group, President of Recreational Therapy student group on campus, Waterski Team for 3 years

Applied to: Midwestern-IL, Colorado State University, UW-Milwaukee, U of Minnesota- Twin Cities
Interviews: Midwestern-IL (declined)
Acceptances: U of Minnesota- Twin Cities
Rejections: Colorado State University
Attending: N/A

 

[HK_OT]

Major: Mass Communication, Dual tracks in Advertising and PR
Minor: English
Overall GPA: 3.5
Pre-Req GPA: 3.8 - 4.0
OTCAS verified Jan 5th

Observation: 10 hours OT shadowing in inpatient rehab

Work experiences: Have approx. 4,000 hours working at a group home assisting developmentally disabled individuals with basic, instrumental and advanced ADLs. I was an arts and crafts program specialist at a day camp, a home care aide and companion for a woman with fibromyalgia, and an event planning intern for a non-profit that organizes the largest disabilities expo in the mid-atlantic. I also have 3 years of communication, marketing and project management experience.

Volunteer: At my time of application, I had 55 hours of volunteering in child life and therapeutic recreation at a pediatric hospital.

Extracurricular: Member of Lambda Pi Eta communication honor society, honors program, studied abroad in Italy, deans list and latin honors, various undergrad scholarships, certified in CPR and first aid, certified medication technician by the Maryland Board of Nursing, participated in an A&P wet lab at a surgical skills facility, went to a seminar on caring for individuals with dementia, member of the rock climbing club, active yogi and martial artist.

Research: Did senior undergraduate research on internet use and the effects on cyberbullying.

Applied to: Towson (Update: got to the 2nd admissions stage), Bay Path, Springfield (Update: got to the 2nd admissions stage)

Acceptances: n/a

Rejections: n/a

Update!!!

Applied to: Towson, Bay Path, Springfield

Acceptances: Towson!!! (Attending ), Springfield

Rejections: n/a

 

[FutureArmyOT]

When did you hear from U of M -Twin Cities?

I received my offer letter via email on March 13th.

 

[rcedillo4]

University: UTEP.

Major: Kinesiology.

Overall GPA: 3.2 (3.07 on OTCAS; 3.72 last 60 credit hours).

Pre-Req GPA: 3.85 (they took the highest grade even if courses are repeated).

GRE: 146, 146, 3.5 (they don't place a high emphasis on this).

Extra-Curric: Intern as Cardiac Rehabilitation Technician (150 hours), Knights of Columbus, Texas Ramp Project, West Food Bank, Susan Komen Race for the Cure.

Volunteer: Slightly less than 100 hours in Pediatric Outpatient Facility.

Acceptances: UTEP (only applied here).

Rejections: N/A.

Interviews: Not required.

Thankfully, I didn't have to interview and UTEP happened to look at my strengths. Plus I save so much money (Total tuition is less than $35,000) since I'm in-state. I couldn't be happier.

 

[Kky151]

San Diego State University, Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.3
Last 60 units: 3.6
Pre-req: 3.6
GRE: 151 v, 154 q, 4.5

Volunteer Hours:90 hours, 1.5 years as OT aide at peds clinic

Applied: Samuel Merritt, Dominican, NYU, Columbia
Interview: Samuel Merritt, Dominican
Wait-listed: NYU
Denied: Samuel Merritt, Columbia
Acceptance: Dominican

Attending: Dominican!

 

[Kgallimore]

Does anyone know anyone that applied to Shawnee State and has been accepted?

 

[BeAnOTsoon!?]

Hi everyone,

I'll be applying this Fall and have a few questions for people who have already applied, been accepted, etc.

1) When you get an acceptance, do you have to accept/reject the offer right away? What is the time frame like?

2) If you accept an offer, how big is the down payment (or whatever it's called)

3) Should I be lucky enough to get several acceptances, would it be feasible to accept more than one of them and decide where to go later?

I'm trying to coordinate my masters with my boyfriend's medical school residency, but he won't find out where he matches until late January. It seems like it might be a huge, expensive mess (and/or impossible!)

Thanks for reading!

 

[idontdance]

They give you anywhere from 2-4 weeks to decide once you receive an acceptance. The deposit ranges from $200-$1000, I think $500 is typical, but each school is different. Some are 100% refundable, some are nonrefundable, and some take a % if you change your mind.

You can put down a deposit at as many schools you want, but that could get expensive.

 

[BeAnOTsoon!?]

They give you anywhere from 2-4 weeks to decide once you receive an acceptance. The deposit ranges from $200-$1000, I think $500 is typical, but each school is different. Some are 100% refundable, some are nonrefundable, and some take a % if you change your mind.

You can put down a deposit at as many schools you want, but that could get expensive.

Thank you so much for replying! Very helpful info

 

[snowybelish]

I just wanted to let everyone know about my experience so you don't get too discouraged if you're rejected by a school that you thought you should've got in.

University: UC Santa Cruz
Major: Public Health
GPA: 3.72
Prerequisite GPA: 3.92
GRE: 680v 620q 4.0
Volunteer hours: 120 nursing home, 80 pediatric, 800 sports medicine

Applied: USC, SJSU, Wash U (St. Louise), Samuel Merritt, Loma Linda, Touro, Midwestern glendale, ATSU, Nova
Rejected: SJSU, Samuel Merritt, Loma Linda, Midwestern, ATSU
Accepted: USC, Wash U, Touro, Nova

Going to USC!

 

[futureOTsj]

Hello everyone! It's been such a long journey to get where i am.. But, I'm so excited to start OT school in July!

University: SJSU
Major: BA Special Major in Occupational Therapy
GPA: 3.21 (OTCAS)
Prerequisite GPA: 3.4 - 3.9
GRE: 284 total, 4 verbal
Volunteer hours: 40 Senior day center, 50 SNF, 300 Private Peds (I also worked at the clinic as an OT aide).
Applied: SJSU, Dominican CA, West Coast LA (pending decision), ATSU, Midwestern AZ & IL, Touro NV, and UNE.
Rejected: SJSU, Dominican CA, Midwestern IL, and UNE (declined interview).
Waitlisted: Midwestern AZ, ATSU, and Touro NV.
Accepted: Touro NV (20 days on Waitlist)

I know there are many questions about students with low GPAs and I'm glad to say that I am one of them. I made sure to work hard in my prereqs since I have a low overall GPA. I've been pursuing OT since my senior year of high school and have always been passionate about helping others. I made myself standout in my personal statement and made sure I rocked my interviews. I was so happy when I got the acceptance email!

Ahh, cheers to Touro NV class of 2017! My dreams are finally coming true. [emoji4]

 

[otschoolhopeful]

San Diego State University, Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.3
Last 60 units: 3.6
Pre-req: 3.6
GRE: 151 v, 154 q, 4.5

Volunteer Hours:90 hours, 1.5 years as OT aide at peds clinic

Applied: Samuel Merritt, Dominican, NYU, Columbia
Interview: Samuel Merritt, Dominican
Wait-listed: NYU
Denied: Samuel Merritt, Columbia
Acceptance: Dominican

Attending: Dominican!

Hi @Kky151,

Congratulations on getting accepted by Dominican! I have very similar stats to yours and am hoping to for advice in applying to Dominican. According to Ryan, the avg pre-req GPA and overall GPA is around 3.7 while I have a 3.395 overall...do you have any recommendations in standing out as an applicant during the interview process or within the online application process?

Here are my stats

UC Riverside
Cumulative GPA: 3.395
Pre-Req GPA: 3.75 so far (I still need to take physics and 3D art
GRE: 150Q 154 V 4.0W
Volunteer: 16 hand therapy clinic, 50 pediatric center for autism, 30 rehab center, & will be completing more at a rehab hospital this summer
Extra-Curricular: Behavior Interventionist for children with autism for 2 years

Thank you for your time

 

[Kky151]

Hi @Kky151,

Congratulations on getting accepted by Dominican! I have very similar stats to yours and am hoping to for advice in applying to Dominican. According to Ryan, the avg pre-req GPA and overall GPA is around 3.7 while I have a 3.395 overall...do you have any recommendations in standing out as an applicant during the interview process or within the online application process?

Here are my stats

UC Riverside
Cumulative GPA: 3.395
Pre-Req GPA: 3.75 so far (I still need to take physics and 3D art
GRE: 150Q 154 V 4.0W
Volunteer: 16 hand therapy clinic, 50 pediatric center for autism, 30 rehab center, & will be completing more at a rehab hospital this summer
Extra-Curricular: Behavior Interventionist for children with autism for 2 years

Thank you for your time

Hey! Good luck with applying this coming term. Its super stressful and time consuming but it is worth it. Our Stats are very similar and I think you have a good chance of getting an interview. I would say, get a lot more hours in OT. I worked as an aide for like 1.5 years and also, my mom is an Peds OT, so I have alot of experience being around OT. I wrote a lot about my experiences in my essay and during the interview process and I think that was what made me stand out. I would talk about maybe how your job as an interventionist has made you want to learn and do things with ot. Overall, just prove to the school why you would be a good candidate for their program. Compared to Samuel Merritt, Dominicans interview was alot easier. I was interviewed by professors that were extremely nice and made me feel at ease.

 

[potentialOT7]

Hey guys!
So I'll be applying for MSOT Programs this month I'm excited/nervous at the same time.
I would appreciate your advice/opinions... these are my stats and some of the schools I'm looking into:

Major: B.A Psychology
Minor: Health
GPA: 3.2 ( I know! attachFull193735 rough freshmen year)
Prereq GPA: 3.5

GRE: Taking them this summer

Clinical Hrs: 150hrs (Geriatrics, Peds, Hospital)
Volunteer: Cerebral Palsy Clinic | Cancer Research Clinic
Work: Therapy Aide/Recreation 3 Years | Student Assistant
CPR

CUE: Brain Injury/Health Specialist


Temple Univ
Univ of New England
Philadelphia Univ
Virginia Commonwealth Univ
Sacred Heart Univ
Univ of Southern California
Chicago State Univ
Dyouvillve
Boston Univ

 

[futureottobe]

I am absolutely pulling my hair out during this process (haha). I have read these forums for several months but am just now finally deciding to post. I'd love to hear from others applying to the same programs and any feedback about whether or not my experience seems sufficient. My GRE is rather mediocre and my OT hours aren't very high but I am hoping other strengths will hold some weight. I am feeling rather panicked in not hearing from anyone yet, even if it is still early! Good luck to everyone!

University: University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Major: Child and Family Studies; Psychology minor
Overall GPA: 3.85
GRE: V-151, Q-147, A-4
OTCAS verified 11/25

Dean's list all semesters
Extra-Curric: Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association

Volunteer: Pond Gap Community School math and reading, UT Pediatric Speech Center

Work Experience: Migrant Camp intern two summers; after school program counselor; special needs instructional assistant with head start program; 510 hours in inpatient facility for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities

Research: Undergraduate research assistant in early experiences lab, completed own behavioral research at PRTF

41 OT observation hours (out of 510 total hours spent in inpatient facility)

Applied to: Eastern Kentucky University (close to home), VCU, MUSC, Thomas Jefferson, Temple, Midwestern (IL)

Acceptances: N/A

Rejections: N/A

Interviews: N/A

Which schools did you get into? I am looking at all of those schools and have around the same scores/gpa

 

[mull015]

University: University of Wisconsin-Parkside (undergraduate) and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology (graduate)
Major: Psychology and biology (undergraduate)
Overall GPA: 3.17 (undergraduate) and 4.0 (graduate)
Pre-Req GPA: 3.5/3.7 (depends on the school)
GRE: V 156, Q 152, A 4.0

Extra-Curric: Volunteer, Psi Chi, Bearcat Buddies, Chem Cats, symBIOsis, research assistant in auditory perception and cognition lab and experiment leader, CPR/AED/First Aid certified, CPI certified

Volunteer: ~40 hours (pediatric clinic), ~700 (adult facility), ~20 (autism college), ~100 (autism school)

Work: Life Skills Coordinator at private autism school, Support Staff at an autism college, Daily living skills therapist, Occupational therapy aide, intern (working with an OT and a behavior treatment director), counselor for individuals with disabilities, independent in home care for kids with autism/SPD, 2 years behavioral therapist for kids with autism, caregiver for little girl who has reactive attachment disorder/SPD and her two sisters.

Letters of recommendation: Two OTs, two professors, supervisor

Applied: Tufts University, Rush University, University of Southern California, no clue where else yet.

Acceptances:

Rejections:

Interviews:

 

[ptot15]

University: California State University Long Beach
Major: Sociology with a minor in Spanish
Overall GPA: 2.908-mostly a solid B student
Pre-Req GPA: Depends on the program, 2.8-3.3, B's in almost everything, with a C in physiology
GRE: 1130 with a 4.5 Writing

Extra-Curric: Petra, a community service club

Volunteer: 430 hours at the VA as a general patient escort, 130 hours with individuals with severe developmental disabilities, 75 hours in OT at a school for the Blind, 20 hours in a OT hand clinic

Acceptances: CSU-Dominguez Hills

CSUDH was the only Master's program I should have applied to.

Hi, I am looking to apply to the OT program at CSU Dominguez Hills. I have a question regarding your GPA: did you have more than 1 C , besides for physiology in any of your undergraduate classes? I recently just graduated nursing school with a 3.35 gpa. I have 2 C's from that program; hence I am concerned the school will be skeptical about that...Also, you scored really high on the GRE, what did you do to study for it?

Congrats on getting accepted to CSU-Dominguez Hills!

 

[Fahrney]

University: University of Akron
Major: Exercise Physiology
Overall GPA: 3.6
Pre-Req GPA: 3.9
GRE: N/A

Extra-Curric: exercise science club, church volunteer, CPR/AED, work w/ man w/ cerebral palsy

Volunteer: 150- peds clinic 40-SNF

LOR: 3 professors, still need OT

Applied: Turned in: Toledo Future: Ohio State, WUSL, Pitt, Columbia, USC

Acceptances:

Rejections:

Interviews:

 

[hopefullyOT]

University: CSU Monterey Bay
Major: kinesiology
Overall GPA: 3.2
CSUMB gpa: 3.3
Pre-req: 3.1-3.5 depending on school
GRE: N/A (going to take it in 2 weeks!)

Extra curricular: volleyball athlete for 2 years at JC, kin club member, intramural volleyball member, blue crue club sports fan
Work experience: Respite provider for 2 years, ABA behavioral specialist (just started)
volunteer: 76 in Pediatrics clinic (getting more later), 32 at orthopedic preschool, 23 (so far) in hospital setting (inpatient)

LOR: 2 OTs, 1 professor, and 1 supervisor

Applying to: Touro U, ATSU, WCU, and CSUDH

Acceptances:
Rejections:
Interviews:

I am aware of how low my GPA is and it's unfortunate that I can't get it higher right now. I am hoping my experience from work and volunteering will really help. I also hope my personal statement and LORs will stand out. Please, if you have any advice or comments for me that'd be great! I'm at least hoping to get into one of the schools I am applying to.
Thanks

 

[lovelyy3]

Major: Exercise Science w/ a Pre- Occupational Therapy area
Overall GPA: 3.68
Pre-Req GPA: ~3.85/3.9
GRE: V 150, Q 137, AW 4.0
OTCAS verified Oct 9th

Observation: 16 hours in a school system grades preschool-12th grade, 23 hours in inpatient rehab, 10 hours in a skilled nursing facility, 3 hours in outpatient rehab

Work experiences: Licensed CNA for 2 years, Lifeguard for 3 years, and have worked/hold leadership at Applebee's in multiple positions for the last 4.5 years, 150 hour medical assistant internship underneath 4 nurse practitioners, 150 hour internship in progress at an outpatient rehab center with an OT

Volunteer: 48 hours Adopt a Resident Program at nursing home, 52 hours volunteering at day time work place for mentally/developmentally disabled adults

Extracurricular: Member of: The World Wildlife Foundation, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Humane Society in my town
Certified in CPR/AED, Emergency First Aid, Administrating Emergency Oxygen, Administrating Asthma Inhaler, Epinephrine Auto Injector
Dean's List for 5 semesters

Research: Designed a research proposal/experiment involved around the effects of Pet Therapy in Occupational Therapy treatments

Applied to: Nova Southeastern MOT, St. Louis University, Spalding University, Tennessee State University, University of the Sciences, Eastern Kentucky University, Huntington University, Kettering College

Acceptances: Tennessee State University (2/10)!!!

Rejections: N/A

Interviews: Nova Southeastern (10/26), Tennessee State (1/30), St. Louis University (2/13), Huntington University (3/27), Spalding University (2/17), Kettering College (2/20)

Waitlisted: Nova Southeastern (12/18) "Hold applicant"

For Tennessee, did you do an interview?

 

[lovelyy3]

University: Rutgers University
Major: Exercise Science and Sports Studies
Overall GPA: 2.98
Pre-Req GPA: 3.9
GRE: 159 verbal, 161 quant, 5 writing

Extra-Curric: Waitress, was in various clubs in college, started working as a rehab tech in November

Volunteer: 40 hours inpatient at assisted living facilities, 20 hours outpatient

Acceptances: Virginia Commonwealth University (mid February), University of the Sciences (late January)

Rejections: Salus, Philadelphia U, Chatham U, Pitt, U of Illinois at Chicago, Springfield College

Have not heard from: Sacred Heart, NYU, Seton Hall

Waitlist: Nova Southeastern (late December)

Interviews: Nova had me make a video interview

Anyways, VCU was my number one choice, so I am going there! Can't wait 🙂

Hi what was the video interview like?

 

[RiverSong47]

University: CSU Monterey Bay
Major: kinesiology
Overall GPA: 3.2
CSUMB gpa: 3.3
Pre-req: 3.1-3.5 depending on school
GRE: N/A (going to take it in 2 weeks!)

Extra curricular: volleyball athlete for 2 years at JC, kin club member, intramural volleyball member, blue crue club sports fan
Work experience: Respite provider for 2 years, ABA behavioral specialist (just started)
volunteer: 76 in Pediatrics clinic (getting more later), 32 at orthopedic preschool, 23 (so far) in hospital setting (inpatient)

LOR: 2 OTs, 1 professor, and 1 supervisor

Applying to: Touro U, ATSU, WCU, and CSUDH

Acceptances:
Rejections:
Interviews:

I am aware of how low my GPA is and it's unfortunate that I can't get it higher right now. I am hoping my experience from work and volunteering will really help. I also hope my personal statement and LORs will stand out. Please, if you have any advice or comments for me that'd be great! I'm at least hoping to get into one of the schools I am applying to.
Thanks

I also went to CSU Monterey Bay :] I graduated in 2013 with a BA in Psychology. I wish you the best and hope you are accepted to the schools you are applying to! I'm no expert on the "secret" to getting into OT school because I am a first time applicant right now too but my suggestion if things don't work out this time around would be to try and retake some of your prereqs to raise your prereq GPA and prove to admissions that you are motivated now and capable of doing well. Just keep getting all of the great experience you are getting and never give up on your dreams!

 

[RiverSong47]

California State University Monterey Bay
Major: Psychology
Graduated with honors (cum laude) and distinction in major
GPA: 3.716
Prerequisite GPA: 3.27 (Based on Stanbridge's prereqs)
GRE: 154V 147Q 4.0W
Volunteer hours: Over 200 OT observation/volunteer hours in the schools, pediatric clinics (majority of my hours), and a Kaiser outpatient clinic. Over 100 hours volunteering at a special education school in a preschool classroom where I sometimes observed an OT and I also participated in an adaptive swim program with that class as well.
XTRAS: Distinction in major (For completing an experiment with my professor and presenting our results at the 2013 Western Psychological Association Conference), Psi Chi member (The international honor society for Psychology)
Letters of Rec: 1 professor that I did research with as an undergrad, the main teacher of the preschool where I volunteered, and 2 OT's that I observed for about a year at the same pediatric clinic.

Applied: Stanbridge College
Acceptances: Stanbridge College :] Starting this Fall

 

[ot.3277]

university: small private school & community college
major: Psych
GPA: 3.86 | Pre-Req GPA: ~ 3.9-4 | GRE: V157 Q156 A4.5
otcas verifaction 9/10

OT volunteer/observation: ~750 hrs / 11 settings
Rehab Institute of Chicago (RIC) units: stroke IP, orthotics IP, peds IP & OP, TBI IP, research
other: hand, equine, school, SNF, home health

work: SNF programs assistant (400), home care aide- 2 seniors PD & stroke (1500), retail sales (1400)
internships: TBI unit (100)
volunteer: RIC's adaptive rock climbing & basketball (75), animal shelter (200), tutor (50), Misericordia leader (50)
extracurricular: pres./founder pre-OT club (80), RIC pt ambassador (50)
research: r.a. UIC dpt. dev. disabilities (35), RIC - shadow OT study arm rehab post-stroke (20) --> OT r.a. wheelchair accessibility/airline boarding ( 50 )
honors/certifications: academic scholarships, CPR/BLS/first aid/IRB, etc

applying: Midwestern IL, Rush (Received GRE late), UW Milwaukee, UW Madison, Carrol U., Wash U. St. Louis, U Indiana, Huntington
rejected:
interviews: Huntington 10/23, Midwestern IL 10/27, U Indiana 12/5 (declined), Rush 12/21(declined)
waitlist:
accepted: Huntington 10/29, Midwestern IL 11/2, UW-Madison 11/10, Wash U 11/18, Indiana State 2/4, Carroll 2/19, UW Milwaukee
attending: Midwestern IL!!!!!

 

[KateRhae]

Hey everyone, would this be considered a good GRE score? I'm worried that the Quantitative is going to look very bad.

Quantitative: 48th percentile (152)
Verbal: 87th percentile (161)
Writing: 93rd percentile (5.0)

 

[thebiggestsky]

Hey everyone, would this be considered a good GRE score? I'm worried that the Quantitative is going to look very bad.

Quantitative: 48th percentile (152)
Verbal: 87th percentile (161)
Writing: 93rd percentile (5.0)

I had the same issue.. lower quantitative score. Most schools look for your score to be over 300 combined, or 150 each section. You did very well in V and AW, so IMO, you seem competitive, and grad schools would feel comfortable/pleased with your scores. When I talked to my college advisor, he seemed to think I didn't need to retake the GRE, so I guess I'm passing along the same advice to you.

 

[seflores8]

So I am about to send my completed application to George Fox and just wanted some feedback. This is my number one choice for pt school and I know that with their recent accreditation, it will be much more competitive.

My stats (specific for GFU):

Science GPA: 3.44
Pre-Req: 3.53
Observation Hours: 1000+ in various settings (inpatient, outpatient, pediatrics, geriatrics, special needs)

Do I have a good chance at at least getting an interview?

Feedback will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[ot.3277]

So I am about to send my completed application to George Fox and just wanted some feedback. This is my number one choice for pt school and I know that with their recent accreditation, it will be much more competitive.

My stats (specific for GFU):

Science GPA: 3.44
Pre-Req: 3.53
Observation Hours: 1000+ in various settings (inpatient, outpatient, pediatrics, geriatrics, special needs)

Do I have a good chance at at least getting an interview?

Feedback will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

are you applying pt or ot? there is a pt forum as well. It sounds like you have a lot of experience so i wouldn't worry too much

 

[seflores8]

are you applying pt or ot? there is a pt forum as well. It sounds like you have a lot of experience so i wouldn't worry too much

I'm applying to PT. Im so sorry I thought I was in the pt forum. But thank you anyway for your response!

 

[hopefullyOT]

I also went to CSU Monterey Bay :] I graduated in 2013 with a BA in Psychology. I wish you the best and hope you are accepted to the schools you are applying to! I'm no expert on the "secret" to getting into OT school because I am a first time applicant right now too but my suggestion if things don't work out this time around would be to try and retake some of your prereqs to raise your prereq GPA and prove to admissions that you are motivated now and capable of doing well. Just keep getting all of the great experience you are getting and never give up on your dreams!

Really?! That's awesome! Thank you so much for the feedback. What schools are you applying to? Also, I just heard back and I got an interview at midwestern university!! 🙂

 

[OTwah]

Major: Nutrition & Exercise + Psychology Minor
Overall GPA: 3.52
Pre-Req GPA: between a 3.8 -4.0 depending on the program
GRE: 156 Q, 157 V, 4.5 AW

Extra-Curric: leadership in sorority, special olympics, dance teacher, dance group member, study abroad, facilities supervisor at on-campus gym

Volunteer: about 500 hours at an over-night summer camp for people with mild-moderate physical and intellectual disabilities. Aiding victims of domestic violence with donation booths and spreading awareness. Participation in VT's Big Event, Relay for Life, Greeks giving back ,etc.

Shadowing: 108 hours at a private pediatric outpatient facility, 70 hours at a geriatric care area in a retirement home

Applying: VCU, Belmont, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, Rush University, Illinois @ Chicago, Oklahoma, MGH Institute, Stony Brook

Interviews: Belmont (11/13), Rush University (11/21), Stony Brook (12/17), Jefferson College of Health Sciences (2/05), MGH (2/05 offered - declined)

Acceptances: Belmont (11/23), Rush (11/25), Stony Brook (12/22), VCU (2/25), Oklahoma (3/01)

Waitlisted: Winston Salem (2/24), UIC (3/15)

Rejections: Jefferson College of Health Sciences (3/08)

 

[metal_chocobo]

Old news, but I thought it'd be helpful nonetheless.

University: Public university in Texas
Major: Psychology
Overall OTCAS GPA: 3.50
Pre-Req GPA (I still needed to complete 2-3 pre-reqs): 3.56
GRE: Was not required to take

Applied: TWU, UTMB, NYU, D'Youville, Creighton University, Springfield College
Interviews: UTMB, Creighton University (turned down the interview)
Acceptances: UTMB, D'Youville
Waitlisted: NYU
Rejections: TWU, Springfield College

For prospective applicants who have average or low GPAs, don't give up. I thought my credentials would get me nowhere, but I still had a couple doors open for me, and now I'm loving the program I'm in.

 

[TexasMOT]

California State University Monterey Bay
Major: Psychology
Graduated with honors (cum laude) and distinction in major
GPA: 3.716
Prerequisite GPA: 3.27 (Based on Stanbridge's prereqs)
GRE: 154V 147Q 4.0W
Volunteer hours: Over 200 OT observation/volunteer hours in the schools, pediatric clinics (majority of my hours), and a Kaiser outpatient clinic. Over 100 hours volunteering at a special education school in a preschool classroom where I sometimes observed an OT and I also participated in an adaptive swim program with that class as well.
XTRAS: Distinction in major (For completing an experiment with my professor and presenting our results at the 2013 Western Psychological Association Conference), Psi Chi member (The international honor society for Psychology)
Letters of Rec: 1 professor that I did research with as an undergrad, the main teacher of the preschool where I volunteered, and 2 OT's that I observed for about a year at the same pediatric clinic.

Applied: Stanbridge College
Acceptances: Stanbridge College :] Starting this Fall

Were you required to interview in person? I'm out of state and I'm debating on if I want to apply. My stats are pretty similar to yours.

 

[RiverSong47]

Were you required to interview in person? I'm out of state and I'm debating on if I want to apply. My stats are pretty similar to yours.

I had to interview in person but I live in San Diego so I didn't ask for a skype interview, they might allow you to do a skype interview if you are out of state. I suggest calling them to ask and just submitting an application. The application process doesn't take long at all if you already have all of your materials and the best part is that it's free to apply! The only thing you have to pay for is a background check (around $40) if you are accepted. They have another cohort starting in the spring (maybe March? I can't remember). I am very glad I applied and I'm very excited for orientation which is next week! :]

 

[RiverSong47]

Really?! That's awesome! Thank you so much for the feedback. What schools are you applying to? Also, I just heard back and I got an interview at midwestern university!! 🙂

That's awesome! Congrats on your interview, I hope it goes well! I applied to Stanbridge College in Irvine and I was accepted :] Orientation is next week!

 

[TexasMOT]

I had to interview in person but I live in San Diego so I didn't ask for a skype interview, they might allow you to do a skype interview if you are out of state. I suggest calling them to ask and just submitting an application. The application process doesn't take long at all if you already have all of your materials and the best part is that it's free to apply! The only thing you have to pay for is a background check (around $40) if you are accepted. They have another cohort starting in the spring (maybe March? I can't remember). I am very glad I applied and I'm very excited for orientation which is next week! :]

Awesome, I had no idea it was free to apply. Is the background check required as part of the application requirements or do you have to get one once you are accepted? Congrats by the way!!

 

[2015 Applicant]

Has anyone heard anything from Toledo yet? If so what were your stats?

 

[2015 Applicant]

Really?! That's awesome! Thank you so much for the feedback. What schools are you applying to? Also, I just heard back and I got an interview at midwestern university!! 🙂

Which campus and When is your interview? I go on the 29th to the Glendale campus

 

[CAOT]

I just wanted to let everyone know about my experience so you don't get too discouraged if you're rejected by a school that you thought you should've got in.

University: UC Santa Cruz
Major: Public Health
GPA: 3.72
Prerequisite GPA: 3.92
GRE: 680v 620q 4.0
Volunteer hours: 120 nursing home, 80 pediatric, 800 sports medicine

Applied: USC, SJSU, Wash U (St. Louise), Samuel Merritt, Loma Linda, Touro, Midwestern glendale, ATSU, Nova
Rejected: SJSU, Samuel Merritt, Loma Linda, Midwestern, ATSU
Accepted: USC, Wash U, Touro, Nova

Going to USC!

 

[CAOT]

^^Your stats are so excellent! Congrats on your acceptance to USC!
I noticed many of the schools that rejected your application (such a stong word, lol!) are on my list to apply to next cycle and my stats are slightly lower than yours!!
overall gpa: 3.61 (and hopefully climbing)
pre-req gpa: 3.2-3.5 depending on school
last 60 gpa: 3.9
gre: 153/153/4.5

I am wondering why those schools said "no thank you" to such an excellent candidate and if I should re-examine my choices? agh, so stressful!

 

[CAOT]

Hey everyone, would this be considered a good GRE score? I'm worried that the Quantitative is going to look very bad.

Quantitative: 48th percentile (152)
Verbal: 87th percentile (161)
Writing: 93rd percentile (5.0)

You're joking, right? Oh, what I would give for those scores, lol!

 

[cavs2016]

University: University of Pittsburgh
Major: Communication Science and Disorders
Overall GPA: 3.6
Pre-Req GPA: 3.6-3.9 Depending on school
GRE: 147 V 150 Q 4.5 Writing

Extra-Curric: sorority, NSSHLA, two honors societies

Volunteer: 125 observation hours, various volunteer opportunities within Greek life and around campus

Applied: Pitt, WSSU, ECU, Towson, Midwestern, University of the Sciences, Tenn State

Acceptances:

Rejections:

Interviews:

I know my GRE isn't good, but most of my schools do not require it. Any thoughts or feedback would be appreciated!

 

[Sydnee]

I haven’t submitted my OTCAS app for verification yet. I plan to do so within the next few weeks. I’m nervous about my GRE scores, but I know that I have strong LORs (1 from OT, 1 from Gero Prof., 1 from Psych Prof./Advisor) and a decent personal statement, so hopefully that will help me out.

University: Western Oregon University
Major/Minor: Psychology/Gerontology
Overall GPA: 4.0
Pre-Req GPA: 4.0
GRE: 154 V, 155 Q, 4.0 A (First time taking it 🙁)

OT experience (~270 total):

• 90 hrs inpatient geriatric rehabilitation (+ some acute) @ SNF
• 93 hrs outpatient hand & upper extremity @ hospital
• 60+ hrs school district
• 20+ hrs mental health (w/ ages 12 – 25)
• 8 hrs neuro (focus on stroke & concussion) @ clinic

Volunteer:

• Assisted a regional representative of the Occupational Therapy Association of Oregon by promoting networking and educational events, advocating for involvement among occupational therapists, and helping to create awareness of the role of occupational therapy (20 hrs)
• Volunteer caregiver at an adult foster home (30 hrs)
• Volunteer @ Shangri-La Corporations. I developed and led activities and social experiences to increase the self-confidence and social health of individuals with mental illness and disabilities for a non-profit organization (96 hrs)

Research:

• Primary investigator of two separate research studies for different psychology courses
• Received certification for NIH training: Protecting Human Research Participants

Work Experience:

• Previous positions include being a hostess/busser, storekeeper, and tutor
• I’m going to start my own business on Etsy very soon! 😀

Awards/Certifications/Extras:

• I earned my B.S. degree at the age of 19 with a 4.o GPA. (I have a year off now, yay!)
• I’ve grown up helping to care for my uncle who is mentally challenged and blind
• Recipient of 8 scholarships
• AHA Heartsaver First Aid/CPR/AED certification
• Inducted Presidential Member of National Society of Leadership and Success; Leadership Training Certification

Applied: TWU, MUSC, WSSU, U. Pittsburgh, UIC, Husson, Colorado State, Temple

Acceptances: N/A

Rejections: N/A

Interviews: N/A

I'll post again once I hear back from all of the schools I'm applying to. Best of luck to everyone else applying! I’m sure you’re all as stressed out/anxious as I am. I feel that most of the schools I'm applying to are "reach" schools for me. If anyone has any input about my chances, I'd greatly appreciate it if you shared! Thanks 🙂

 

[CAOT]

How are they reach schools? I don't see anything here you could improve upon, really. Imo, your GRE scores are fine, lol!
For schools that are rolling admissions, it's always good to get your app in early, so get that OTCAS verified! Good luck!

 

[Sydnee]

How are they reach schools? I don't see anything here you could improve upon, really. Imo, your GRE scores are fine, lol!
For schools that are rolling admissions, it's always good to get your app in early, so get that OTCAS verified! Good luck!

Thank you!! I guess I just feel discouraged from comparing my stats to others that have posted, and also from hearing about how it has taken people 2 or 3 years of applying before getting in. I'm trying to stay positive, though! Another year off wouldn't be too bad anyways 🙂

 

[RiverSong47]

Awesome, I had no idea it was free to apply. Is the background check required as part of the application requirements or do you have to get one once you are accepted? Congrats by the way!!

Thanks! I did my background check after my interview but before my acceptance although I think you can wait until after you get your acceptance. Also, someone in my cohort is from Colorado and she was able to do the interview remotely just so you know :]

 

[wannabeOTinCA]

Hi everyone! I started sending in applications this month - so nerve wracking! My OTCAS app was completed a few days ago. Does anyone remember how long it took their app to get verified? I know that the site says 4-6 weeks, but just curious about what everyone was actually seeing in terms of verification times. Thanks, and good luck to all! I'll be posting my stats/applied schools here soon.

 

[RomanceShortPants]

@wannabeOTinCA I submitted my OTCAS on 9/5/15 and it was verified 9/24/15. So that's a little less than 3 weeks. I have heard that it's taking longer for those who submitted later in the month, though. Best of luck!