Hello fellow future OTs!

[JarethCutestory]

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First of all I want to say hello to all the fellow OT prospective students. I just discovered this forum during my application process. I've already submitted my OTCAS application, but still working on all of the 'Supplemental' apps that so many schools also want.

One one hand, it's encouraging to know there are others out there going through the same thing I am! All the frustration of the lack of streamlined prerequistes, requirements, volunteer hours, application processes...etc. I cannot believe how tiring this application process has been. It's been a lot of work just figuring out what schools to apply to! I have ruled out several schools because they require Physics and Chemistry, which I am not about to go back and take! I graduated 5 years ago, took A&P 1 and 2 this year while also working full time and that was pretty tough. Also, a lot of schools require pre-reqs to be 5 years or less, well had to rule those out as well!!😱

On the other hand, it's a little scary to know so many people are applying to OT programs, because it just seems like every single school I've applied to is insanely competitive!!! I have no idea what my chances are. I've applied to 8 schools. Which is already expensive. Just hope I can get in somewhere so I can finally make more than $12 an hour and get a 'professional' job 😛

Has anyone already found out they have been accepted for 2011?

Also has anyone else applied to any of these schools--

Belmont
Creighton
NYU
CSU (Colorado)
Univ. Minnesota
Pacific
Shenandoah
Wash. U in St. Louis

Good luck to everyone!!!🙂

 

[jbizzle]

First of all I want to say hello to all the fellow OT prospective students. I just discovered this forum during my application process. I've already submitted my OTCAS application, but still working on all of the 'Supplemental' apps that so many schools also want.

One one hand, it's encouraging to know there are others out there going through the same thing I am! All the frustration of the lack of streamlined prerequistes, requirements, volunteer hours, application processes...etc. I cannot believe how tiring this application process has been. It's been a lot of work just figuring out what schools to apply to! I have ruled out several schools because they require Physics and Chemistry, which I am not about to go back and take! I graduated 5 years ago, took A&P 1 and 2 this year while also working full time and that was pretty tough. Also, a lot of schools require pre-reqs to be 5 years or less, well had to rule those out as well!!😱

On the other hand, it's a little scary to know so many people are applying to OT programs, because it just seems like every single school I've applied to is insanely competitive!!! I have no idea what my chances are. I've applied to 8 schools. Which is already expensive. Just hope I can get in somewhere so I can finally make more than $12 an hour and get a 'professional' job 😛

Has anyone already found out they have been accepted for 2011?

Also has anyone else applied to any of these schools--

Belmont
Creighton
NYU
CSU (Colorado)
Univ. Minnesota
Pacific
Shenandoah
Wash. U in St. Louis

Good luck to everyone!!!🙂

Whoah!! Shenandoah has OT too. Thats cool. I applied there but for PT school. Thought I'd jump on here to get your thread started lol. Yeah, Rehab is a good place to be. What have you been doing since you graduated. I've been working too, not because I wantedf to, because I didn't get into PT school the first time around. OT/PT school is very competitive nowadays. It's awesome that you chose OT as a career that you would pursue.

 

[JarethCutestory]

Yeah, Shenandoah was a last minute decision. I wanted one more school to apply to, but after going through several schools and looking at their pre-reqs, ranking, supplemental requirements, Shenandoah was chosen because I met all the requirements and they didn't require me to send in anything else besides OTCAS. Also, it wasn't in the top 20, and a lot of the other schools were, so I guess it was sort of a "safety" school. But you were rejected from their PT program? Oh well, I don't know if the OT is just as competitive. I'm so nervous about my chances. I am reading that a lot of people have been getting rejected from schools I am applying to. I wonder what they are really looking for in an applicant! It's so hard to tell if I have a strong application or not. I think I have decent grades, and a lot of experience, however it's really only been with kids.

Since I graduated I've been working in Special Education, which is how I learned of OT. But I've only been working as a TA and I really would love to have a professional degree, especially OT because it seems like I could really work in different types of places with several different populations.

Well good luck to you! are you applying to OT and PT programs?

 

[niceday8]

I was just accepted to University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USA) in Florida for MOT program May 2011! I am over the moon about this!! Like you, I had many classes from more than 5 years ago, because I did my AS degree in Respiratory Therapy, and I have been doing that the last 7 years.

My advice is to not get hung up on what is the top 20, etc, etc. DO make sure the school has a decent pass rate on boards. Here is why: Once you pass your boards and you are licensed you WILL get a job...there are TONS of jobs. I have worked in medicine a long time, and all that top 20 stuff, although great experience if you can get in, etc, it won't keep you from a job in OT if you don't. If you don't PASS the boards....that is the problem.

The best way is to call and get familiar with their teaching style, what is important to their school, read their mission statements. I did not apply anywhere, that when I inquired, they had that attitude, like "good luck, you will never get in" I think of it as egocentric, or just that competitive spirit, rather than positive, enriching spirit. I suggest calling and personally speaking to representatives of the programs you are applying.

I loved absolutely loved everything about USA from the very first contact. Professional, accepting, warm, encouraging, and I could go on and on. I only applied there hoping I would get in, and honestly I only had the funds to chose one. However, when I was calling I loved Shenandoah, and Philadelphia University.

Good luck If Florida appeals to you USA has an awesome program, and they admit 3 times a year which was another HUGE bonus in my book!

 

[JarethCutestory]

Hey NiceDay 🙂

Congrats on being accepted to USA. I did receive info from them in the mail. However I believe they wanted Physics as a pre-req. Not sure, but there was some reason like that as to why I did not apply there. Same with Phila U. I really wanted to apply there, as Philadelphia is very close to home and it would be nice going to school there, but I wasn't too fond of their weekend program format. And they also wanted too much supplemental stuff.
It is hard when schools seem to have the attitude of "good luck you'll never get in" but it seems like they all did! Oh well, I'm just hoping I get in ANYWHERE and see where life takes me...if I don't get in...well my backup plan is Peace Corps! I really would love to do that, but that won't lead to a career when I'm done sadly. I'd still plan on doing work abroad once I finish school anyway.

 

[jbizzle]

Well good luck to you! are you applying to OT and PT programs?

Nah, just PT school. I have seen job advertisements for PTs in Special Ed programs as well. I have no experience in teaching, but I thought that was pretty interesting.

 

[lovesushi]

Hey NiceDay 🙂

Same with Phila U. I really wanted to apply there, as Philadelphia is very close to home and it would be nice going to school there, but I wasn't too fond of their weekend program format.

did you look into jefferson or university of the sciences? two more philly schools, neither requiring physics. university of the sciences waves application fees if submitted online, and Jefferson was through otcas so it was a little expensive but if you already have filled it out then at least it isn't any additional work. temple is another philly school, i didn't apply there but i don't think they require physics.

 

[OregonOT]

Have you heard from Pacific yet?

 

[JarethCutestory]

I have an interview there this weekend!! Pretty excited. Are you an OT in Portland? Or do you go to Pacific?

 

[OregonOT]

No, I am applying for the OT program for the fall as well. I didn't do the early application because they suggested I wait until after my Fall 2010 classes grades came through because even a slight increase in GPA is more important than turning in an early application. I had it all ready to turn in for the early application deadline and I just hope that what they recommended was true. I got an email that they received everything but I haven't heard anything beyond that. It has only been 11 days though since they got it.

 

[OregonOT]

I have an interview there this weekend!! Pretty excited. Are you an OT in Portland? Or do you go to Pacific?

Good luck this weekend by the way....

 

[JarethCutestory]

Thanks so much! Good luck to you, too!

 

[OregonOT]

I have an interview there this weekend!! Pretty excited. Are you an OT in Portland? Or do you go to Pacific?

If you don't mind me asking...how was it? Did they mention when they would be notifying? I'm just wondering if they are doing multiple batches of acceptances.

Thanks!

 

[JarethCutestory]

Hey! The interview went well. It was all really nice, and the professors and current students were there all mingling among everyone, chatting and answering questions. I think they wanted to make sure none of us were nervous.

I'm not sure how they are doing acceptances. They did say to expect a 2 - 6 week wait on acceptance, and it could be by mail, e-mail, or phone. It seems like they will be having one more interview day (I'm guessing when you will be going in End of Feb?).

I really liked Pacific a lot more after the interview day and now I'm hoping I really do get in, and I also fell in love with Portland!

 

[OregonOT]

Great to hear!!! I sent you a private message...