General Admissions & OTCAS Interview Advice for a Second Year Applicant?

[HopefulOT17]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello there!

I have my first interview of this application cycle on Saturday and I am so nervous. I went through this whole process last year and interviewed with three schools, but I never made it off of a waitlist. I thought having the prior interview experience would help me, but I can't help but be concerned.

My main worry is that I'm marked as "damage goods" of sorts because this is my second time applying. It also doesn't help that I interviewed with this program last year. I don't know how to approach this elephant in the room. Do I immediately acknowledge my previous application/interview or do I wait to see if it is mentioned? How do I market myself most effectively as a second time applicant?

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. I want this more than anything and I cannot even fathom not getting in this year.

Good luck to everyone!

 

[Bokonomy]

As long you've kept yourself busy over the past year, you'll be fine. Mention how you've grown and learned more, but don't obsess over it too much. Since you're reapplying, you most likely thought long and hard about why you wanted to do OT, which could put you at an advantage.

I'd tell you not to worry, but that'd make me hypocrite. Good luck!

 

[CaliKnitter]

There are several people in my class who got in on a second try (to the same school). You can do it! Good luck. 🙂

 

[HopefulOT17]

Thanks so much! I graduated in May with my Bachelors degree in psychology. Right after, I started working as a TSS and did that for the summer. Then, I started working as a supervisor in a daycare. Overall, I work 70+ hours a week because I waitress on nights and weekends. The only OT related thing is that I shadowed another OT for 25 hours in an SNF. I feel like I have been crazy busy, but it sounds so simple when you write it out haha. I definitely am committed to becoming an OT and it gives me some comfort knowing I'm not the only one applying for a second time.

 

[Bokonomy]

Thanks so much! I graduated in May with my Bachelors degree in psychology. Right after, I started working as a TSS and did that for the summer. Then, I started working as a supervisor in a daycare. Overall, I work 70+ hours a week because I waitress on nights and weekends. The only OT related thing is that I shadowed another OT for 25 hours in an SNF. I feel like I have been crazy busy, but it sounds so simple when you write it out haha. I definitely am committed to becoming an OT and it gives me some comfort knowing I'm not the only one applying for a second time.

My first interview is at the end of the month, so we'll see how things play out, but I wouldn't discount your tss work. In my personal opinion based on what I've seen on here, after you've seen at least 3/4 settings, the extra hours don't make a huge diference. I think the work will matter more. Since you've been working a lot, maybe mention how you've become better at managing time from this, which will help you in OT school.