Other OT-Related Information Keep applying or look at a different career?

[JOWS6]

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I feel that my situation needs a little context so here goes:

I didn't go to college after high school right away but I did take a few community college courses while working; I didn't know what I wanted to do at the time. I decided to make a concerted effort in obtaining a degree in 2010 and graduated in 2013. Due to some unfortunate circumstances I could not go into PT/OT program right after graduating as I was supporting myself and needed to work. Currently I am in a better place financially and applied for several OT programs - I did not get into any of them.

Being 30, planning a wedding and thinking about having a baby in the next few years, I feel a tremendous amount of pressure to look at a different career; something I can jump into to help support my goals of starting a family. I feel a bit devastated at the news that I won't be starting any OT programs soon and the thought of me waiting another year is a bit hard to swallow.

What would you guys do? Do you think I should invest more of myself into strengthening my stats (GRE, volunteer work, etc.)? For those of you who didn't get into an OT program - and happen to still be hanging around here! - what else did you consider doing? A certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography looks appealing as it's 18 months long with good compensation.

I'm just being realistic with myself and considering all options. I could use some input and suggestions. Thanks.

 

[OT1224]

Could you give us stats about your grades, what schools you applied to, extracurricular, experiences, etc.

 

[JOWS6]

GPA:
- Community college courses that I wasn't serious about: 2.71
- Baccalaureate: 3.31
- Post-Baccalaureate (Calculus I, Physics I and II Prerequisites): 3.80
- Overall GPA: 3.06

GRE:
- Q: 150
- V: 146
- AW: 3.5

Observations/Internships/Experiences:
450 Hours divided into 2 outpatient PT and university athletic training settings; Received academic credit
36 Hours of OT outpatient setting; Received academic credit
144 Hours of youth league volunteer work
192 Hours of volunteer work with kids with special needs in school setting
192 Hours of Extra-Curricular as a member of school organization

 

[beestrng]

Helpful if you give us some of the programs you applied to so current students may give you some input.

Asking the school why you didn't get or what can you do to improve your app helps.

Did you take AP?

One thing that sticks out is your OT hours. I have hundreds of hours and my classmates have even more or were OTAs.

Many programs look at last 60 creds only. there are a lot of threads on this in this forum.

 

[Erhe]

"Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth" Baz Luhrmann
If OT is really what yoi want to do with your life then you keep applying or consider PTA/OTA at local community colleges (you might not have even missed some program's deadline). The pay is pretty good, that way you can raise a family until you're ready to go back to get your masters in OT.

The only issue i see with this is 1 being space many have complained about a waiting list for OTA. Also be warned if you wait too long by 2025 OT will be a doctorates program.
With only an associates in sonography I can't picture long term, I don't see any advancement in the field unless you plan on being a radiologist.

 

[Bokonomy]

"Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth" Baz Luhrmann
If OT is really what yoi want to do with your life then you keep applying or consider PTA/OTA at local community colleges (you might not have even missed some program's deadline). The pay is pretty good, that way you can raise a family until you're ready to go back to get your masters in OT.

The only issue i see with this is 1 being space many have complained about a waiting list for OTA. Also be warned if you wait too long by 2025 OT will be a doctorates program.
With only an associates in sonography I can't picture long term, I don't see any advancement in the field unless you plan on being a radiologist.

I second OTA; however, sonographers make more than OTAs by around 7k, so I don't think upward trajectory will be too much of an issue.

Also, AOTAs statement last year was that they weren't going to have the OTD requirement for 2025. Maybe it's changed, but I personally haven't seen anything that says otherwise. I wish they were more clear about it, because if you Google it, you see the old 2014 statement a lot...

 

[OT1224]

I don't see why OT should require a doctorate. Why does physical therapy require a doctorate?


You might want to retake some pre reqs. Those are get admitted have pre-reqs of 3.5-4.0 (usually.

I don't remember OT requiring calculus as a pre-req. Most OT school only requires physics I, but not physical II. Only half of the school I applied to required physics I. Make sure you completed ALL the pre-reqs or intend to before matriculate.

Also, spend A LOT of time on your personal statement. It is not something to fluff.

 

[thebiggestsky]

It looks like you were originally aiming for PT? I wonder if that's been the issue, a lack of clarity on what you'd like to do, and it's reflected on your application in some way (poor personal statement, etc.)

For me, OT is it. I'm excited about it, and that's where all of my attention is focused these days (for at least the past couple years, and I don't even start my program until the fall!). I don't imagine that sonography is similar in terms of day-to-day work or longterm trajectory (is it something you'd want to do for the rest of your career?), so I wonder what draws you to either field other than pay.

But if you want to do OT (or PT for that matter), then go for it. Years down the road, you don't want to regret not pursuing something. Your GRE scores could definitely be improved (300+ and 4.0+). And observation hours in multiple settings (the variety of places being more important than the total number of hours) is helpful for both your application and for clarifying for yourself if you truly want to go into this field.

It *sounds* like you're lukewarm though. If that's the case, take this time to focus on your personal life and evaluate what you want from life/career.

 

[2016OTHopeful]

I think people have given you some good advice here, and I would just like to chime in and point out that there are a handful of programs that start in January 2017, with applications coming up soon. There's another thread in the forum with info about those programs 🙂 Hang in there! It's stressful and frustrating, but if OT is what you want to do it will be worth it 110%! I also know a couple of OTs who had children/got pregnant during the programs. Though that is added stress (I can only imagine!), starting a family and going back to school aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.

 

[weaver84]

I feel that my situation needs a little context so here goes:

I didn't go to college after high school right away but I did take a few community college courses while working; I didn't know what I wanted to do at the time. I decided to make a concerted effort in obtaining a degree in 2010 and graduated in 2013. Due to some unfortunate circumstances I could not go into PT/OT program right after graduating as I was supporting myself and needed to work. Currently I am in a better place financially and applied for several OT programs - I did not get into any of them.

Being 30, planning a wedding and thinking about having a baby in the next few years, I feel a tremendous amount of pressure to look at a different career; something I can jump into to help support my goals of starting a family. I feel a bit devastated at the news that I won't be starting any OT programs soon and the thought of me waiting another year is a bit hard to swallow.

What would you guys do? Do you think I should invest more of myself into strengthening my stats (GRE, volunteer work, etc.)? For those of you who didn't get into an OT program - and happen to still be hanging around here! - what else did you consider doing? A certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography looks appealing as it's 18 months long with good compensation.

I'm just being realistic with myself and considering all options. I could use some input and suggestions. Thanks.

Here's the thing... OT is VERY popular. If you're an average student and older, you're a risky investment for the program. We have virtually the SAME stats and I still got in, you can too.

Things to know:

• You will apply twice: The cream of the crop gets in first, as they should. CALL.... not email, the programs that you didn't get into and verbatim ask, "What can *I* do to strengthen my application and be a better student?". Then, email later that afternoon, next day and say thank you for your feedback, I appreciate the valuable insight etc. etc. Then actually follow through with it. Report back in an email once a month and when any major developments happen. Also, by applying twice when you were very clearly initially PT, shows dedication to the profession. It's not personal at all, just a formula/protocol they follow like any other business would. Yes, I applied twice... there's definitely a waiting list to the waiting list. No doesn't necessarily mean "no", you're just in line for next year (an no, they won't tell you this lol).
• Do NOT whine. You're going to be an OT to help OTHERS through their disabilities, there is no room for your issues when your client is paying you to be their rock.
• Your letter/statement of intent: When programs are looking at your letter, make sure you word your valuable life experiences that were setbacks in a minimal wording and briefly elaborate on what a WONDERFUL experience it became, how you learned from/overcame this, and how this will benefit your future clients.
• Thank God you're getting married. You'll need the support. Get it out of the way BEFORE you start your program. A. once it's a done deal he can't do take-backsey's when you lose your mind studying 24/7. B. I've watched a few girls go through this during the program and it isn't pretty. You don't want to be even more stressed and pissed off at your wedding, it's a one time thing! Your future spouse better learn to cook, hold you while you're crying for no reason, and learn to leave you alone for hours on end while you study. That being said, this may be the MOST self-involved time of your life other than that time you were an infant and folks fed, bathed, and cleaned you... for free! Ha! Don't worry... your turn is coming 😀
• Speaking of...that baby? Hard PASS. Do NOT... do NOOOOOT have a child during or before this. You will regret it. You won't be able to be there for all the AWWW moments and be the mom you want to be. Remember, you'll be going on FIELDWORKS. These are non-negotiable, rarely local, and you will be VERY distracted if the first time you're parted from your child is while you're on your pediatric rotations. Sounds like fun right? Not. Oh and sleep... you will get zero with a child in those first couple of years. It shows bad time management skills/decisions... I wouldn't mention this in the interviews. That being said... you will be in an excellent position to have a child after you graduate!! Good pay, schedule, and benefits... WHY would you rush it?? Sorry for all the caps, this is a biggie 🙂
• You are amazing, caring, and clearly a hard worker.... if you want this, buckle down and realize this is where you have to jump through hoops and play by the rules, you're almost there!! Doooo it!

 

[JOWS6]

Helpful if you give us some of the programs you applied to so current students may give you some input.

Asking the school why you didn't get or what can you do to improve your app helps.

Did you take AP?

One thing that sticks out is your OT hours. I have hundreds of hours and my classmates have even more or were OTAs.

Many programs look at last 60 creds only. there are a lot of threads on this in this forum.

Appreciate the help beestrng. I'll keep my answers short as I reply to all responses.
- Midwestern, Rush, UIC, Concordia U. of Wisconsin, and Carrol U.
- I did not take advanced placement courses.
- I was thinking about adding more OT hours too.
- That helps if they look at my last 60 credits only. I haven't calculated it but it should be around 3.6-3.7.

"Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth" Baz Luhrmann
If OT is really what yoi want to do with your life then you keep applying or consider PTA/OTA at local community colleges (you might not have even missed some program's deadline). The pay is pretty good, that way you can raise a family until you're ready to go back to get your masters in OT.

The only issue i see with this is 1 being space many have complained about a waiting list for OTA. Also be warned if you wait too long by 2025 OT will be a doctorates program.
With only an associates in sonography I can't picture long term, I don't see any advancement in the field unless you plan on being a radiologist.

Thanks Erhe but I'm not sure how I feel about PTA/OTA. Everyone that I spoke with on the topic said I should go all the way. I'm not sure if I would be happy with myself if I became an OTA and it still sets up the need to go back for OT in the future.

 

[JOWS6]

I second OTA; however, sonographers make more than OTAs by around 7k, so I don't think upward trajectory will be too much of an issue.

Also, AOTAs statement last year was that they weren't going to have the OTD requirement for 2025. Maybe it's changed, but I personally haven't seen anything that says otherwise. I wish they were more clear about it, because if you Google it, you see the old 2014 statement a lot...

Why do you recommend OTA? Thanks.

I don't see why OT should require a doctorate. Why does physical therapy require a doctorate?


You might want to retake some pre reqs. Those are get admitted have pre-reqs of 3.5-4.0 (usually.

I don't remember OT requiring calculus as a pre-req. Most OT school only requires physics I, but not physical II. Only half of the school I applied to required physics I. Make sure you completed ALL the pre-reqs or intend to before matriculate.

Also, spend A LOT of time on your personal statement. It is not something to fluff.

- I've heard the reason why they made PT a doctorate degree was to add more respect and recognition to the field. I guess doctors scoffed at PT's for years and years? I'm not sure.
- OT doesn't require calculus but PT does. I was on the fence about both programs up until my last class. I don't recall if Physics II is required.
- Ah the personal statement; this right here was the thorn in my side. I felt that since my stats weren't stellar, that my personal statement needed to be perfect to set me apart from the rest. I spent too much time on the personal statement and tweaking it, that it delayed my application submissions. I can't bring myself to type out when I submitted my apps because I'm really upset with myself but know that it was very late into the cycle. Getting matriculated at this point was extremely slim as I'm assuming they were filling up spots already.

 

[JOWS6]

It looks like you were originally aiming for PT? I wonder if that's been the issue, a lack of clarity on what you'd like to do, and it's reflected on your application in some way (poor personal statement, etc.)

For me, OT is it. I'm excited about it, and that's where all of my attention is focused these days (for at least the past couple years, and I don't even start my program until the fall!). I don't imagine that sonography is similar in terms of day-to-day work or longterm trajectory (is it something you'd want to do for the rest of your career?), so I wonder what draws you to either field other than pay.

But if you want to do OT (or PT for that matter), then go for it. Years down the road, you don't want to regret not pursuing something. Your GRE scores could definitely be improved (300+ and 4.0+). And observation hours in multiple settings (the variety of places being more important than the total number of hours) is helpful for both your application and for clarifying for yourself if you truly want to go into this field.

It *sounds* like you're lukewarm though. If that's the case, take this time to focus on your personal life and evaluate what you want from life/career.

I was afraid of this response as it reaffirms my fear of the possible thought processes of admission advisors. This notion that because I also considered PT, that I am lukewarm about OT. I'm happy for you that you were able to hone in on OT as a career; for me, it was a little less clear. I went through hardships and traumatic experiences in the past and I realized I needed to help others to have some fulfillment in my life. I went back to school and considered everything - teacher, therapist, social worker, doctor until I came to therapy services - it matched well with my needs and skills and yes I heavily considered PT. I've focused on my personal life and have evaluated what I want from my life/career. Thank you for your other advice.

I think people have given you some good advice here, and I would just like to chime in and point out that there are a handful of programs that start in January 2017, with applications coming up soon. There's another thread in the forum with info about those programs 🙂 Hang in there! It's stressful and frustrating, but if OT is what you want to do it will be worth it 110%! I also know a couple of OTs who had children/got pregnant during the programs. Though that is added stress (I can only imagine!), starting a family and going back to school aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.

Thank you for the advice and the uplifting words of encouragement. Kudos to those who had babies and were able to finish the programs! I can't even imagine all the stressors of having a baby while in school. I don't know how you women do it all sometimes!

I only found one program that is starting in January ( I believe it's the blended OT program by Concordia University in Wisconsin) . I'm in Chicago and I've checked schools nearby. Haven't thought too much about OT programs out-of-state with Wisconsin being one exception.

 

[OT1224]

St Augustine university offers combined DPT + OT. I think it just took one extra year, in case you ever considering...

It definitely gives you an advantage in the job force.

 

[JOWS6]

Here's the thing... OT is VERY popular. If you're an average student and older, you're a risky investment for the program. We have virtually the SAME stats and I still got in, you can too.

Things to know:

• You will apply twice: The cream of the crop gets in first, as they should. CALL.... not email, the programs that you didn't get into and verbatim ask, "What can *I* do to strengthen my application and be a better student?". Then, email later that afternoon, next day and say thank you for your feedback, I appreciate the valuable insight etc. etc. Then actually follow through with it. Report back in an email once a month and when any major developments happen. Also, by applying twice when you were very clearly initially PT, shows dedication to the profession. It's not personal at all, just a formula/protocol they follow like any other business would. Yes, I applied twice... there's definitely a waiting list to the waiting list. No doesn't necessarily mean "no", you're just in line for next year (an no, they won't tell you this lol).
• Do NOT whine. You're going to be an OT to help OTHERS through their disabilities, there is no room for your issues when your client is paying you to be their rock.
• Your letter/statement of intent: When programs are looking at your letter, make sure you word your valuable life experiences that were setbacks in a minimal wording and briefly elaborate on what a WONDERFUL experience it became, how you learned from/overcame this, and how this will benefit your future clients.
• Thank God you're getting married. You'll need the support. Get it out of the way BEFORE you start your program. A. once it's a done deal he can't do take-backsey's when you lose your mind studying 24/7. B. I've watched a few girls go through this during the program and it isn't pretty. You don't want to be even more stressed and pissed off at your wedding, it's a one time thing! Your future spouse better learn to cook, hold you while you're crying for no reason, and learn to leave you alone for hours on end while you study. That being said, this may be the MOST self-involved time of your life other than that time you were an infant and folks fed, bathed, and cleaned you... for free! Ha! Don't worry... your turn is coming 😀
• Speaking of...that baby? Hard PASS. Do NOT... do NOOOOOT have a child during or before this. You will regret it. You won't be able to be there for all the AWWW moments and be the mom you want to be. Remember, you'll be going on FIELDWORKS. These are non-negotiable, rarely local, and you will be VERY distracted if the first time you're parted from your child is while you're on your pediatric rotations. Sounds like fun right? Not. Oh and sleep... you will get zero with a child in those first couple of years. It shows bad time management skills/decisions... I wouldn't mention this in the interviews. That being said... you will be in an excellent position to have a child after you graduate!! Good pay, schedule, and benefits... WHY would you rush it?? Sorry for all the caps, this is a biggie 🙂
• You are amazing, caring, and clearly a hard worker.... if you want this, buckle down and realize this is where you have to jump through hoops and play by the rules, you're almost there!! Doooo it!

LOL! Maybe I should have clarified earlier but I'm a guy. Because the demographics of applicants tend to be 22-24 white females, I understand why you thought that! Teachers and OT's have said this is an advantage for me being an older, male Mexican as OT programs look to diversify their OT population in which I have mixed feelings about.

Thanks for the advice, I'm taking in everything everyone has said.

 

[LetsGoNats]

I feel that my situation needs a little context so here goes:

I didn't go to college after high school right away but I did take a few community college courses while working; I didn't know what I wanted to do at the time. I decided to make a concerted effort in obtaining a degree in 2010 and graduated in 2013. Due to some unfortunate circumstances I could not go into PT/OT program right after graduating as I was supporting myself and needed to work. Currently I am in a better place financially and applied for several OT programs - I did not get into any of them.

Being 30, planning a wedding and thinking about having a baby in the next few years, I feel a tremendous amount of pressure to look at a different career; something I can jump into to help support my goals of starting a family. I feel a bit devastated at the news that I won't be starting any OT programs soon and the thought of me waiting another year is a bit hard to swallow.

What would you guys do? Do you think I should invest more of myself into strengthening my stats (GRE, volunteer work, etc.)? For those of you who didn't get into an OT program - and happen to still be hanging around here! - what else did you consider doing? A certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography looks appealing as it's 18 months long with good compensation.

I'm just being realistic with myself and considering all options. I could use some input and suggestions. Thanks.

I'm 30 and totally have the same misgivings. This is my second year applying, and I got into three schools this time around without changing any of my stats or adding any hours. It sucks, but apparently it's true that almost everyone has to apply twice. Trying to time your personal life around several years of school makes it all seem impossible. But your early 30s are going to be stressful no matter what, so I wouldn't let that stop you from trying again.

 

[JOWS6]

OK, thank you to everyone who has responded so far. Here's what I've gathered:

- Get clarification as to what I can do to strengthen my application for the next cycle
- Retake GRE
- Retake courses
- Add more OT hours and diversify

All great advice but I have a few questions:
-I think retaking courses has the least bang-to-buck value because the only classes I would probably be able to find are courses at a community college (when they prefer courses taken at a unversity) with the limited time I have during the next open cycle. Seems like a lot of investment in time and money for little in return. Do you agree?
- What has helped you guys the most in preparing for the GRE? I know I can do better. When I took the GRE it was an abnormally warm day in December in Chicago and the heat was turnt up! I was so hot and light-headed that I felt it impaired my performance.
- I'm thinking about meeting with someone to go over my application. I'm unaware of the etiquette regarding this so I'd appreciate feedback.
- Should I include my hours of observation in PT? I feel like it hurts my chances as they might see someone who is on the fence about OT.

Like I said in an earlier response, I know I shot myself in the foot by submitting too late into the cycle as I spent too much time perfecting my personal statement. So hold back on the criticism because Lord knows I've already beaten myself about it enough!! I really want to pursue OT but I'm just afraid of getting rejection letters next year. I feel the best way to prepare and soften the blow if I'm not accepted is to keep my options open. I don't really like the idea of sonography; it's something that I ran into as a lateral move since I could jump into it without going back to school and starting over for another career. The purpose of this thread was more about back up plans. What else would you consider if the writing on the wall keeps saying no?

Thanks again. This is much appreciated!

 

[OTfromIT]

Hey, JOWS6 - I just sent you a private message...

 

[OT1224]

The key is to plan AHEAD. I started my personal statement in May and submitted it in October. This is when I have other admissions requirements to work on. Research and find mistakes that other applicants made so you don't make the same mistake.

Call and ask admissions offers personally what part of the application weighs more importance.

 

[weaver84]

LOL! Maybe I should have clarified earlier but I'm a guy. Because the demographics of applicants tend to be 22-24 white females, I understand why you thought that! Teachers and OT's have said this is an advantage for me being an older, male Mexican as OT programs look to diversify their OT population in which I have mixed feelings about.

Thanks for the advice, I'm taking in everything everyone has said.

AH! That does change things! There's absolutely no reason not to wait another year and apply then. You WILL get in for sure lol. The programs are just making you wait to make sure you're actually dedicated to the field. You're already in, just talk to admissions at least once a month and you're golden. Also, on the wedding and baby... go ahead with that... it's hardest on the wife/mom's (not just saying, statistically true...).

Definitely still call admissions and ask specifically what they want. Otherwise, you'll be wasting a lot of time. I was going to throw on more OT hours and volunteer hours and they said that pointless and advised me to improve other areas. Program's only give "x" amount of "points" for so many hours and that number of hours means nothing after a certain point. Ex. 200 volunteer hours = 10 app points vs. 300 volunteer hrs. = 10 app points. They won't tell you exactly what the numbers are, but they will make sure you're not wasting your time on areas that are already solid. Good luck!!!

 

[weaver84]

Also, since you do have a year in between get all your app info together and submit like the day of deadline-ish. Extra points there and they will note if you submitted last year and you wait until the last minute to submit again (without good reason).

All my school's waived the app fees the 2nd time around and asked that I just submit updated info so no $$$$ to OTCAS all over again.

 

[JOWS6]

Hey, JOWS6 - I just sent you a private message...

Replied, thanks!

 

[JOWS6]

St Augustine university offers combined DPT + OT. I think it just took one extra year, in case you ever considering...

It definitely gives you an advantage in the job force.

That is very interesting. I'm not sure why there aren't more programs that combine both given their similar approach.

 

[thebiggestsky]

Should I include my hours of observation in PT? I feel like it hurts my chances as they might see someone who is on the fence about OT.

Or rather, you've seen both settings (OT and PT), you know their differences, and can speak knowledgeably about those differences and why you're still interested in one or the other (but speaking with passion for each field, even if you're still somewhat undecided between the two). It all depends on how you spin it. In my essay, I talked about a speech-language pathologist that influenced me as a child. Of course I ended up going the OT route for my own career choice, and was able to express why OT in the essay. PT observation hours would be included under extracurriculars in OTCAS rather than the observation/volunteer section. And if I were you, I would still include it. Just be careful with how you talk about that experience. You don't want OT to look like a backup plan.

For the GRE, I did a lot of flashcards for vocabulary. I found a cheap app (I want to say Grade Stack, something or other?) on my phone that I would flip through when on breaks at work or for a few minutes each evening. And I would say aloud the definition for each card in my own words and try using each word in a sentence. There was a list of the most common words used for the Verbal section that helped a lot. For the Quantitative section, I'd have trouble speaking to that, because math is not my strong suit. I mostly would force myself to do practice tests. My scores went up the second time around.

 

[JOWS6]

I'm 30 and totally have the same misgivings. This is my second year applying, and I got into three schools this time around without changing any of my stats or adding any hours. It sucks, but apparently it's true that almost everyone has to apply twice. Trying to time your personal life around several years of school makes it all seem impossible. But your early 30s are going to be stressful no matter what, so I wouldn't let that stop you from trying again.

That certainly gives me hope! You really did nothing to improve your application? I feel that the admissions team's first question to second-time-applying applicants is, "What areas did you improve upon?" I'm shocked to hear this! Did you apply late in the cycle the first time?

The key is to plan AHEAD. I started my personal statement in May and submitted it in October. This is when I have other admissions requirements to work on. Research and find mistakes that other applicants made so you don't make the same mistake.

Call and ask admissions offers personally what part of the application weighs more importance.

I did start my personal statement early. I'm just too indecisive and felt it needed to be perfect in order to stand out.

 

[JOWS6]

AH! That does change things! There's absolutely no reason not to wait another year and apply then. You WILL get in for sure lol. The programs are just making you wait to make sure you're actually dedicated to the field. You're already in, just talk to admissions at least once a month and you're golden. Also, on the wedding and baby... go ahead with that... it's hardest on the wife/mom's (not just saying, statistically true...).

Definitely still call admissions and ask specifically what they want. Otherwise, you'll be wasting a lot of time. I was going to throw on more OT hours and volunteer hours and they said that pointless and advised me to improve other areas. Program's only give "x" amount of "points" for so many hours and that number of hours means nothing after a certain point. Ex. 200 volunteer hours = 10 app points vs. 300 volunteer hrs. = 10 app points. They won't tell you exactly what the numbers are, but they will make sure you're not wasting your time on areas that are already solid. Good luck!!!

Haha, you have more confidence in me than I do! Talk with admissions at least once a month? That seems a little excessive no? I don't want to give off that clingy-boyfriend feel. What would I be checking in with them periodically for? I do feel that I've spent a lot of time on volunteer work already and I'm not sure adding another 50+ hours would benefit me. I will check with the programs though and see how they weigh different criteria.

Also, since you do have a year in between get all your app info together and submit like the day of deadline-ish. Extra points there and they will note if you submitted last year and you wait until the last minute to submit again (without good reason).

All my school's waived the app fees the 2nd time around and asked that I just submit updated info so no $$$$ to OTCAS all over again.

Wait, what? I'm not understanding the first part of this post.

Or rather, you've seen both settings (OT and PT), you know their differences, and can speak knowledgeably about those differences and why you're still interested in one or the other (but speaking with passion for each field, even if you're still somewhat undecided between the two). It all depends on how you spin it. In my essay, I talked about a speech-language pathologist that influenced me as a child. Of course I ended up going the OT route for my own career choice, and was able to express why OT in the essay. PT observation hours would be included under extracurriculars in OTCAS rather than the observation/volunteer section. And if I were you, I would still include it. Just be careful with how you talk about that experience. You don't want OT to look like a backup plan.

For the GRE, I did a lot of flashcards for vocabulary. I found a cheap app (I want to say Grade Stack, something or other?) on my phone that I would flip through when on breaks at work or for a few minutes each evening. And I would say aloud the definition for each card in my own words and try using each word in a sentence. There was a list of the most common words used for the Verbal section that helped a lot. For the Quantitative section, I'd have trouble speaking to that, because math is not my strong suit. I mostly would force myself to do practice tests. My scores went up the second time around.

Exactly, while I considered PT initially, I don't want OT to look like a backup plan. I do believe I've worded this carefully in my personal statement but I will double-check this area and make sure it is clear. I did purchase flashcards for the vocabulary portion but it wasn't practical to have them on me all the time. I like that idea of the app and studying during down times.

 

[beestrng]

St Augustine university offers combined DPT + OT. I think it just took one extra year, in case you ever considering...

It definitely gives you an advantage in the job force.

not doing it anymore. its on hold. also pointless.

@JOWS6 not too familiar with those schools. But you should add more OT relevant things. OTA is a sound alternative but depending where you are, OTA over saturation in places like FL will make you cry. Places like Keiser pump em out fast and they do not appear too good. Your local cc is the best but most from what I hear have a waiting list.

Also I meant anatomy and physio not advanced placement. I wasnt sure from your original post...

 

[weaver84]

Oh.. yes, that is confusing. What I meant was: When you apply the second time around.... get your apps submitted as soon as you can. Don't wait around at all.