General Admissions & OTCAS Looking for any advice before applying. (low gpa)

[Parker3]

Hello all,

I've been reading tips and stats from this forum for quite a while but have never posted. Now that I will be done with my undergrad in July, I am asking for any and all advice. I know my Cumulative GPA is extremely low (freshman yr) but im hoping that other parts of my application get me accepted somewhere. Thanks in advance for any assistance, I look forward to hearing from you.

University: University of Texas Permian-Basin
Major: Psychology. Minor: Biology
Overall GPA: 3.14
Pre-req GPA: 3.45-3.55
Last 60 GPA: 3.63
GRE: N/A

Experience: Firefighter/Paramedic certified with 4+ years of fieldwork experience. Experience working with patients suffering from mental illness, stroke, paralysis, etc.

OT hours: 60 hours in hospital rehab department (ongoing). 40 hours in home health.

Planning on applying to: ASHS, Midwestern, NYU, TWU, U of Illinois, Bay Path, UWM, Rush, U of South Alabama, Thomas Jefferson, CSUDH, and Creighton.

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[Bokonomy]

You're applying for the next year, right? I'd throw in a few newer programs in there as well if you can. Jeff, UIC, and NYU, and Rush? will probably be reaches. Some of the others might be as well, but I'm not familiar with them.

Maybe try USciences instead of, or in addition to Jeff? Bay Path is good to keep on, maybe throw on AIC as well if you've taken physics.

 

[Parker3]

You're applying for the next year, right? I'd throw in a few newer programs in there as well if you can. Jeff, UIC, and NYU, and Rush? will probably be reaches. Some of the others might be as well, but I'm not familiar with them.

Maybe try USciences instead of, or in addition to Jeff? Bay Path is good to keep on, maybe throw on AIC as well if you've taken physics.

Yes, applying for next year. Well that is good to know, i'm not looking to apply to any schools that are most likely not going to give me a chance due to my gpa. My number one right now is Bay Path. I might switch Jeff, UIC, and Rush with West Coast U, Suny Downstate, and Usciences.

 

[cns93]

You could also look into applying to state schools that aren't as competitive/expensive. Not sure what your location is but check out public schools in surrounding states. It might help that you are a guy since it's a more female heavy field. I also encourage you to go to school's info sessions if you can and bring all of your stats/transcripts etc and meet w/ admissions after to see what your chances are. Also try and find out what the average GPA and scores are for the ACCEPTED applicant... Not the minimum requirements to apply. This will help you determine if you are a good match for the school. You want to apply to several places but also don't want to waste your money. Apply early if the schools have rolling admissions. Lastly, you need to do well on the GRE... You don't need to be less than competitive in more than one area. I also had a GPA on the lower side due to my freshman year so I worked really hard on the GRE. Keep in mind that OTCAS standardizes your GPA and if you've retaken any classes then every attempt will be taken into account. I had a 3.58 institution gpa and a 3.4 on OTCAS. Hope this helps.

 

[PuppyloverOT]

I would add some schools that do interviews to your short list... I've heard that those schools tend to look at applicants beyond just gas. I know there are quite a few programs that stipulate at least a 3.0 and you are above that so I wouldn't worry too much Just be open minded when applying to schools!

 

[student4life101]

I am pretty sure that CSUDH looks at gpa and gre scores really closely and that they expect 4.0 in prerequisite classes because they allow for retakes. That was implied by them when I went to an info session. For the gre I would aim for the high 150's or more and a 5 on the writing.

cns93 pointed out that OTCAS calculates overall gpa, which can work in your favor if you retake those B's and C's. For instance, I went from a 3.5 to a 3.7 when I added in all the cc classes I took over the years. Just make sure you only get A's. This can help give adcoms another number to consider besides undergrad gpa and gre's.

You have a lot of time now to work on your personal statement, which is where you can shine. Also, getting more hours in several settings will help so much with letters, and give you real situations to refer to during interviews. You got this!

 

[gosot]

hi! I got into Thomas Jef with a really low gpa!

I would say work your butt off and try to score as high as possible on the GRE's.

Apply as early as possible, have your personal statement ready before the OTCAS opens and make sure you've had it proofread many times!

Dont give up!

 

[Parker3]

You could also look into applying to state schools that aren't as competitive/expensive. Not sure what your location is but check out public schools in surrounding states. It might help that you are a guy since it's a more female heavy field. I also encourage you to go to school's info sessions if you can and bring all of your stats/transcripts etc and meet w/ admissions after to see what your chances are. Also try and find out what the average GPA and scores are for the ACCEPTED applicant... Not the minimum requirements to apply. This will help you determine if you are a good match for the school. You want to apply to several places but also don't want to waste your money. Apply early if the schools have rolling admissions. Lastly, you need to do well on the GRE... You don't need to be less than competitive in more than one area. I also had a GPA on the lower side due to my freshman year so I worked really hard on the GRE. Keep in mind that OTCAS standardizes your GPA and if you've retaken any classes then every attempt will be taken into account. I had a 3.58 institution gpa and a 3.4 on OTCAS. Hope this helps.

Thank you for the information. I am located in South Texas. I'm hoping that my medical background can at least get me in the door for a few interviews. Also, I am currently studying for the GRE and hopefully I can do well on this. However, a little less than half of the schools im applying to do not require the GRE.

 

[Parker3]

I would add some schools that do interviews to your short list... I've heard that those schools tend to look at applicants beyond just gas. I know there are quite a few programs that stipulate at least a 3.0 and you are above that so I wouldn't worry too much Just be open minded when applying to schools!

Thats a great point. I didnt really even pay attention to which schools gave interviews. I am going to have to go back and check that out. Thank you

 

[Parker3]

I am pretty sure that CSUDH looks at gpa and gre scores really closely and that they expect 4.0 in prerequisite classes because they allow for retakes. That was implied by them when I went to an info session. For the gre I would aim for the high 150's or more and a 5 on the writing.

Didnt know they were than strict about GPA. Good to know, thank you!

 

[Bokonomy]

Yes, applying for next year. Well that is good to know, i'm not looking to apply to any schools that are most likely not going to give me a chance due to my gpa. My number one right now is Bay Path. I might switch Jeff, UIC, and Rush with West Coast U, Suny Downstate, and Usciences.

I have a friend who is a second year, she had lower stats and got in. And she seemed to enjoy the program. So I wish you luck getting in!

 

[Parker3]

hi! I got into Thomas Jef with a really low gpa!

I would say work your butt off and try to score as high as possible on the GRE's.

Apply as early as possible, have your personal statement ready before the OTCAS opens and make sure you've had it proofread many times!

Dont give up!

That's awesome,congrats!. What was your GPA if you don't mind me asking?

And yes, I have already began my personal statement. I'm hoping to have it perfect by the time I start applying. The admissions counselor from Bay Path explained to me that at least in their program, the personal statement is very heavily weighed.

 

[Parker3]

I have a friend who is a second year, she had lower stats and got in. And she seemed to enjoy the program. So I wish you luck getting in!

Good to know, I hear the program/community is very neat. Thank you, keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[student4life101]

Parker, I think it's because they get so many applicants. Besides those scores, they also require that all classes be done when you apply, and most applicants have about 300 hrs in several settings and/or work experience in a related field. It's still doable though. Good luck if you're applying!

 

[Parker3]

Parker, I think it's because they get so many applicants. Besides those scores, they also require that all classes be done when you apply, and most applicants have about 300 hrs in several settings and/or work experience in a related field. It's still doable though. Good luck if you're applying!

Ya. that does make sense. Thank you !

 

[PuppyloverOT]

Thats a great point. I didnt really even pay attention to which schools gave interviews. I am going to have to go back and check that out. Thank you

Of course, good luck!

 

[2019futureot]

Hello all,

I've been reading tips and stats from this forum for quite a while but have never posted. Now that I will be done with my undergrad in July, I am asking for any and all advice. I know my Cumulative GPA is extremely low (freshman yr) but im hoping that other parts of my application get me accepted somewhere. Thanks in advance for any assistance, I look forward to hearing from you.

University: University of Texas Permian-Basin
Major: Psychology. Minor: Biology
Overall GPA: 3.14
Pre-req GPA: 3.45-3.55
Last 60 GPA: 3.63
GRE: N/A

Experience: Firefighter/Paramedic certified with 4+ years of fieldwork experience. Experience working with patients suffering from mental illness, stroke, paralysis, etc.

OT hours: 60 hours in hospital rehab department (ongoing). 40 hours in home health.

Planning on applying to: ASHS, Midwestern, NYU, TWU, U of Illinois, Bay Path, UWM, Rush, U of South Alabama, Thomas Jefferson, CSUDH, and Creighton.

I wouldn't worry too much about your GPA. There are so many things that admissions committees look at. I would recommend securing great letters of recommendation from the OTs you're currently shadowing. In addition, consider shadowing in another type of setting. Many schools require three or more settings. Try to do one that is unique. I shadowed an an equine-assisted occupational therapy center and I believe that helped make my application stand out. Good luck to you.

 

[LAxW]

1. I think you should enjoy your senior year in undergrad. College is the best 4 years and you don't want to be that person that worries about grad stuff your last year. What you worry about now will still be a worry later so put it off as much as you can
   
2. Look at schools that look at you holistically. I had the same GPA as you and go interviews at 4/6 that give interviews.
3. Hustle for more hours

 

[Parker3]

I wouldn't worry too much about your GPA. There are so many things that admissions committees look at. I would recommend securing great letters of recommendation from the OTs you're currently shadowing. In addition, consider shadowing in another type of setting. Many schools require three or more settings. Try to do one that is unique. I shadowed an an equine-assisted occupational therapy center and I believe that helped make my application stand out. Good luck to you.

Thank you for the reply. I'm currently looking for at least one more place to gain observation hours. That is a great point about finding something unique, I will keep that in mind.

 

[Parker3]

1. I think you should enjoy your senior year in undergrad. College is the best 4 years and you don't want to be that person that worries about grad stuff your last year. What you worry about now will still be a worry later so put it off as much as you can
   
2. Look at schools that look at you holistically. I had the same GPA as you and go interviews at 4/6 that give interviews.
3. Hustle for more hours

Believe me, I wish I could enjoy my senior year more lol. I currently work full-time at a FF/Paramedic in addition to going to school full time. I basically have no down time, but it will be worth it once I get into a program.

Do you mind me asking which schools you interviewed with and where you ended up choosing?

 

[nOTeworthy]

Our stats are similar. My overall and prerequisite were about a 3.3. I applied to TTUSHC and TWU, and was accepted to both my first try. Your stats aren't as bad as you think. I also had far fewer observation hours and no background in health. There's people with perfect stats that try several times before getting in. Don't underestimate the personal statement and LORs.

 

[Parker3]

Our stats are similar. My overall and prerequisite were about a 3.3. I applied to TTUSHC and TWU, and was accepted to both my first try. Your stats aren't as bad as you think. I also had far fewer observation hours and no background in health. There's people with perfect stats that try several times before getting in. Don't underestimate the personal statement and LORs.

Well that is great to hear. That gives me a little bit more confidence as I get started on these applications, thank you!. Where did you end up choosing?

 

[nOTeworthy]

Well that is great to hear. That gives me a little bit more confidence as I get started on these applications, thank you!. Where did you end up choosing?

I ended up choosing TWU Houston since I can commute to class. I withdrew my acceptance to TTUHSC wbig that it was my plan B. It's also 8+ hours away from home.

 

[2019futureot]

I wouldn't worry too much about your GPA. There are so many things that admissions committees look at. I would recommend securing great letters of recommendation from the OTs you're currently shadowing. In addition, consider shadowing in another type of setting. Many schools require three or more settings. Try to do one that is unique. I shadowed an an equine-assisted occupational therapy center and I believe that helped make my application stand out. Good luck to you.

I also want to add that maybe you can search to see if you have any OTs nearby that have specialty certification in Driving and Mobility; Environmental Modifications; Feeding, Eating, Swallowing; Low Vision; Certified Hand Therapist; or a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. These shadowing experiences are not typical and can make your resume stand out.

 

[Parker3]

I also want to add that maybe you can search to see if you have any OTs nearby that have specialty certification in Driving and Mobility; Environmental Modifications; Feeding, Eating, Swallowing; Low Vision; Certified Hand Therapist; or a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. These shadowing experiences are not typical and can make your resume stand out.

Wow, those are some great examples of potential specialists to shadow. Thank you!

 

[gosot]

That's awesome,congrats!. What was your GPA if you don't mind me asking?

And yes, I have already began my personal statement. I'm hoping to have it perfect by the time I start applying. The admissions counselor from Bay Path explained to me that at least in their program, the personal statement is very heavily weighed.

My gpa is a 3.014, very low, the interview def helped I would apply to places that do interviews cause they tend to look at you more as a whole then just a number and gpa.

 

[OT_geek]

hi! I got into Thomas Jef with a really low gpa!

I would say work your butt off and try to score as high as possible on the GRE's.

Apply as early as possible, have your personal statement ready before the OTCAS opens and make sure you've had it proofread many times!

Dont give up!

Hi! I saw your response and I am in a similar situation that you were in. Jefferson is my #1 but I have a 3.1 GPA and have gotten a C+ in anatomy 2, so I am worried this will hurt my chances. As an accepted student, can you tell me anything else about your application that made you stand out? I have done undergraduate research but I'm not sure how far this goes in balancing out my GPA. You said study hard for the GRE, do you have any other suggestions?

 

[NPULFC]

Add Carroll University in Wisconsin! Great school!

 

[Bokonomy]

Hi! I saw your response and I am in a similar situation that you were in. Jefferson is my #1 but I have a 3.1 GPA and have gotten a C+ in anatomy 2, so I am worried this will hurt my chances. As an accepted student, can you tell me anything else about your application that made you stand out? I have done undergraduate research but I'm not sure how far this goes in balancing out my GPA. You said study hard for the GRE, do you have any other suggestions?

Can you plan to retake anatomy? It's a pretty critical class, and the first semester (A+K) is pretty tough.