Low gpa - advice?

[jl336]

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I'm currently in the process of applying to some schools but I'm worried about where I'll end up, if I get in at all. Due to some bad decisions in undergrad, I came out with a 2.8 gpa. After my otcas was verified, because they don't count grade retakes, I ended up with a cumulative 2.9 gpa including all my post-bac classes taken to satisfy prerequisites. My prereq gpa is a 3.8 and my last 60 of my undergrad is 3.0. I did take the gre but the scores were average. I think they were 156V and 154Q including a 4.0AW. I don't want to retake it again b/c I don't do well with these types of tests.

My question is, do you guys know of any schools that I have a better chance at? Or do you have any advice for me? I can't change the past grades from my undergrad but since I've graduated, I've gotten an A in every class and have accumulated a lot of observation hrs (around 500). I'm not sure of what else to do. Do you guys know of anyone that did get into school with a low gpa? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

UPDATE 2/13/2013:

I said I'd come back with any news good or bad. So for all those in my situation, there is hope for us. I've been accepted to SMU, SJSU, NOVA, UPS

 

[OTPanda]

jl336,

I promise I'm not exaggerating when I say this, a year ago I was in the EXACT same boat. Your numbers look almost identical to mine. I was devastated after OTCAS verified my transcripts because I didn't know that they didn't throw out retakes. The good news is...I'm almost done with my first semester of my MSOT program at Puget Sound!

UPS was the only school that I got a straight acceptance from. I was waitlisted at USC and UW. I was offered interviews by Eastern Washington, Creighton and Howard but declined them because I had already been accepted to UPS. I'm pretty sure I would have gotten into all of those programs. I was rejected from: UPitt, UIC and AT Still. I understood Pitt and UIC but AT Still was really disappointing. When I called them and asked them about my application, they said that it was basically thrown out because of my science GPA.

That being said, I believe that I had a really competitive application. Despite my grades, I have great life experiences that have made me a better student. I am passionate about OT because of the things that I have seen and done in my life. I think this is what made me a good fit for UPS.

UPS requires a separate essay where they ask 6 very specific questions. Now that I am a student here, I understand that they heavily weigh these essays when it comes to their enrollment factors. UPS is as unique environment and their focus is different that some of the bigger schools that are connected to teaching hospitals.

I'm not saying that UPS is your only hope, I just think that in your situation, you should maybe consider looking at private schools because their missions are sometimes different. My class has done a few research projects looking at enrollment factors and I know for a fact that the price tag is what scares people away from UPS and other private schools. Knowing what I know now, I'm actually glad I didn't get called off the waitlist at a bigger, cheaper school because UPS offers me the attention that I need.

I hope this helps and if you have any questions feel free to PM me. Don't lose hope!! If you are passionate about OT, there is a school that will recognize that!!!!

 

[jewel11786]

Alot of schools don't just count your GPA as a deciding factor. they also look at your GREs, essay, recommendation letters, volunteer experience, etc., but many schools do have a minimum required GPA (usually 3.0), which unfortunately cannot be changed. I would call programs you are applying to and ask if the cumulative GPA requirement is just for your undergrad or also includes pre-req and other courses you've taken.

 

[klaysan]

I think you're set, especially with those volunteer/observation hours. I'm sure at least one school will accept you. Just keep your options open and apply to a good amount of schools. 🙂

 

[jl336]

Thank you for the advice. I am hoping that I get into at least one school. I feel like because I applied so late (my OTCAS was just verified), I may be late in the game. I was only able to apply to 2 schools who aren't in OTCAS and the rest of the schools are. I don't know what else I can really do to improve except retake the GRE which might be too late if I take it next month since most apps are due by then. I really don't want to reapply again because gathering rec letters is so much trouble.

I checked over a lot of schools and most require a 3.0 minimum which makes it tough to apply. Hopefully they are able to look past the grades. I will keep everyone (and future low gpa-ers) updated if I happen to get into a school.

 

[SDCal19]

Thank you for the advice. I am hoping that I get into at least one school. I feel like because I applied so late (my OTCAS was just verified), I may be late in the game. I was only able to apply to 2 schools who aren't in OTCAS and the rest of the schools are. I don't know what else I can really do to improve except retake the GRE which might be too late if I take it next month since most apps are due by then. I really don't want to reapply again because gathering rec letters is so much trouble.

I checked over a lot of schools and most require a 3.0 minimum which makes it tough to apply. Hopefully they are able to look past the grades. I will keep everyone (and future low gpa-ers) updated if I happen to get into a school.

I had a lower GPA than you in undergrad. I was accepted to University of St Augustine (nearly done!) and was on the wait list at USC. I don't think GPA is the most important factor but you need a good story about why you are going to OT and good volunteer service. Good luck!

 

[jl336]

I started this thread about a month and a half ago and at that time I was worried and so uncertain if I would get into school for this year. I just want to update everyone on how things are going so that if there are any future or current applicants in my position, there is hope!

I got accepted into 2 schools so far as well as got an interview with another. I still have other applications that have already been sent out that I probably won't hear from for another month or two. But I have already settled on a school that I am going to! So keep positive everyone! It will happen!

 

[mgOT]

I started this thread about a month and a half ago and at that time I was worried and so uncertain if I would get into school for this year. I just want to update everyone on how things are going so that if there are any future or current applicants in my position, there is hope!

I got accepted into 2 schools so far as well as got an interview with another. I still have other applications that have already been sent out that I probably won't hear from for another month or two. But I have already settled on a school that I am going to! So keep positive everyone! It will happen!

I'm so happy for you... Congrats! Would you mind sharing where you are accepted? My GPA is similar to yours and I still have not received any acceptance yet..still waiting to hear from a majority of the schools I applied to. And, any tips for applicants in similar situation?

 

[jl336]

Thanks mgOT! I was accepted to both SMU and SJSU as well as received an interview from NOVA. I have a few more schools to wait on but am pretty sure that I'll be going to SJSU.

My tip would be to not give up hope. I've received two rejections before getting any other news (Touro wouldn't even give me a supplemental app because I didn't meet gpa requirement) and was devastated. I was ready to try again next year and then I just stopped dwelling on it. When I started to think more positively, things started falling into place and then I got my acceptances. I'm not saying that being positive is all there is but it helps in this waiting game. For me, I couldn't correct the low gpa from undergrad so the only way I could get out of this mess was to work hard after college. That means I got an A in every class I took after and that helped secure my last 60 (including postbac) to a 3.6. Then I made sure to volunteer at different settings. I did inpatient and outpatient working with adults, peds and geriatrics. Because of the diversity in the settings, I was able to talk about the different experiences in my statement. And since I had good relationships with the people I worked with, I knew they'd be able to write me good letters of recs. I made sure to apply to schools who really looked at the person as a whole and who also looked at last 60. If you have any questions, you can always let me know. I will help any way I can.

 

[prodigiousflame]

hi jl this is very inspiring considering I have the same undergrad gpa. My question to you is when you say postbac do you mean you did one year of classes at a university? Or you took extra classes at a community college?

You said that Touro rejected you because your gpa didn't meet the requirements---how did you find out what your final GPA was? I'm really confused about what my total GPA is at this point because I have my undergrad gpa but then all these community college classes I took afterwards. I don't know how to combine them all.

 

[mgOT]

jl336, I can totally understand how you felt until you got your first acceptance letter .. that heavy weight must have been lifted off from your shoulders. I tried to compensate for my low GPA by currently taking postbac courses at a community college and shadowing in variety of settings, but I did not take the GRE and want to stay away from it. There is no way past can be changed but there is a room for an improvement. I got 2 rejections letters so far out of 8 and I'm already planning out my plan B. I may sound pessimistic but I need to be realistic about my life since I am a recent grad. My mind and heart are already set on OT so I try not to lose hope 🙂

How many schools did you apply to? Just wondering, are you a resident of CA since you were accepted to SMU and SJSU? How did you explain the reason for poor undergrad GPA?

prodigiousflame, you can estimate your GPA by determining how far your grades are from your undergrad GPA. For instance, if you have 2.8 in your undergrad and 3.8 in community college and postbac courses then you can assume that your GPA is or around 3.0. On other note, make sure with the programs on how they look at your GPA. I was rejected from Chatham simply because my GPA at the primary institution, which they take, was below 3.0 cut off.
Another way to calcuate your GPA is find a GPA calculator online. Hope this helps!

http://academicservices.berkeley.edu/advising/gpa/
http://www.back2college.com/gpa.htm

 

[Kaab14a]

Congrats jl! 🙂 You give us all hope. I am in the process of interviewing, trying my best to stay positive. The very first reply I got was a rejection, and like you said, I was also devastated. Thankfully, I've received invitations to interview now and I am just trying to not dwell or stress, and just keep a peaceful mind.
I wish with all my heart I can bring good news of acceptance soon 🙂

 

[jl336]

hi jl this is very inspiring considering I have the same undergrad gpa. My question to you is when you say postbac do you mean you did one year of classes at a university? Or you took extra classes at a community college?

You said that Touro rejected you because your gpa didn't meet the requirements---how did you find out what your final GPA was? I'm really confused about what my total GPA is at this point because I have my undergrad gpa but then all these community college classes I took afterwards. I don't know how to combine them all.

I mean classes I took at a community college to fulfill prereqs. Touro uses OTCAS. I think what happened was they look at OTCAS applications to make sure their minimum conditions are met and then for those that meet them, they will send a supplemental app. I didn't meet their gpa req as I believe Touro's req is 3.0. If you have your OTCAS app verified, you can look under the gpa calculations they have made including all classes you listed in your coursework. My overall there is a 2.95. OTCAS can help you get your overall with undergrad gpa and post undergrad gpa. But the downside is, they don't count retakes. =(

 

[jl336]

jl336, I can totally understand how you felt until you got your first acceptance letter .. that heavy weight must have been lifted off from your shoulders. I tried to compensate for my low GPA by currently taking postbac courses at a community college and shadowing in variety of settings, but I did not take the GRE and want to stay away from it. There is no way past can be changed but there is a room for an improvement. I got 2 rejections letters so far out of 8 and I'm already planning out my plan B. I may sound pessimistic but I need to be realistic about my life since I am a recent grad. My mind and heart are already set on OT so I try not to lose hope 🙂

How many schools did you apply to? Just wondering, are you a resident of CA since you were accepted to SMU and SJSU? How did you explain the reason for poor undergrad GPA?

I'm not sure of the number of schools because there are quite a few that I just didn't finish the applications - like sending GRE scores ($25 is a lot to send out a score report per school). Because I am from CA, I applied to 4 here and a few out of state. To be honest, I didn't address my undergrad gpa in my statement. I just answered the prompt asking about what I can bring to OT and how my experiences have changed me.

The rejections do hurt. Even though I was accepted to another school, to not be good enough elsewhere doesn't feel good. And although I got SJSU (which was my 2nd choice), I am still worried. My acceptance to them is conditional because I still have to take their neuroanatomy class this summer. It's based on whether or not I pass.

You still have 6 more schools to hear back from. That's a good amount and I'm sure you'll hear positive news soon! It also helps to follow up with some schools and just ask why you weren't admitted and they can help give advice for the future if you choose to apply again.

 

[jl336]

Congrats jl! 🙂 You give us all hope. I am in the process of interviewing, trying my best to stay positive. The very first reply I got was a rejection, and like you said, I was also devastated. Thankfully, I've received invitations to interview now and I am just trying to not dwell or stress, and just keep a peaceful mind.
I wish with all my heart I can bring good news of acceptance soon 🙂

I really hope you hear good news soon. Interviewing is great because it means you passed the first step and you're getting closer to the end. Plus you beat out a bunch of applicants to be among the few to get interviewed - that's a great thing so no matter what the outcome, it's a huge accomplishment esp with the influx of recent applications. Good luck and update on if anything changes. =)

 

[mgOT]

I'm not sure of the number of schools because there are quite a few that I just didn't finish the applications - like sending GRE scores ($25 is a lot to send out a score report per school). Because I am from CA, I applied to 4 here and a few out of state. To be honest, I didn't address my undergrad gpa in my statement. I just answered the prompt asking about what I can bring to OT and how my experiences have changed me.

The rejections do hurt. Even though I was accepted to another school, to not be good enough elsewhere doesn't feel good. And although I got SJSU (which was my 2nd choice), I am still worried. My acceptance to them is conditional because I still have to take their neuroanatomy class this summer. It's based on whether or not I pass.

You still have 6 more schools to hear back from. That's a good amount and I'm sure you'll hear positive news soon! It also helps to follow up with some schools and just ask why you weren't admitted and they can help give advice for the future if you choose to apply again.

I've heard CA schools accepted many instate applicants so I was wondering what my chances would be since I live on the East Coast. Even though rejections hurt, that one acceptance letter would make a big difference, especially if it's from one of the top choices. Oh, I just found out today that I'm waitlisted at USciences.. that is a small boost.

I learned my mistakes from other schools and I am praying to get into a couple more. You worked hard to get into 2 schools so I am confident that you will pass neuroanatomy. Think of the brutal course load you will have to take as an OT student so this course shouldn't be so bad.
Good Luck!

 

[MT2BanOT]

I'm currently in the process of applying to some schools but I'm worried about where I'll end up, if I get in at all. Due to some bad decisions in undergrad, I came out with a 2.8 gpa. After my otcas was verified, because they don't count grade retakes, I ended up with a cumulative 2.9 gpa including all my post-bac classes taken to satisfy prerequisites. My prereq gpa is a 3.8 and my last 60 of my undergrad is 3.0. I did take the gre but the scores were average. I think they were 156V and 154Q including a 4.0AW. I don't want to retake it again b/c I don't do well with these types of tests.

My question is, do you guys know of any schools that I have a better chance at? Or do you have any advice for me? I can't change the past grades from my undergrad but since I've graduated, I've gotten an A in every class and have accumulated a lot of observation hrs (around 500). I'm not sure of what else to do. Do you guys know of anyone that did get into school with a low gpa? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Hey so j/w I have a very similar situation as you...did you apply with the 4.0 writing score on the GRE?

How many hours of volunteer did you do and where?

My stats are 3.07 for last 60 on OTCAS, 121 hours of volunteer (87 inpatient), 3.24 last 60/90 quarter unit GPA, and pre-req GPA is a little over 3.0

I've been accepted one place and am praying that God has saved a space for me at SJSU, I'm extremely nervous...

ALL my pre-reqs are satisfied (including Neuroanatomy) so I'm not sure why I haven't been contacted.