Need Advice

[TexasOT]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Need advice please!

I have been reading this forum, and have grown increasingly concerned about my chances of acceptance into an OT program where I live.

Unlike many prospective students on the related threads, I graduated with a BS in Psychology over 9 years ago and at the time decided to pursue a career in teaching and start a family instead of furthering my education. About 3 years ago I began expressing an interest in returning to school to become an occupational therapist to my husband. However, he always deemed it as not financially feasable at the time.

Now, in the midst of drastic budget cuts being made in public education, and myself having only 3 years in at my current school, it was made clear to me that there was a definite possibility that my position would be one of the ones eliminated. In light of this new information, I was finally able to get my husband on board and it was then (only about a month ago) that I began aggressively seeking information about returning to school.

After reading these posts, I see that my stats:
overall GPA of 3.36
last 60 GPA of 3.4
current pre req (of the ones I had from undergrad) of 3.8

are not quite as acceptable as I once thought. In fact it is seeming more and more inadequate. I am planning on retaking the one pre req course that I made a B in, and trying to make an A in the rest. I plan on volunteering as much as possible this summer and fall, and getting in as much community service as I can before now and then as well, but even with a pre req GPA of 4.0, do I have a shot at UTMB or TWU with my overall being so low? I don't have the option of relocating, as I have two young children and a husband in the Houston Fire Dept.

Oh, and I have had special needs children included in my classroom for 5 out of the 6 years that I taught. Including those with autism and physical handicaps.

Any advice is GREATLY appreciated!!! I don't think I can bear the guilt of having added so much financial strain on my family and having it be nothing more than a wild goose chase. 🙁

 

[Whistle Pig]

Can't speak to specific schools, but I'd think you would be an exceptionally attractive candidate.You might be one who especially could overcome some of the traditional, conventional measures with a strong GRE performance. Prepare for that, if so. In any case a serious, face-to-face conversation with someone(s) in your prospective programs in advance of mounting a campaign might have meaningful merit for you. You understand that this is not like playing the undergraduate game and a mature approach might be very useful and prevenatative of disappointment, heartache and/or financial strain.

 

[GatorOT]

Hi TexasOT,

I am in a similar situation to you. I graduated with my BS back in 1995, but in a totally unrelated field, ecology. I then went on to get my MS and worked as an ecologist for a few years. I left when I had my first child 6 years ago, and have had two others since. So I am also a non-traditional student raising young children.

I think you have many real assets to offer a OT program. GPA is not everything, and yours is pretty good anyways. Just make sure to emphasize your teaching experiences, parenting experiences and any volunteer experiences in your essay, this will be key to setting you apart from other applicants. I really think that many OT programs like non-traditional students with life experiences. Also aim to get at least the minimum required on the GRE's if they are required.

I just got into the University of Florida MOT program for next fall. My stats are ok: a 3.4 undergrad GPA, a 3.9 grad GPA and a 4.0 prerequisite GPA, also a 1170 GRE score. I would take the time to meet with the program coordinators at the schools you a pursuing, and explain your situation, experiences, stats with them. Most will be willing to tell you if you seem like a good candidate for the program. I may also be helpful to retake some of the prerequisites if it has been awhile since you have taken them, this can even be done at a community college.

Good luck. I think you have an excellent chance of getting accepted into a OT program.🙂

 

[TexasOT]

Thank you guys for the encouraging words! I think going to speak with the program directors in person is an excellent idea and am going to get on top of trying to arrange that first thing tomorrow. Thanks again! 🙂