Non-traditional Students

[PursuitOT]

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Hello, I have just finished pre-req's for most of the Master's OT programs. I earned my bachelor's degree in 2004 in communications. Since I am not the "traditional" age for starting a Master's program, do many schools save spots for this age group or is that a usual factor when deciding on a candidate? Just curious how many 30-somethings are out there that were recently admitted or just started an OT program. Thanks!

 

[OTPanda]

I'm 32 and was recently admitted to Puget Sound. I'm pretty sure my age played no role in my acceptance. From my understanding, OT programs are filled with a diverse range of ages/backgrounds due to the nature of the field.

While I don't believe that my age hurt/helped me get into school, I am certain that my life experiences made me a stronger candidate and ultimately compensated for my poor grades from my first few years of school when I was younger and not focused. My best advice is to find a way to impress your school of choice in your essay/personal statement and explain how your life experiences contribute to you being a great candidate.

 

[OTCareer]

Age is just a number! You should have no problems at all. 🙂
I know a 51 year old at my MOT program at Bay Path College.

 

[EastCoastHope]

Go and visit the schools you are interested in. I found that there is an age range but it tends towards younger at some schools. Make sure you'll feel comfortable.

I 'm also on the upper end of non-traditional and consider myself so lucky that I found a school that would look at my entire picture. Many, I found, do not. GPA and where you rank in a chart is as much thinking as one school did...really surprised me. This school never reads attachments so I had no way to explain my life experiences.

Am thrilled with my final decision at a great school.

just my two cents. 🙂

 

[gymnastau]

I'm going to be 34 years old this summer and will begin my program this fall. I agree with EastCoastHope, make sure you find a place you are comfortable. I asked a few schools what their age range was. Most had several older students and some did not. The age of students didn't bother me too much, but I did factor it into a few schools I was borderline in applying too.

You'll be in great company at least in the OT field as a whole..More and more of us non-traditional students out there!

 

[TexasTeacher956]

I am glad that I am not alone. I am 35 and also just finishing up my pre-req's. I hope my life experiences and teaching background will help me get into a program.

 

[EastCoastHope]

I am glad that I am not alone. I am 35 and also just finishing up my pre-req's. I hope my life experiences and teaching background will help me get into a program.

Try to go visit the programs you are interested in before applying. Showing them your grades, scores, tell them about your life experiences and see what they have to say. 🙂

 

[PursuitOT]

Thank you, everyone, for your replies! It's so nice to know that I am not alone in my ambition for a second career! 🙂

 

[ginaw623]

TexasTeacher... I am also from a teaching background wanting to start OT 🙂 good luck to you!