Other OT-Related Information Prereqs and Cost

[thursdaytacos]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi! I am looking to begin my career in OT. I graduated with a BA in Sociology in January 2016. I am mainly looking at Stony Brook's OT program, since that is where I attended undergrad. However, I have none of the science prerequisites.

Do you think it would look better on my application if I took these classes at Stony Brook, even though they would be more difficult, or at Suffolk CC?

Another question: I have enough savings to cover the tuition of the program at Stony Brook. I am considering using that money to pay for the program, but I am also considering using the money to pay for my living expenses while I am in school. From what I understand it's very difficult to have a job in this program.

Do you feel that it would be smarter for me to spend my savings on tuition, or take out a loan and spend the money on living expenses?

Thank you!

 

[FINGERS_CROSSED]

It doesn't matter where you take your prerequisites, as long as the school is accredited and the classes you take fulfill SBU's requirements. I would save your money and take them at the community college.

Regarding loans: do everything you can to take the least amount of money out in loans. If you google 'student loan calculator' you can get an idea of your monthly payment. It's a little scary.

 

[proapplicant]

I graduated from SBU with a sociology degree too... what a pointless major we chose. Anyway, it's not going to matter where you take pre-reqs but it is going to help that you went there for undergrad. Idk your stats but everyone I know who went there and then applied to the program got interviews so you have an advantage there.

As for loans, like the above said try to take out as little as possible. It sounds like you're in pretty good shape already being able to cover the tuition part.

 

[thursdaytacos]

It doesn't matter where you take your prerequisites, as long as the school is accredited and the classes you take fulfill SBU's requirements. I would save your money and take them at the community college.

Regarding loans: do everything you can to take the least amount of money out in loans. If you google 'student loan calculator' you can get an idea of your monthly payment. It's a little scary.

Thank you! I was lucky enough to have already paid off my undergrad loans, so I'm definitely leaning towards taking out the least amount of grad loans as possible.

 

[thursdaytacos]

I graduated from SBU with a sociology degree too... what a pointless major we chose. Anyway, it's not going to matter where you take pre-reqs but it is going to help that you went there for undergrad. Idk your stats but everyone I know who went there and then applied to the program got interviews so you have an advantage there.

As for loans, like the above said try to take out as little as possible. It sounds like you're in pretty good shape already being able to cover the tuition part.

Haha tell me about it. I only chose it because it was a small major and I wanted to graduate ASAP. That is definitely good to know. Thank you!!

 

[c2902]

Do it at a community college and save the money; if they offer online courses, even better if you need to work. As long as the school is accredited, graduate programs don't care. The only thing they may have special requirements for are classes with labs being in-person versus an online course (many places require A&P to be in person).