Question about what path to pursue after Graduation

[228]

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So I am graduating in a few months, and most likely will have only a 2.8 cumulative GPA(though my last 70-80 is around a 3.7).

I am not competitive for the schools that I want to get into, which require at least a 3.0. My question is, would a second bachelor's be the route to take? I am unsure as to how another bachelor's is calculated through OTCAS or most OT Programs(is it cumulative for your undergrad GPA? Separate GPA altogether?). The latter would be devastating. I can't get into a Masters program as my grades are not good enough. I am considering getting a second bachelor's degree in recreational therapy at the school whose OT Program I hope to eventually apply for--get to know the staff really well, volunteer, whatever.

Is this basically a waste of time, or is it a worthwhile pursuit? Any input is greatly appreciated


Mike🙂

 

[ExceptionalSea]

you should look into schools that only look at your last 60 credit hour GPA. your GPA there is relatively good and i bet you could get into a few programs with that. i think wisconsin-madison is one that only looks at last 60 hours. i also know vcu's cumulative cut off is 2.75 with more emphasis placed on your pre-req gpa and gre scores over your cumulative. it would take some research but i bet you could find programs to apply to if you feel ready despite your cumulative GPA.

 

[228]

My problem with applying to other schools is that I do not have the money to pay for OOS tuition. I basically am down to one school as of this point, but these are the negatives:

1) At said school, was put on academic probation for 2 semesters as a fresh/soph..Had a 2.0 cumulative gpa those years before transferring to another school. Since I am transferring back, I am worried they will look at my past performance to judge me on the application, disregarding the last 70-80 hours and hard work i've put in w/ extracurriculars/volunteering/shadowing.

Positives:

I was on a student leadership team at this university and still have connections with a fraternity to raise money for those w/ muscular dystrophy, various philanthropic events.



My main concern is how they will view 2 undergraduate degrees--as in, will they look at one degree's gpa as 2.8 and another as 3.8 or judge me for the cumulative undergrad total(say, a 3.4).



Sorry, I confuse even myself with some of this at times! I just have changed so dramatically from ages 18-19 to 23-24 that it's not even funny. Just need a chance.

 

[pherrera]

My problem with applying to other schools is that I do not have the money to pay for OOS tuition. I basically am down to one school as of this point, but these are the negatives:

1) At said school, was put on academic probation for 2 semesters as a fresh/soph..Had a 2.0 cumulative gpa those years before transferring to another school. Since I am transferring back, I am worried they will look at my past performance to judge me on the application, disregarding the last 70-80 hours and hard work i've put in w/ extracurriculars/volunteering/shadowing.

Positives:

I was on a student leadership team at this university and still have connections with a fraternity to raise money for those w/ muscular dystrophy, various philanthropic events.



My main concern is how they will view 2 undergraduate degrees--as in, will they look at one degree's gpa as 2.8 and another as 3.8 or judge me for the cumulative undergrad total(say, a 3.4).



Sorry, I confuse even myself with some of this at times! I just have changed so dramatically from ages 18-19 to 23-24 that it's not even funny. Just need a chance.

I agree with the previous post, lots of schools look at your last 60 hours or even last 90 hours. Reason being, kind of for situations like yours. They understand that you may have started off not so strong because you were so young and not as dedicated. So they let you make up for that by looking at your last credits.

BTW, what state are you located in? OT advice may vary state to state.

Depending on the school you want to apply too, I would look into a Post-back program first. I know some schools will look at your post back GPA instead of your undergrad to redeem yourself in a sense. But depends on the school. But if you have to go back for a 2nd bachelor's then do it. It'll be worth it.
As for looking at both degrees for gpa idk. :/ You would need to contact schools about this. Also keep in mind that they really look at your pre-req gpa, LOR, volunteer hours, resume, interview, gre, ect! So don't get all caught up on that GPA 🙂 Good luck!

 

[Gemut]

So I am graduating in a few months, and most likely will have only a 2.8 cumulative GPA(though my last 70-80 is around a 3.7).

I am not competitive for the schools that I want to get into, which require at least a 3.0. My question is, would a second bachelor's be the route to take? I am unsure as to how another bachelor's is calculated through OTCAS or most OT Programs(is it cumulative for your undergrad GPA? Separate GPA altogether?). The latter would be devastating. I can't get into a Masters program as my grades are not good enough. I am considering getting a second bachelor's degree in recreational therapy at the school whose OT Program I hope to eventually apply for--get to know the staff really well, volunteer, whatever.

Is this basically a waste of time, or is it a worthwhile pursuit? Any input is greatly appreciated
Mike🙂

http://http://www.ot.chhs.colostate.edu/students/documents/FAQforFall2013.pdf

@Mike

Check out this Colorado State U link regarding how CSU handles the second Bachelors at their MSOT FAQ. This is just one example of how it is treated.

Research the schools you want to get in to then find out directly what their policy regarding a second BA/BS is. CSU-DH, for example, allows you to submit the Bachelor's GPA of your choosing if you have more than one. On the other hand, you will not get any credit for having a 4.0 in your last 60 credits from CSU-DH. They only calculate your prerequisite GPA and your Bachelor's GPA as part of their scoring rubric for MSOT admissions.

Second BA/BS degrees are actually not too difficult to earn. They only require around 30 new credits as you can apply many of your previously earned undergraduate credits to the second Bachelors. With the number of prerequisite courses needed for OT admission that may not have been taken during the pursuit of your undergraduate degree, this is can be accomplished in a year or less while knocking out prerequisites. Fulfilling major requirements may increase this so choice of major is a critical factor in reducing the number of new credits you will need to earn.

Just to be crystal clear, your GPA is a very important component of MSOT admission criteria at some schools but not at others. For example, VCU only considers undergrad GPA as 5% of their admissions rubric. The mean GPA of accepted students at MSOT programs, of those that publish them, is trending upward. That alone should give pause to anyone seeking to become an OT with a GPA under 3.3 so they at least consider pursuing a second Bachelors to boost their admission prospects.