On another thread, someone mentioned that some schools are not getting enough applicants to fill their class.
Which schools are those?
What are some safety schools that applicants have a really good chance of getting into?
Sorry, the network won't always let me log in even though I have the right password, so I haven't been able to respond.
I'd like to attend school in or near California or Texas.
I figured Dominican would be a good safety school, but I really didn't like how another student posted it was very writing intensive and much of the class considered transferring due to not being happy there their 1st year. I want my experience to be a little bit more positive than that.
I don't hear much about CSUDH, so I thought that might be a good safety school - but it isn't exactly in a safe area.
I need a school that does not require kinesiology. I have physics, but more than 7 years ago. I do not plan to take chemistry.
I would like to apply to at least one school that is not too competitive.
My top choices are San Jose State University and Texas Women's University (but I am not a TX resident).
250ish volunteer hours? So, how did the OT finally get you to buzz off?
This discussion will be VERY different next year, once candidates and programs realize the drastic change brought about by the common app joined w/ gov't job projections for OT. The yield thing is being totally dumped upside down.
The bottomline on "safety schools" is right now there are none, at least places that will provide no-or-low-brainer acceptances. Those are now history. Too few spots for too many applicants. Conversely, because schools have no idea what they have, there may be spots that go wanting at the day's end. Stay in touch with places. There will be some real surprises, i.e. deposits paid and not showing up because their preferred domino spots have fallen elsewhere, putting all kinds of slots in play @ the last minute. It may especially impact those places that insist on initiating class work in June.
No need to name call. The issue is the issue. Now, if you've something to edify, clarify, contribute in a helpful, informational way ... we're all ears. But in any case, it's time to be a biggy girl.😍 You do that?You have a really horrible attitude in a lot of your posts on here. Yes, competition is growing, but it's not doomsday, for God's sake.
I promise not to yell at you. No need to name call. The issue is the issue. Now, if you've something to edify, clarify, contribute in a helpful, informational way ... we're all ears. But in any case, it's time to be a biggy girl.😍 You do that?I promise not to yell at you.
Tell us what you know, not how you feel.😕 Only stick to the facts, and stop whining, please. NO WHINING! OT programs do not like whiners!

Oh, don't you even worry about those nasty ol' GREs. YOU don't even need them. 



She spit at me first!😉🙄😛
Ok, I love you! 😍OTforYou! I just KNOW there are OODLES of really great OT programs that would snatch you up in a leprechaun's minute! HONEST!Oh, don't you even worry about those nasty ol' GREs. YOU don't even need them.
Now, to important things. What WAS the "friendliest thing" you've read?![]()
She spit at me first!😉🙄😛
Ok, I love you! 😍OTforYou! I just KNOW there are OODLES of really great OT programs that would snatch you up in a leprechaun's minute! HONEST!Oh, don't you even worry about those nasty ol' GREs. YOU don't even need them.
Now, to important things. What WAS the "friendliest thing" you've read?![]()
I think looking back at other posts OTforMe has been accepted to several programs and had exceptional stats. If anyone need's a leprechaun's minute it would be be and I'm not exactly lacking in life, educational and professional experience.
Onto more important things and friendliest thing I have read: The suggestion to pay back OT loans with exotic dancing. I appreciate someone who knows my line of thinking. ;-)

Oh, I didn't say they all doubled -- a lot of the top schools have seen applications double though. For instance, St. Kate's had 126 applicants last year and had over 300 this year. And yeah, not everyone is going to take a spot, but that's still tough competition at some schools. I shadowed OTs for 4 or 5 months and got 250ish hours, so if you get the opportunity it shouldn't take that long to exceed minimum observation requirements.
Where? She confessed not even taking the GREs. So where are those exceptional stats and where are they getting the gal going? Isn't Wash U. in the "midwest?" (cap "M")
The notion of a 200 lb. OT pole dancing is a fascinating vision and intriguing concept for promoting one's "high" calling, if not what a nice girl should be doing, imo. Let us know where you're moving your money-maker and we'll bring in the troops for the benefit.![]()
Yeah, definitely competition at top schools, but there are still schools which are easy to get into, and those which are harder to get into aren't necessarily hard for people with top grades and scores and good shadowing hours.
Oddly, none of the schools I've looked at closely (Tufts, BU, UNH, UNE) have minimum shadowing or volunteer hours or even explicitly mention those in the admissions information. Where are people getting info. on that? Is there another source, or are some schools just more interested in that? (I AM volunteering and am trying to match what I see on here, but I have no clear guide in that area.)
No need to name call. The issue is the issue. Now, if you've something to edify, clarify, contribute in a helpful, informational way ... we're all ears. But in any case, it's time to be a biggy girl.😍 You do that?I promise not to yell at you.
Tell us what you know, not how you feel.😕 Only stick to the facts, and stop whining, please. NO WHINING! OT programs do not like whiners!
Are you male? Are you attending an accredited program? Get specific ... what are those "schools which are easy to get into...?" Money where your words are. Why would those schools prefer less prepared, poorer students? Can you explain? Or is that all they can attract? What is the tuition?
So silly thinking "positive thinking" and "REALLY want(ing)" will get this done. Sorry if it sounds "mean" but cheerleading won't get anyone(s) into OT school. Especially in coming seasons. None need be nor can be "perfect." But you'd better be pretty good. And there's no substitute for being a top student with great grades in all the right courses and knocking out the GREs and volunteer hours. Period. Anyone suggesting otherwise is either crazy or lying.
Right - I mean is there some central source for admission criteria, or are you referring to information on a department's website? I'm volunteering right now and looking to diversify my experiences, but none of the schools in which I am interested have any info. (that I can find) about specific numbers of hours or even about volunteering/shadowing at all.
My gender is none of your business, but no, I am not male. Do you want to know what my race is? Does it make a difference? Because if it does, you have your priorities all wrong.
Yes I attend an accredited program which happens to have great reputation in this area. As for schools that are easy to get into... I don't know, I am already in OT school, and I got into the only school to which I applied. But there are certainly schools out there that are less competitive than others if you expand your options (i.e., applying to combined programs as well as 2/2.5 year master's programs). Who said anything about less prepared, poorer students?
There is more to it than that. They would rather have somebody with a 3.5 who knows what OT is and why they want to do it than somebody with a 4.0 who comes off as entitled and unrealistic about what OTs do. The people interviewing you? They're human beings. Life experience and/or experience in occupational therapy hold quite a bit of weight. We are talking about the whole package. Thus the need for volunteer hours, but the question is not how many did you do, but what did you get out of that experience?
No, positive thinking will not get you into OT school, but it will certainly help. Your attitude will reflect both in your personal statements and during your interviews. Of course you need decent grades. No, you don't need the GRE for some programs (accredited programs... expand your search). And most programs do require volunteer hours in more than one setting, which I had (did both peds and geriatrics). No argument there. My point is, that is not the only important part of admissions.
What I think you're misunderstanding is the nature of OT itself. This is not a cutthroat profession; we support each other, even during the admissions process. The vast majority of us, which I think is evident on these boards, are not out to step on each other to get an edge.
I have been through it, it wasn't easy, and I will support any one who is going through it now, thus the "cheer-leading".
Are you male? Are you attending an accredited program? Get specific ... what are those "schools which are easy to get into...?" Money where your words are. Why would those schools prefer less prepared, poorer students? Can you explain? Or is that all they can attract? What is the tuition?
So silly thinking "positive thinking" and "REALLY want(ing)" will get this done. Sorry if it sounds "mean" but cheerleading won't get anyone(s) into OT school. Especially in coming seasons. None need be nor can be "perfect." But you'd better be pretty good. And there's no substitute for being a top student with great grades in all the right courses and knocking out the GREs and volunteer hours. Period. Anyone suggesting otherwise is either crazy or lying.
On another thread, someone mentioned that some schools are not getting enough applicants to fill their class.
What are some safety schools that applicants have a really good chance of getting into?

Which to you assess as "safety schools?"In general, the schools that are less heard of are considered "safety" schools, IMO. Research all the schools in CA and TX and judge for yourself which you think are safety schools...G'luck!![]()
No "positive thinking" and "Really wanting" alone will not get it done, and neither will being a top student with great grades or good GRE scores. If you want to get into a program you better have both qualities and it sounds as if Whistle Pig is a horrible motivator. I don't know what your goal is, but if it's too be helpful you are failing miserably no one wants to take advice from a bitter sounding person.
Whistle Pig's posts hold some merit in that yes there is no excuse for not doing the work and getting grades, but there is a better way to go about it. Positive words breeds positive actions, and if you don't have this quality when you start working then you really can't do your job effectively. You can't just give rehab someone's hand by giving them a splint and telling them to not injure it again.
Exactly. Of course you need good grades- that's a given. I don't believe I ever implied that you didn't (which is why I said you know what you have to do to get there). Admission is only the beginning, however. You need to be not only a positive motivator for your clients in the face of life-altering injuries and illnesses, but for yourself as well so that you never lose sight of why it is you entered OT in the first place. I'm telling you, OT school is no cakewalk. There will be tough times. That's why you have to want it. The higher you can get your grades up, the better, but grades and GRE scores alone won't demonstrate your commitment to the profession and seeing it through. A compelling personal statement and demonstrated ability to take initiative and seek information during your volunteer experiences go a long way.
Which to you assess as "safety schools?"
btw, FutureOT ... if you had any idea about my motivating skills and what they've enabled a good many, you'd be surprised. There is a reason budding Marines hate their drill instructors ... and love her when she saves their lives. In any case, you need not worry about whether I can get it done. Promise. Rather, fret for your future. It merits such. And don't be deluded into thinking those who would and do coddle you will enable your dreams coming true ... if those dreams have any real challenge to them. And I promise, admission to OT school ain't gonna get easier. Trust me, even if you don't think I'm beautiful. Many OTs are not.
A rhetorical response.Once again WhistlePig, the person you are telling to "fret for your future" has been accepted to a top 3 program in the US (if you read back to other posts).
Which to you assess as "safety schools?"
btw, FutureOT ... if you had any idea about my motivating skills and what they've enabled a good many, you'd be surprised. There is a reason budding Marines hate their drill instructors ... and love her when she saves their lives. In any case, you need not worry about whether I can get it done. Promise. Rather, fret for your future. It merits such. And don't be deluded into thinking those who would and do coddle you will enable your dreams coming true ... if those dreams have any real challenge to them. And I promise, admission to OT school ain't gonna get easier. Trust me, even if you don't think I'm beautiful. Many OTs are not.
Which to you assess as "safety schools?"
btw, FutureOT ... if you had any idea about my motivating skills and what they've enabled a good many, you'd be surprised. There is a reason budding Marines hate their drill instructors ... and love her when she saves their lives. In any case, you need not worry about whether I can get it done. Promise. Rather, fret for your future. It merits such. And don't be deluded into thinking those who would and do coddle you will enable your dreams coming true ... if those dreams have any real challenge to them. And I promise, admission to OT school ain't gonna get easier. Trust me, even if you don't think I'm beautiful. Many OTs are not.
If it is really you writing your posts then I think we all have an idea about your train of thought. Like I'll ever see or care to see your pathetic body of work, and insisting I need not worry is like telling me to breathe oxygen. Your Marine analogy is out of place here, we're not jarheads we actually have a use in society. Don't confuse my reply to your no nonsense it's my way or the highway logic as concern for you. I don't recall anyone stating admission to OT school was going to get easier. Your posts do nothing but discourage prospective students to not apply at all. You are here to boost your own ego by overestimating your own intelligence, I am here to offer advice and encouragement to prospective OT students because I was in their shoes. If you ever get into a program, you might figure out why being a d**kh**d is counterproductive.
And I apologize on another's behalf for bringing up the Marines in an OT forum. Negativity and sharp tongues brings out the worst in people.