I applied to OT programs last year and didn't get accepted anywhere and having this gap year has really allowed me to explore all of my options and get to know a couple of OTs. I thought that I would be reapplying to OT programs this year but the more I think about it and where I see myself in the future it doesn't feel right applying to OT schools. Has anyone else had a similar experience? I've spent so much time investing myself in OT and I'm so disappointed that I'm now thinking about going a different route...
General Admissions & OTCAS second guessing OT
- Thread starter mull015
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I am in the same position as you and I certainly have my doubts as well. I spent time working in Psychiatric Rehabilitation and I loved it. I work now with a lot of children that have autism and I really enjoy that as well.
I have thought about what if OT is what I really want to do. So far the answer is yes. I started shadowing in an SNF and while it isn't my favorite sector of OT, I am reminded about some of the things that made me want to be an OT in the first place. I also realize that I could take OT into mental health or pediatrics, so I can still work in areas that I loved.
Not getting into a program was horrible. There is no sugar coating it. I personally felt completely devastated and it seriously impacted me. I think it is perfectly normal to have doubts about whether it is the right thing to do and you were rejected. But I am taking this gap year as an opportunity to explore some other options and learn more about myself as an individual. In my heart, I know that I want to be an OT and I believe that I will get into a program. But if I don't? Then I will have a back up plan for another profession.
In the end, it all comes down to you and what you believe is best for you. Despite what anyone else says, you need to follow your own heart. Trust yourself to make the right decision. I wish you the best of luck and contact me if you want to talk further!
I have thought about what if OT is what I really want to do. So far the answer is yes. I started shadowing in an SNF and while it isn't my favorite sector of OT, I am reminded about some of the things that made me want to be an OT in the first place. I also realize that I could take OT into mental health or pediatrics, so I can still work in areas that I loved.
Not getting into a program was horrible. There is no sugar coating it. I personally felt completely devastated and it seriously impacted me. I think it is perfectly normal to have doubts about whether it is the right thing to do and you were rejected. But I am taking this gap year as an opportunity to explore some other options and learn more about myself as an individual. In my heart, I know that I want to be an OT and I believe that I will get into a program. But if I don't? Then I will have a back up plan for another profession.
In the end, it all comes down to you and what you believe is best for you. Despite what anyone else says, you need to follow your own heart. Trust yourself to make the right decision. I wish you the best of luck and contact me if you want to talk further!
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Coming from someone who has flip-flopped between various (unrelated) disciplines prior to finding OT, the feelings you have @mull015 are actually a blessing in disguise and you should trust your gut!
It is easy to get caught up feeling restless, especially when it seems like everyone else has their life figured out and you need to also. But in reality that's not how life works. It is actually just trial and error. There are people who try things, hit it right the first time, and have a great life. More often, people try something, don't really like what they are doing, but don't change out of fear of leaving the security of familiarity, a title and skills they've worked for, and of course reliable income. The third type of person tries something, realizes it's not for them, and then changes their life to make it better. This third path is not always as straightforward as it seems, but I promise if you try to be this person you will end up much better off overall!
Putting yourself out there, making mistakes, and learning from those mistakes IS the way to live your life. You tried to get into OT school but didn't--we can call a failure. So instead you are forced to re-examine your choices, goals and current situation and out of that you might find something better. If you choose to go with another career but still feel called towards OT, that's okay--you can always apply later. You have all the prereq's, etc, done and it will be an easier--more informed--transition when you return. Plus, don't feel like you "wasted" your time and efforts applying to OT school. Everything you yields experience that you then bring to your next endeavor. Think about what you've learned just shadowing and prepping for OT school; OT teaches you how to empathize and talk to people in a genuine, caring way. This is such a valuable trait to bring to any career!
FYI--6 years ago I thought I wanted to be a PT and almost applied to grad schools. I was indecisive and ultimately went for something else. But here I am back in rehab, and I am grateful every day for the time I spent trying things and finding my way to OT instead of PT. Had I gone to PT school 6 years ago, I would never really know for sure if it was the right thing. Though it seemed right at the time, I probably would have wondered if something better was out there, and not been as happy overall. Coming to OT after asking all those "is there something better" questions, I am 100% confident it is right for me. With this assurance I feel the most satisfied I have ever been with my life and I know I will have a long and happy career.
I promise you will get there too!
It is easy to get caught up feeling restless, especially when it seems like everyone else has their life figured out and you need to also. But in reality that's not how life works. It is actually just trial and error. There are people who try things, hit it right the first time, and have a great life. More often, people try something, don't really like what they are doing, but don't change out of fear of leaving the security of familiarity, a title and skills they've worked for, and of course reliable income. The third type of person tries something, realizes it's not for them, and then changes their life to make it better. This third path is not always as straightforward as it seems, but I promise if you try to be this person you will end up much better off overall!
Putting yourself out there, making mistakes, and learning from those mistakes IS the way to live your life. You tried to get into OT school but didn't--we can call a failure. So instead you are forced to re-examine your choices, goals and current situation and out of that you might find something better. If you choose to go with another career but still feel called towards OT, that's okay--you can always apply later. You have all the prereq's, etc, done and it will be an easier--more informed--transition when you return. Plus, don't feel like you "wasted" your time and efforts applying to OT school. Everything you yields experience that you then bring to your next endeavor. Think about what you've learned just shadowing and prepping for OT school; OT teaches you how to empathize and talk to people in a genuine, caring way. This is such a valuable trait to bring to any career!
FYI--6 years ago I thought I wanted to be a PT and almost applied to grad schools. I was indecisive and ultimately went for something else. But here I am back in rehab, and I am grateful every day for the time I spent trying things and finding my way to OT instead of PT. Had I gone to PT school 6 years ago, I would never really know for sure if it was the right thing. Though it seemed right at the time, I probably would have wondered if something better was out there, and not been as happy overall. Coming to OT after asking all those "is there something better" questions, I am 100% confident it is right for me. With this assurance I feel the most satisfied I have ever been with my life and I know I will have a long and happy career.
I promise you will get there too!
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