General Admissions & OTCAS "Settling" on a school?

[slpOT]

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I know that maaaany of us are playing the waiting game right now, so I'd like some advice!

I was accepted to my #3 school, and I'm still waiting to hear from #1 & 2. I could hear back any day from #1, but #2 could take up to another month. I anticipate being somewhere in the middle-ish of #1's wait list and don't have my hopes up, but based on what #2's program director told me, I have a fairly good shot. Meanwhile, deadlines are quickly approaching for #3, and classes start May 5, which would also involve a huuuuge relocation, too. Although I really don't see anything wrong with going to #3, it's way more expensive (out of state and private for profit) than the other two (in state and public). I really don't want to miss out on possibly attending my top schools if I settle for my #3, but I also don't want to take the risk of another gap year and not be able to attend any of them (this is my second time applying).

In the end, any school that's accredited has met the standards of AOTA and is qualified to prepare me for a career, so I'm trying not to get hung up on "which program is better," but rather which one's more cost-effective and convenient. I definitely plan on working in public service in order to get at least some federal loans forgiven. I also feel like I'm in a bind with my potential roommate at #3, because I don't want to commit and possibly end up getting in my top schools & leaving her in the dust!

Anyone else in a similar situation, or current students who went through it?? Much appreciated!

 

[Hopeandfaith22]

Hey! I'm in a similar situation as you. I would suggest you pay your deposit for the #3 school (just to hold you spot) and plan out the relocation, housing, etc. If you don't hear from #1 & #2 by mid march just proceed with school #3, solidifying housing etc. Your potential roommate should be understanding. It's definitely not worth taking the huge risk of another gap year. I got into my #4 school and wait listed for schools cheaper and higher on my list. No way i'm sitting around waiting on them. I really can't afford another gap year and going through the stress of hoping i get into a program

 

[Bokonomy]

If you're worrying about screwing her over, maybe you should look into getting to a studio or on-campus housing, so that while you'll pay more, you won't leave her hanging? And then plan to move there until you hear from the other two?

 

[slpOT]

Hey! I'm in a similar situation as you. I would suggest you pay your deposit for the #3 school (just to hold you spot) and plan out the relocation, housing, etc. If you don't hear from #1 & #2 by mid march just proceed with school #3, solidifying housing etc. Your potential roommate should be understanding. It's definitely not worth taking the huge risk of another gap year. I got into my #4 school and wait listed for schools cheaper and higher on my list. No way i'm sitting around waiting on them. I really can't afford another gap year and going through the stress of hoping i get into a program

Yeah, I'm thinking that's the best option for me... It's hard to be patient for responses when you're working in such a tight time limit, I guess there's risks I have to take.
@Bokonomy yeah, I've looked into studios & 1BR... there's no campus housing, so that's my only option. I just have 0 furniture to my name either, so that's another big chunk of change I'll have to spend, as well as higher utilities. I'm skyping with her later to A) Figure out if we'd even be good roommates for each other lol and B) what the plan of attack is so that neither of us get screwed