General Admissions & OTCAS Should I still pursue OT?

[SCOT2017]

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I was dead set on OT ever since I started college. I graduated last May and now am on my second year of applying to programs. I've never second guessed if this was the right career for me until recently. The programs are so expensive and having loans from undergrad isn't the most ideal situation.




I guess I am just wondering if anyone else has felt this way. I feel discouraged from the denials of my first go round and also the amount of debt I'll be in once I finish a program seems so high. Is it worth it?

 

[OTby25]

This is my second year applying and I just got my first acceptance! Definitely don't give up if you know you will be happy working as an OT every day! As for the debt, the majority of people who pursue graduate degrees come out with thousands of dollars of debt. It is completely normal! Doctors might be in $250,000 worth of debt, but are still able to live MORE than comfortably and make monthly payments on their loans. Same goes for OTs and other medical professionals! I wouldn't let the financial part of it discourage you, because even going for another job that doesn't require grad school, you will never be making enough as an OT would be.

 

[september0403]

I was dead set on OT ever since I started college. I graduated last May and now am on my second year of applying to programs. I've never second guessed if this was the right career for me until recently. The programs are so expensive and having loans from undergrad isn't the most ideal situation.




I guess I am just wondering if anyone else has felt this way. I feel discouraged from the denials of my first go round and also the amount of debt I'll be in once I finish a program seems so high. Is it worth it?

Don’t give up on your dream!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[demuresyz]

Don't give up! I graduated in 2015 and have been taking classes and volunteering to apply for OT school since then. I am on my second round of applying as well and just got my first acceptance. Definitely keep trying! Good luck!

 

[ValleySY]

Don't worry! A lot of us go through some doubt. It's normal. The best advice I can give is to address each concern separately and find out if it's warranted.

1. Debt: yes, it's a lot but if you don't go to grad school, you'll likely hit a salary wall. Look around for the cheapest programs or consider a part-time/flex that allows you to work. Or, is there another field that interests you as much as OT? It doesn't hurt to compare tuition and potential salary.

2. Denials: it's not uncommon for applicants to get accepted on their 2nd or 3rd time applying. Call each school and ask if you can speak to an admissions advisor. Find out how you can improve your chances for next year.

By the way, I'm sure I'll get rejected this year so I'll definitely be calling schools! Good luck. And don't give up! 🙂