Other OT-Related Information SJSU 2017/2018 Support Group

[MrTL]

The title is a bit of a joke but serious at the same time. I've pretty much read through every SJSU thread on this forum and thought it would be great to start a group for technical and/or emotional support for this cycle! Every cycle brings something new!

Just chatted with Tamara today, and it looks like she now has all my documents for the OT dept to review. She told me to wait to send my transcripts to GAPE until they told me to b/c it will most likely get lost. Checking my.SJSU every day like a boss now haha.

BTW, it might be only her and one other admissions assistant calling, handling, and gathering everyone's paperwork. She's really trying to help us, so please be nice

Good luck to everyone!

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[thekau]

Hahaha. I made the mistake of sending the transcripts to GAPE first before completing the application. Luckily they were able to locate all of them after I pestered them for a couple days.

Were you able to find out the approximate time frame for when acceptances start being released?

 

[MrTL]

Hahaha. I made the mistake of sending the transcripts to GAPE first before completing the application. Luckily they were able to locate all of them after I pestered them for a couple days.

Were you able to find out the approximate time frame for when acceptances start being released?

Lol you lucked out. I've heard some unlucky stories of sending items in multiple times!

I forgot to ask when we'd hear back actually... I feel like I've been bothering Tamara a whole bunch, so if you email the admission assistants and get an answer, let us know here!

 

[thekau]

Lol you lucked out. I've heard some unlucky stories of sending items in multiple times!

I forgot to ask when we'd hear back actually... I feel like I've been bothering Tamara a whole bunch, so if you email the admission assistants and get an answer, let us know here!

LOL. We're on the same boat. I've contacted them so much that they recognize me by name now... which is why I've been holding off on talking to them again for now.

 

[MrTL]

LOL. We're on the same boat. I've contacted them so much that they recognize me by name now... which is why I've been holding off on talking to them again for now.

Well, if previous SJSU threads are any hint, we'll start hearing back in March? Tamara seems organized, so hopefully that'll speed up the process. I'll ask in a couple weeks haha

 

[wannabe_ot]

I talked to Tamara and she said that they don't even look at applications until mid-December. So that gives you a lot of time to send everything in case things get lost! I imagine they will start sending out decisions as early as February.

 

[thekau]

Well, if previous SJSU threads are any hint, we'll start hearing back in March? Tamara seems organized, so hopefully that'll speed up the process. I'll ask in a couple weeks haha

We might not even need to wait that long. The 2016-2017 applicants got notification really late because SJSU was getting their accreditation renewed, which pushed their review process back. The 2017-2018 applicants started getting acceptances as early as mid November. So we could potentially find out within the next two weeks!

 

[thekau]

I talked to Tamara and she said that they don't even look at applications until mid-December. So that gives you a lot of time to send everything in case things get lost! I imagine they will start sending out decisions as early as February.

Oh okay. Thanks for the info!

 

[MrTL]

We might not even need to wait that long. The 2016-2017 applicants got notification really late because SJSU was getting their accreditation renewed, which pushed their review process back. The 2017-2018 applicants started getting acceptances as early as mid November. So we could potentially find out within the next two weeks!

That would be amazing lol. I didn't see a 2017-2018 SJSU thread so I guess I didn't read all the SJSU content on these forums!

If I earned an acceptance and was notified this month, it would save a ton of money on applications and a lot of stress. I could work full time until school starts and come out with nearly no debt by the end of the program

 

[applic_able]

Here was last year's thread. For some reason it's really hard to find in search: Program-Specific Info / Q's - San José State University 2016-17 Admission Cycle

Also, thanks for starting this group! I'm also feeling nervous and eager to find out!

 

[MrTL]

Oh wow, I definitely missed last year's thread. Probably because I searched "SJSU" instead of the whole university name with the accent lol.

Looks like one-third of acceptances came around November in 2016, then a second wave in January, and then the rest thereafter.

Yup, I'm already anxious!!!

 

[alliec]

Hi everyone! Thanks for making this thread MrTL! I also was searching through past years forums so I'm happy to have found this! It sounds like we all are in the same boat. I submitted everything by October 1 and they had to go back through and find my transcripts that I sent early to GAPE--luckily they found them! I was also talking to Tamara a bunch at the beginning, but with how busy they are I decided to lay off the questions for a while.. but I'm so curious about when we'll start to hear! It would be amazing if they started giving out admissions decisions in the next couple of weeks. It looks like the first wave of acceptances went out mid-November in previous years. The waiting game is so hard!! If anyone hears anything please share!!

 

[MrTL]

Hi everyone! Thanks for making this thread MrTL! I also was searching through past years forums so I'm happy to have found this! It sounds like we all are in the same boat. I submitted everything by October 1 and they had to go back through and find my transcripts that I sent early to GAPE--luckily they found them! I was also talking to Tamara a bunch at the beginning, but with how busy they are I decided to lay off the questions for a while.. but I'm so curious about when we'll start to hear! It would be amazing if they started giving out admissions decisions in the next couple of weeks. It looks like the first wave of acceptances went out mid-November in previous years. The waiting game is so hard!! If anyone hears anything please share!!

Oh crap, do they wait to review the applications until we send in transcripts to GAPE? I was under the impression that we could still get "conditional acceptance" and send in the transcripts later to GAPE because we have the official transcripts in OTCAS already. I was talking to Tamara about how confusing the website was and she agreed haha. I even told her I would fix the website, regardless if I got in or not, just to clarify the process!

 

[alliec]

Hmm.. I am not sure. What is your application status in your my.sjsu account? I think that you want the "Referred to Grad Department" status, but I am not sure if the OT department waits to look at applications until you have that. If your status says "incomplete" that likely just means that they are waiting on transcripts (what GAPE told me when mine said incomplete). Again, it's possible that the OT department is already looking at your application even with an incomplete.. I don't know for sure how it works. In forums I read that in previous years students were accepted under the condition that they met the requirements of GAPE as well once they were completed. That makes it sound like you are fine, but don't go on my word alone!!

You are right, the website is absolutely confusing and the more I've read in forums, the more I get concerned that I've missed something on my application too. I just hope that they are forgiving if something isn't exactly right, since it seems like they're aware that its very confusing. I'm glad to have the emotional support of this group now to curb my worries.. or at least know I'm not alone! haha. Hopefully we'll get more info soon.

 

[applic_able]

From what it says on OTCAS instructions for SJSU and from talking to Tamara, it seems that applying to the department and applying to GAPE are two completely separate processes. So in the department, they date stamp your application based on when you submitted your OTCAS and department materials and review the applications based on the order these were received. They only check in with GAPE after they've made a decision about your application (but perhaps before they've contacted).

So my understanding is that if your GAPE portion is not "referred to grad department," they will still look at your application, but you might not actually hear back from them until they are able to confirm with GAPE.

 

[MrTL]

From what it says on OTCAS instructions for SJSU and from talking to Tamara, it seems that applying to the department and applying to GAPE are two completely separate processes. So in the department, they date stamp your application based on when you submitted your OTCAS and department materials and review the applications based on the order these were received. They only check in with GAPE after they've made a decision about your application (but perhaps before they've contacted).

So my understanding is that if your GAPE portion is not "referred to grad department," they will still look at your application, but you might not actually hear back from them until they are able to confirm with GAPE.

Thanks for that post. That was to my understanding, as well. This thread is lending well to information already

 

[MrTL]

Status is now "Referred to Grad Dept." The waiting game continues and anxiety creeps to an all-time high haha

 

[wannabe_ot]

Just thought this might be helpful to other applicants (or future applicants)

- OTCAS submitted 9/20
- OTCAS verified 9/25
- Mailed application to OT department 9/29 (overnight)
- Application stamped 10/2 (Oct 1st was a Sunday)
- GAPE application submitted around 10/8
- SJSU username received 10/12
- Sent transcripts 10/14
- Referred to Grad Department 10/24

 

[alliec]

Did everyone receive an email from the OT department confirming that your application was complete with a "stamped" date?

My application arrived at the department on 9/26 and I heard from Tamara that I needed to submit one more document, which I did on 9/27, so I assumed my application was considered ready by 10/1. I never received a date stamp or confirmation that it was complete however, so I am concerned that maybe they have not been reviewing it this whole time when I thought they were? I received the "referred to grad dept" status around 10/20 and just assumed that everything was all good to go.. I have been trying to reach out for confirmation but have not heard anything in weeks.

What has been everyone else's experience? Will they not review my app until I receive a date stamp from someone in the dept?

Thanks emotional support group!

 

[alliec]

Status is now "Referred to Grad Dept." The waiting game continues and anxiety creeps to an all-time high haha

It does get more nerve wracking once you get the referred to grad status doesn't it! one step closer. hang in there!

 

[rmkunitz]

Did everyone receive an email from the OT department confirming that your application was complete with a "stamped" date?

My application arrived at the department on 9/26 and I heard from Tamara that I needed to submit one more document, which I did on 9/27, so I assumed my application was considered ready by 10/1. I never received a date stamp or confirmation that it was complete however, so I am concerned that maybe they have not been reviewing it this whole time when I thought they were? I received the "referred to grad dept" status around 10/20 and just assumed that everything was all good to go.. I have been trying to reach out for confirmation but have not heard anything in weeks.

What has been everyone else's experience? Will they not review my app until I receive a date stamp from someone in the dept?

Thanks emotional support group!

I never received an email confirmation that mine was complete. I had talked to Tamara when I sent everything in back in September and at that point she verbally told me it was complete. Do they send out confirmation of completed applications?

 

[applic_able]

I never got an email confirmation, so I don't think it's an automatic thing, but I emailed Tamara and she told me it was stamped complete. I would try reaching out again via email. I imagine things are pretty busy over there so it might sometimes take a while to get a response.

 

[wannabe_ot]

Did everyone receive an email from the OT department confirming that your application was complete with a "stamped" date?

My application arrived at the department on 9/26 and I heard from Tamara that I needed to submit one more document, which I did on 9/27, so I assumed my application was considered ready by 10/1. I never received a date stamp or confirmation that it was complete however, so I am concerned that maybe they have not been reviewing it this whole time when I thought they were? I received the "referred to grad dept" status around 10/20 and just assumed that everything was all good to go.. I have been trying to reach out for confirmation but have not heard anything in weeks.

What has been everyone else's experience? Will they not review my app until I receive a date stamp from someone in the dept?

Thanks emotional support group!

Not automatic. I emailed Tamara last week to ask when my application was stamped.

 

[HopefulforOT]

Does anyone know what the chances are of being accepted with an application submitted during late november? Its hard to find information on that topic. Ive also been reading through previous threads as well. It seems that most people submitted their application during early to mid-october. Any information helps! Thanks

 

[rmkunitz]

Hello all Yesterday afternoon I received an email of acceptance to SJSU! I am still in shock! Best of luck to all of you. I know how painful the waiting game is. This is my second time applying and last year was brutal.

 

[applic_able]

Hello all Yesterday afternoon I received an email of acceptance to SJSU! I am still in shock! Best of luck to all of you. I know how painful the waiting game is. This is my second time applying and last year was brutal.

Wow, that's awesome! Congratulations! Who did the email come from?

 

[rmkunitz]

Wow, that's awesome! Congratulations! Who did the email come from?

Thank you! The email came from Gigi Smith. She also said I'll be receiving an official letter in the mail.

 

[jbeastin]

Thank you! The email came from Gigi Smith. She also said I'll be receiving an official letter in the mail.

CONGRATS!!!! do you mind sharing your stats?

 

[wannabe_ot]

Thank you! The email came from Gigi Smith. She also said I'll be receiving an official letter in the mail.

WOW! Congratulations Will you be attending?

 

[MrTL]

Does anyone know what the chances are of being accepted with an application submitted during late november? Its hard to find information on that topic. Ive also been reading through previous threads as well. It seems that most people submitted their application during early to mid-october. Any information helps! Thanks

I think it's still possible in late November. It seemed like those who applied in January ran out of luck even with amazing stats though.

 

[MrTL]

Hello all Yesterday afternoon I received an email of acceptance to SJSU! I am still in shock! Best of luck to all of you. I know how painful the waiting game is. This is my second time applying and last year was brutal.

That's so quick! We're only on the first page of this emotional support thread haha. Congratulations!

 

[cobihaha]

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for making this thread MrTL, it's awesome to have support during this process. The title fits it perfectly! haha
This is my second year applying and I am hopeful yet so nervous. I only applied to SJSU last year and was rejected, while this year I applied to 6 schools. Hoping I get in and am one step closer to becoming an OT. Best of luck to everyone! We got this

 

[cobihaha]

Thank you! The email came from Gigi Smith. She also said I'll be receiving an official letter in the mail.

CONGRATS!!! Such a good feeling especially after applying for the 2nd time you give me hope!

 

[rmkunitz]

WOW! Congratulations Will you be attending?

Thank you! Yes I will be attending and hopefully so will all of you.

BA in Psychology from UCSC
GPA 3.86
Pre-req GPA 4.0

Extracurricular:
I volunteered in Africa at an orphanage, created and taught a yoga course designed specifically for children (I have two yoga certifications); I worked as an early childhood interventionist with children on the spectrum and co-taught a special day class for grades 3-5th. Currently I help in the OT department as an aide with geriatrics and privately tutor children falling behind in math.
OT Hours:
20 hours with a hand specialist, 60 hours in elementary schools, 110 with geriatrics in both skilled living and assisted living facilities, worked as an OT aide in assisted living home.

 

[alliec]

Congrats rmkunitz!!! Hope to see you there!

Ok, as future OT's we should have this stress-management thing down. Or at least have fun brainstorming about stress-management techniques while enduring this stressful period of waiting out our admissions decisions! I am all about the ties between yoga and OT and find that breathing deep into the belly helps even the littlest kids that I work with to feel calmer (I have to remember to do this when I read through this thread lol). Of course, any routine physical activity is so helpful...

What are your favorite activities or strategies to approach stress? Let's help each other through this in a healthy way!

 

[applic_able]

What are your favorite activities or strategies to approach stress? Let's help each other through this in a healthy way!

That is a great idea! I could definitely use a break from refreshing this page and my email (not they would send anything on a Sunday). Here are some of my de-stressing activities:
-Doing puzzles/crossword puzzles/sudoku - anything that requires concentration and focus
-Running or going for walks/hikes
-Making lists (This sounds really weird but it totally works for me! When I'm stressed I'll research books I want to read or places I want to visit and organize them into a top 10)

 

[Callihopeful]

Oh man, I'm pretty nervous! Has anyone else heard back? Maybe they're starting with 2nd time applicants?

 

[MrTL]

Oh man, I'm pretty nervous! Has anyone else heard back? Maybe they're starting with 2nd time applicants?

Talking to Tamara, it definitely seems like they put emphasis on 2nd and 3rd time applicants first. But, I'm hoping they give equal opportunity to 1st time applicants thru merit too >_<

 

[NJK17]

Hi Guys! I was just wondering what day your applications were stamped as complete? I got mine in on the 11th and I guess they have already made it through the 1st but I am trying to get an idea of what day they might be on!

 

[MrTL]

Hi Guys! I was just wondering what day your applications were stamped as complete? I got mine in on the 11th and I guess they have already made it through the 1st but I am trying to get an idea of what day they might be on!

I have no idea what date of applications they're on. I'm assuming my application was marked as complete when Tamara called me on 10/31 to verify my volunteer hours for the eval sheet (evaluator forgot to put my hours on that sheet... but luckily I had a copy of my hours and the evaluator's signature on it... phew!). But if they've already gone through to 11/1, that makes me sad because I didn't get an email that I got in lol

 

[alliec]

Hi Guys! I was just wondering what day your applications were stamped as complete? I got mine in on the 11th and I guess they have already made it through the 1st but I am trying to get an idea of what day they might be on!

Ya, I'm hoping they haven't made it through the 1st as well. I think we've concluded that they started with early 2nd/3rd time applicants, and then they'll move on to 1st time applicants that got theirs in at the beginning of the cycle? It seems like they grouped applications together by date in previous years and sent out notifications in waves... I don't think they've gotten through early October yet.. I hope? Early applicants may also hear later... I read that some people who submitted October 1 didn't hear until January/February last year so anything could happen.

 

[applic_able]

For what it's worth, my application was date stamped on 10/2 and I haven't heard back. Could mean I didn't get in this round, or could mean they haven't gotten there yet. But I certainly haven't heard of there being a wave of acceptances, so who knows!

 

[NJK17]

Thanks guys! I was freaking out because I mistook Tamara and thought that we waited to apply to the actual school until after we heard that we got accepted! So now I am scrambling to get the Cal State application in before my application is reviewed! ACK WHY IS THIS PROCESS SO FRICKEN CONFUSING AND WE CAN'T JUST USE A SINGLE APPLICATION!

 

[MrTL]

Thanks guys! I was freaking out because I mistook Tamara and thought that we waited to apply to the actual school until after we heard that we got accepted! So now I am scrambling to get the Cal State application in before my application is reviewed! ACK WHY IS THIS PROCESS SO FRICKEN CONFUSING AND WE CAN'T JUST USE A SINGLE APPLICATION!

I thought the same thing... that they would review our application before/as we applied to GAPE. But, who knows now haha. It wasn't clear on the SJSU website and there is even some conflicting/outdated information. I told Tamara that if I got in, I'd be willing to fix it all to make it clearer ;P

 

[jbeastin]

The way it worked in years past is that exceptional candidates who submitted early (everything turned in before or on October 1st) got accepted around this time, and it didn't matter if they were a first or second time applicant. They clearly have an idea of a stand out applicant and accept those people, while the other applicants get saved for later. They can accept people from now until April and usually with a big batch of acceptances in Jan-February. People with great stats who got everything in October first were still being accepted in Feb and even later, so please don't feel like you've been looked past. As long as you meet the requirements I do feel as if SJSU looks at you as holistically as possible. But, there are some things that give you an advantage. By looking at past threads, people who scored a 4.5 or above on the writing portion seemed to be accepted over ones that only scored a 4. I also feel as if they place more weight on letter of recs and the personal statement more than most schools. As long as you have above a 3.3 in your last 60 units, at least a 3.8 in prereqs, above a 4.5w and outstanding references, you have a decent shot at getting accepted. So everyone should sit back and try to relax because we could be in for a long ride!

edit: They will still review your application even if you have not submitted GAPE. As long as your OTCAS is verified, and your packet is in, you are good to go. However, you should do it as soon as possible.

 

[wannabe_ot]

I have no idea what date of applications they're on. I'm assuming my application was marked as complete when Tamara called me on 10/31 to verify my volunteer hours for the eval sheet (evaluator forgot to put my hours on that sheet... but luckily I had a copy of my hours and the evaluator's signature on it... phew!). But if they've already gone through to 11/1, that makes me sad because I didn't get an email that I got in lol

Okay, so at least we know that they are looking through applications from people who aren’t second/third time applicants. When did you submit your app?

 

[NJK17]

So after realizing my crazy stupid mistake of not applying yet to the Cal state program! I am currently speed writing the supplemental essay that is required by their applicaiton ( I really wish they would have outlined this process with much more detail!) I was wondering how long you guys made yours? Tamara said this essay is just as important as everything else and I sadly wont have much time to perfect it? 3,700 characters is about 400 words. I was wondering if yours was shorter or longer (weird that they didn't have a word/page cap for this essay but did for the OTCAS essay)

 

[applic_able]

I heard that it can be the same essay and someone from GAPE said we didn't have to really write anything at all (they just look at GPA and whether you earned your degree). From my understanding the Cal State portion doesn't even go to the OT department. They just use it to make sure you are eligible to get into the school. Maybe I'm wrong about this, but that was my understanding.

A few of us talked about it before here: Program-Specific Info / Q's - SJSU Cal State Apply

 

[NJK17]

well I really hope you are right! If you are not then I bet a ton of people are going to loose their ****!

 

[applic_able]

well I really hope you are right! If you are not then I bet a ton of people are going to loose their ****!

I updated my previous comment with a link to a thread that might be helpful, so I think a few people were told this.