General Admissions & OTCAS Taking Time Off Between Degrees? Differing?

[kate_ot]

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I am currently finishing my BA degree and was accepted at two Masters programs for OT.

I am debating if I should take a year or two off before starting my graduate work. If I took time off, I would likely do something art/dance related and/or spend time abroad, possibly like YAGM or Fulbright -- things that would necessarily be solely to boost up my application (although I think dance training is great for OTs).

Knowing how hard it is to get into OT school, does this seem like a dumb idea? Or, do you think since I have already received two acceptances, my chances of getting in again in the future are pretty okay? I wish there was an option to differ my acceptance for a year, but I highly doubt that's even an option.

I have a 3.97 GPA, and my pre-req GPA is likely about the same. 60+ hours of shadowing experience.

 

[ExceptionalSea]

Definitely ask your schools if you can defer a year! You might be surprised! My program in fact allows deferrals. You don't get what you don't ask for.

I think it's awesome you want to take time off before grad school. I imagine most people on here will tell you to go to grad school and get it over with, but I actually believe getting life experience outside of school for a couple years is really invaluable. You learn so much about yourself, life, and people and you really get much more out of grad school when you have experience to draw on. Also, your stats are so strong I don't think it would hurt you. You will look even stronger if you do reapply a couple years later because you will have all these cool life experiences under your belt. And you won't be burnt out from school/have any regrets from traveling and trying things you really want to do. But, if you can get a deferral, that would obviously be the best/safest way to go. Just a little devils advocate here - im sure everyone else will give you plenty of reasons to just go straight through grad school. really listen to yourself about this - only you know what is best for you! Good luck.

 

[sngot]

I don't think it's dumb if that is what you really want to do. May I also offer the possibility of art/dance and traveling abroad after graduate schooling and passing the boards? OT is quite flexible once you get in the field. I personally think hardest part is getting in.

 

[beestrng]

I dont think its dumb but I wouldnt do it. School seems to get more expensive every year. You might be looking at 7%+ increase in tuition when you go back to class. Also lose 1 year of income.