General Admissions & OTCAS Thomas Jefferson 2019 OT Cycle

[OTLove273]

Hello there!

I am applying to Jefferson’s MOT program for the 19/20 cycle and just wanted to create a thread to see who else was applying and where others are in the process. I submitted the app to OTCAS on 8/26 and was verified on 8/27. Jefferson got back to me on 9/4 that my app was incomplete (just waiting on a professor recommendation that should be sent some time this month). I was hoping to hear from those applying now and maybe even some current students who can share some wisdom about the program.

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[OTLove273]

Temple University
Major: Psychology
Minor: Spanish
Overall GPA: 3.59
Pre-Req GPA: 3.84 ish
GRE: V: 152 Q:154 A: 4.0
LOR: OT, Employer, Psychology professor, and High School mentor

Experience:
-40 hours peds OT observation
-6 hour visitation at an OT rehab facility where I was given a tour and observed an in-home OT session.
-in the process of observing a hand therapist (20+ hr goal)

**As you can see my Observation hours are VERY slim coming out of undergrad because I didn't go into school knowing I wanted to become an OT until my last year. To be completely honest this is the aspect of my application that gives me the most anxiety because most people have so many hours. But I’m optimistic

 

[withoutwarning500]

I got an email last week saying my application was received/verified, but no other news yet! Hopefully we hear some news soon.

 

[OTsophie]

Hey! I’m applying soon to this program. My stats are the following:

Major: Psychology w/
Developmental Psychology concentration

Overall GPA: 3.91
Pre-Req GPA: 4.0
GRE: Taking in October
LOR: OT, professor and volunteer supervisor

Observational Hours:
-30 school setting
-50 acute care
-22 hospital
-40 early intervention
-20 hippotherapy
-40 outpatient rehab
-200 at 2 pediatric settings

Experience:
- ABA therapist (Current)
-Mental health specialist (Current)
-Academic coach for college students with disabilities (6 months)
- OT aide ( 8 months)
-Caregiver to a child with autism (1 year)

Extras:
-Over 1000 hours volunteering over different 15 places
- Member of 3 clubs
- Scholarship all throughout college
- Presenter and present ambassador of previous scholarship
- RA for 2 different research labs
- Fluent Spanish speaker
- CPR certified
- Medication aide certified
- Qualified Mental Health Profession License

 

[OTsophie]

Temple University
Major: Psychology
Minor: Spanish
Overall GPA: 3.59
Pre-Req GPA: 3.84 ish
GRE: V: 152 Q:154 A: 4.0
LOR: OT, Employer, Psychology professor, and High School mentor

Experience:
-40 hours peds OT observation
-6 hour visitation at an OT rehab facility where I was given a tour and observed an in-home OT session.
-in the process of observing a hand therapist (20+ hr goal)

**As you can see my Observation hours are VERY slim coming out of undergrad because I didn't go into school knowing I wanted to become an OT until my last year. To be completely honest this is the aspect of my application that gives me the most anxiety because most people have so many hours. But I’m optimistic

Your stats look great! I think having 66 hours is pretty great and 3 different settings is great, it shows that you have a variety of settings. Just make sure to include any of activities you did during undergrad, like add anything you can think of to make you a stronger applicant.

 

[@OTapplying]

I am! Hope to submit application by the end of this month. Is this still considered applying early? Anyone attend any Thomas Jefferson information sessions/open houses?

 

[@OTapplying]

Hello there!

I am applying to Jefferson’s MOT program for the 19/20 cycle and just wanted to create a thread to see who else was applying and where others are in the process. I submitted the app to OTCAS on 8/26 and was verified on 8/27. Jefferson got back to me on 9/4 that my app was incomplete (just waiting on a professor recommendation that should be sent some time this month). I was hoping to hear from those applying now and maybe even some current students who can share some wisdom about the program.

Did you see on Jeffersons website this prerequisite worksheet PDF. Check it out+ I'm not sure if I'm supposed to fill it out. There is no place to upload it on OTCAs. Any advice?

 

[@OTapplying]

Hello there!

I am applying to Jefferson’s MOT program for the 19/20 cycle and just wanted to create a thread to see who else was applying and where others are in the process. I submitted the app to OTCAS on 8/26 and was verified on 8/27. Jefferson got back to me on 9/4 that my app was incomplete (just waiting on a professor recommendation that should be sent some time this month). I was hoping to hear from those applying now and maybe even some current students who can share some wisdom about the program.

 

[OTsophie]

I am verified now! Just waiting on an interview.

 

[@OTapplying]

I am verified now! Just waiting on an interview.

Yay! How long did it take to get verified after you submitted your application?

 

[OTsophie]

Yay! How long did it take to get verified after you submitted your application?

I had to resubmit my application but I submitted on the 20th and was verified this morning.

 

[OTsophie]

Just got an email saying my application was sent for reviewThey are starting interviews as early as October.

 

[OTLove273]

I am! Hope to submit application by the end of this month. Is this still considered applying early? Anyone attend any Thomas Jefferson information sessions/open houses?

I think this is still considered applying early & There’s an open house on October 17th from 5:30-6:30 that I’m registered to attend!

 

[OTLove273]

This is my first time seeing this sheet but it looks to me like a guide they’re giving to lay out the requirements. I don’t believe it would need to be filled out.

 

[OTLove273]

My professor recommendation came in on 9/17 but I still haven’t heard back that my app was now complete/sent for review so hopefully before the month is out I’ll get more info regarding interviews

 

[@OTapplying]

This is my first time seeing this sheet but it looks to me like a guide they’re giving to lay out the requirements. I don’t believe it would need to be filled out.

You're right about this sheet- when I called TJU admissions, they told me it's just so we can check our required courses. Thanks for the info about the October 17th information session! I hope to attend. Good luck with everything!

 

[OT1998]

Hi! I thought I'd hop in because I'm eager about this whole process lol. I got an interview at TJU last week which was surprising since I wasn't expecting to hear back until October or November. Your stats are great so I'm sure you'll be getting one soon too!

 

[OTsophie]

Hi! I thought I'd hop in because I'm eager about this whole process lol. I got an interview at TJU last week which was surprising since I wasn't expecting to hear back until October or November. Your stats are great so I'm sure you'll be getting one soon too!

What were you stats if you don’t mind me asking.

 

[OT1998]

What were you stats if you don’t mind me asking.

Sure!

Major: Rehabilitation and Human Services
Double minor: Human Development and Family Studies & Communication Sciences and Disorders
GPA: 3.82
GRE: Q- 152, V- 154, W- 4.5 ... (Was really worried about this. Standardized tests are not my thing lol I took it once and said see ya)
LOR: OT, employer, advisor, professor

Observation:
- 325 at two different outpatient
- 8 elementary school
- 8 nursing home
--20 scheduled in the winter at hospital
--600 committed internship hours in the Spring at a preschool; early development/intervention
....***(NOTE: Since my internship hours are set for a future date, I was only able to mention them in my personal statement. I emailed all my schools an update about the planned hospital hours. In other words, only the first three listed is what appears in OTCAS. I'm just letting you know so you're not thinking that you need as many hours as I included in this post because it's likely that they didn't even acknowledge my planned hours).***

I can let you know more about my experience if you want, but the most prominent things I have include that I'm a third semester anatomy and physiology lab instructor, I'm on the exec board for our OT club, I was a teaching assistant at an elementary school, I'm in multiple clubs and have some volunteer hours for random things through the church and some through my school, CPR / AED / First Aid certified, Dean's list every semester (+ some other stuff not as noteworthy lol)

I sent in my application and was verified maybe around 2 weeks or more after our OTCAS cycle opened so I'm pretty much 100% sure that's why I heard back earlier than expected since everything is rolling admissions. I also got an interview at Salus really quickly and was accepted about a week before I got my interview at TJU.

Good luck everyone!!

 

[OTsophie]

Sure!

Major: Rehabilitation and Human Services
Double minor: Human Development and Family Studies & Communication Sciences and Disorders
GPA: 3.82
GRE: Q- 152, V- 154, W- 4.5 ... (Was really worried about this. Standardized tests are not my thing lol I took it once and said see ya)
LOR: OT, employer, advisor, professor

Observation:
- 325 at two different outpatient
- 8 elementary school
- 8 nursing home
--20 scheduled in the winter at hospital
--600 committed internship hours in the Spring at a preschool; early development/intervention
....***(NOTE: Since my internship hours are set for a future date, I was only able to mention them in my personal statement. I emailed all my schools an update about the planned hospital hours. In other words, only the first three listed is what appears in OTCAS. I'm just letting you know so you're not thinking that you need as many hours as I included in this post because it's likely that they didn't even acknowledge my planned hours).***

I can let you know more about my experience if you want, but the most prominent things I have include that I'm a third semester anatomy and physiology lab instructor, I'm on the exec board for our OT club, I was a teaching assistant at an elementary school, I'm in multiple clubs and have some volunteer hours for random things through the church and some through my school, CPR / AED / First Aid certified, Dean's list every semester (+ some other stuff not as noteworthy lol)

I sent in my application and was verified maybe around 2 weeks or more after our OTCAS cycle opened so I'm pretty much 100% sure that's why I heard back earlier than expected since everything is rolling admissions. I also got an interview at Salus really quickly and was accepted about a week before I got my interview at TJU.

Good luck everyone!!

Wow your stats are stellar! Will you be accepting at Salus? Or waiting to see how the interview at TJU goes first?

 

[@OTapplying]

Hi! I thought I'd hop in because I'm eager about this whole process lol. I got an interview at TJU last week which was surprising since I wasn't expecting to hear back until October or November. Your stats are great so I'm sure you'll be getting one soon too!

Hi, would you be able to share how your interview experience was at TJU..any tips? What questions did they ask and was it a group interview? Thank you!

 

[OTLove273]

Hi! I thought I'd hop in because I'm eager about this whole process lol. I got an interview at TJU last week which was surprising since I wasn't expecting to hear back until October or November. Your stats are great so I'm sure you'll be getting one soon too!

Wow I didn’t know they were starting interviews so early! Do you mind sharing your interview experience for Salus and TJU? I’m looking to apply to Salus as well. I was going to wait until after I finish the process with TJU but I guess I should submit to OTCAS for them now since they’re already accepting students.. anyways congrats on an acceptance so far. Your stats are amazing!

 

[OT1998]

Wow your stats are stellar! Will you be accepting at Salus? Or waiting to see how the interview at TJU goes first?

I'm going to wait to see how everything plays out with the other schools before I make any decisions!

 

[OT1998]

Hi, would you be able to share how your interview experience was at TJU..any tips? What questions did they ask and was it a group interview? Thank you!

Hi! I didn't have my interview yet. Because it's early I'm thinking they might not have even filled up an interview group yet. It won't be until the end of October that I go so other people will probably get notified in the upcoming weeks too!

 

[OT1998]

Wow I didn’t know they were starting interviews so early! Do you mind sharing your interview experience for Salus and TJU? I’m looking to apply to Salus as well. I was going to wait until after I finish the process with TJU but I guess I should submit to OTCAS for them now since they’re already accepting students.. anyways congrats on an acceptance so far. Your stats are amazing!

Thank you! I applied relatively early, so since it's rolling admissions is probably only why I heard sooner. I haven't had my interview at TJU yet, but Salus really was awesome. We were in a group and got a tour together and an overview of the program, and then we had individual interviews with different faculty members. After that we individually met with an admissions advisor who asked a few more questions and went over our transcript with us. Overall, everyone was incredibly friendly and down to earth. They were welcoming and made the whole process comfortable. I would definitely recommend applying there! The curriculum is great, they have really good stats with students passing the board exam, and they actually form supportive relationships with students.

 

[OTLove273]

Thank you! I applied relatively early, so since it's rolling admissions is probably only why I heard sooner. I haven't had my interview at TJU yet, but Salus really was awesome. We were in a group and got a tour together and an overview of the program, and then we had individual interviews with different faculty members. After that we individually met with an admissions advisor who asked a few more questions and went over our transcript with us. Overall, everyone was incredibly friendly and down to earth. They were welcoming and made the whole process comfortable. I would definitely recommend applying there! The curriculum is great, they have really good stats with students passing the board exam, and they actually form supportive relationships with students.

Thanks for the info! I submitted to OTCAS for Salus this morning. Salus is my second choice but I’ve heard so many good things about the program so I know I would enjoy going there.

 

[otdtobe]

I got an email last week saying my application was received/verified last week! Now just waiting..

 

[@OTapplying]

I am verified now! Just waiting on an interview.

Same! Were you invited for an interview or still waiting

 

[OTsophie]

Same! Were you invited for an interview or still waiting

Still waiting. They said it should take up to 4 weeks to get an invitation but I’m nervous already because some people are already getting interviews.

 

[@OTapplying]

Still waiting. They said it should take up to 4 weeks to get an invitation but I’m nervous already because some people are already getting interviews.

Good to know ...I'm also still waiting. Hope we hear from TJU soon!! I check my email every few hours lol

 

[otdtobe]

Good to know ...I'm also still waiting. Hope we hear from TJU soon!! I check my email every few hours lol

SAME! I’ve developed an obsession with refreshing my email lol

 

[OTLove273]

SAME! I’ve developed an obsession with refreshing my email lol

Feels good to know I’m not the only one

 

[OTLove273]

@OTapplying

Did you have to submit a down payment for salus since you got accepted so soon? How long do they give you to accept/deny their offer?

 

[@OTapplying]

@OTapplying

Did you have to submit a down payment for salus since you got accepted so soon? How long do they give you to accept/deny their offer?

OT1998 applied/accepted there. Not sure if you were directing the question to me by mistake ...

 

[OTLove273]

OT1998 applied/accepted there. Not sure if you were directing the question to me by mistake ...

Oops I got the names mixed ‍♀️ I did mean to ask OT1998

 

[@OTapplying]

Hi! I didn't have my interview yet. Because it's early I'm thinking they might not have even filled up an interview group yet. It won't be until the end of October that I go so other people will probably get notified in the upcoming weeks too!

Got notified! Is your interview 10/25 or 10/26?

 

[OTLove273]

Got notified! Is your interview 10/25 or 10/26?

Me too! I’m choosing the 25th!!

 

[@OTapplying]

Me too! I’m choosing the 25th!!

I was going to start a conversation to message you about that interview date but it says I can't..is it because I need to follow you? First time trying direct conversations lol sorry

 

[OTLove273]

I was going to start a conversation to message you about that interview date but it says I can't..is it because I need to follow you? First time trying direct conversations lol sorry

I’m not sure but I tried messaging you

 

[OTsophie]

What are you guy’s stats? I still haven’t heard back:/

 

[@OTapplying]

What are you guy’s stats? I still haven’t heard back:/

I hope you hear back soon! I volunteered total 220hrs under occupational therapist in 3 diverse populations (mental health rehab, school setting, Outpatient rehab clinic). 3.93 GPA and deans list. No GRE needed. Letters of recommendation from high school principal, 2 OTs, 2 college professors.

 

[OTsophie]

I hope you hear back soon! I volunteered total 220hrs under occupational therapist in 3 diverse populations (mental health rehab, school setting, Outpatient rehab clinic). 3.93 GPA and deans list. No GRE needed. Letters of recommendation from high school principal, 2 OTs, 2 college professors.

Thank you! I have similar stats. 3.91 gpa and 4.0 prerequisites, 400 observational hours in 8 different locations, I only received 3 LORs so I hope that still looks good. Are you from PA btw? Looking through past threads, I know TJU is kinda a difficult school to get into so I am wondering if they tend to accept a lot of in state students first. I’m from Virginia.

 

[@OTapplying]

Thank you! I have similar stats. 3.91 gpa and 4.0 prerequisites, 400 observational hours in 8 different locations, I only received 3 LORs so I hope that still looks good. Are you from PA btw? Looking through past threads, I know TJU is kinda a difficult school to get into so I am wondering if they tend to accept a lot of in state students first. I’m from Virginia.

Your stats look great. I'm from Maryland so I hope being from out of state won't make a difference!!!

 

[OTsophie]

Your stats look great. I'm from Maryland so I hope being from out of state won't make a difference!!!

Thank you so much! You too! I don’t think so, I know some schools do that but I doubt TJU does. Congratulations on your interview! Did you apply to Townson by the way? I just applied the day of the deadline.

 

[@OTapplying]

Thank you so much! You too! I don’t think so, I know some schools do that but I doubt TJU does. Congratulations on your interview! Did you apply to Townson by the way? I just applied the day of the deadline.

Thank you. I'm sure you know Towson is the only OT program in Maryland -It's a wonderful program and located in a great area. Unfortunately since I didn't have A&P 1 completed by the October 1st deadline, I couldn't apply this cycle. It was disappointing since there was no notice that the deadline would be so early this year. Towson seems to be getting more competitive than it already has been so I wish you much luck!! Is Towson your first choice? I heard about James Madison University in Virginia- are you applying to Virginia schools?

 

[OTsophie]

Thank you. I'm sure you know Towson is the only OT program in Maryland -It's a wonderful program and located in a great area. Unfortunately since I didn't have A&P 1 completed by the October 1st deadline, I couldn't apply this cycle. It was disappointing since there was no notice that the deadline would be so early this year. Towson seems to be getting more competitive than it already has been so I wish you much luck!! Is Towson your first choice? I heard about James Madison University in Virginia- are you applying to Virginia schools?

Yeah, I know it’s sucks that it is the only program in Maryland. It makes it way more competitive. Yeah it was early this year and they ask for a separate personal essay and an extra essay on top of that so I turned in my application on the deadline day. Barry University in Florida is actually my top choice, I’ve been wanting to move to Florida for awhile so I definitely want to get into a school there but Townson is one of my top 3 program since they are so affordable. I only applied to Shenandoah University in VA. I’m thinking about JMU since some of the OTs went there and also said how great the program is and how affordable it is. What other programs are you looking at?

 

[@OTapplying]

Yeah, I know it’s sucks that it is the only program in Maryland. It makes it way more competitive. Yeah it was early this year and they ask for a separate personal essay and an extra essay on top of that so I turned in my application on the deadline day. Barry University in Florida is actually my top choice, I’ve been wanting to move to Florida for awhile so I definitely want to get into a school there but Townson is one of my top 3 program since they are so affordable. I only applied to Shenandoah University in VA. I’m thinking about JMU since some of the OTs went there and also said how great the program is and how affordable it is. What other programs are you looking at?

Woah!! Thank you for filling me in on those details about Towson- I did not know they asked for all those extra essays!! Wow, yes super competitive being only one in MD!! Florida is gorgeous so hopefully you have much success with your top choice. I heard about Shanendoah (and even went to an info session) but I was nervous to apply since the program is also partially online classes and only 1 day on campus. Now I am looking into schools on the East Coast that are close to MD. How was your experience with Shenandoah? You can message me if it's easier (I'm not sure how to lol)

 

[OTsophie]

Woah!! Thank you for filling me in on those details about Towson- I did not know they asked for all those extra essays!! Wow, yes super competitive being only one in MD!! Florida is gorgeous so hopefully you have much success with your top choice. I heard about Shanendoah (and even went to an info session) but I was nervous to apply since the program is also partially online classes and only 1 day on campus. Now I am looking into schools on the East Coast that are close to MD. How was your experience with Shenandoah? You can message me if it's easier (I'm not sure how to lol)

I just messaged you!

 

[posOT]

Hi, for those of you who are interviewing at Jefferson, do you all have any housing recommendations for out-of-state people? Any help would be great! My interview is the 26th!

 

[OTsophie]

Are any of you guys doing an interview for the weekend program?


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