General Admissions & OTCAS Tips on applying!

[ftrOT]

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Good Evening!

I am in the process of applying to various entry-level programs and I was wondering if any one that has gone through the process before can give me some input on what I can do to make myself more competitive. Here are my stats.
-I have my BA in Recreation and Leisure Studies with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation (undergrad GPA of 2.8)
-I am a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist currently working at an adult day center (I have been working for the past 2 years)
-I have taken my various prerequisites: A & P 1 and 2, Biology, Med. Terminology, etc. (GPA 3.6)
-I have approximately 200+ observation hours at a TBI rehab facility, children's therapy, and a long-term care facility.

I know my undergrad GPA is extremely low, but I was wondering if any of my other qualifications would help me in any way. Also, if anyone has any other tips to make myself standout I'd really appreciate it! Thanks for all the help!

 

[otot1313]

I hope to help but I also have low GPA... i want to hear the updates for you as well 🙂

 

[naijagirl90]

Good Evening!

I am in the process of applying to various entry-level programs and I was wondering if any one that has gone through the process before can give me some input on what I can do to make myself more competitive. Here are my stats.
-I have my BA in Recreation and Leisure Studies with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation (undergrad GPA of 2.8)
-I am a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist currently working at an adult day center (I have been working for the past 2 years)
-I have taken my various prerequisites: A & P 1 and 2, Biology, Med. Terminology, etc. (GPA 3.6)
-I have approximately 200+ observation hours at a TBI rehab facility, children's therapy, and a long-term care facility.

I know my undergrad GPA is extremely low, but I was wondering if any of my other qualifications would help me in any way. Also, if anyone has any other tips to make myself standout I'd really appreciate it! Thanks for all the help!

Hello!
Your various observation hours in different settings are great! It would be great to talk about that experience in your personal statement. I would apply as early as possible. The sooner the better. How was your gpa for your last 60 hours? If your gpa for your last 60 hours is higher then your overall undergraduate gpa, I would advise applying to some schools that primarily look at your last 60 hours gpa. I would also advice applying to some non otcas schools and private schools because these schools tend to have less applicants.
Good luck 🙂

 

[RUNNING_OT]

Good Evening!

I am in the process of applying to various entry-level programs and I was wondering if any one that has gone through the process before can give me some input on what I can do to make myself more competitive. Here are my stats.
-I have my BA in Recreation and Leisure Studies with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation (undergrad GPA of 2.8)
-I am a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist currently working at an adult day center (I have been working for the past 2 years)
-I have taken my various prerequisites: A & P 1 and 2, Biology, Med. Terminology, etc. (GPA 3.6)
-I have approximately 200+ observation hours at a TBI rehab facility, children's therapy, and a long-term care facility.

I know my undergrad GPA is extremely low, but I was wondering if any of my other qualifications would help me in any way. Also, if anyone has any other tips to make myself standout I'd really appreciate it! Thanks for all the help!

Your work experience and various observation hours look great and would be great to be included in your personal statement. In regards to your low undergraduate GPA, some schools have a supplement application and essay in which they ask you if you feel yours grades really show your strengths. You can talk about maybe going through a difficult time or not knowing how to juggle classes properly. They like to read about any struggles and your steps to overcome them. Since your pre-req GPA for your last 45-60 units (depending on the school) will be higher, it seems like you inproved your studying skills or found a way to manage classes better.

When it comes to standing out, I think your observation hours are key. I volunteered at clinic dealing with neuro patients and at a ranch that used horses for OT. It isn't something a lot of people do so I know that is something that stood out in my application.

Good luck! 🙂