General Admissions & OTCAS USC 2018 Summer Applicant Pool

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Has anyone else heard back at all? I know, I'm so impatient! February seems to be dragging--this week alone feels like it's been 10 days long and it's only Wednesday lol I'm hoping we all start getting decisions soon!
 
Still waiting as well!! Hope the decision will come next week lol
 
This was posted on the admissions blog today:

Thank you to all of you who submitted an application for our Entry-Level Master’s Program that will begin in June, 2018! The admissions committee is busy reviewing applications and plans to notify all applicants who had a verified and complete OTCAS application prior to the November 30th deadline by the end of February with an admissions decision. Some of these applicants may hear from us sooner. If your application was submitted or became verified and complete after November 30th you may hear back a bit later, as the committee is prioritizing applicants that were received on time.

We thank you all for your interest in the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and wish you all the best on your journey toward becoming occupational therapists! Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions about the status of your application or our admissions process. Our Admissions Team is here to assist you.


Good thing February is 1/3 over 😉
 
Has anyone else heard back at all? I know, I'm so impatient! February seems to be dragging--this week alone feels like it's been 10 days long and it's only Wednesday lol I'm hoping we all start getting decisions soon!

I actually called Liz Carley and asked about my admission status. She said it was still under review and that they will be notifying students at the end of February.

Ugh, there’s only 2.5 weeks left of February!!
 
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I am not sure yet, but I only have about a week to respond. I'm still thinking about the cost of going, esp. because I would eventually like to get an OTD- it's about $215,000 which is pretty hefty!
 
I am not sure yet, but I only have about a week to respond. I'm still thinking about the cost of going, esp. because I would eventually like to get an OTD- it's about $215,000 which is pretty hefty!
Ugh, I totally get where you're coming from. Where else have you applied to and/or heard back from?
 
Just received an acceptance today! Most likely going to turn down my spot due to cost.
 
I definitely empathize with those who are stoked about USC's program but deterred by the sticker price of the degree! I was also originally going to turn down the acceptance due to cost but then I applied to a few of USC's OT scholarships and was amazed to receive a research assistantship position. My advice for those who are worried about finances: apply for some of the scholarships/assistantships listed in the financial aid brochure, it is a super easy process that requires only 10 minutes of effort. Although USC is a private school with higher tuition rates, I feel that this also means they can present more scholarship opportunities to students.
 
I definitely empathize with those who are stoked about USC's program but deterred by the sticker price of the degree! I was also originally going to turn down the acceptance due to cost but then I applied to a few of USC's OT scholarships and was amazed to receive a research assistantship position. My advice for those who are worried about finances: apply for some of the scholarships/assistantships listed in the financial aid brochure, it is a super easy process that requires only 10 minutes of effort. Although USC is a private school with higher tuition rates, I feel that this also means they can present more scholarship opportunities to students.
When do you hear back about whether or not you received them? I feel like their class is so huge that it'd be hard to accept on the hope that you would receive something.
 
I did apply for the assistantships/scholarships, but I only got a scholarship for the 2018-2019 school year. I was also accepted to Wash U (which I did commit to because I hadn't heard back from USC at that point), but I'm leaning towards going to Wash U because they offered me a scholarship over the three years which would essentially make the cost between USC and Wash U be about $100k. If I had gotten a research assistantship from USC, this would be a different story, but I'm probably going to give up my spot. I can't justify that amount of debt- especially since Wash U is more of a fit for me and my interests (I'm focused on geriatrics, USC currently only has one professor working in aging research [it also looks like the other two faculty who were working on aging projects when I applied left the division as well / the new dean is autism/peds focused- so this is probably the direction that USC is moving towards]). In this realm Wash U has significantly more funded research projects in aging, as well as more faculty members with experiences/interests relating to aging. II'm a little bummed for the cold in St. Louis as I am a California native, but now one of you might get my spot 🙂
 
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I did apply for the assistantships/scholarships, but I only got a scholarship for the 2018-2019 school year. I was also accepted to Wash U (which I did commit to because I hadn't heard back from USC at that point), but I'm leaning towards going to Wash U because they offered me a scholarship over the three years which would essentially make the cost between USC and Wash U be about $100k. If I had gotten a research assistantship from USC, this would be a different story, but I'm probably going to give up my spot. I can't justify that amount of debt- especially since Wash U is more of a fit for me and my interests (I'm focused on geriatrics, USC currently only has one professor working in aging research [it also looks like the other two faculty who were working on aging projects when I applied left the division as well / the new dean is autism/peds focused- so this is probably the direction that USC is moving towards]). In this realm Wash U has significantly more funded research projects in aging, as well as more faculty members with experiences/interests relating to aging. II'm a little bummed for the cold in St. Louis as I am a California native, but now one of you might get my spot 🙂

Literally this is my exact situation!! I was born and raised in Orange County but was offered a scholarship to WUSTL as well so now going to USC seems financially irresponsible. See you in the fall
 
When do you hear back about whether or not you received them? I feel like their class is so huge that it'd be hard to accept on the hope that you would receive something.
I actually heard back really soon! I filled out the application last week and the program got back to me just a couple of days later. I'm not saying there's a hard or fast rule, but the award committee might be able to give you a quick turn around if you're worried about deciding between programs.
 
I actually heard back really soon! I filled out the application last week and the program got back to me just a couple of days later. I'm not saying there's a hard or fast rule, but the award committee might be able to give you a quick turn around if you're worried about deciding between programs.
Do you happen to have a link to where you applied? Also, did you wait until you received your admissions letter before applying for aid?
 
Do you happen to have a link to where you applied? Also, did you wait until you received your admissions letter before applying for aid?
Email the admissions director for information about scholarships/aid and they can send you a brochure! I’d also recommend emailing or calling them about any specific questions you might have, they’ve been great at responding.
 
Email the admissions director for information about scholarships/aid and they can send you a brochure! I’d also recommend emailing or calling them about any specific questions you might have, they’ve been great at responding.
Okay thanks!
 
Hi all! I was accepted to USC's MSOT program yesterday night! I'm on the east coast so they sent out the e-mail around 5pm PST. I hope good news makes its way to you soon! I may end up rejecting the offer, but I'm weighing my options so far
 
Hi all! I was accepted to USC's MSOT program yesterday night! I'm on the east coast so they sent out the e-mail around 5pm PST. I hope good news makes its way to you soon! I may end up rejecting the offer, but I'm weighing my options so far

Congratulations!!!

What other schools are you looking at?
Also, how long did USC give you to make a deposit/decision? 🙂
 
Congratulations!!!

What other schools are you looking at?
Also, how long did USC give you to make a deposit/decision? 🙂
Thank you so much! I was also accepted to USciences in Philly and Midwestern - Glendale, but I just interviewed with Boston U this morning and am waiting on SUNY Downstate, Columbia, and Kean! USC gave me until March 9th to confirm enrollment, but I don't see any information about a deposit.
 
I did apply for the assistantships/scholarships, but I only got a scholarship for the 2018-2019 school year. I was also accepted to Wash U (which I did commit to because I hadn't heard back from USC at that point), but I'm leaning towards going to Wash U because they offered me a scholarship over the three years which would essentially make the cost between USC and Wash U be about $100k. If I had gotten a research assistantship from USC, this would be a different story, but I'm probably going to give up my spot. I can't justify that amount of debt- especially since Wash U is more of a fit for me and my interests (I'm focused on geriatrics, USC currently only has one professor working in aging research [it also looks like the other two faculty who were working on aging projects when I applied left the division as well / the new dean is autism/peds focused- so this is probably the direction that USC is moving towards]). In this realm Wash U has significantly more funded research projects in aging, as well as more faculty members with experiences/interests relating to aging. II'm a little bummed for the cold in St. Louis as I am a California native, but now one of you might get my spot 🙂


IM in the exact same position ! I commited to Wash U and then heard back from USC the next day. I aslo recieved a scholarship for the first year, but I would still be paying more than half the money than I would at Wash U
 
Literally this is my exact situation!! I was born and raised in Orange County but was offered a scholarship to WUSTL as well so now going to USC seems financially irresponsible. See you in the fall

Funny how we are all in the exact same situation! I really wish I could stay and go to USC, but I can't justify getting the same degree for 100 k more 🙁
 
Thank you so much! I was also accepted to USciences in Philly and Midwestern - Glendale, but I just interviewed with Boston U this morning and am waiting on SUNY Downstate, Columbia, and Kean! USC gave me until March 9th to confirm enrollment, but I don't see any information about a deposit.
I got into USciences too! I haven’t heard of anyone else getting accepted, I’m glad I found someone else
 
I got into USciences too! I haven’t heard of anyone else getting accepted, I’m glad I found someone else
Congratulations! They're rolling admissions right? Maybe that's why some people haven't heard back yet. I got my e-mail mid-January which I felt was early but much appreciated haha.
 
Ahhh I still haven’t heard back yet! Anyone else still waiting?
 
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For those who got in, when is the deadline to respond or put in a deposit ? 🙂
I believe everyone’s dates are different
 
I’ve only been waitlisted as well. Worried because it does not seem as though there have been any declines yet, only word of acceptance or nothing.
 
Ahhh I still haven’t heard back yet! Anyone else still waiting?
I haven’t either! I emailed Liz Carley and she said my application is still under review and I may not hear for another week. So I’m assuming I’m a no unfortunately lol
 
That is frustrating but stay positive! When did you submit your application?
 
That is frustrating but stay positive! When did you submit your application?
On Nov. 30th. But it didn't get verified by the OTCAS until Like Dec. 4th. So I'm sure thats why.
 
Got it! Well good luck to you!! Is USC your #1 choice?
 
I was admitted this past Friday, 2/23. I have until 3/12 to make a decision.
 
I was admitted 2/15 and was given until 3/2 to respond. I will be attending as it is my first choice school 🙂
I turned in my application on 11/16.
 
Got it! Well good luck to you!! Is USC your #1 choice?
I don't think I have a true first choice lol USC is my top for location--I live in LA so it would be nice to stay around home. I also really like how they're research based and their curriculum set up. USA is my top for price, and they also have really awesome SIM labs. Honestly, I know that my stats aren't super great, so I'd be ecstatic to get admitted anywhere. Get in where I fit in. How about you?
 
Hi from the CSUDH thread! 😛

I only submitted yesterday, so I haven't received anything.

I think the previous years' pattern will be different, since it looks like this is the first year that the application is due in November. Previously, I think this was the early admission date, with the regular admission being in February, and it was on a rolling admission basis.
Have you heard back at all yet?
 
Just got my acceptance this afternoon! I didn't apply for scholarship and it's probably too late now🙁I already paid deposit to WashU and they offered me scholarship. I have until Mar.15 to make up my mind but USC is so much more expensive! Uhh touch choices..
 
Just got my acceptance this afternoon! I didn't apply for scholarship and it's probably too late now🙁I already paid deposit to WashU and they offered me scholarship. I have until Mar.15 to make up my mind but USC is so much more expensive! Uhh touch choices..
Congrats! I was told by a current friend who currently attends USC that they offer a scholarship during the second year. If you meet a certain requirement/score for GREs, they offer you a scholarship. I’m not sure what amount though.
 
The admissions blog said they would try to notify everyone who was verified before Nov 30th with admissions decisions by the end of February... I was verified well before Nov, so still waiting. Anyone else still waiting?
 
Hi all,

If you're still waiting to hear back, I just wanted to let y'all know that I received a waitlist email an hour ago!
 
Got rejected to usc today (Emailed 8:30 pm)

Best of luck to all of us though!
 
Just got my acceptance this afternoon! I didn't apply for scholarship and it's probably too late now🙁I already paid deposit to WashU and they offered me scholarship. I have until Mar.15 to make up my mind but USC is so much more expensive! Uhh touch choices..

I applied for the merit scholarships from USC yesterday, they forwarded my app to the awards committee this morning, and two hours ago I was notified of receiving a sizable scholarship. Definitely submit an app, it takes 10 minutes and they were super quick with their response
 
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