USC: theory-based? is the cost worth it? HELP!

[wja91]

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Hello friends!

So, I was accepted to USC today! 😀 It is the only program I was accepted to. Here's my problem: Should I make a huge change and move to California (I live in MI) and attend USC? OR should I take a year off to save some money, and research cheaper options?

My parents are very concerned about the cost of USC and don't support me going there. I will have to pay for it entirely with loans, and I am really concerned about what being in that much debt will do to me later in life. Thoughts on this?

USC is my dream school and has been ever since I decided I wanted to be an OT. I love their passion for the field and I think I would be truly happy there. However, I have read that they are fairly theory-based which turns me off. I am NOT interested in research at all. I want to work with patients exclusively. Will USC provide me with enough hands-on experience? I don't want to spend all that money to just read and not get my hands dirty...

ANY THOUGHTS GREATLY APPRECIATED!! THANK YOU!

 

[prodigiousflame]

hi WJA, I definitely share the same thoughts as you. OT is so practical and hands on that I would be worried if my program was mostly theory based. And I might say something a bit controversial and I don't want to offend anyone by saying it but the OT I shadow said he's had some USC students come in to do their field work and wasn't impressed by their skills. He said he'd rather hire someone who can actually conduct therapy over someone whose just proven themselves academically. On the other hand, perhaps you can get away with going to a theory based program as long as you have a good mentor or a collaborative team to work with after graduating. Maybe some USC grads can prove me wrong though and their program is shifting to more hands on. However if this is the only school you've gotten into this year, and you're not sure you'd be able to get in the following year due to increased competition or whatever, then you have some thinking to do.

 

[speedyy12]

As a current OT student who does go to a school that is theory and researched based I find it very helpful. Since practice is driven from theory it is important to understand why OT's will practice and choose interventions the way we do. If you can't figure out why you are doing a treatment and understand the theory that drives it then how are you going to practice effectively? Just my honest opinion. But go to a program that you feel will best prepare you to be the OT you want to be.

 

[Sunny324]

Did you apply to any schools in Michigan this year?

 

[wja91]

Did you apply to any schools in Michigan this year?

No, I should have though, looking back.

 

[cjm227]

I will be attending USC starting next month for the same program.

I have talked to many USC students, faculty, and alumni in the past few months to make my decision.. and it seems like the "theory-based" reputation that USC has is not entirely true. Yes, USC is a top notch research institution.. and there may be other programs that are known to be more "hands-on" than USC.. but A LOT of the faculty who will be your professors and educators at USC are still practicing therapists today. I got to know this one renowned pediatric professor fairly well at the welcoming luncheon a few weeks ago.. and she really cared a lot about bringing back what she learns/sees/experiences on-site back to her classes.. ultimately incorporating everything (including solid theory). Just a small example, but still very encouraging as an incoming student. Furthermore, USC has gone through a curriculum change for the Master's program very recently.. it has a lot of good opportunities for hands-on work so I wouldn't be too worried about that. 🙂

In regards to the financial concerns.. I was on the same boat as you a few weeks ago. USC has always been my top choice.. but the cost has always worried me. I think it ultimately depends on your standard of living. My parents will not be pitching in a single penny to my tuition so I will be covering everything with loans. I've done many calculations in the past few weeks.. (many would be an understatement..) and I decided that I'll be OK with having that much debt knowing how much I'll enjoy my time at USC. I will probably not be able to go on fancy vacations or afford a luxury car early on in my life, but I'm OK with that.. I will get there eventually.. just a little bit slower than others. 😉 If you are looking to live a very comfortable, luxurious life.. USC tuition will probably not be the best option. I urge you to think about what kind of lifestyle you want.. and see if you are OK with how much money you will realistically be left over with after taking out your predicted living cost, student loan payment, and personal expenses from your potential salary when you get out of school.. it's a place to start. Also, look into the student loan reform.. and research it as well. There are different repayment options available at this time..

Anyway.. these were just my 2 cents.. but I'm sure other people will have different views.

P.S. I attended the welcoming luncheon a few weeks ago.. and USC made me feel like a celebrity.. a 4 course meal.. the marching band came to play for us.. connected with some of the most renowned people in the field of occupational therapy.. professors came up to ME to talk first.. the opportunities that were presented to me were endless................ the list definitely goes on.. but man, I was OVERWHELMED. I went to a public school in California for undergrad so I was even MORE sold at the luncheon! I guess it's expensive for a reason.....

oh.. and I also grew up in Michigan too! haha good luck and hope to see you in the summer at USC!