General Admissions & OTCAS Volunteer work

[OTLetsDoThis!]

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I will be applying to OT programs soon and am worried about my low number of volunteer hours/observation hours.

I have a GPA of 3.8
and I'm taking the GRE in July after studying all summer *fingers crossed*
I've also worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters for over a year now and have worked in a psychology research lab this semester and will be next next semester as well.
but, by the end of May, I will only have 70 hours of Observation with OTs. That is such a tiny number compared with a lot of the people I've seen accepted, but I've had problems finding locations that will let me job shadow/observe.

I only decided on OT only a little over a year ago, and have been rushed getting all of my pre reqs and observation, as well as staying on schedule to graduate a semester early.

At this point, is there anything I can do to increase my chances?

 

[biostudent963]

I only had 60 observation hours and had a GPA of 3.6, I got into half of schools I applied to, one of which is a very highly respected university! I had research experience and several trips abroad that I think also helped me get in. I was also worried about my low number of observation hours, its hard to accumulate so many hours that I see other people having unless you are working at the clinic I feel like. I think you will be fine especially with your high GPA and research as well!

 

[ExceptionalSea]

i think you will be fine. i only had 40-50 hours at the time i completed my OTCAS and finished with about 80. programs are just looking to see that you've gotten exposure to the field and that you really understand what OT is. and having research experience will be a major plus to your application! good luck!

 

[sb0106]

I only had 60 observation hours and had a GPA of 3.6, I got into half of schools I applied to, one of which is a very highly respected university! I had research experience and several trips abroad that I think also helped me get in. I was also worried about my low number of observation hours, its hard to accumulate so many hours that I see other people having unless you are working at the clinic I feel like. I think you will be fine especially with your high GPA and research as well!

What schools were you accepted at ?

 

[trep]

I think the number of hours is largely relative depending on the specific school - i've seen schools asking from anywhere from almost none up to 100 hours of mandatory volunteering. That being said, 70 hours is not low by any means in my opinion and should suffice for most programs. I actually just finished my volunteering experience and I'm sitting at ~75 hours, so very comparable to you. The specific program I'm trying to get into only asks for 30 hours, albeit that is the absolute minimum and they strongly advise accruing many more than the stated minimum of 30.

I would advise that you diligently scrutinize the specific stipulations of the schools you are interested concerning their expectations regarding volunteering hours and make sure you surpass their minimums by a reasonable margin. Honestly though I think the quality of your volunteering hours matter more than raw hours. In addition, although having many hours is a definite bonus, in my opinion volunteering hours are likely a less salient factor compared to prerequisite GPA and such. Just make sure you can acquire good LOR(s) from the OT(s) who supervised you during your volunteering/observation and you should be fine in that aspect.

 

[sb0106]

So as of right now I am on the wait-list for Philadelphia University. I was just accepted into Harcum's OTA program. (I applied as a back-up plan). Now I am not sure what to do. I'm not sure if I should accept Harcum's offer and start school in the fall for OTA. It's a two year program. OR should I just try and strengthen my application and reapply to grad schools this summer?

What do you think?

 

[ExceptionalSea]

i personally would work on strengthening my grad school application. it seems wasteful to me to spend so much time/energy/money on the OTA route when in the end you just want to be an OT (that's just my opinion - others may have a compelling reason to go the OTA route). also you may find that the activities and classes you partake in to strengthen your application may lead to other interesting opportunities. having some more life experiences can also make you a better candidate in the eyes of programs. you sound like you are already well on your way to figuring out what you need to do to get in...just keep truckin'!

 

[sb0106]

i personally would work on strengthening my grad school application. it seems wasteful to me to spend so much time/energy/money on the OTA route when in the end you just want to be an OT (that's just my opinion - others may have a compelling reason to go the OTA route). also you may find that the activities and classes you partake in to strengthen your application may lead to other interesting opportunities. having some more life experiences can also make you a better candidate in the eyes of programs. you sound like you are already well on your way to figuring out what you need to do to get in...just keep truckin'!

Yeah, that's how I feel. I graduated with my bachelors last May so it's just frustrating to be out of school for so long. I'd hate to be out of school for another year but in the long run I think it's best for me to go the OT route! What about you, where do you stand with school?

 

[ExceptionalSea]

i have been accepted to a program and will start in the fall. i really thank my lucky stars that i got in somewhere the first time i applied. the process really is a nightmare.

but, it's been 5 years since i graduated from undergrad. i've since spent my time working, enjoying not having obligations, and traveling extensively (one of my passions). i honestly didn't decide on doing OT until late 2012 and spent all of 2013 taking pre-reqs, volunteering, and working on my applications. i know it is frustrating to you now because you'd really like to be in school, but let me tell you, ENJOY these 2 years in-between undergrad and grad school. you have the freedom to do whatever you want. once you start your career, well, you will have a career. for now you can do all the silly things you want. work at a coffee shop, stay up late drinking with friends, go to a music festival for a week in the middle of nowhere....etc. etc. and a little gap here definitely won't kill your chances for getting into grad school or hurt you from eventually moving forward with your life. it will happen. you will make it happen. not to mention being out of school for a little while really gives you some real-life maturity that you can apply towards your personal statements, etc. GOOD LUCK. you will be FINE. 🙂

 

[COTAstar]

First of all, being COTA is not bad, but being an OT is soooo much better! So many more opportunities and decision making, I think somebody who really wants to be an OT, will not be happy as an assistant, because although it is a nice job, it is very limiting and less respect and money, and later you will regret on becoming an assistant. Try to get into program for at least two times , and only if you see you can't get in go COTA as a last option. I personally choose to go COTA to OT route , but we have in a state bridge program which is just 15 months, so it makes sense to me. I guess I could be OK just being an assistant, if I change my mind and not to go to OT school. In your situation I would definitely recommend to go OT, because this is what you really want!!!