It hurts me to say that I did not get accepted into any OT programs this year. It was my first time applying, but I honestly never thought I wouldn't get it. I'm having a tough time because I am so committed to pursuing OT. I now have between 13-16 months to fill, but I'm not sure what would be the best route. I only have a month until graduation, so I need to come up with a plan soon.
How did you spend your gap year? What do you think I should do to make myself look like a more desirable applicant? What types of jobs would provide transferable skills and relevant experience?
Just some background: I'm graduating with a bachelor's degree in psychology. My GPA is a 3.6 and my GRE scores were average. I definitely plan to retake the GREs and also take Physics at a community college so it opens up more options as far as where I can apply.
Thanks everyone!
Weaver84 had some good points! Although with some schools keeping in touch (and constantly updating and visiting info session) may not matter... That more or least depends on you. My second go around I didn't visit any schools because I knew the process and most schools I was applying to were out of state ( I was not about to waste travel money). I did email the schools a couple of times to get clarifications on their admission requirements, but that was it. So that suggestion wouldn't hurt if you do it, but it's definitely not something you "have" to do.
On a differenet note, I was also like you, I was completely devasted with not getting into OT school, BUT now i'm sooooo happy I had a year off!! I learned so much about myself, finally had a year to just breath, and now Im ready for grad school. Honestly, I think if I went straight to grad school I would have burnt out. I seriously needed some time out of school. Also, now I even have time to start looking over some subjects that I think will be hard in grad school i.e. anatomy and physiology (which I wouldnt have time to do if I was a senior in undergrad).
You definitely should call/email schools to figure out why you didn't get accepted/ what you can do to approve, and work on that.... Mine was my GRE and that's all worked on. Definitely get a job, an OT tech job would be great, but you don't have to limit yourself. I had my heart set on that job, but couldn't get one. I think I was overqualified, it only requires a HS diploma (at least the ones in my area.... could be different in other places). Not saying this will happen to you, but just know that as long as you figure out a way to relate your job to OT and how it helped you grow then that's all that matters. Having a different type of job could maybe set you apart because lots of people probably take that OT tech route. I personally work as a lab manager for a research lab and it has done me well. But if you can't find a job, volunteer work is a must, you want your gap year to be some type of learning experience... Something you can talk about in a interview or add to your personal statement.
Also, having a million shadowing hours isn't necessarily a must... Just have more than your school ask for. The most hours schools that I applied to asked for was sixty so I had like 90-100. I did zero shadowing during this year and actually most of my shadowing was from 2013. I decided not to shadow because when I called schools no one said that my hours were the problems. But I mean, it never hurts to do my hours... I just decided not to.
Taking an additional class or two to open up more schools is a good idea. Personally I think you should do this over the summer and fall so that schools have all your grades while making their decision, but that's just my opinion. Do what's best for you. The ONE extrememly important advice is apply EARLY especially if there is a school with rolling admission!!
Hope this helps. What schools did you apply to? Do you think you will apply to them again? I only reapplied to three schools then I had three new ones.
