General Admissions & OTCAS When to apply?? Career Change to OT

[ready2OT]

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Hi Everyone!

This is my first post! Like some of you on here I was in a career that just wasn't for me. However, when I found out about OT I pretty much fell in love, it was exactly what I was looking for and everything finally made sense. I was so ready to start the process. My question is when are you ready to apply and what is a normal timeline? My parents seem to think I can just start a program tomorrow, and while I know that's not the case, it made me question some things and I want to make sure I am being as proactive as possible.

Some background, I took a couple prereq courses while working, and left work to go back to school full time to finish the rest of the prereqs. I am currently enrolled in 4 classes right now (including A&P 1). I am also volunteering twice a week at different locations. I plan to take the GRE in January and the remaining 2 prereq courses next semester (including A&P2). With this timeline, my plan was to apply next year to start in 2017.

Did anyone else seem to have these questions? Does this seem like an appropriate timeline? I don't want to rush starting school or the process, but I also don't want to postpone it. Any insight would be great! Thanks!

 

[cal1992]

That seems like a good timeline. Try to get as many pre-reqs done before you apply as possible, even though some schools say you can be in the process of completing them, I feel it gives you an upper hand if you have everything completed. Get as many hours as you can in multiple settings. I would also try and really get to know at least one of the OT's you shadow to a point where you can ask her for a recommendation letter. Some schools want that and it is always good to have and OT backing you up. Deff research your schools you want to go to and see what their minimum requirements are, and that will help you prepare better. Also as soon as OTCAS opens (if you are using that) start your app!! Get it in super early, that will help with schools that use rolling admissions. OTCAS typically takes 3-4 weeks to verify your application before it gets sent to the schools, so keep that in mind when looking at deadlines. But earlier, the better. I think you are giving yourself plenty of time to apply for next year, just be on top of everything.

I've been through the process a few times, and am finally getting good responses from schools and my first acceptance this year. Don't give up if it doesn't work out the first time, if it is something you really want to do. And ignore anyone that doesn't understand how hard it can be to get in. I've learned a lot of people that don't understand the field think you can just enroll and be done with it. But that is NOT the case at all, its super competitive, but worth it!

Probably more than you were looking, but just some advice I wish someone told me before my first time applying. Good luck!!

 

[ready2OT]

Thank you! Any and all information is great. I guess what I'm also getting at is that even if I rushed some things together, applying to start in 2016 is probably not likely? And that my best bet is to apply with the 2016 cycle to start in 2017. That is what I'm thinking is best, but I guess I just want to be reassured by some others going through the same process. Thanks for the help 🙂

 

[julianac4]

Honestly I wouldn't rush together an application for the 2016 cycle. There are a lot of competitive applicants who have been planning this career for years and have a lot of relevant experience that could outshine your application. I don't know your exact stats, but personally I wouldn't waste all the money on this cycle (especially since a lot of rolling schools have accepted their classes). If you wait until the next cycle, you can have more experience to attest to, better recommendation letters (especially one from an OT if you continue working with one), and a more thoughtful application. You can also spend the extra time deciding which schools would be a good fit you. If you rush to apply now, you could end up going to a school that maybe doesn't fit your personal and professional goals as an OT. I know it sucks waiting when you're eager to get into the field, but with such a competitive applicant pool I think its better to have planned and thought out the process rather than scrambling together an application quickly. Good luck!!

 

[OTfromIT]

Totally agree with everything the others have said here - wait for now and take this year to really tailor your application with classes, experience, and research on schools. I was in the same position last year in terms of getting a late start on the process, and turned in an admittedly rather pedestrian application. It takes a lot of effort (and a fair amount of money) to fill out the application - and maybe supplemental applications by school, write your personal statement, request transcripts - not to mention you'll be asking 2-3 professionals to use their time to write you a relevant letter of recommendation. So make sure that you present the best possible case when you go all in - you have to start from scratch each year if you don't get in.

I used this past year to research schools I was interested in and fit what I brought to the table in terms of grades, GRE, and experience. Then I dialed in by meeting their pre-requisites and getting more experience that might fit their mission and core values. Also, it helped me get much improved letters of references as I was able to spend more time in the different settings and they got to know me better. It was tough spending the year taking classes and observing/working for minimal pay as a rehab aide vs. having a full-time job (not to say you can't do both...), but I have gotten far better results so far this time around. Schools with a lot of applicants will try using hard statistics to cull the herd, but hopefully you will find some aspect of the application process that makes you stand out and pique their interest.

If you look around this forum, there are a ton of talented people who are applying by to individual schools by the hundreds - this is a much harder process than most non-health-oriented grad schools. But you'll also find that people do end up in schools they wanted to go to when they research a good fit.
Go make it happen!

 

[wannabeOTinCA]

I'd say if you have a lot of time, take the time. I literally decided in May 2015 that I wanted to switch careers. I had looked at PT and OT for awhile, but made the decision just a few months ago. I busted my butt finishing my prereqs this summer, got a volunteer gig to meet the minimum requirements, took the GRE, and applied to 9 schools by October 1st. I got into 1 already and have declined several interviews. So... its possible to do it very quickly.. but it is STRESSFUL! The application process is very time consuming. Your timeline definitely looks doable to me. Good luck!