GPA's, GRE's, XTRA's, ACCEPTANCES

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Hi everyone, I'm applying this cycle too and am very anxious about my application. I hope to get any advice to improve and feedback on my chances with current schools.
University: SJSU
Major: Child Development
Minor: Psychology
Overall GPA: ~3.71 SJSU and 3.9 from CC I'm not sure how it'll work
Pre-Req GPA: 3.6-3.7 depending on the school
GRE: 153 V 152 Q 4AW
Letter of Rec: 1 OT, 1 Professor, 1 professional
Extra-Curricular/Volunteer:
  • Volunteered park & rec with their teen summer camp - I worked with teens with intellectual disabilities.
  • Reading partners
  • Teacher assistant for toddlers
  • Pediatric clinic (clerical hours)
Observation hours:
  • 80 hours at outpatient rehab clinic
  • 20 hours at pediatric OT clinic
Members don't see this ad.
 
University: Purdue University
Major: Kinesiology
Cumulative Undergrad GPA: 3.24
Pre-Req GPA: 3.56-4.0 depending on university
GRE: 151Q, 142V, 4.0W
Letter of Rec: 1 OT, 1 Professor, 2 Employers
Extra-Curricular/Volunteer:
- Graphic Design Intern
- Human Motor Behavior Research

Observation hours/Employment:
40 hours with CHT
40 hours Pediatrics

- +1700 hours at Brain Balance Achievement Centers
- 2 Years - Lead Wellness Coach at Purdue
- Integrated Communications Team/ Social Media Promotion at Purdue RecWell

Applying to:
Ohio State, U Indy, Huntington, Midwestern, Creighton, Rush

Interviews: Huntington (10/25), UIndy (11/15)

Rejections: Midwestern (12/3), Ohio State (12/5), Rush (3/10)
Acceptances: Huntington (11/1), UIndy (11/20)
Alternate List: Creighton (12/14)
 
Last edited:
Major: Psychology B.S., minor Anthropology
OTCAS GPA: 3.13 :(
Pre-Req GPA: 3.5-4.0
GRE: 152Q, 156V, 5.0W
Letter of Rec: 1 OT, 1 professor I do research with, 1 professor I TA'd for
Extra-Curricular/Volunteer:
- Club Rowing Team (leadership position)
- Club Swim Team
- TA for 1 semester
- 3 different research labs over the years (linguistics, cognition and memory, social psychology)

Observation hours/Employment:
- 64 hours hand therapy
- 21 hours acute care
- 60+ hours in SNF (still volunteering there)
- Worked at a large healthcare company for 2.5 years as a customer service representative

Applying to: way too many
Interviews: JWU, Brenau
Rejections: N/A
Acceptances: N/A
 
Members don't see this ad :)
withoutwarning500 said:
Major: Psychology B.S., minor Anthropology
OTCAS GPA: 3.13 :(
Pre-Req GPA: 3.5-4.0
GRE: 152Q, 156V, 5.0W
Letter of Rec: 1 OT, 1 professor I do research with, 1 professor I TA'd for
Extra-Curricular/Volunteer:
- Club Rowing Team (leadership position)
- Club Swim Team
- TA for 1 semester
- 3 different research labs over the years (linguistics, cognition and memory, social psychology)

Observation hours/Employment:
- 64 hours hand therapy
- 21 hours acute care
- 60+ hours in SNF (still volunteering there)
- Worked at a large healthcare company for 2.5 years as a customer service representative

Applying to: way too many
Interviews: JWU, Brenau
Rejections: N/A
Acceptances: N/A
Click to expand...

You and I have very very similar stats! I’m a non-traditional student and wish I could go back 15 years and do things a little differently. I applied to 8 programs last week and was invited to schedule an interview at Salus today. Best of luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
University: Penn State University
Major: Biobehavioral Health with a minor in Psychology
Overall GPA: ~3.4
Last 60 credits: ~3.9
Pre-Req GPA: 3.59-3.71 range based on diff programs
GRE: 153V 146Q(yikes) 4.0W

Extra-Curric: Sigma Kappa (Vice President, VP of Scholarship), Sisters on the Runway (exec board) against domestic and sexual violence, Occupational Therapy Club (exec board), LifeLink (college-aged kids that are disabled), nursing home volunteer, dance team member, Penn State THON volunteer , Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, LombardMMA Kickboxing member

Observation/Volunteer: ~150 hours between inpatient rehab, school-based, SNF, hand therapy, acute care; Volunteer in inpatient rehab OT gym 1.5yr

LOR: Employer of 6 years, SNF OTR, Inpatient rehab OTR, 2 professors

Acceptances: Applying to West Coast U, UFlorida, Texas Women’s U, Midwestern U, Chatham U

Rejections:

Interviews: Chatham (11/16), West Coast MSOT & OTD (2/28), Texas Women's U at Houston (11/23), Midwestern U at Glendale (2/5)

Acceptances: Chatham (attending)!!!

Good luck everyone :)
 
Last edited:
lbrown said:
You and I have very very similar stats! I’m a non-traditional student and wish I could go back 15 years and do things a little differently. I applied to 8 programs last week and was invited to schedule an interview at Salus today. Best of luck!
Click to expand...
Thank you! I am very relieved that I have begun to receive interviews. I think it's partially because I applied so early, and also because I put a ton of time and revision into my personal statement. Good luck this cycle!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Yorit06 said:
I was a non-traditional student with a low cumulative GPA. It took me 3 years to get in, but I finally did. I started at TWU this fall. My best advice is to apply to schools that will look at your last 60 hours GPA, and apply to as many schools as possible. Also do mock interviews so that when you do get interviews, you interview well.
Click to expand...

Well congratulations! That’s awesome. TWU has always been my top choice. Thanks for the advice :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
wannabeOT11 said:
University: Northern Illinois University
Major: Psychology B.A.
OTCAS GPA: 3.48
Pre-Req GPA: 3.5-3.7 (depends on the school)
GRE: 146Q, 149V, 3.5W
Letter of Rec: 2 OT, 2 professor's, 1 work supervisor
Extra-Curricular/Volunteer/Leadership:
-Delta Zeta Sorority: Member & held several leadership positions. V.P. of Philanthropy and Risk Manager (both on eboard) & community service chair.
-Psi Chi (psychology honors society): Member & current President.
-Research Assistant for Psychology study
-Student Occupational Therapy Association: member
-additional community service events
Achievements/Certifications:
-CPR/first aid certified
-Received a scholarship
Observation hours/Employment:
-48 Assisted Living Facility
-34 child outpatient
-Internship with a domestic violence & sexual assault center (my old plans used to be to go into counseling)
-Currently work at the domestic violence center
Applying to: Creighton, Breanu (Gainesville), Georgia State, Belmont, Pacific, Midwestern AZ, Marquette, possibly more
Interviews: Creighton (9/20 AHHHH) & Breanu (10/4 also ahhh)
Rejections: N/A
Acceptances: N/A
I had hoped to apply to Rush in Chicago but my GRE is too low, does anyone know if they would consider under the 302 combined v & q score?
Also, has anyone interviewed at creighton or breanu that could send me what to expect or possible questions?? I'm super nervous!!
I know my gpa & gre aren't super high so i'm going into this whole process very nervous.. trying to stay positive!!
Appreciate any help anyone can give! Thanks & good luck everyone! :)
Click to expand...

Current student at Brenau Gainesville. Let me know if you have any questions!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
mbOT626 said:
Current student at Brenau Gainesville. Let me know if you have any questions!!
Click to expand...

Hi! It won't let me message you. Would you mind messaging me first? I'm new on here and not sure if its something i'm doing or a setting you have! Thanks :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Hi guys!! I am super nervous about my chance and am open to any feedback or suggestions!

Undergraduate University: Wagner College
Degree: Biopsychology
Minor: Cultural Competency for Allied Health
Cumulative GPA: 3.62
Prerequisite GPA: 3.9-4.0
GRE: not taking

Misc: Varsity swimmer for the past four years on a division 1 program, team captain, dean's list 3x, Psi Chi member (psychology national honor society) and treasurer, member of the National Honor Society for Leadership and Sucess, CPR/First Aid/Lifeguard certified, spent the last semester doing research in the social psychology field + this semester doing human development research

Employment: Beach lifeguarding, camp counselor, babysitting, and currently employed as a WSI (swim instructor) and lifeguard at a day camp in my town

Letters of Rec: 1 from my professor/advisor, 1 from an OT I observed, and 1 from my swim coach for the past four years

Volunteering: Tunnels for Towers, Special Olympics, Breast Cancer/Sexual Assault Walk, and a program in NYC that allows you to watch children with special needs, tutored middle schoolers during high school

Observation experience: about 100 hours in three peds facilities and one adult outpatient facility

Schools: Kean, Stockton, Seaton Hall, Columbia, NYU, Bay Path
 
How long have verifications been taking? I just submitted my app today.
 
KumabellaOT said:
How long have verifications been taking? I just submitted my app today.
Click to expand...

I sent mine in for verification on Thursday and it just got verified this early this morning. You should be fine and hopefully hear back by the end of the week! Good luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Members don't see this ad :)
journey2med94 said:
Hi everyone, I'm applying this cycle and am looking to get some input on my stats

Major: Community Health
Overall GPA: 3.5
Pre-Req GPA: 3.6-3.8 depending on school
GRE: haven't taken yet, taking early october
Applying: Lewis U, North Central College, Elmhurst, Governors State, St. Augustine

Extra-Curricular/Volunteer:
  • college softball team (1 year)
  • college club softball team (1 and 1/2 years)
  • american cancer society club with leadership role (2 years)
  • 38 volunteer hours at local hospital
Work experience:
324 hours as an administrative intern at a veteran center
300 hours as a pt aide

Observation Hours:
pediatric outpatient: 24 hours
outpatient hand therapy: 24 hours
elementary school: 30 hours

References:
PT that i work with, 2 OTs, internship preceptor
Click to expand...
Have you heard from North Central?
 
wannabeOT11 said:
University: Northern Illinois University
Major: Psychology B.A.
OTCAS GPA: 3.48
Pre-Req GPA: 3.5-3.7 (depends on the school)
GRE: 146Q, 149V, 3.5W :(
Letter of Rec: 2 OT, 2 professor's, 1 work supervisor
Extra-Curricular/Volunteer/Leadership:
-Delta Zeta Sorority: Member & held several leadership positions. V.P. of Philanthropy and Risk Manager (both on eboard) & community service chair.
-Psi Chi (psychology honors society): Member & current President.
-Research Assistant for Psychology study
-Student Occupational Therapy Association: member
-additional community service events
Achievements/Certifications:
-CPR/first aid certified
-Received a scholarship
Observation hours/Employment:
-48 Assisted Living Facility
-34 child outpatient
-Internship with a domestic violence & sexual assault center (my old plans used to be to go into counseling)
-Currently work at the domestic violence center
Applying to: Creighton, Breanu (Gainesville), Georgia State, Belmont, Pacific, Midwestern AZ, Marquette, possibly more
Interviews: Creighton (9/20 AHHHH) & Breanu (10/4 also ahhh)
Rejections: N/A
Acceptances: N/A
I had hoped to apply to Rush in Chicago but my GRE is too low, does anyone know if they would consider under the 302 combined v & q score?
Also, has anyone interviewed at creighton or breanu that could send me what to expect or possible questions?? I'm super nervous!!
I know my gpa & gre aren't super high so i'm going into this whole process very nervous.. trying to stay positive!!
Appreciate any help anyone can give! Thanks & good luck everyone! :)
Click to expand...

Brenau is a group interview, basic questions like why the school, experiences in shadowing, your favorite speciality, etc. it helps cause everyone kinds of feeds off each other. There’s an essay you have to write as well. I found it pretty difficult but I ended up getting accepted
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
University: University of California San Diego
Major: BS in Public Health/ business minor
Awards: Outstanding Academic Award in Public Health and 8 quarters provost honors
GPA: 3.65
GRE: 151 q 157 v (awa not graded)
Prerequisite gpa: should be 3.7-3.8 when I finish physio
Shadowing: 150 hours- 31 hours in a preschool, 54 hours in an outpatient pediatric clinic, 66 hours in skilled hand therapy clinic
Extracurriculars: VP of service for my schools pre- OT club, board position in the public health club for a year, 6 month research internship at an exercise physio lab at my school, 2 years working with children with disabilities in respite care, planned parenthood volunteer, 2 years working as a teachers assistant, public health brigade to Honduras (plus fundraising the whole year for the trip)

Applying to: USC, Loma Linda, Stanbridge, St. Augustine, San Jose, Washington U

Would you guys recommend I retake the GRE? I’m not sure if it’s worth but also not sure if it’s hindering my app too much. Thanks!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Anyone apply to ECU? Completing their video interview question this week and not sure what to expect.
 
wannabeOT11 said:
University: Northern Illinois University
Major: Psychology B.A.
OTCAS GPA: 3.48
Pre-Req GPA: 3.5-3.7 (depends on the school)
GRE: 146Q, 149V, 3.5W :(
Letter of Rec: 2 OT, 2 professor's, 1 work supervisor
Extra-Curricular/Volunteer/Leadership:
-Delta Zeta Sorority: Member & held several leadership positions. V.P. of Philanthropy and Risk Manager (both on eboard) & community service chair.
-Psi Chi (psychology honors society): Member & current President.
-Research Assistant for Psychology study
-Student Occupational Therapy Association: member
-additional community service events
Achievements/Certifications:
-CPR/first aid certified
-Received a scholarship
Observation hours/Employment:
-48 Assisted Living Facility
-34 child outpatient
-Internship with a domestic violence & sexual assault center (my old plans used to be to go into counseling)
-Currently work at the domestic violence center
Applying to: Creighton, Breanu (Gainesville), Georgia State, Belmont, Pacific, Midwestern AZ, Marquette, possibly more
Interviews: Creighton (9/20 AHHHH) & Breanu (10/4 also ahhh)
Rejections: N/A
Acceptances: N/A
I had hoped to apply to Rush in Chicago but my GRE is too low, does anyone know if they would consider under the 302 combined v & q score?
Also, has anyone interviewed at creighton or breanu that could send me what to expect or possible questions?? I'm super nervous!!
I know my gpa & gre aren't super high so i'm going into this whole process very nervous.. trying to stay positive!!
Appreciate any help anyone can give! Thanks & good luck everyone! :)
Click to expand...

I’m interviewing on the 4th too at Breanu, pretty nervous.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Anyone a current Chatham student that can give some insight into their program? Or, anyone that has visited and interviewed?
 
Thanks so much! Yeah I got verified about a week after that so that's a good sign!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
wannabeOT11 said:
Yay! have you done any interviews yet? I just did one for Creighton and it was actually really relaxed. I wonder how Breanu's will be!
Click to expand...

I have not! That’s good to hear. Yeah it seems like it won’t too bad. I am only a bit worried because I am also interested in the weekend program and I am not sure how to say this without being seen as indecisive. I am not sure if I should mention it in my interview.
 
wannabeOT11 said:
University: Northern Illinois University
Major: Psychology B.A.
OTCAS GPA: 3.48
Pre-Req GPA: 3.5-3.7 (depends on the school)
GRE: 146Q, 149V, 3.5W :(
Letter of Rec: 2 OT, 2 professor's, 1 work supervisor
Extra-Curricular/Volunteer/Leadership:
-Delta Zeta Sorority: Member & held several leadership positions. V.P. of Philanthropy and Risk Manager (both on eboard) & community service chair.
-Psi Chi (psychology honors society): Member & current President.
-Research Assistant for Psychology study
-Student Occupational Therapy Association: member
-additional community service events
Achievements/Certifications:
-CPR/first aid certified
-Received a scholarship
Observation hours/Employment:
-48 Assisted Living Facility
-34 child outpatient
-Internship with a domestic violence & sexual assault center (my old plans used to be to go into counseling)
-Currently work at the domestic violence center
Applying to: Creighton, Breanu (Gainesville), Georgia State, Belmont, Pacific, Midwestern AZ, Marquette, possibly more
Interviews: Creighton (9/20 AHHHH) & Breanu (10/4 also ahhh)
Rejections: N/A
Acceptances: N/A
I had hoped to apply to Rush in Chicago but my GRE is too low, does anyone know if they would consider under the 302 combined v & q score?
Also, has anyone interviewed at creighton or breanu that could send me what to expect or possible questions?? I'm super nervous!!
I know my gpa & gre aren't super high so i'm going into this whole process very nervous.. trying to stay positive!!
Appreciate any help anyone can give! Thanks & good luck everyone! :)
Click to expand...
I got invited for the Brenau 10/4 date but ended up having to RSVP to the 11/8 date! Let me know how the interview goes; I have an interview on 10/4 as well but at another school. I have a super busy schedule so I think the nerves haven't set in yet and I haven't had time to overthink everything haha. Good luck!!
 
OT1296 said:
Anyone apply to ECU? Completing their video interview question this week and not sure what to expect.
Click to expand...
I am but I have not yet completed it because I am not sure what to expect or how to prepare! Have you completed it/how was it? TIA
 
cassie.lynn said:
I am but I have not yet completed it because I am not sure what to expect or how to prepare! Have you completed it/how was it? TIA
Click to expand...
I’m thinking I will complete it this weekend since the application is due on the 15th! I’m thinking I’ll prepare like it’s a general interview ? Not sure what to expect at all :\
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
OT1296 said:
I’m thinking I will complete it this weekend since the application is due on the 15th! I’m thinking I’ll prepare like it’s a general interview ? Not sure what to expect at all :\
Click to expand...
That is how I plan to prepare as well! How did it go?
 
I applied to Chatham yesterday! Fingers crossed!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
otdtobe said:
I applied to Chatham yesterday! Fingers crossed!
Click to expand...

Hi if I sent my GRE scores to Chatham already, do I still need to upload it in Standardized Tests in OTCAS? Would they still consider me if I am one point before the "competitive score" for Chatham? Standardized tests are not my specialty but I believe my other stats make up for it.
OTD21 said:
I did!! How about you?
Click to expand...

If I sent my GRE scores to Chatham already when I took the GRE, do I still need to upload it in Standardized Tests in OTCAS? Would they still consider me if I am one point before the "competitive score" for Chatham? Standardized tests are not my specialty but I believe my other stats make up for it.
 
xfutureOTDx said:
Hi if I sent my GRE scores to Chatham already, do I still need to upload it in Standardized Tests in OTCAS? Would they still consider me if I am one point before the "competitive score" for Chatham? Standardized tests are not my specialty but I believe my other stats make up for it.


If I sent my GRE scores to Chatham already when I took the GRE, do I still need to upload it in Standardized Tests in OTCAS? Would they still consider me if I am one point before the "competitive score" for Chatham? Standardized tests are not my specialty but I believe my other stats make up for it.
Click to expand...
Hi! I believe you still need to self report the test scores on the actual OTCAS application. It wouldn’t hurt to double check with the admissions department at Chatham though, just to make sure. :)
 
xfutureOTDx said:
Hi if I sent my GRE scores to Chatham already, do I still need to upload it in Standardized Tests in OTCAS? Would they still consider me if I am one point before the "competitive score" for Chatham? Standardized tests are not my specialty but I believe my other stats make up for it.


If I sent my GRE scores to Chatham already when I took the GRE, do I still need to upload it in Standardized Tests in OTCAS? Would they still consider me if I am one point before the "competitive score" for Chatham? Standardized tests are not my specialty but I believe my other stats make up for it.
Click to expand...

I believe they will still consider it ! My GRE was not good at all either. I was right below the “competitive score“ But there’s no minimum for Chatham so I think we will be fine
 
How many schools is everyone applying to? Is 8 too much or too little? I am right at the competitive recommendations for all of them, I am just so nervous!!
 
School: BYU-Idaho
Major: General Studies
Minor: Child Development
Cumulative GPA: 3.3 (last 60 credits: 3.7)
Pre-req GPA: 4.0
GRE: 153Q 156V 4.5AWA
LOR: 1 professor, 2 OT’s
Observation hours: 100 total in hand therapy, adult neuro, pediatric outpatient, in-school setting, SNF, hippotherapy
Experiences/volunteer: owned and operated a home-based preschool (non-traditional student here!), aide for my elderly grandma, taught children and youth for 7+ years in an ecclesiastical setting, volunteered at local hippotherapy center for those with special needs.

Applying: Salus, Moravian, Shenandoah, AT Still, TWU, St. Augustine (Austin), Missouri State, Pace
Interviews: Salus (9/23), St. Augustine (10/25)
Acceptances: Salus (10/3)
Rejections: N/A

I was VERY nervous considering I have been out of school for over 10 years (except for prerequisites) and my stats are less than stellar, but I think being given the opportunity to interview and really show my dedication and passion to education and OT really helped me, at least with my first acceptance. I hope this gives anyone with average stats some hope. Good luck everyone!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 4 users
Yorit06 said:
Which campus did you put as your first choice for TWU? I bet you will get an interview invitation from them bc your stats are better than mine were, and I got accepted. We have quite a few non traditionals in our program. I’m at Houston campus.
Click to expand...

Hey thanks! I chose Denton as my #1, mostly because it was closest to a house we own there. It has always been my top choice but I heard they are already replacing the program with an OTD. Is it true?!
 
Yorit06 said:
Yes all TWU programs will be entry level doctorates starting fall 2020. We are the last masters class! Sorry.
Click to expand...

So disappointing! I’m really leaning toward an MOT just because it’s less time and money, but same paycheck post-grad. How do you like the program?
 
Yorit06 said:
I’m with you on that 100%. I hear Denton campus is great. That’s where the director is. I came into this program with really high expectations, since it’s graduate level, so at this point in time I’m pretty disappointed. But we are only 6 weeks in so I’m hoping it gets better. So far it’s been very unorganized. I’m told it gets easier. We will see!
Click to expand...

I’m sorry to hear that but I appreciate your honesty. In my short time during this process so far I’ve become more aware of how much the faculty can influence the experience. Hope it gets better for you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
You must log in or register to reply here.
Next unread thread

Similar threads

A
General Admissions & OTCAS NON GRE SCHOOL LIST
Replies
3
Views
1K
Peacock733
P
1
  • Question
General Admissions & OTCAS Should I take the GRE Again?
Replies
6
Views
1K
sjtayl0r
sjtayl0r
F
General Admissions & OTCAS GRE Study Group
Replies
0
Views
559
FutureOT1999
F
ot0
  • Question
General Admissions & OTCAS OT school application acceptances and advice
Replies
13
Views
3K
ot0
ot0
F
General Admissions & OTCAS Retake GRE? Helppp
Replies
9
Views
2K
FutureOTLu
F
Top