General Admissions & OTCAS OTCAS 2017-2018 Stats

[hercurlinessOT]

Without a doubt, if you at least score USC's GRE minimums you will get in due to your high undergrad GPA. I am not sure when you are planning to apply to CSUDH, but you do need ALL your pre-reqs to be done before you apply. Likewise, if you score at least a 4.5 in the AWA section of the GRE I know you will have a great chance getting into CSUDH, especially with your high GPA.

Just looked into your comment about CSUDH, and can confirm. I've been having a hard time organizing the specific details for each program, but finally decided to create a folder with different files for each. I guess that rules CSUDH out; oh well. Thanks for bringing that to my attention!

Thanks for the encouragement! Hopefully my GPA increases my acceptance likelihood for the other programs as well.

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[OT2BE2017]

Just looked into your comment about CSUDH, and can confirm. I've been having a hard time organizing the specific details for each program, but finally decided to create a folder with different files for each. I guess that rules CSUDH out; oh well. Thanks for bringing that to my attention!

Thanks for the encouragement! Hopefully my GPA increases my acceptance likelihood for the other programs as well.

Yea that is the hardest part about applying to different schools for OT in that they all have different requirements and deadlines. Don't worry though you are sure to get into any of the schools you previously mentioned with your stellar GPA. Just hit those GRE minimums for schools such as: USC and St. Augustine. You will get in, no doubt. For the other schools such as Touro, Loma Linda, Pacific University there will be an interview process so I find those schools to be more holistic versus looking plainly into stats alone. Good luck with your upcoming GRE and applying to schools!

 

[SLOSU1010]

Undergraduate University: The Ohio State University
Degree: Human Development & Family Sciences w/a minor in Psychology
Cumulative GPA (not completed yet) 3.99
Prerequisite GPA 4.0
GRE:
1st time--V:157 Q:150 W:5.0
2nd time--V: 154 Q:161 W:6.0
3rd time--V:157 Q:159 W: 5.0

Applying to: Ohio State, Rush U, WashU in St.Louis, Boston U, UPitt, & University of Toledo

Work:
-Daycare assistant for 1 year
-Lab Assistant for students with disabilities (3 years)
-Undergraduate research assistant in Human development and family studies (1 year)
-Student intern at a program for underprivileged families that works through the hospital on campus (1 year)
-full-time Nanny for 4 summers

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
- 3 years as president/secretary for the Special Olympics club at OSU (includes the 3 years of volunteer work)
- 1 year as vice president of a volunteer club working with local organizations to support families, the elderly, etc.
- took a 2 week service/leadership trip to Costa Rica
- Member of the pre-OT club (1 year)
- Co-ed indoor soccer participant (3 years)
- Community group leader for my service trip (lead discussions, service projects, etc.)
- University ambassador for the program that took me on my service trip (I encourage students to attend service trips through them)

Observation experience (total--100ish):
-100 total in pediatric, rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, and geriatric settings (inpatient + outpatient for all)

Misc: CPR/AED certified, Honors student, graduating a year early for financial reasons

References:
-an occupational therapist I shadowed for four months
-my boss for my job working with students with disabilities
-one of my honors professors
-the doctor running the research project that I worked on

I'm a bit nervous because I had one less year to work on improving my resume/earning more observation hours, but I'm hoping for the best! Realistically, I would love to go to OSU because I don't think I can afford to go out of state, but OSU's program is ridiculously competitive, so we'll see what happens!

Admitted: University of Toledo (9/14/17), WashU St. Louis (12/7/17), Ohio State (12/13)

Interviews: Boston U (12/8), Rush U (declined interview), Ohio State (12/9)

Rejections:

Attending: THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY!!!

 

[Travelling_OT_Hopeful]

(Updated from an earlier post)
Undergraduate University: Penn State
Degree: Biobehavioral Health with honors/minor in Human Development and Family Studies
Cumulative GPA (not completed yet) 3.84
Prerequisite GPA 3.75-3.82 (depends on school)
GRE: Verbal 158 Quant 151 (still waiting on writing, may retake)

Applying to: University of Illinois- Chicago, Temple, Chatham, Salus U, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Shenandoah U, UW-Milwaukee, Sacred Heart University
(Still looking for other programs in my budget, location means less than total price. I am from Illinois originally but go to school in PA and think I'll be able to argue residency!)

Work:
-Daycare assistant for 3 summers with children ranging from 4-7, created lesson plans and activities about health and wellbeing
-Home Health Aide for summer before Senior year/senior year (assists with ADLs, IADLs, transfers, etc.)
-Undergraduate research assistant in Human Development and family studies-- completed projects on Human Centered Design for well being and Behavior Acquisition
-Assistant Manager of Concessions at local baseball stadium

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
- 3 years of volunteering for THON as a committee member (year long fundraiser to support families afflicted with pediatric cancer)
-Campus tour guide and Student Alumni Association Rep (gives tours, works well with others and confident working with all types of people, Executive board member)
-Peer Health Counselor (45 hours a semester of performing fun and interactive health lessons to clubs and greek life organizations on campus, performs health outreach initiatives on campus)
- Community Nutrition and Food Security Club (Vice President)- helped organize food drives for surrounding communities' food banks, organized educational events on campus to inspire and engage students with local food security problems!

Observation experience (total- 143):
- 75 hours in a SNF
- 50 hours in a Rehab Hospital
- 12 hours in home health
Still hoping to get a peds experience!

Misc: CPR/AED certified, Honors thesis completed in HDFS, 1st Place in Undergraduate Research Exhibition for a poster

References:
- Biobehavioral Health Professor who I completed an honors project with (the project was composed of a lit review + presentation on pain and functioning in late life with emphasis on active living vs life span)
- OT I shadowed with at the SNF for 75 hours
- Supervising teacher at the daycare I work at

 

[alh2016]

Hey your stats are pretty good! How were they before and what difference did you make this time?

I retook a few classes to get my pre-req GPA up and got a job in a hospital to help make my stats better and got more observation hours. Before my pre-req GPA was around a 3.2 and I had about 50 observation hours. I hope it will be enough this year!

 

[hercurlinessOT]

Yea that is the hardest part about applying to different schools for OT in that they all have different requirements and deadlines. Don't worry though you are sure to get into any of the schools you previously mentioned with your stellar GPA. Just hit those GRE minimums for schools such as: USC and St. Augustine. You will get in, no doubt. For the other schools such as Touro, Loma Linda, Pacific University there will be an interview process so I find those schools to be more holistic versus looking plainly into stats alone. Good luck with your upcoming GRE and applying to schools!

Yes, no truer words have ever been spoken; trying to keep everything organized according to the different requirements is so draining. Ah, thank you so much! I truly hope so. Time will tell.

 

[OTgirl4]

Hi everyone,

I am a little nervous with my GRE scores. I have a 149 for Verbal, 158 for Quantitative, and 4.5 for writing. My verbal is low because many schools require a 151 at least to apply. A lot of schools want higher verbal than quantitative scores. Do you think schools will take into account that my other sections are above the 50th percentile?

 

[OTHopeful6601]

Undergraduate University: Wake Forest University
Degree: BS in Health and Exercise Science
Cumulative GPA: 3.503
Prerequisite GPA: 3.8
GRE: 151 V 158 Q 4.5 AW

Applying to: WSSU, ECU, UNC, Lenoir Rhyne, JMU, UF

Observation Hours:
- outpatient peds PT/OT (50+ hours)
- inpatient peds OT (10 hours)
- adult day care center (40 hours)

Work Experience:
- rehabilitation aide at acute care hospital (1500+ hours)
- cadaver lab TA at WFU (150 hours)
- ambulatory nursing administration intern at hospital (150+ hours)
- WFU fitness team and instructor (3 years)

Misc: Anthropology Honor Society, First Aid, BLS, CPR/AED certified, Mentor in Student Leadership Program, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble

References:
1 from Rehab Supervisor (MEd, CCC-SLP) at hospital
1 from Anatomy Professor and TA Supervisor
1 from OT in outpatient peds
1 from OTA in acute care?

Currently at a stand still with my application process, I have been debating for the last couple weeks on whether or not to take the GRE again. I have been leaning towards not taking it again so that I can focus on my essays and apps but I'd also hate to not give myself another chance.

Also I contacted a school recently to see if the physiology courses I took at Wake would meet the requirement and although I took a human physiology, exercise physiology, and a lecture/lab course based on physiology, none of them seem to meet the requirement.The school suggested that I take a lab course at a community college to get credit, is anyone else having a problem with getting classes to transfer over? My biggest fear is that not having a class count towards my prerequisites and having that lower my chances compared to someone who has completed them all.

I applied to WSSU, UNC, LR, and ECU last year and got into all but UNC if you have questions later on! I'm attending WSSU this fall.

 

[OTHopeful6601]

UPDATE

Undergraduate University: University of Houston
Degree: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Cumulative GPA: 3.8
Prerequisite GPA 3.85 (2 classes in progress)
GRE: Q: 139 (abysmal, yes I know), V: 157, AW: Don't know yet

Was applying to: East Carolina, Winston Salem State, Abilene Christian, Bay Path, Trinity Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Temple, St. Kate's, UM-Minnesota (Minneapolis & Rochester), UTEP (Maybe) (half are on OTCAS, half aren't)

Now applying to: ACU, Texas Tech, St. Kate’s, UMN (both campuses), USciences, D’Youville, Bay Path, AIC, Springfield, Trinity Washington, Stockton, UTEP, Temple, WSSU. Thinking about adding Columbia and NYU but idk because they're so expensive.


Work:
CNA-4+ years, ~ 5,130+ hours

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
Local hospital cancer admin center
School for children with hearing and speech disabilities
Homeless shelter (forgot about this one)

Observation experience (total- 83):
- 23 hours acute care (done)
- 20 peds (will begin in August)
- 20 (may possibly change to 43) hours hands (will begin in August)
- 20 hours inpatient rehab (will begin soon)

References:
3 from college profs
1 from OT from the 23 hours acute care
1 from manager (will ask her this week)

I switched to OT after graduating last year so I'm behind as well. Having a hard time getting some observation hours started but hopefully I can squeeze it all in soon, and do well enough on the GRE so I won't have to retake it. I also don't have a lot of impressive experience so hopefully I still get in somewhere.

*** So as you can see I did not do well on the Quant section of the GRE (not surprised). However, I have added some schools that don't require the GRE (I now have to take physics as a result). So now I have 11 schools that don't require the GRE and four schools that do. Of those four schools I took off ECU because they require a 151 on both sections which I know I will not get. Temple accepts the MAT as well so I might take that instead for them. As for UTEP and WSSU, I either apply with my current GRE scores or not apply to them at all because it's just not worth it to me to pay another $195 to retake the test for only two schools. What do you all think? I'm leaning toward scratching those two schools as well and MAYBE taking the MAT (hopefully doing better) and still apply to Temple.

WSSU only looks at your writing score portion of the GRE just so you know!

 

[NYY13251]

Undergraduate University: State University of New York at Cortland
Degree: Therapeutic Recreation
Cumulative GPA: Graduated with 3.2, but will have gone up due the Pre-reqs I have taken
Prerequisite GPA - Depends on the school, but around 3.75
GRE: Avoided. Applied to schools that did not require it.

Applying to: Hofstra, Sacred Heart, Seton Hall, Stockton, Midwestern Arizona, Davenport, Bay Path

Work:
- Director of Recreation of snf for 1 year
- Events Coordinator at CCRC
- Independent Living Specialist working with young adults. (Helped them get into school, get jobs, find housing)
- Recreation assistant- Ran programs

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
- Therapeutic recreation Intern in Oregon. Worked with children and adults with various disabilities.
- Volunteered at a nursing home for many years
- Adopt a Grandparent program in college. Took volunteers to SNF
- Worked with a well known OT (remotely.) Helped plan webinars and recruit OT's.

Observation experience (total--100ish):
-58 total in pediatric, rehabilitation, and geriatric settings. Hopefully will get some extra hours in.

Misc: CPR and First Aid certified.

References:
-an occupational therapist
- Anatomy Professor
- Employer

 

[rehabjunkie]

Nervous of my chances.... Truly would like to get into a OTD program. Wondering what others stats are as well!

 

[OThopeful22]

Hi everyone!
Here are my stats:
GPA: 3.93
GRE: 151 Q, 157 V, 5.0 Writing

Observation Hours:
50 hours school setting
50 hours pediatric clinic
50 hours adult rehab hospital

3 letters: One from OT I shadowed over a year, one from program director, one from anatomy professor

Work experience: ABA Tutor for kids with Autism, caregiver for elderly woman with quadriplegia, swim instructor for children with disabilities
Volunteered at early intervention center

Applying to: CSUDH, Univ St. Augustine (San Marcos), SJSU, Samuel Merritt, Texas University for Health Science San Antonio, Touro University, possibly a few others

I'm from CA and trying to save money. Please let me know if you know of any less expensive programs. Good luck to everyone

 

[ThatAcquaKid]

Undergraduate University: The Ohio State University
Degree: Human Development & Family Sciences w/a minor in Psychology
Cumulative GPA (not completed yet) 3.99
Prerequisite GPA 4.0
GRE: I've taken it twice, and I'm taking it one more time in a couple weeks just to see if I can get it up a bit more:
1st time--V:157 Q:150 W:5.0
2nd time--V: 154 Q:161 W:6.0
3rd time--V:157 Q:159 W: 5.0

Applying to: Ohio State, Rush U, WashU in St.Louis, Boston U, UPitt, & University of Toledo

Work:
-Daycare assistant for 1 year
-Lab Assistant for students with disabilities (3 years)
-Undergraduate research assistant in Human development and family studies (1 year)
-Student intern at a program for underprivileged families that works through the hospital on campus (1 year)
-full-time Nanny for 4 summers

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
- 3 years as president/secretary for the Special Olympics club at OSU (includes the 3 years of volunteer work)
- 1 year as vice president of a volunteer club working with local organizations to support families, the elderly, etc.
- took a 2 week service/leadership trip to Costa Rica
- Member of the pre-OT club (1 year)
- Co-ed indoor soccer participant (3 years)
- Community group leader for my service trip (lead discussions, service projects, etc.)
- University ambassador for the program that took me on my service trip (I encourage students to attend service trips through them)

Observation experience (total--100ish):
-100 total in pediatric, rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, and geriatric settings (inpatient + outpatient for all)

Misc: CPR/AED certified, Honors student, graduating a year early for financial reasons

References:
-an occupational therapist I shadowed for four months
-my boss for my job working with students with disabilities
-one of my honors professors
-the doctor running the research project that I worked on

I'm a bit nervous because I had one less year to work on improving my resume/earning more observation hours, but I'm hoping for the best! Realistically, I would love to go to OSU because I don't think I can afford to go out of state, but OSU's program is ridiculously competitive, so we'll see what happens!

Admitted: University of Toledo (9/14/17)

Pretty sure you have nothing to worry about lol. Your stats are absolutely insane. I'm just hoping you don't steal my spot at Boston U (my first choice) haha.

 

[OTDLK]

Undergraduate University: The Ohio State University
Degree: Human Development & Family Sciences w/a minor in Psychology
Cumulative GPA (not completed yet) 3.99
Prerequisite GPA 4.0
GRE: I've taken it twice, and I'm taking it one more time in a couple weeks just to see if I can get it up a bit more:
1st time--V:157 Q:150 W:5.0
2nd time--V: 154 Q:161 W:6.0
3rd time--V:157 Q:159 W: 5.0

Applying to: Ohio State, Rush U, WashU in St.Louis, Boston U, UPitt, & University of Toledo

Work:
-Daycare assistant for 1 year
-Lab Assistant for students with disabilities (3 years)
-Undergraduate research assistant in Human development and family studies (1 year)
-Student intern at a program for underprivileged families that works through the hospital on campus (1 year)
-full-time Nanny for 4 summers

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
- 3 years as president/secretary for the Special Olympics club at OSU (includes the 3 years of volunteer work)
- 1 year as vice president of a volunteer club working with local organizations to support families, the elderly, etc.
- took a 2 week service/leadership trip to Costa Rica
- Member of the pre-OT club (1 year)
- Co-ed indoor soccer participant (3 years)
- Community group leader for my service trip (lead discussions, service projects, etc.)
- University ambassador for the program that took me on my service trip (I encourage students to attend service trips through them)

Observation experience (total--100ish):
-100 total in pediatric, rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, and geriatric settings (inpatient + outpatient for all)

Misc: CPR/AED certified, Honors student, graduating a year early for financial reasons

References:
-an occupational therapist I shadowed for four months
-my boss for my job working with students with disabilities
-one of my honors professors
-the doctor running the research project that I worked on

I'm a bit nervous because I had one less year to work on improving my resume/earning more observation hours, but I'm hoping for the best! Realistically, I would love to go to OSU because I don't think I can afford to go out of state, but OSU's program is ridiculously competitive, so we'll see what happens!

Admitted: University of Toledo (9/14/17)

Congratulations on Toledo!
I'm hoping to hear back from OSU also because that would be ideal for me, but also extremely competitive!!
Best of luck! Will you stay at Toledo for sure?

 

[futureot2018cali]

Hello what makes you think you won't get in to CSUDH with those stellar stats?!?

Hi everyone! Ahh! The time has come.

Some of the stats in this thread are super intimidating. Lol. But here are mine:

Undergrad:
-B.A. in Psychology from CBU, 3.9 GPA, Summa Cum Laude
-A.A. in Liberal Arts from MSJC, 3.9 GPA, Honors Enrichment Program Graduate
Prerequisite GPA: 4.0 (only have to take statistics and physics - stats this fall, physics in the spring)

Volunteer:
-Children's club leader in a church for 3+ years, different age groups
-Volunteered at summer programs (VBS and music drama day camps) for children
-Spent an extended weekend at a special needs family camp taking care of a 5 year old with PTSD and fine motor skill deficiencies
-Volunteered on short missions (passing out necessities to people in Tijuana, Mexico, and serving food at a thanksgiving dinner for low-income families in the community)
-Random volunteer stuff (volunteered serving food at community weddings and funerals)

Employment:
-Writing Tutor at my college
-Supplement Instructor (kind of like a TA) at my college
-Librarian
-Physical therapy aide (hundreds of hours of paid experience)

Extras (Awards/Achievements/Accolades)
-Presented at an honors conference on neoromantic literature
-Certified Writing Tutor (College of Reading and Learning Association)
-Certificate of Excellence Award from my community college mentor (the director of learning resources as well as my professor)
-President's list repeatedly
-Completed a "Future Physician Leaders" program through University of California, Riverside, and conducted mental health awareness research in my community - along with others - that is to be published by the UCR School of Medicine
-Currently assisting in electron modulation research in a double-blind study
-CPR/First Aid Certified for adults, children, and infants

OT:
38 hours in a neurofeedback-therapy based OT clinic
I play to get way more in pediatrics and inpatient in the next few weeks! I'm running out of time!

GRE: Studying for now

Applying to: CSUDH (don't think I'll get in), USC, Pacific University, Loma Linda, Touro, St. Augustine, and perhaps several others.

 

[SLOSU1010]

Congratulations on Toledo!
I'm hoping to hear back from OSU also because that would be ideal for me, but also extremely competitive!!
Best of luck! Will you stay at Toledo for sure?

Ideally, I would like to get into OSU and go here again! I love being here for undergrad...I'm going to have to accept the offer from Toledo because I have to say yes or no within 14 days, but if I get in to OSU, I will end up declining the Toledo admission. But thank you so much!! Good luck to you too! The OT advisor told me we will start hearing back about interviews in November (although it may be different for out of state kids).

 

[SLOSU1010]

Pretty sure you have nothing to worry about lol. Your stats are absolutely insane. I'm just hoping you don't steal my spot at Boston U (my first choice) haha.

Aw thank you!! No worries, I don't think I can afford to go out of state The spot is all yours!! Best of luck!

 

[OTDLK]

Ideally, I would like to get into OSU and go here again! I love being here for undergrad...I'm going to have to accept the offer from Toledo because I have to say yes or no within 14 days, but if I get in to OSU, I will end up declining the Toledo admission. But thank you so much!! Good luck to you too! The OT advisor told me we will start hearing back about interviews in November (although it may be different for out of state kids).

Ah! That seems so close, yet so far away! Best of Luck! Who knows, we could be attending the same program soon!

 

[octher2017]

Major: Psychology B.S.
Overall GPA: 3.924
Prereq GPA: ~3.9 depending
GRE: 162 V, 157 Q, 5.0 AW

Shadowing/Volunteering: 280 hours
-180 hours outpatient pediatric
-30 hours preschool setting
-27 hours Inpatient rehab
-23 hours hand rehab
-20 hours skilled nursing
-currently volunteering in OT psych and a hand clinic

Extracurricular/work/volunteer:
-Dance teacher/ summer camp coordinator
-Research assistant in Psychology lab
-Spanish TA
-Volunteer in dual language pre-school programs
-Part of club for providing art therapy in different settings
-Pre-OT club

LOR:
OTR I shadowed for over 100 hours, Professor (who I TA'd under), advisor

Applying: BU, VCU, NYU, UF, Belmont, UNC Chapel Hill, MUSC, Nova Southeastern

Acceptances: Belmont (11/16), Nova (12/1), Boston University (12/20)
Rejections:
Interviews: Nova (video), Belmont (11/10), Boston U (12/8), MUSC (declined)

Any feedback is appreciated!

 

[thekau]

Hello! Can someone explain the process of evaluations through OTCAS? Most of my applications require 3 LORs, but I have 5 potential evaluators (OTCAS max). I'd like evaluators A, B, and C to submit to Program 1 while evaluators A, B, and D to submit to Program 2, and so on. Can I choose certain evaluators to submit to specific programs through OTCAS?

I can't speak for what OTCAS's rule is for this, but I personally contacted all of the schools I'm applying to and most of them told me that I could just email them to tell them which letters that I want considered as a part of my application. So I'm definitely going to do that since I'm in the same boat as you.

 

[peachessccc3]

Hi everyone! I am super nervous about applying this fall to OT programs. I just thought we could open this up to those applying or those who have applied to get their stats and where they ended up!
So
GPA -4.0
GRE- 148 V and 153 Q 4.0 AW
Work experience-
I have worked at an organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities succeed in a recreational sort of setting for the past 3 years
I am a personal support worker and work one on one with a boy diagnosed with autism
I am a member of Psi Chi
Observation -
About 85 hours in a number of different settings- geriatrics and pediatrics mainly
I want to apply to -
UIC (super competitive), Elmhurst (dont know anymore since their program is like not accredited and might not be until spring of 2018), Rush (105K program), Midwestern (also expensive )
I'm just not feeling too great about the schools I'm applying to. I want a masters program. I am in Illinois if anyone has any suggestions on what I should do, let me know!
Thanks! Feel free to contact me about anything!

Omg you could be me basically! I am applying to the same schools! I have a GPA of 3.63, and my GRE is 148 Q, 154 V, 4.0 AW. I also work at a place where I am working one on one with children with disabilities as an inclusion aide helping the children to be included in regular park district activities. I am a member of Psi Chi, Pi Gamma Mu, Aspiring Rehabilitationists club, philharmonic orchestra, and the honors program at my college. I observed 150 hours in pediatric, geriatric, and hospital settings.

 

[peachessccc3]

I am applying to Elmhurst, UIC, Rush, and Midwestern. I have a GPA of 3.63, and my GRE is 148 Q, 154 V, 4.0 AW. I also work at a place where I am working one on one with children with disabilities as an inclusion aide helping the children to be included in regular park district activities. I am a member of Psi Chi, Pi Gamma Mu, Aspiring Rehabilitationists club, philharmonic orchestra, and the honors program at my college. I observed 150 hours in pediatric, geriatric, and hospital settings.

 

[Zgroh]

I am applying to Elmhurst, UIC, Rush, and Midwestern. I have a GPA of 3.63, and my GRE is 148 Q, 154 V, 4.0 AW. I also work at a place where I am working one on one with children with disabilities as an inclusion aide helping the children to be included in regular park district activities. I am a member of Psi Chi, Pi Gamma Mu, Aspiring Rehabilitationists club, philharmonic orchestra, and the honors program at my college. I observed 150 hours in pediatric, geriatric, and hospital settings.

Omg! That is awesome! Lol. I have an interview with Midwestern October 24th, so they have started that process and since our stats are similar you might hear something from them!

 

[missalyss55]

Omg! That is awesome! Lol. I have an interview with Midwestern October 24th, so they have started that process and since our stats are similar you might hear something from them!

When did you hear from them?

 

[Zgroh]

When did you hear from them?

I heard from them September 15th. I submitted my application like August 16th.

 

[cmakepeace2013]

Undergraduate University: UC Davis
Degree: Human Development
Cumulative GPA: 3.44
Last 60: 3.8
Prerequisite GPA 3.7-3.8
GRE:
158 Q 161 V, 4.5 W

Applying to: USC, San Jose State, Tennessee State, UIC, UW Madison, St. Augustine San Marcos, Loma Linda, Chatham, Midwestern Glendale Campus, Columbia, University of South Dakota

Work:
-Caregiver for people with developmental disabilities
-Overnight caregiver for newborn twins
-Lead childcare provider for a church nursery
-Recruiting Assistant for UC Davis football
Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
-Member of a sorority, served on the Cabinet for 3 years under various positions
-Member of Order of Omega, an honors fraternity
-Research Assistant in the Human Development department for 2 years
-6 week medical internship in South Africa, observed internal medicine and surgical wards at two different hospitals
-Board member of Club Finance Council for 1 year, a program that distributes grants to student organizations on campus to fund their events
-member of UC David Pep Squad for 1 year

Observation experience:
-52 hours at pediatric outpatient, 40 hours acute care, 40 hours rehabilitative outpatient, 27 hours hand therapy
Total: 159 hours

Misc: CPR/AED certified, made Deans List for three quarters

References:
-an OT I shadowed for three months
-human development professor I was a research assistant for
-mother of a girl with autism that I was a caregiver for

Waitlisted for an interview: Midwestern Glendale (9/29)

 

[kate6144]

Has anybody heard from Temple or Texas Tech UHSC about interviews yet? I submitted both applications a few weeks ago and am starting to get anxious about responses because they both do rolling admissions.
Also, the resume that I uploaded to OTCAS was formatted correctly on word. However, I just noticed that the formatting of my resume's second page under my downloaded application is pretty messed up. All of the wording is still there but the indentations and bullet points are weird, making it kind of hard to read. Has this happened to anybody else? I can't make changes because I already submitted it to OTCAS, but am thinking about emailing the schools a correctly formatted copy.

 

[OTwan14]

Has anybody heard from Temple or Texas Tech UHSC about interviews yet? I submitted both applications a few weeks ago and am starting to get anxious about responses because they both do rolling admissions.
Also, the resume that I uploaded to OTCAS was formatted correctly on word. However, I just noticed that the formatting of my resume's second page under my downloaded application is pretty messed up. All of the wording is still there but the indentations and bullet points are weird, making it kind of hard to read. Has this happened to anybody else? I can't make changes because I already submitted it to OTCAS, but am thinking about emailing the schools a correctly formatted copy.

Hi, I applied to Texas Tech and just got contacted for an interview on 10/10. I got confirmed to come to their onsite interview on Dec. 8. I finished my Otcas app for them on Aug 20.
With the resume, I also had the same problem and fixed it before submitting. I formatted it using tables, undo the borders, and removed my bullet points.

 

[peachessccc3]

Omg! That is awesome! Lol. I have an interview with Midwestern October 24th, so they have started that process and since our stats are similar you might hear something from them!

Good luck on your interview!!!!

 

[therapist2be]

UPDATE #2

Undergraduate University: University of Houston
Degree: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Cumulative GPA: 3.8
OTCAS GPA: 3.78
Prerequisite GPA 3.85 (1 class in progress)
Not applying to any schools that require the GRE

Now applying to: St. Kate’s, UMN (both campuses), D’Youville, Bay Path, WSSU, Davenport, and Brunel University London

Work:
CNA-4+ years, ~ 5,130+ hours

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
Local hospital cancer admin center
School for children with hearing and speech disabilities
Homeless shelter (forgot about this one)

Observation experience (total-109):
- hours acute care
- peds
- orthopedics and hands
- hours inpatient rehab

References:
2 from college profs
1 from OT from the 23 hours acute care
1 from manager

I switched to OT after graduating last year so I'm behind as well. Having a hard time getting some observation hours started but hopefully, I can squeeze it all in soon, and do well enough on the GRE so I won't have to retake it. I also don't have a lot of impressive experience so hopefully, I still get in somewhere.

 

[AustinOT]

Undergraduate University: UT Austin
Degree: Human Development and Family Sciences
Cumulative GPA 4.00
Prerequisite GPA 4.00 (1 class in progress)
GRE: V 169, Q 163, W 5.5

Applying to: UTMB, Texas Tech, Colorado State, Tennessee State, and Mary Baldwin U

Work/Volunteer/Xtra:
-Aide for child with special needs in UT Lab School for 2 years
-Inclusive preschool for 1 year
-8 years working at a camp for children and adults with disabilities; 6 years as lead staff
-Special needs caregiver
-Volunteer internship at inpatient neuro rehab hospital
-research assistant in psych lab (only 1 semester tho)

Observation experience (total- 350ish):
- 270 hours inpatient neuro
- 80 hours pediatric
- 10 hours hand clinic

Misc: BLS

References:
- Former professor who's also supervisor at the lab school
- Camp director who's supervised me at camp for 8 years
- OT from neuro internship

Haven't heard back from anywhere yet, but fingers crossed!

 

[AustinOT]

Hi, I applied to Texas Tech and just got contacted for an interview on 10/10. I got confirmed to come to their onsite interview on Dec. 8. I finished my Otcas app for them on Aug 20.
With the resume, I also had the same problem and fixed it before submitting. I formatted it using tables, undo the borders, and removed my bullet points.

Was there a resume required for Tech or was that for another school? I didn't see any place to submit a resume on OTCAS, so I just want to make sure I didn't forget to submit something! lol

And good luck on your interview!

 

[OTwan14]

Was there a resume required for Tech or was that for another school? I didn't see any place to submit a resume on OTCAS, so I just want to make sure I didn't forget to submit something! lol

And good luck on your interview!

No, Texas Tech does not require it. From all the texas schools that I applied to only TWU asked for it. Thanks btw. And good luck to you as well!

 

[passionateOT]

Major: Psychology B.S.
Overall GPA: 3.924
Prereq GPA: ~3.9 depending
GRE: 162 V, 157 Q, 5.0 AW

Shadowing/Volunteering: 280 hours
-180 hours outpatient pediatric
-30 hours preschool setting
-27 hours Inpatient rehab
-23 hours hand rehab
-20 hours skilled nursing
-currently volunteering in OT psych and a hand clinic

Extracurricular/work/volunteer:
-Dance teacher/ summer camp coordinator
-Research assistant in Psychology lab
-Spanish TA
-Volunteer in dual language pre-school programs
-Part of club for providing art therapy in different settings
-Pre-OT club

LOR:
OTR I shadowed for over 100 hours, Professor (who I TA'd under), advisor

Applying: BU, VCU, NYU, UF, Belmont, UNC Chapel Hill, MUSC, Nova Southeastern

Acceptances:
Rejections:
Interviews: Nova (video), Belmont 11/10, Boston U 12/8

Any feedback is appreciated!

Your stats are absolutely amazing. I am applying to Belmont and Nova Southeastern as well. I am working on Nova's additional application question
(Please describe your career as a doctoral level OT in 5 years from now). But I don't see any guidelines for it. How long was yours? Did you make it into a 5 paragraph essay or just one thorough paragraph?

 

[octher2017]

Your stats are absolutely amazing. I am applying to Belmont and Nova Southeastern as well. I am working on Nova's additional application question
(Please describe your career as a doctoral level OT in 5 years from now). But I don't see any guidelines for it. How long was yours? Did you make it into a 5 paragraph essay or just one thorough paragraph?

Thank you! I'm actually not 100% sure what essay you're talking about? On the original application?

 

[passionateOT]

Thank you! I'm actually not 100% sure what essay you're talking about? On the original application?

Ohh I applied to Nova's OTD hybrid program in Tampa. Is that the one you applied to?

 

[NPULFC]

That makes sense. Thank you! I feel like I probably could take on all those credits but just probably not work at all during that time lol.

Am current student at Carroll U, ask me anything!

 

[Zgroh]

Am current student at Carroll U, ask me anything!

Oh cool! I have a couple questions
When do you hear back from them regarding admissions and such?
How is the curriculum? Is it intensive?
Do you like the program so far?
Thanks!

 

[octher2017]

Ohh I applied to Nova's OTD hybrid program in Tampa. Is that the one you applied to?

Oh! Gotcha! No, I applied to the masters program. Sorry for the confusion!

 

[NPULFC]

Oh cool! I have a couple questions
When do you hear back from them regarding admissions and such?
How is the curriculum? Is it intensive?
Do you like the program so far?
Thanks!

I heard back about a month or so beforehand, it was my second/third choice, first being UIC, but did not get accepted to there off the waitlist. I was accepted to about 3-4 other schools but choose CU due to cost and distance from home.

As for the curriculum it is extremely time consuming in the summer due to the shortened length but it is doable. Then when you are in the normal semester calendar everything feels easy.

In the summer we had either an anatomy or a physiology exam every week on about 4 chapters of material. Anatomy practicals corresponded with the material in lecture so it wasn't bad. The biggest issue was physiology lecture because it was learning the concepts rather than strict memorization for anatomy. In anatomy lab you would just have two hours to study the models for the lab practical. In physiology lab you would just do a lab and have to write a lab report about it every other week.

The program is extremely medical humanities based, which isn't the worst thing, but you will speak about white privilege, social constructs etc a lot.

All in all, I like the program. The professors and the director are great and they understand the struggle especially in the summer semester. I would recommend considering it and applying. I have heard from the first cohort who graduated that at least 3 (only have spoken to 4) have passed their boards.

Any other questions feel free to let me know.

 

[Tryin2bmsOT]

Undergraduate University: Truman State University (2 years) University of Missouri-Kansas City (2 years)
Degree: Bachelors of Health Sciences
Cumulative GPA: 3.35
Prerequisite GPA 3.5-3.7 (depends on school)
GRE: Have not taken. Applied to all schools that do not require GRE.

Work:
-Daycare assistant for 2 summers with children ranging from 4-7, created lesson plans and activities
-Sales associate at a local jewelry store
-Undergraduate research assistant for 2 years in the physiology department A.T. Still University in Kirksville MO

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
-70+ hours at an outpatient rehab facility
-Americorp Member with Jumpstart Children First. 300+ hours going into low income neighborhoods and teaching underprivileged children language and literacy techniques.
-30+ with a program that facilitates activities with men and women with intellectual and physical disabilities

Observation experience:
- 16 Hours Outpatient
- 4 Hours Geriatric
- 9 Hours Pediatric
- 25 Hours Inpatient
- 4 Hours Home Health

Misc: CPR/AED certified, NIH Protecting Human Research Participant certification

References:
- 1 from an OT
- 2 from volunteer coordinators
- 1 from a manager from work experience

Applying to: Allen College, Pacific University, Rockhurst, Cox College, University of Minnesota (both campuses), A.T. Still University, University of the Sciences

Interviews: (So far) Allen College (11-20), A.T. Still University (11-17)
Acceptances: Allen College (12-1)
Rejections: University of the Sciences:/
Waitlisted: Waitlisted for an interview at Rockhurst

 

[Travelling_OT_Hopeful]

UPDATE

Undergraduate University: Penn State
Degree: Biobehavioral Health with honors/minor in Human Development and Family Studies
Cumulative GPA (not completed yet) 3.84
Prerequisite GPA 3.75-3.82 (depends on school)
GRE: Verbal 158 Quant 151 Writing 6.0

Applied to: University of Illinois- Chicago, Temple, Chatham, Salus U, UW-Milwaukee

Acceptances: Salus University, UIC
Interviews: Salus (completed), Chatham (12/2)
Rejections:

Work:
-Daycare assistant for 3 summers with children ranging from 4-7, created lesson plans and activities about health and wellbeing
-Home Health Aide for summer before Senior year/senior year (assists with ADLs, IADLs, transfers, etc.)
-Undergraduate research assistant in Human Development and family studies-- completed projects on Human Centered Design for well being and Behavior Acquisition
-Assistant Manager of Concessions at local baseball stadium

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
- 3 years of volunteering for THON as a committee member (year long fundraiser to support families afflicted with pediatric cancer)
-Campus tour guide and Student Alumni Association Rep (gives tours, works well with others and confident working with all types of people, Executive board member)
-Peer Health Counselor (45 hours a semester of performing fun and interactive health lessons to clubs and greek life organizations on campus, performs health outreach initiatives on campus)
- Community Nutrition and Food Security Club (Vice President)- helped organize food drives for surrounding communities' food banks, organized educational events on campus to inspire and engage students with local food security problems!

Observation experience (total- 143):
- 75 hours in a SNF
- 50 hours in a Rehab Hospital
- 12 hours in home health
- 8 hours in early intervention/pediatrics

Misc: CPR/AED certified, Honors thesis completed in HDFS

References:
- Biobehavioral Health Professor who I completed an honors project with (the project was composed of a lit review + presentation on pain and functioning in late life with emphasis on active living vs life span)
- OT I shadowed with at the SNF for 75 hours
- Supervising teacher at the daycare I work at

 

[OTHannah96]

Thought I would post my stats too!
Undergraduate University: Maryville University of Saint Louis
Degree: Psychology
Cumulative GPA: 3.6
Prerequisite GPA: 3.4-3.5
GRE: 149 V 148 Q 3.5 AW (not retaking unless I do not get in this round)


Applying to: Maryville University, Indiana State University, Midwestern- IL, Northcentral (Unaccredited- :/), St. Ambrose, Adventist, and Davenport University.

Volunteer:
- Variety of volunteering in church for 7+ years, kids with development delays, in senior living centers, Cardinal Glennon, Habitat for Humanity trip, etc.

Work
- Montessori Infant Caregiver for 2 1/2 years (3000+ hours)
- Plus other jobs but just show work experience.

Misc: CPR/AED certified, Deans list for 3 years, Awarded Scholarship, Honor Society, Community Service Club, VP of Pre-OT club, Best Buddies, community outreach class (Opening Minds through Art)

Observation experience:
- 120+ hours in six different settings.

References:
- Montessori daycare director
- OT professor for Community outreach class
- OT I observed in Peds

Acceptances:

Rejections:

Interviews: Indiana State (12/8 Early Admission Interview)

 

[Zgroh]

UPDATE

Undergraduate University: Penn State
Degree: Biobehavioral Health with honors/minor in Human Development and Family Studies
Cumulative GPA (not completed yet) 3.84
Prerequisite GPA 3.75-3.82 (depends on school)
GRE: Verbal 158 Quant 151 Writing 6.0

Applied to: University of Illinois- Chicago, Temple, Chatham, Salus U, UW-Milwaukee

Acceptances: Salus University, UIC
Interviews: Salus (completed), Chatham (12/2)
Rejections:

Work:
-Daycare assistant for 3 summers with children ranging from 4-7, created lesson plans and activities about health and wellbeing
-Home Health Aide for summer before Senior year/senior year (assists with ADLs, IADLs, transfers, etc.)
-Undergraduate research assistant in Human Development and family studies-- completed projects on Human Centered Design for well being and Behavior Acquisition
-Assistant Manager of Concessions at local baseball stadium

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
- 3 years of volunteering for THON as a committee member (year long fundraiser to support families afflicted with pediatric cancer)
-Campus tour guide and Student Alumni Association Rep (gives tours, works well with others and confident working with all types of people, Executive board member)
-Peer Health Counselor (45 hours a semester of performing fun and interactive health lessons to clubs and greek life organizations on campus, performs health outreach initiatives on campus)
- Community Nutrition and Food Security Club (Vice President)- helped organize food drives for surrounding communities' food banks, organized educational events on campus to inspire and engage students with local food security problems!

Observation experience (total- 143):
- 75 hours in a SNF
- 50 hours in a Rehab Hospital
- 12 hours in home health
- 8 hours in early intervention/pediatrics

Misc: CPR/AED certified, Honors thesis completed in HDFS

References:
- Biobehavioral Health Professor who I completed an honors project with (the project was composed of a lit review + presentation on pain and functioning in late life with emphasis on active living vs life span)
- OT I shadowed with at the SNF for 75 hours
- Supervising teacher at the daycare I work at

Thats amazing you already got an acceptance into UIC!!! I plan on waiting till March to hear back from them! Which school are you leaning towards?

 

[SLOSU1010]

Has anyone heard back from Washington University (St. Louis) or University of Pittsburgh about admission into their OTD programs?

 

[passionateOT]

Hi everyone. I can't begin to explain how much This forum helped me prepare for when it was my time to apply. I am happy to share my experience in hopes of helping someone else.

Undergraduate University: University of North Alabama
Degree: Exercise Science
Concentration: Clinical Exercise Physiology
Cumulative GPA (not completed yet): 3.85
Prerequisite GPA (not completed yet): 3.67 (UAB) 3.76 (USA) 3.56 (Belmont) 3.82 (Nova OTD) 3.64 (UF)
GRE: 150 V 154 Q 3.0 AW (I'm awful at writing under pressure)
Tip/Motivation for those that aren't the best at the GRE: I took the GRE in January 2017 after studying (aka cramming) for a month and walked out crying because I did awful. I was so defeated and never thought I would earn a competitive score. I studied more effectively and retook it in September and I WENT UP 12 POINTS. If you struggle with standardized test here are the study materials I used that helped me soooo much.
1. Kaplan GRE book (comes with tons of online full-length practice tests: Taking the GRE is A LOT about the endurance of taking a 4-hour test. The practice test is just like the actual test & it works every single question out for you to review at the end. I did this over and over.
2. VictorPrep Vocab Podcast: OH MY GOODNESS this helped my verbal score soooo much. This is a podcast that I used to listen to every time I was in my car. It is a precious, British man explaining vocab word in such an understandable way. I enjoyed this so much I STILL listen to them. I have come across the words he goes over on the GRE (as well as life).

Shadowing: 6 settings, Total: 233 hours
- Pediatrics (76 hrs)
- Skilled Nursing Facility (16 hrs)
- Outpatient Clinic (102 hrs)
- 2 Acute Care/ Hospitals (14 hrs)
- Locked Psychiatric Hospital (25 hrs)
- & will be doing a 200-hour internship at a pediatric clinic in the spring of 2018 (this went on my application as pending hours & I mentioned in my interview/personal statement)

Volunteer:
I was in a sorority, so we did tons of volunteering in different settings (5Ks, philanthropy events, university events, ect.)
Historian & VP of a minority scholarship group
Special Olympics chair of Human Performance Research Group

Reviewer for the International Journal of Exercise Science

Achievements:

Presider at the ASAHPERD conference
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Gamma Sigma Alpha Alpha Gamma Delta
Dean's List (4 semesters)
The National Society of Leadership and Success
Vanguard Scholarship
Presidential Mentor's Academy Scholarship

Work:
I have been a tumbling instructor/cheer coach for 6 years

Misc:
I am a Mexican female, so I am hoping that being bilingual will give me an edge lol

References:
- 1 from a professor that is also the head of our Exercise Science Department
- 1 from an OT I shadowed nearly all summer
- 1 from a PT

Applying to: University of South Alabama, Nova Southeastern University (OTD), University of Florida, Belmont & UAB.

Interviews: Nova Video Essay (11/27), University of South Alabama (1/19) University of Alabama-Birmingham (1/26)
Rejections: Belmont (received an email saying my application is deferred for future consideration, will update if I hear back from them.
Acceptances: NSU (12/6), UAB (2/2)

Attending: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM!!!!!!!

BEST OF LUCK TO ALL MY FELLOW ASPIRING OTs <3

P.S if you have any questions I will be happy to respond

 

[otd18]

Has anyone heard back from Washington University (St. Louis) or University of Pittsburgh about admission into their OTD programs?

I got into the University of Pittsburgh today!

 

[SLOSU1010]

I got into the University of Pittsburgh today!

That's awesome! Congratulations! I still haven't heard back. I'm not sure if that means I'm denied or deferred, or if they're sending out acceptances at different times.

 

[otd18]

That's awesome! Congratulations! I still haven't heard back. I'm not sure if that means I'm denied or deferred, or if they're sending out acceptances at different times.

Yeah it's rolling and they'll be sending them out for the next couple months at least, so don't worry!

 

[SLOSU1010]

Yeah it's rolling and they'll be sending them out for the next couple months at least, so don't worry!

Awesome thank you! That makes me feel a lot better.