General Admissions & OTCAS Do I have a chance?

[futureot2524]

Hi everyone,
I am going to graduate in May 2023. I am currently in the process of getting ready for the next cycle of OTCAS to open so I can start applying. I am wondering what y'all's opinions are on my stats and my likeliness of getting into OT school. For reference, I am applying to UTMB, UTW, TTCH, St Augustine, and ACU which are all in Texas.
Cum GPA: 3.17
Pre-req GPA: 3.5-3.7 depending on school
LOR: 1 from OT, 2 from professors, 1 from LVN I worked for, possibly another one
Extracurriculars/volunteer work: special needs VBS, VBS group leader, teaching kids with disabilities how to dance, RISE program which teaches students with disabilities life skills, PSUN at school, Best buddies (e-buddy and on-campus), a baseball league for kids with disabilities, a summer camp for people with special needs, student nurse association through school, and attended things such as Buddy Walk, Special Olympics bowling.
Work experience: CNA for 2 years
Observation hours: currently 70 hours as outpatient pediatrics, 30 at SNF, and going to start hours soon at hand therapy specialists. planning on having at least 150+ hours total at the time of application.
I am also looking for people to proofread my personal statement if anyone can help/ give feedback on anything I would really appreciate it!

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[OThopefully183]

My best advice for you is probably to write one heck of a personal statement and get as much observation hours as you can. My stats weren't the strongest but I think I stood out because I spent a lot of time on my personal statement. Don't give up and good luck!

 

[AFlemingo]

You totally have a chance. I was accepted into 3 schools with a 2.87 GPA. I was even offered a seat in an interview for one of the schools. You have to structure your application around telling short anecdotes about yourself and your clinical experience and why it made you love OT, which will help get you an interview. Once landing some interviews, definitely practice as much as you can and figure out your WHY.

 

[LT65]

I think St Augustine will be your best bet. @ TTU, TWU, and UTMB you are competing against a lot of people that have a much higher CGPA.

 

[bri8421]

Here’s a GroupMe for TEXAS OT Applications/admissions for 22-23 application cycle. Feel free to chat and talk about the upcoming applications.

You're invited to my new group 'Texas OT school application/admission 22-33' on GroupMe. Click here to join: GroupMe

 

[OTR2be]

I think you definitely have a chance! Remember, the admissions committee for each program doesn't only look at GPA or grades, but also community involvement and extracurriculars! They take into account everything about you. And, if the programs you're applying to require an interview, I would definitely stand out there. Your personal statement is also a plus! It gives them a chance to get to know you beyond the application. It looks like you have a strong set of extracurriculars. And you have a variety of experience and background that the admissions committee will consider and see as diverse skill sets that you will bring into the OT world.

I remember feeling nervous as well about whether I was going to get in. I really thought I wasn't capable of getting in anywhere with a 3.0 GPA. I was definitely intimidated by the application process because I was scared I wasn't going to stand out. Now I'm entering my 3rd term of OT school.

You got this! Best of luck to you! Feel free to directly message me if you have any questions! And I am more than happy to proofread your personal statement too! I can send you tips that I wrote the year I was applying to OT school.