Summary: Your GPA does not define the kind of health practitioner you can/will become.
Hello hello! A fun fact about me is that one time I recorded this video about how I got accepted to my OT program despite having a low GPA because I feel my story is relatable to so many people and could help a lot of students! However, I was too shy to upload it for an entire year. LOL. But here we are, up and running on YouTube!
My journey to and through OT school has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride, but like I said in this video, I could not have even put my foot in the waters and made it this far without God. I truly feel called to this career and it still feels so surreal to call myself an occupational therapist (not registered and licensed yet, of course ;)).
The Deets
As promised, here are the points I talked about in the video that go more into detail. For reference, I started OT school in Fall 2019 and graduated Fall 2021 from Delaware State University.
Prerequisites: I had to take 8 prerequisite courses after I graduated from undergrad, two of which I re-took to earn a better grade. Of course, this was a longer, more expensive path. If you are in undergrad and already know you want to pursue OT, I HIGHLY recommend choosing a major that will cover most or all of your future OT program’s prerequisite courses. Look at the grad schools you think you will apply to and choose a major based off of that. This is usually Exercise Science, Psychology, or some other type of health science major.
Essays: In my essays, I explained why my grades/GPA lowered but what I did to improve them by the time I graduated. I didn’t make it a sob story, but I did mention that I went through some personal hardships that I let hurt my grades, and what I did to turn it around and improve my GPA. Some schools require different topics to write about, but I made sure that I mentioned this point!
Volunteer/Shadowing Hours: I did 100 hours at a SNF and ~20 in acute care. I realize I could have had more diverse settings (which I highly suggest) but it’s difficult to do so where I live.
Letters of Recommendation (LOR): I submitted 1 LOR from the OTR that I shadowed at the SNF, and 3 from supervisors from my former jobs (in the video I said 2 but I remembered it was 3! 2 chiropractors and 1 PT). I believe most schools require at least 1 LOR from an OTR, so make sure to build good rapport with your OTs. Make good first impressions and put in effort in helping or asking questions! I also suggest getting a job in healthcare for your other LORs if possible.
Why I chose the schools I applied to/Why I chose not to take the GREs: I chose the schools I applied to based off places I wanted to live/get a job at and schools that did NOT require the GRE. I have never been a good test taker no matter how hard I study, so I did not want to risk having another low score/number on my applications. Funny enough, I wanted to move out of DE but my school was the only school I was accepted into. #Life.
What I did during my gap years/waiting: I worked part-time as a chiropractic assistant/receptionist, and then as an exercise technician, while completing my prereqs part-time at a local community college. I wanted to make sure I took 1-2 classes per semester to focus on those classes and make sure I got As/Bs in them. While this is a MUCH longer process, it helped me in the end, plus I got to save up money for school!
What I would’ve done if I didn’t get accepted the first time:
- More volunteer hours in other settings
- More LORs from OTs
- Redo apps and essays explaining what I did differently during my gap year to better prepare myself for OT school
- Redo low prereq grades if needed
- Continue working in a healthcare setting for experience and $$$
Other application tips: Get involved in research projects, volunteering, clubs, etc… anything related to OT/rehab/disability/health in undergrad and list them in your applications! What did you do/learn/accomplish? Experience serves where grades may be lacking.
**Important note I forgot to mention: While I graduated undergrad with a 2.9, my prereqs made my overall GPA come up to about a 3.3. I am sorry this is such a long video and I tried to make it as simple as possible while covering as much as I could! Please let me know if you have any questions or if you want me to explain anything. You can reach me on here, commenting on the video, or DM me on IG: @domcarrp.
“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.” -Hebrews 6:10
-Dominique
The Uplifting OT 