My D was accepted to both Ithaca and Scranton for OT…any thoughts/opinions as to which program is stronger?
Both tied at #58 in USNews ranking - is she doing the 5 year accelerated program? http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/occupational-therapy-rankings
My guess is that both would have a similar outcome in terms of placement. How does the COA compare with both and do merit awards apply to all 5 years of the program? I have a high school D who is a junior and considering OT so will be interested on what your daughter decides. Good luck!
@my2caligirls Yes, both schools are 5yr MSOT programs. As far as merit scholarships, Scranton is offering for all 5 yrs, while Ithaca is only offering for 4 yrs (Undergrad)…I believe. Still waiting on financial aid to determine COA, but should be reasonably close…at least for first 4 yrs:)
@njstudent2021 congrats on the scholarships - nice to have options. What other 5 yr MSOT programs did she consider? UNH and Towson look interesting but application during freshman year not ideal vs direct entry.
They are peer institutions. If the price is similar, I’d just go with your daughter’s personal preference. Is it possible to re-visit the two schools during an accepted students day or another time – that really helped my S to make his final choice. And congrats.
@my2caligirls The only other school that we were looking at was Quinnipiac. USC would have been the ultimate, but there was no way she would consider going away that far.
Thanks @happy1
Starting to wonder if staying in state for BS, then applying to grad school for OT would be a viable option? Sure its at least another 1-1.5 yrs longer, but thinking overall price may be less? Anyone else consider this route for OT?
IMO there is something nice about knowing you are in a program that will get you through your MS degree if you are sure that you want OT. My D decided late in the game (junior year of college) that she wanted to go for speech therapy and it was stressful going through the application process again for grad school (fortunately things worked out well for her).
@njstudent2021 My D is just a junior but giving serious thought to getting her BS/BA first and then pursuing the MSOT. Many of the combined/accelerated programs are not where she wants to go for undergrad - USC would be the exception but not affordable, especially for 5 - 5 1/2 years. With AP credit and maybe a summer class here and there she would likely complete her undergrad in 3 years followed by the MSOT - pretty much the same timeline as an accelerated program with the benefit a much broader choice of undergrad degree and school. I also think this approach could be far cheaper than the predominant private schools that offer the accelerated program but not sure given merit awards. I do agree with @happy1 that there is a definite benefit to being admitted to an accelerated program and not worrying about MSOT admissions.
@my2caligirls I agree that if your D (or anyone) is unhappy with the college options for the combined programs that it could make sense to pursue OT in a separate grad school. My D loved her undergrad experience and happily things worked out for her for grad school. Fortunately, it seems that the OPs daughter is happy with her two fine choices.
I have a D in her 4th year at Scranton. The school is lovely, proving a supportive atmosphere in which to Learn. We spoke to admissions staff at colleges that do not gave a direct entry program, and even THEY told my D, if you get in , go!
@lwnwawbw I am very pleased to hear that your D is enjoying the OT program at Scranton! It looks like my D will be attending in the fall!!!
My soon-to-be daughter in law is in her 5th year of the OT program at Scranton is absolutely loves it. I have been so impressed with how well-supported she is and the wide variety of choices she has had in choosing her field work.
@jumpermom Great to hear!!! Thanks!!!