My daughter is UC-material, but there are more majors in her field of choice at CSUs.

Parents Forum
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<p>Not every kid wants to go to a UC. Yes, some choose to go to a Cal State rather than a UC. Some want a smaller school. Some want a location (like Humboldt). Some want a major that a Cal State offers. At some of the Cal States, it is a lot easier to form relationships with professors. Lots of reasons.</p>

<p>As others suggested, encourage her to keep her options open. I know, it can be hard to take when others assume your kid must not be UC material if they aren’t attending a UC (or equivalent). Try not to make that the basis for any college decisions.</p>

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<p>When you get test scores for your D, you will have much more info to go on. For example, USC (mentioned by OP in first post) not only has a great OT major, but they offer very good FinAid for qualifying families (they increased their financial aid 8% this year in times of economic stress!), and they also offer pretty outrageous merit aid to top students. If your D is NMF, she’ll automatically qualify for USC’s Presidential Scholarship, for 1/2 tuition for 4 years. The good news there is she might decide to change majors and there are a lot to choose from–and the scholarship remains.</p>

<p>Bottom line, you and D should research schools that might be in range financially (with good FinAid, merit aid, etc) that have programs she likes, as well as visiting CSUs and UCs, too. She will learn there is more to selecting a college than <em>only</em> the major. I also think Cal Poly LSO is one of the best of the CSU campuses for whole college feel and caliber of student body. If she wasn’t thrilled there… you may want to ask her why?</p>

<p>Best of luck.</p>

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In-state tuition at the UC’s is roughly 2x the tuition at the CSUs. With living expenses thrown in, assuming the student is living away from home, the overall difference in COA is about $6-8000.</p>

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<p>I recently spoke to the mom of a freshman who left Cal Poly SLO this winter, in the middle of freshman year. The student is a Hispanic student who comes from a diverse community. The student was harassed several times by groups of students - cornered in a building, taunted while running on the track, called names. Finally the studnet decided enough was enough and is now happy finishing the year at community college.</p>

<p>I don’t know how typical this experience is, but the mom also said that during the time the student was at Cal Poly (last fall), one of the student residences had a noose and a sign out front saying “No ■■■■■■■” during a party. A school official suggested that this was part of the Halloween decorations and it wasn’t meant to be disrespectful. (See [New</a> Times SLO | Publishing Local News and Entertainment for over 20 years in San Luis Obispo County](<a href=“http://www.newtimesslo.com/news/1267/sowing-hate/]New”>http://www.newtimesslo.com/news/1267/sowing-hate/))</p>

<p>So… Cal Poly has an excellent academic reputation, but it sounds like they have some work to do on a toxic social environment.</p>

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<p>Good ideas. I’ll mention this advice to her. I might just copy and paste your post and let her read it herself. :)</p>

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<p>Historymom said:</p>

<p>The thing about a CSU campus is that it will offer majors broad enough so that even if she decides against the OT route she will be able to find something else she may want to pursue. I would encourage her to apply to both the CSU and UC systems and some privates along the way. In the meantime meeting w/ and observing OTs is a great idea. </p>

<p>Don’t let her paint herself into a corner at this point. What she thinks she wants now and what she will want a year from now can change and often will. My D wanted to be a veterinarian since she was 5 and never wavered until January of this year. She will be attending an LAC and is planning to majorin bio and creative writing and is no longer so sure about the vet thing.</p>

<p>Kids change their minds and options are cool!</p>

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<p>We live on the Central coast of Monterey Bay so I have to agree with your description. We just take it for granted! I have many Swiss-Italian relatives who live or lived in the SL0-Cayucos area and a number have attended Cal Poly throughout the years. My beloved grandmother is in the little cemetary directly across from the ocean in Cayucos. Believe me, I know that this is a very popular school and not all that easy to get into. My husband’s roommate at Stanford in '71-75 was rejected by Cal Poly. But his major was architecture= impacted.</p>

<p>I really hope my D reconsiders putting it on her list, at least. I know that she’s looking more for an “ivy league-looking” school. Sigh. Maybe she feels it’s the more “traditional look” you see in movies. Who knows! Stanford’s architecture didn’t even impress her. Arrrghh. I hope she’ll look past this and stop judging the book by its cover. Of course, we have not visited any campuses except for Stanford yet. Even the drive-through Cal Poly was quick. Didn’t even get out.</p>

<p>Western___had replied:</p>

<p>I just couldn’t let this one pass. My son absolutely fell in love with this place when we visited; he was literally in tears over the possibility of attending. I haven’t come across even one student who didn’t just adore Cal Poly. It’s in a small town with a rural feel and is within minutes of the beach. The central coast of CA is absolutely gorgeous. </p>

<p>89% of students return for their sophomore year. </p>

<p>To each his own, of course, but I did want to let others know that there is another view on this. </p>

<hr>

<p>I had posted:</p>

<p>“Also, we drove through the [Cal Poly SLO] campus last month and she took one look at it and said “NO!” She’s only basing it on how it LOOKS.”</p>

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<p>CountingDown posted:</p>

<p>I have a friend who is an OT (both of my kids used to see her and we became friends over time) and has a pediatrics practice set up in her home. Her basement is her clinic and the place looks like a huge jungle gym. She also works in the school system PT. She worked at another small pediatric OT practice before heading out solo. There are many paths to take! </p>

<p>****This is what I keep hearing. I also see a fair amount of long term job satisfaction. However, I also know that not everyone might experience the same rewards. That’s a given in any career.</p>

<p>Agree that she should shadow and talk to people, throw some UCs on the list, and see what happens. Keep her options open, but realize she may indeed be one of those kids who knows what she wants and how she’s going to get it, and is being financially sensible about hte cost, given that she knows what she wants to do will require a grad degree. </p>

<p>****All good points.</p>

<p>The reality is that a WashU OT degree isn’t going to make her much more money than one from a state university. My SIL’s younger sister is graduating from WashU this month and fully expects to spend another three years in grad school for a MSW. I’ve had a hard time seeing the value-added in the younger sis’s case. </p>

<p>****There’s only one state university here who offers a masters in OT. And it doesn’t have the combined BS/MS degree. In fact, I’m finding that most schools who offer it at ALL are out of state. That includes their state schools at a fraction of the cost—if you’re a resident. But, I understand what you’re saying about WashU or any other school with a big price tag. I just wish there were more schools who offered pre-OT and/or MS/OT in California, period.</p>

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<p>Yes, she still needs to get her test scores. So far, she’s only taken two SAT subject tests—US History and Biology last week. She hasn’t even taken the SAT yet. And she plans to take the ACT. Right now her task at hand is studying for her AP exams (same subjects as above.) So, we’ll definitely have a clearer picture as her test scores come back. I know she plans on taking the SAT twice. It might be that she won’t qualify for much over a CSU, anyway! :slight_smile: Nah…I just can’t see that happening it this point. But nothing surprises me anymore.</p>

<p>More than selecting a school <em>only</em> by the major…she needs to look past the architecture of the buildings. We do need to start visiting CA schools. Again, we didn’t even get out of the car, much less take a formal tour of Cal Poly. She might think differently if she did this. Trouble is, now we’re going to have to wait until summer when the campus is no longer hustling and bustling with students or under construction (as was at Stanford last August.)</p>

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<p>Madbean had posted:</p>

<p>When you get test scores for your D, you will have much more info to go on. For example, USC (mentioned by OP in first post) not only has a great OT major, but they offer very good FinAid for qualifying families (they increased their financial aid 8% this year in times of economic stress!), and they also offer pretty outrageous merit aid to top students. If your D is NMF, she’ll automatically qualify for USC’s Presidential Scholarship, for 1/2 tuition for 4 years. The good news there is she might decide to change majors and there are a lot to choose from–and the scholarship remains.</p>

<p>Bottom line, you and D should research schools that might be in range financially (with good FinAid, merit aid, etc) that have programs she likes, as well as visiting CSUs and UCs, too. She will learn there is more to selecting a college than <em>only</em> the major. I also think Cal Poly LSO is one of the best of the CSU campuses for whole college feel and caliber of student body. If she wasn’t thrilled there… you may want to ask her why?</p>

<p>Best of luck.</p>

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<p>I am a PT, but the paths are very similar:</p>

<p>For OT, I’d definitely go the CSU route. There is really no reason to attend a more costly school to fulfill the prerequisites for admission to an OT program.</p>

<p>However, given the possibility of changing one’s mind about future education/career options, the UCs offer some “bigger” possibilities. The level of research at the UCs tends to be on a much grander scale from what I have seen. However, some of the CSUs (like those mentioned) are definitely attracting a more competitive student body and probably offer an equally stimulating environment ( some others do not, from what I hear).</p>

<p>Obviously, you have an intelligent and motivated kid. The important thing is that she continues to seek out all the great opportunities at the undergrad school and shoots for the top. That will keep the doors open for whatever path she finally chooses.</p>

<p>(Additionally, I have supervised and hired OTs for years and never has there been any discussion about what school the person attended. So, the ‘rank’ of the grad school makes NO difference at all in the real ‘rehab’ world.)</p>

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In that case she should consider UCLA since it has ‘that look’ and in fact is often where movies with college sets are shot, including some that are supposed to be an Ivy. But, it’s not a very good reason to select a particular college (but it’s probably a fairly common one).</p>

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<p>My logical, practical and budget-wise self has to agree with you regarding the pre-OT/health science undergrad classes being fulfilled at any of the CSUs who offer them. Of course, the other side of me who knows how hard she’s worked on her college prep track would still like to see her be accepted to a UC/private school.</p>

<p>Regarding the UCs offering some bigger possibilities if she changed majors, this is where my husband’s reasoning comes in, since he’s been in that exact same place (actually changing careers after a year on the job) and six years of schooling. </p>

<p>You know, now that I think of it, she really hasn’t even thought about many UCs, either! Something about those private schools who offer OT is intriguing to her. Ha! That’s fine as long as the financial aid covers a lot of it! :-)</p>

<p>Thank you for your insight! I’ll share it with her. </p>

<hr>

<p>Post #29—Anothercollegemom had posted:</p>

<p>I am a PT, but the paths are very similar:</p>

<p>For OT, I’d definitely go the CSU route. There is really no reason to attend a more costly school to fulfill the prerequisites for admission to an OT program.</p>

<p>However, given the possibility of changing one’s mind about future education/career options, the UCs offer some “bigger” possibilities. The level of research at the UCs tends to be on a much grander scale from what I have seen. However, some of the CSUs (like those mentioned) are definitely attracting a more competitive student body and probably offer an equally stimulating environment ( some others do not, from what I hear).</p>

<p>Obviously, you have an intelligent and motivated kid. The important thing is that she continues to seek out all the great opportunities at the undergrad school and shoots for the top. That will keep the doors open for whatever path she finally chooses.</p>

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<p>To reinforce what you know in your heart, 3Leashes, you understandably want to brag about your daughter, and to impress other people with her college choice, but that cannot be a factor in her decision. If a college is the right place for her, she should not be deterred by its perceived lack of prestige, and you should not be urging her to go to more prestigious places so you can be more comfortable with your friends.</p>

<p>If she eventually ends up at a CSU, you will get plenty of time to practice saying brightly, “Oh, yes, Cal State Blork is the best place to study occupational therapy. We’re so proud of her. She thought about going to UC Snooty, but she wasn’t impressed with their occupational therapy department/they didn’t even offer occupational therapy. It’s great to have a daughter who knows what she wants and goes and gets it.”</p>

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<p>Just FYI: There is no undergraduate degree in OT from WashU, so it’s no surprise that a WU undergrad would expect to spend another three years in grad school for the MSW in OT. The OT and PT programs at Washu are graduate programs. (WU does not even have kinesiology UG, which is one of the most common paths to OT/PT.}</p>

<p>So…in the case of the younger sis, the “value added” received from the UG degree from Washu would be the well-rounded private UG education others on this thread have been advocating that students undertake before going on to their pre-professional program. Just saying.</p>

<p>To the OP: It’s not unheard of for a high school student to decide early on a career path and shape college decisions around that. My neighbor’s daughter also set her sights on OT as a career and has never wavered. She will graduate this year from what is, imo, one of the top UG programs in this area in the country (the College of Kinesiology at U-Michigan.) She got an UG degree in movement science and will pursue the required graduate OT degree at Washu’s top-ranked program. Set her sights early and is still focused on achieving that goal. </p>

<p>Job shadowing is a great idea, but if that is difficult to accomplish, have D visit the closest college to you that offers a program in kinesiology and see if she can sit in on classes, tour lab facilities, and talk to students. Suggest that she look through the course requirements of these programs on line …in fact have her look at the course outlines for the major at various colleges so she can compare what is offered (at say, CPSLO or CSULB.) Also compare the research and internship opportunities.</p>

<p>After looking closely at the programs she would be immersed in, she may have a change of heart or she may get even more energized about it. She may also be able to see the benefit of choosing the college for the quality of the program it is providing her — which for kinesiology means connections to internships and clinical experience as well as the courses — and not just for how the campus looks. </p>

<p>If finances are a concern, keep in mind that pursuing an OT/PT degree will require graduate school, so getting the UG degree for the least amount of money is not a bad idea. To add to the bragging rights point, think what it would mean to be able to say, “she’s going to CSU… on a full-ride scholarship.” The CSUs could be the best path to an affordable UG kinesiology degree, and with top grades, she could get a scholarship perhaps to a prestigious graduate program ---- the ivy-covered walls kind of place. </p>

<p>Some privates do have UG degrees in kinesiology, such as USC and Rice, but you’d have to be realistic about the costs and her ability to attend may depend on the level of financial and merit aid they offer. Some of the big public Us in other states have terrific kinesiology programs and will pay merit aid to desirable out-of-state students. Arizona, for example. </p>

<p>Some liberal arts colleges offer it as well, such as Occidental in CA and Willamette U in Oregon. Willamette offers more merit aid from what I’ve heard.</p>

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<p>You may want to check out Case Western Reserve University. They have excellent programs in PT/OT and Kinesiology. I know a student who double majors in PT and Cognitive Science and loves it.</p>

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<p>idad</p>

<p>Are you sure about Case Western Reserve? I don’t see them listed at all on the APTAs list of accredited PT education programs. And I don’t find anything there for OT professional education either. </p>

<p>Maybe you are talking about prep courses? Most PT programs are all moving toward the clinical doctorate ( DPT).</p>

<p>Also, when you are in ‘PT school’, that’s all you are doing. It is grueling, and I don’t know anyone who tried to complete and MSPT/MPT/DPT and something else at the same time.</p>

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<p>"The student was harassed several times by groups of students - cornered in a building, taunted while running on the track, called names. Finally the studnet decided enough was enough and is now happy finishing the year at community college.</p>

<p>I don’t know how typical this experience is, but the mom also said that during the time the student was at Cal Poly (last fall), one of the student residences had a noose and a sign out front saying “No ■■■■■■■” during a party."</p>

<p>That’s pretty disturbing to me. Of course, SLO would be a reach for my son, but I wanted him to try. Not sure now.</p>

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<p>Excellent post, Jazzymom. I like what you wrote about your neighbor’s daughter. So, yes, it can be done!</p>

<p>USC actually has this program as one of their options (kinesiology is part of it, of course):</p>

<p>[Occupational</a> Therapy - Programs - Bachelor of Science - Courses](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/schools/ihp/ot/programs/bs/courses/]Occupational”>http://www.usc.edu/schools/ihp/ot/programs/bs/courses/)</p>

<p>[Occupational</a> Therapy - Programs](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/schools/ihp/ot/programs/]Occupational”>http://www.usc.edu/schools/ihp/ot/programs/)</p>

<p>Well, I’ve got food for thought here and I’ll gently pass it on to her. She’s kind of cranky right now studying for AP exams. ;-)</p>

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<p>Jazzymom wrote:</p>

<p>To the OP: It’s not unheard of for a high school student to decide early on a career path and shape college decisions around that. My neighbor’s daughter also set her sights on OT as a career and has never wavered. She will graduate this year from what is, imo, one of the top UG programs in this area in the country (the College of Kinesiology at U-Michigan.) She got an UG degree in movement science and will pursue the required graduate OT degree at Washu’s top-ranked program. Set her sights early and is still focused on achieving that goal. </p>

<p>Job shadowing is a great idea, but if that is difficult to accomplish, have D visit the closest college to you that offers a program in kinesiology and see if she can sit in on classes, tour lab facilities, and talk to students. Suggest that she look through the course requirements of these programs on line …in fact have her look at the course outlines for the major at various colleges so she can compare what is offered (at say, CPSLO or CSULB.) Also compare the research and internship opportunities.</p>

<p>After looking closely at the programs she would be immersed in, she may have a change of heart or she may get even more energized about it. She may also be able to see the benefit of choosing the college for the quality of the program it is providing her — which for kinesiology means connections to internships and clinical experience as well as the courses — and not just for how the campus looks. </p>

<p>If finances are a concern, keep in mind that pursuing an OT/PT degree will require graduate school, so getting the UG degree for the least amount of money is not a bad idea. To add to the bragging rights point, think what it would mean to be able to say, “she’s going to CSU… on a full-ride scholarship.” The CSUs could be the best path to an affordable UG kinesiology degree, and with top grades, she could get a scholarship perhaps to a prestigious graduate program ---- the ivy-covered walls kind of place. </p>

<p>Some privates do have UG degrees in kinesiology, such as USC and Rice, but you’d have to be realistic about the costs and her ability to attend may depend on the level of financial and merit aid they offer. Some of the big public Us in other states have terrific kinesiology programs and will pay merit aid to desirable out-of-state students. Arizona, for example. </p>

<p>Some liberal arts colleges offer it as well, such as Occidental in CA and Willamette U in Oregon. Willamette offers more merit aid from what I’ve heard.</p>

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<p>Well, as an S, I would like to give input in your daughter’s point of view.
I was “encouraged” by my parents to pursue medical school by applying to schools with good biology programs (aka Ivies). The thing is, I hated blood and I hated getting dirty (I always messed up the labs for my science classes). I am clumsy with equipment and lack hand-eye coordination. Hard-core science was not the route I wanted to take.
I had always wanted to become some type of lawyer (largely due to Legally Blonde). As I grew older, I became more interested in management and finance, often incorporating it in my extracurricular activities. I was very good at math (especially statistics, algebra/calculus, and discrete math) and could manage over-the-top projects well, but I was also good at debating and writing thesis papers. I wanted to apply to schools with good finance/management programs with advanced classes in business law, but is also strong in the liberal arts. Even though my parents pressured me to apply to Ivies, Stanford, JHU, and Duke, I told them I will apply only to schools that would fit me (although they did force me to waste money on HY). I didn’t care if the school had prestige or not, just that it would provide me a quality business education with a law bent. Therefore, my list comprised of schools I thought would fit my need. I got into several of my top choices, and will be attending Boston College this fall. I don’t regret not listening to my parents at all.</p>

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<p>If the issue is price, I don’t think that amount of money, $6000-$8000 per year, should keep her away from the UCs if that’s where she ends up wanting to go. The prestige alone negates that factor. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with not liking a campus because you don’t like the way it looks, either. SLO’s a beautiful town, but people have very strong emotional reactions to their college campuses that stay with them for a lifetime. I think a CSU OR a UC would be good for her.</p>

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<p>I haven’t read the whole string but I do have a suggestion … why doesn’t your daughter call the admissions folks for a couple GRAD programs currently of interest for her and ask what undergraduate majors/experiences they prefer. I do not know but I would guess 1) the undergraduate majors they consider beneficial is wider than than your daughter thinks 2) they probably prefer the most rigorous undergraduate experience possible. One topic I would not venture to guess but the admin folks may help you with is … how important is the undergraduate GPA for admission … for example, law school admissions seem to be driven by LSATs and GPAs while B-schools seem to place more emphasis than law schools on the undergraduate school (more of a break for less stellar grades from tougher school).</p>