<p>I am currently at Umass Amherst, and am looking to do a entry level masters program for occupational therapy. I have done all the research, and am planning on completing all of the pre-reqs before I graduate. I really wanted to be in the city for my grad school, and Ive noticed only Tufts and BU offer the program. I know these are very competitive schools, so I was wondering if any of you know someone who got into this program at one of these schools. Both require a minimum GPA 3.0 which will not be a problem, but I wasn't sure what the average GPA is for getting accepted? Any information would be greatly appreciated!!</p>
<p>What school did you end up going to, Andrea? My daughter will be applying to OT grad programs soon. She’s a senior in undergrad. We visited BU and Tufts last month, as well as NYU and Columbia. She also plans to apply to schools across the U.S. (10 total.) We live in Calif. but she wants to go out of state, preferably in a urban setting. I hear OT is very competitive. Small classes. I’d love to know where you’re going! Message me if want.</p>
<p>2Leashes, my daughter went to an info session at BU last January(which is ranked #2 in the country, BTW). She was told their average GPA was a 3.85 and their median GRE score was on the 85th percentile. That scared her to death because her GPA is a 3.45 and she did not do well on the GRE! They also said they aren’t “all about” numbers and they really care about your interest in OT… but with numbers like that, my daughter didn’t buy it. They also said they had 190 applications for 25 openings last year. This year they are expanding the program and expect to have 40 openings, which frankly isn’t a lot better. She didn’t go to look at Tufts. She will apply to BU only because the woman she shadowed for 2 summers is a BU alum. </p>
<p>She’s really starting to focus on schools that don’t require the GRE. </p>
<p>Good luck to your daughter. This is the career my daughter really wants, and I believe she’d be really good at it - but I don’t know if she’ll get the opportunity to try. :(</p>
<p>Check out Wash U in St. Louis. They are tied with Boston U in the rankings and are the oldest OT program in the nation AND they have a large matriculating class compared to other OT schools (83 spots, I believe). My daughter just started her second year in their MSOT program and loves it.</p>
<p>Thank you Lafalum84 and Southmom. My daughter will be applying to 10 OT Master’s programs across the country. WUSTL is one of them. Having a larger class helps, Southmom! I think St. Louis looks like an awesome city and cheaper cost of living compared to some areas.
She’s busy writing essays and filling out apps. This is an addition to her Senior Project, classes, studying for the GRE, club and sorority…and her on campus job. Stressful days, but it sounds like she has a handle on it. </p>
<p>I’m so glad your daughter is enjoying her program! And, Lafalum84, I know how you’re feeling. My daughter has wanted to be an OT since her sophomore year in high school. And, like your daughter, I know she’ll do wonderfully in this field. Let’s think positive for them!</p>
<p>I chatted with a student in the physical therapy program here at Columbia (similar, but different) and she said that she and many of her classmates had bachelor’s degrees but also went back and got an AS or certificate to be a physical therapist’s assistant, then worked at that for a few years before they applied to the PT program. I asked her if that was true for occupational therapy at Columbia as well - at the time, my sister was interested in being an OT - and she said it was.</p>
<p>Lafalum: My daughter got into Tufts and NYU. Still waiting to hear back from two more schools. Where will your daughter be attending in the fall?</p>
<p>Update: She also got into the University of Washington-Seattle and was wait listed for WashU St. Louis. She already made her decision to attend Tufts so asked to be taken off any wait lists, which also included Thomas Jefferson University. NYU was very intriguing because it’s in the middle of NY. Unfortunately, the cost to live there and attend is prohibitive.
So, she’ll be moving out to Medford, Mass. in August. Where did your daughter decide to attend, Lafalum? </p>
<p>My D will attend Springfield College for her MSOT. </p>
<p>Springfield only accepted 20 out of 160 applicants. D’s denial letter from VCU said they had over 400 applications for 40 openings! </p>