Western OT Successful Applicant Profile

[abby-girl]

Hi!
I was wondering if any successful applicants to the Western OT program would be willing to share their profiles ie. their gpa and experience. I'm really curious to see what Western is looking for especially since they didn't require much for the application process.

Also, I had emailed them regarding the gpa cut-offs and this is what they told me, "The lowest average was 80% (3.5-3.7 GPA)." I'm sitting right at a 3.7 for my sub gpa and I'm unsure of where I stand. Although I am at the higher part of the lowest average, I'm still in the lowest average category. I really feel like it could go either way.

Sorry, this has turned into me venting about my insecurities, but I would really like to know what Western is looking for so that I can have an idea of my chances.

Good luck to everyone!

[Another Joe]

I got into Western OT but I declined about 3 to 4 years ago, my GPA was 3.65 and I feel I had excellent references.

[Physioprospect]

GPA has gone through the roof for western physio not sure if it has for OT as well. Went from being able to get in With a 3.63 a few years ago to a cut off of 3.79 last year. Scared to see what this year brings.

[person14]

3.7 is a lock for Western! Pretty sure they base their offers on GPA!

[JMagic]

I got into Western OT but I declined about 3 to 4 years ago, my GPA was 3.65 and I feel I had excellent references.

Hey what are considered excellent references. I haven't done any ECs yet and wanted to know where to start, and what kind of people should I meet to have nice references?

[Another Joe]

Hey what are considered excellent references. I haven't done any ECs yet and wanted to know where to start, and what kind of people should I meet to have nice references?

You won't actually get to see the reference letters as they as sent directly by your references in a sealed envelope. What I mean by excellent references was that I had great relationships with these professors and volunteer coordinators and I was able to explain to them very articulately about why I wanted to study rehab med.

Imho a personal letter from someone not necessarily related to healthcare that really supports and understands you is far better than a generic letter from some grand poobah in healthcare.

[abby-girl]

Thanks for the reply! I actually just got my ORPAS verification form and I found out my calculated GPA as ORPAS sees it. It was a bit lower than anticipated (a 3.66). Turns out an 85-90% isn't considered a 4.0 (although it is at U of T) in their calculations -- it's a 3.9. Hopefully that doesn't lower my chances too much, but it sure does make me nervous!

[person14]

3.66 is STILL a shoe-in. I believe the cut-off last year was 3.5x (it could have even been 3.4x).

[Monchhichi]

I am just curious to know if Western really looks at GPA. I know they don't require any reference letters. But they look at the personal statement we submit through ORPAS.

I just have difficulties trying to make sense out of this... around 600 applicants for around 60 seats (so only around 1 out of 10 is accepted). I would assume a lot of people have 3.5x or above GPA. At least it can't be only 10% of applicants have 3.5x or above.

If that's the case, it should be just based on GPA?

[person14]

I think it is just GPA! Keep in mind that they accept way more than 60, with the assumption that most people will not accept the offer. A lot of people applying have no intention of going to UWO for OT (they are applying to PT and applied to OT too because it's free, and it's a good back-up plan). So out of the 600 applicant pool, I could easily see them sending offers of admission to at least 100+.

[Monchhichi]

Hey person14, I see. But I saw a document, saying that they accept in average 55 students only. (from this website: www.acotup-acpue.ca/)

But I do agree that many people apply to both PT and OT and even other programs as the same just to have a backup.

Did you apply to OT or PT?

[person14]

I applied to just OT (was one course short of fulfilling PT requirements)...
but OT interests me much more anyways! ;)

I applied to Uoft, UWO, and Queen's