Interview season for grad school is almost here. Reflecting on where I was one year ago, I really don’t miss it. Deciding and applying to graduate school is such a stressful process. I think of it as a bizarre dating game when you want nothing else than to win the other person’s affection. It’s like, “the cute guy behind door number three wants me to do a flip? Okay, I’ll do two. Maybe three because the girl next to me just did a five minute handstand and I must outshine her.” The competition is ridiculous, and Self-doubt and Fear basically set-up camp in your heart until the grueling process is over.
It’s counterintuitive to self-esteem lessons we were all taught in elementary school. I remember my teachers telling us how we are already good enough, and to love yourself because that’s all that matters. That all goes immediately out the window when applying for graduate school. Throughout the application process the words, “Please like me. Please like me. Please like me.” was my prayer on repeat. You’ve done all the prerequisites, finished your shadowing hours, and survived the GRE. You’ve made it this far. You’re almost there. It’s one more check in a very, very important box and then, like magic, you may be accepted.
So here it is. My advice to you. I’ve been there, I know how hard it is. I can still feel some of the residual pain, but it’s all worth it.
- You may not get in. This does not mean you won’t be an amazing OT. It just means that this year was not your year. I ended up applying twice for graduate school. The first time I did a rush job on my application because I decided to apply one month before the deadline (with that said, if you even have the desire to apply just do it. If you don’t get in you’ll still have the experience of going through the application process. But DON’T DO WHAT I DID, give yourself lots of time to finish your application). Next, If you don’t get in, feel free to go through the mourning process. It’s a huge bummer, but it’s not the end of the world. Having a consolation prize is also an excellent way to divert the pain--I ended up getting a dog (not joking). If you don’t get in, plan an awesome trip, or train for that marathon you’ve always wanted to do. Keep yourself busy, and keep going.
Consolation dog for not getting into OT school
(she graduated from obedience school) - If you get an interview invitation you should absolutely prepare. Don’t think that you can just wing it. You have a short amount of time to impress your interviewer(s), know what you want to say and how you want to say it. You cannot anticipate exactly what questions you’ll be asked, but be prepared to answer why you want to be an OT, and be able to define what an OT is. Be true to you, and be genuine. Don’t memorize OT’s responsibilities from the AOTA website, your interviewer will not be impressed. The best way I prepared was practicing in the mirror, everyday, multiple times a day-- granted, I can be a little obsessive.
- Finally, don’t be weirdly competitive with the other students interviewing. No one really cares about your two week trip to Africa to help those kids, everyone’s nerves are on high alert and your boasting will not be warmly accepted. Remember, OT is about collaboration! Trying to put yourself above the other candidates isn’t going to impress anyone. The best thing you can do is be friendly, make small talk, and crack a really good joke to relieve the tension. I interviewed with a girl in my class who is so outgoing and witty. I was so thankful for her on interview day. She made great jokes, got everyone talking, and reduced a lot of stress. For that (Whitney) I’m very very thankful!
All in all, you’ll be fine. Everything will work out how it’s suppose to work out. Be smart, know your stuff. If you get in congrats, but also remember it’s only the beginning-- you still have to pass anatomy and neuro.
The journey never ends.
L
