Graduate School dilemma - opinions needed

[gnargle2988]

I am hoping for some help with an educational situation I am finding myself in. Sorry, it's kind of long!

I just graduated from my undergrad with a bachelors in communications (concentration in interpersonal/organizational/health com). Basically I got the degree because I was unsure of specifically what I wanted to do and thought com would offer me the most options. I have always loved working with kids but never wanted to go the route of teaching. The summer prior to my senior year I had a few experiences that got me involved in occupational and physical therapy. I volunteered at a daycare for children with special needs, working with an OT. I loved the work she did and knew that was the right job for me.

I researched schools and programs and loved Pittsburgh. I also looked into 2 local schools - D'Youville and the University at Buffalo. In the end I chose to only apply to D'Youville and UB because I would be able to stay at home and they did not require the GRE's. I was working full time plus taking summer courses and knew I could not devote enough time to prepare for the GRE's. Well I got into both schools I applied to and chose D'Youville basically because their program would only take 3 years whereas UB's, which is a bachelors/masters program would take 4 years. Now here I am with less than a month until the start of school and I am having second thoughts about my choice. I basically see myself as having three choices and I really have no idea what to do.

I can stick with D'Youville as planned. My main concern is that it is not a good school. It has a good reputation in Buffalo but I do not know what the rest of the country thinks about it. I do know that it was not ranked high on a list of OT schools that I found in my initial research. The benefit is obviously that I can live at home and save money....always a good thing since my work availability decreases drastically next semester.

I can take the GREs and apply to Pittsburgh and a few other schools and begin graduate school in the fall of 2011. I would be able to work full time for the next year and save more money (currently have saved enough to pay for the first year of grad school). I love my job (daycare teacher) but I know that I would probably not last more than a year because most teachers don't (not a great company to work for, but my co-workers and the kids make up for it!!). My biggest concern, or really my parent's biggest concern is that if I take a year off I will loose motivation to go back. I don't feel that way now, and I plan on taking a class each semester at a community college anyways (need to for insurance and because I am a Disney College Program campus rep, need to be enrolled in school to keep my benefits). Oh and most of these programs are only 2 years so I would graduate at the same time I would if I was at D'Youville.

Try to see if they are still accepting enrollments at UB and if I would be able to get into the Fall 2010 program. I was already accepted but I turned down the offer because 4 years for a graduate degree seems like a very long time. Next year would consist of 4 undergrad level classes at UB, 2 each semester. Then I would have three 3 years of the grad program.

If you are still reading this, THANK YOU!!! If you have any opinions please let me know what you think. I am so lost and I can't talk to my parents because they just get angry that I don't want to go to school next year (even though I am paying for this). I know it's because they don't want me to get content with the job I have now because it truly is not what I want to do for the rest of my life. If there are any OTs on the DIS who want to offer an opinion on the better school, I would truly appreciate it. Thank you so much in advance.

 

[Princesspunkin]

I am not an OT, but I do work in the medical field and is a grad student. I have never heard of the Dyouville school. I know the UB and the Pitsburgh school are good. I work for a Childrens hospital in Georgia and we have many people who work here that went to those schools As a professional, I would suggest you go to a school that people know about. Since you do not have any experience to help get you in the door, a reputable school will help you get a job quicker. If you cant get into the UB school for this Fall, I would suggest going to the other school and take classes that you can transfer to the UB or Pittsburg school. That way your money and time will not be wasted. I would also suggest getting a job or voluteer position in a hopsital or clinic that utilize OT and PT. This will help you build up your professionsl references and give you some healthcare experience to put on your resume. My first job in my profession, I got by word of mouth from being a volunteer at the hospital. AS you become acquainted with the medical field, you will find many people in your profession know one another. This will help you get and keep a job if you are good worker.

Just take enough classes to keep your status, I think it is one or two and leave it at that. HTH

Btw. I work at the largest Childens hospital in the country, when you complete school and if you want to move, we would love to have you here.

Dawn

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Two thoughts.

I am a PT and never once applying for a job has anyone cared from which college I got my degree. They never even ask. All they care is that my license is current in the state.

Second, DD graduated college in 2008 with a degree in family studies. She finally found a job teaching a preschool class and worked there for ~1.5 years while deciding what to do with her life. She is now enrolled to start school full time in the full as a graduate student in social work. She took the time to figure out what she wanted by talking to people in those fields. I am glad she didn't go straigh to grad school without having a clear career path.

Also, DS graduated in May and is looking for a job. He may go to grad school in the future but wanted to get into the working world first. Better not to spend the money if you aren't sure.

As long as my kids aren't sitting home being lumps, I don't care if they work or go to school.