MS/C: FAQ

What is the deadline for applying to the MS/C Program?
Our preferred deadline for full consideration is December 1st, and the final deadline is January 1st. Completed applications must be postmarked on or by these dates, or hand delivered to the OT department by these dates.

When will I know if I get admitted?
Students who apply by December 1st will be notified of our decision on or before February 15th. Students who apply earlier than December 1st and who are very strong applicants may be notified in early January. Students who apply after December 1st may be notified later, around March 1st. Students who are considering admission offers from other programs can contact the department after January 15th to check the status of their application and our decision.

What are my chances of getting in?
Each year the size and qualifications of the applicant pool varies, so it is impossible to predict. For Fall 2009, there were 178 applicants and we enrolled 38 students. That included 12 alternates that we admitted later in the spring. It is increasingly competitive to get into UIC's program, so you should present as strong an application as you can, and look into other programs as well. Use the American Occupational Therapy Association's website to learn about other programs.

What is the average GPA for students who were accepted into your program? Average GRE?
For applicants admitted for Fall 2009, the average GPA for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work as well as the prerequisites was about 3.67 on a 4.0 scale. The range was between a 2.93 and a 4.0. The Fall 2009 GRE average score was 1089, the range was from about 800 to 1500. The writing test average was about 4.5 on a 6 point scale. Because the admissions committee considers a number of factors, students with a lower GRE or GPA can get in if they have strong work/volunteer background, strengths in other areas, or valued life experiences.

How can I prepare for the GRE?
There are self-study materials that you receive when you sign up to take the test. Some students who have a history of not doing well on standardized tests opt to take a course. In addition to the courses offered privately, UIC offers a GRE prep course on the weekends that has an excellent reputation. Contact info@getbetterscores.org for more information.

Do you require a set number of hours of volunteer/observation in OT settings as part of the application process?
No, we do NOT require a minimum amount of volunteer hours, but it is strongly recommended that applicants have at least 40 hours of experience with an occupational therapist prior to application. This experience should ideally occur in at least 2 different practice settings, for example, a hospital and a community setting such as a school or outpatient clinic. Completing a larger number of hours and in varied settings does result in your application being evaluated more favorably by the admissions committee but it does not guarantee admission.

Do I need to have a specific major for my bachelor’s degree? What are the most common majors?
You can have a bachelor’s degree in any subject, all majors are considered equally. At UIC, the most common majors are psychology and movement sciences/kinesiology. However, students have a variety of majors in science, community health, social sciences, education, and more.

Can I apply without all my pre-requisites being completed?
You can apply, but the pre-requisites will need to be completed before you enter the program and begin your OT courses. The only pre-requisite you can take after starting the program is the cadaver lab, which can be completed during the summer before you enter the OT program or the spring semester of your first year, concurrent with your other OT courses.

If my prerequisite courses were taken more than 3 years ago, do I need to retake them?
If prerequisites were completed more than 3 years prior to beginning occupational therapy coursework, it is highly recommended that applicants review a current text prior to enrollment so that they have up-to-date knowledge. If prerequisites were completed more than 8 years ago, it is recommended that applicants retake the course(s) or complete an intensive self-study prior to enrollment.

Do I need to take my prerequisites at a four year university? Will I be penalized if I take them at my local community college?
You can take prerequisites at any accredited college or university, including a community college. While we prefer to see students take them at a four year school, we do not penalize students who take them at a community college, as this is often the best option for the student.

Are online courses accepted to meet prerequisite requirements?
Online courses are acceptable if they are completed at an accredited college or university, and if they meet other stated requirements such as number of credits. Lab courses, such as anatomy, cannot be completed solely online.

How do you determine which classes are used to calculate the prerequisite GPA?
The prerequisite GPA is calculated by looking at the courses that most closely match our six prerequisite requirements. Courses that are completed by the end of the fall semester (just after the application deadline) are counted in the prerequisite GPA

If I retake a prerequisite, which grade do you count?
Both grades are averaged into the prerequisite GPA.

What is the cost of tuition? What will the total program cost be?
For 2009-2010, tuition is projected to be $7,458 per semester for Illinois residents and $13,457 for non-residents. The total cost for the MS/C two year program is estimated to be $38,028 for Illinois residents and $68,772 for non-residents.

I am not from Illinois. Can I become an Illinois resident after I am admitted?
To establish residency, a person must reside in Illinois for one year primarily for other than educational purposes. If you are not a resident of Illinois, once you are a student, you cannot qualify for Illinois resident tuition rates. See www.usp.uillinois.edu/residency/residentreg.html

What type of financial aid is available? Are there any scholarships or assistantships made available to OT students?
Information regarding student loans can be obtained from UIC’s Office of Financial Aid at http://www.vcsa.uic.edu by clicking on the Financial Aid link on the left column. Applications are accepted after January 1 and priority is given to those whose applications are received by March 1. Information about different scholarships can be obtained by contacting the Office of Special Scholarship programs (/www.uic.edu/depts/oaa/ssp/) or by doing a general search at www.fastweb.com. A small number of graduate and research assistantship positions are available to qualified OT students. These assistantships provide a small stipend and a partial waiver of tuition and fees for the period of the assistantship and require 10 hour per week of work.

What is the length of the MS/C program? Can I attend part time?
The MS/C program at UIC is a full time, 2 year program only. There is not a part time option.

When are the OT classes offered?
Classes are all offered during the day, typically between 8:30 and 4:30. Some electives are offered in the evening, but regular evening attendance is not required. There are occasionally some class related activities such as visiting community practicum sites that must be completed in the evenings or on a weekend.

What is the size of each OT class?
Most lecture classes have no more than 38 students and labs have about 10-12 students. Discussion labs usually have 10 students with a faculty facilitator.

What are the requirements if I want to simultaneously apply to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program?
Students who are simultaneously applying for the OTD must obtain, follow, and complete the instructions for that program (available at www.ahs.uic.edu/ot/programs/otd.php) in addition to the MS/C requirements. Students simultaneously applying must complete all MS/C materials AND
1. Insure that one of the three letters of recommendation submitted for the MS/C specifically addresses the applicant's potential for doctoral study
2. Provide a personal statement that is specific to the OTD (in addition to the MS/C statement)
3. Submit a curriculum vitae (expanded resume), following the instructions in the OTD section of the website
4. Complete the items of the Occupational Therapy Application Form that are labeled "For OTD Applications Only."

In addition to the MS/C program, how long should it take me to complete my OTD?
Unlike the MS/C, you have an option to attend full or part time for the OTD. The OTD program is about a year to a year in a half addition to the MS/C program for full-time students, depending on if you have already taken electives concurrently with your MS/C courses.

I have more questions. Can I meet with someone for advising?
General information sessions are held the first and third Friday of the month at 2:00 PM, plus one Monday per month at 5:30 PM, call 312/413-0124 to confirm the date of the evening session. Sessions are held at 1919 W. Taylor St., third floor. Individual advising is offered at the end of the general session. You can also email your questions to otdept@uic.edu or call 312/413-0124. In addition, you can request a current student’s contact information for student-related questions. If necessary, individual advising appointments can be scheduled by contacting otdept@uic.edu. Make sure you download all pertinent information and review it before you have an advising meeting.

We want to make sure you have complete information about our program. If you need additional information, please contact us at otdept@uic.edu or call (312) 413-0124.