<p>I’m going to be a senior in high school this year and plan to go to UIUC (fingers crossed). After undergrad, I want to go to UIC for Occupational Therapy. UIUC has a pre-Occupational Therapy program so I plan on doing that while being a Creative Writing major. However, I’m concerned that this major will make me less desirable to UIC when it comes time to apply for grad school. Is this true? Should I take a more practical major instead like Biology, Child Development, or Physiology?
Thanks!</p>
<p>I am not an expert in this field by any stretch of the imagination. However, the UIC MS in OT website says any major, I can understand the notion of taking a more practical major. Perhaps you should go to one of UIC’s information sessions and ask them. If not, call them up and ask them the question.</p>
<p>UIC’s Occupational Therapy is very competitive. They have only about 38 seats and receive hundreds of applications a year. You will need to do well in your science pre-reqs and doing volunteer or shadowing an OT will be a good thing. Per their own website, most applicants are some form of science major. <a href=“http://www.ahs.uic.edu/ot/academics/ms/faqs/”>http://www.ahs.uic.edu/ot/academics/ms/faqs/</a></p>
<p>@Nova10 Would child development work or would it have to be something more like biology? I’m also doing a lot of volunteering in pediatric occupational therapy.</p>
<p>I am just telling you the averages. Obviously, each application is unique, but the key is to do well in your pre-reqs. You should contact them for more specific information. Just remember, the College of Applied Health Sciences is on the west campus. </p>
<p>What if, at some point during your four years, you change your mind about OT? Will you still be happy with a Creative Writing degree?</p>
<p>I agree with everyone else’s posts, but I’d also add that you could definitely do a minor in creative writing if you think a science degree would make you more competitive for grad school. That said, a couple things to keep in mind. Firstly, if you do a science degree in order to get into grad school, make sure it is one you like and you don’t feel like you’re suffering through it the whole time or you may give up. Secondly, as AuraObscura mentioned, consider what would happen if you didn’t get into/go to grad school. Would you be happy with the degree you chose? And third, I’d like to add, you may wish to keep your options open. It’s generally bad practice to keep your eye on only one school for one thing, because if you don’t get in, you’re left feeling rejected, confused, and likely without a solid backup plan. Aim for the stars, but be prepared to land on the moon. </p>