4 Tips for Applying to Occupational Therapy Graduate Programs

The application opens in July… Apply by October… Results come out in January… 

First off, I want to validate how stressful it may seem as the occupational therapy application cycle approaches. A lot of nerves may arise regarding what to do, how to start, and what to look out for. Graduate school is tough, but the fact that you’re taking the initiative to seek tips on how to prepare during the application process is a huge step in the right direction!

As a first-generation college student who has applied and been accepted into some of the top programs in occupational therapy, I’ve reflected on things I learned along the way and things I wished I had known before. I also gathered input from some of my colleagues about their experiences, and I would love to share them with you.

Tip #1: Start your OTCAS or other application portals as soon as possible.

OTCAS is the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy programs. Most OT programs use this centralized portal, which allows you to directly send your personal information, academic transcripts, and clinical experiences to accredited programs. OTCAS takes some time to get accustomed to and navigate through, so the earlier you create an account, the better!

Starting your personal statements early allows you to see what requirements your chosen programs need from you and what paperwork or letters of recommendation you need to ask for. You should definitely try to begin your application as early as you can.

For letters of recommendation, I chose one from a previous faculty member (to address my academic skills), an employer/mentor (who can speak to my leadership/work ethic), and an occupational therapist/clinician I shadowed (who can advocate for my clinical abilities).

Tip #2: Aim to submit your applications at least 3-4 weeks before their due date

I understand that procrastination is real, and sometimes life experiences create barriers to submitting your applications early. However, the digital application processing time and technological difficulties can also arise unexpectedly. To be on the safe side, I recommend planning to submit your applications before the due date to avoid unexpected challenges. However most programs should offer grace if the application processing time takes longer than expected. If that happens, reach out to the admissions coordinators of the OT program to explain your situation, that you submitted your application on time, and are just waiting for your information to be processed.

Tip #3: Clarify what you're looking for in OT programs

There are many OT programs out there, but which ones should you apply to? The classic answer is “it depends.” Everyone looks for different qualities in programs – the prestige, geographic location, resources, faculty, tuition, scholarships, cohort size, vision for OT, teaching philosophy, practice or research opportunities, etc. Each program can be a different fit for different people, but I have some points that may help orient you to what program would be the best fit for you!

You may want to choose a program that fits your learning style and interests. Not every “prestigious” school is the right fit. Consider your priorities and interests, such as where you could envision yourself living for the next few years, or if you learn in a more hands-on style. Informational sessions, attending on-campus events, or talking to previous/current students are great ways to get a feel for the program and learn more. Search online if your programs offer informational sessions, reach out to the admissions coordinators, and connect with current OT students on social media or LinkedIn regarding their experiences. People are likely more than happy to offer advice or support, and every bit of information you can get may lead you toward the programs that would be the best fit for you.

I also recommend looking into your program’s faculty and their previous/current research and/or OT practice experiences. Program faculty can be great connections, resources, and mentors to support you through your professional development. In graduate school, connecting with faculty is often easier than in undergrad. Faculty pay more attention to your professional journey in shaping the future leaders of OT.

Regarding the location of the school, think about where YOU want to live for the coming years. Graduate school is more than just learning in the classroom. It’s about learning through the population you might serve near your program and the people you might meet. Some programs have great connections to practice areas where you might want to work in the future. Enjoying where you will be living for the next 1-3 years of your graduate journey will make school a lot better!

Lastly, look into the programs’ curriculum and teaching philosophy. Some programs focus more on the Medical Model of practice, while others focus on the Social Model. Depending on your values as a future clinician, that may be something to consider. Looking at the courses offered can provide you with valuable information about the programs’ teaching philosophy and better set you up to meet your professional goals.

As you’re organizing, create an Excel spreadsheet of the programs you are interested in, including tuition, observation requirements, location, and any supplemental essay requirements and deadlines. This will help you prioritize your programs of interest.

Tip #4: Develop a strong personal statement

Of course, the old adage: “Don’t wait until the last minute to write your essay!” Personally, it was hard for me to start my essay early because of writer’s block and not knowing where to start. However, I have some insight from my personal experiences with writing strong essays.

Your essay should be a snapshot of who you are as an individual, potential student, and future professional. This is your opportunity to highlight your personality and what diverse ideologies or strengths you can contribute to the academic environment, shaping the future profession of occupational therapy. In my opinion, personal statements should not be a simple cut-and-paste from your resume, listing your accomplishments and experiences. Instead, break it into three parts: (1) talk about one specific experience, (2) describe what you learned from that experience and how you navigated it, and (3) how that shaped who you are and your vision for OT. That way, admissions officers who read your application can get a snapshot of your essential skills/characteristics through your personality, thought process, and reflection skills. Some skills that I think are great for OTs to have are: problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, prioritization, interpersonal communication, empathy, compassion, adaptability, patience, and resilience.

There’s no magic number, but before submitting your essay, have around 2-4 people read it. Ideally, choose people with diverse experiences: someone in academia, someone you trust, and maybe a current clinician. I find that having too many people read my essays makes my edits more confusing and complicated, and I might lose my sense of voice and personality. Peer review is definitely important, but be mindful not to overdo it!

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Overall, I understand that this time in your life might seem overwhelming. I want to reassure you that you can do it, and I hope you find these tips helpful! You’re more on your way than you might think, and I wish you the best of luck!