Applying to an occupational therapy (OT) program is about more than highlighting good grades or an impressive Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score. It is also essential to emphasize your strengths, personal interests, career goals and passion for the field.
This article explores common occupational therapy school application mistakes and how to fix them before hitting submit.
How to Strengthen Your OT School Personal Statement
Common mistake: Limiting your personal statement to academic achievements and grades.
A personal statement is an opportunity to stand out beyond your academic record. Use it to showcase your passion for occupational therapy, how you intend to apply your degree, your future aspirations, and how a career in OT aligns with your personality and values.
What OT Schools Look for in a Personal Statement
Admissions committees want more than a summary of coursework and test scores. They are looking for applicants who understand the profession, demonstrate self-awareness, and can articulate why occupational therapy is the right career path for them.
A strong personal statement shows clarity of purpose, motivation, and alignment between your goals and the realities of the profession.
How to Showcase Your Personality, Goals and Passion for Occupational Therapy
A compelling personal statement highlights your passion for OT in a way that is both professional and personal. Consider addressing questions such as:
- What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in OT, such as witnessing a friend or relative receive occupational therapy and achieve a positive outcome?
- Where do you want to take your OT career in the future? Do you want to teach, work with children, specialize in hand therapy, conduct research, or support older adults managing age-related changes?
- How did your shadowing or observation hours shape your understanding of occupational therapy? Did the experience increase your passion for the field, clarify the rewards and challenges of the profession, or confirm your commitment?
- How do you see yourself succeeding as a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) student? Are you effective at managing time, setting goals, prioritizing tasks, handling stress and balancing a demanding schedule?
- What do you enjoy outside of academics and professional goals? Sharing hobbies and interests can help programs better understand who you are beyond your résumé.
Professional and Soft Skills OT Schools Look For
Your personal statement should also reflect professional and soft skills that support success in graduate school and clinical practice, including:
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Organizational and time management skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Critical-thinking skills
- Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
Why OT Shadowing Experience Matters in the Application Process
Common mistake: Listing the number of shadowing hours completed without reflecting on what you learned about yourself and the profession.
OT shadowing is not simply a requirement to check off. It is an opportunity to explore the realities of clinical practice, confirm your interest in the field, and gain insight into the populations and settings that align with your goals.
What Counts as a High-Value OT Shadowing Experience
Most occupational therapy programs require 20 to 50 hours of observational shadowing. A high-value experience involves more than logging hours. Completing shadowing across a variety of settings allows you to observe how OTs work with different client populations and operate within different care models.
These experiences help you understand not only occupational therapy, but also yourself. They allow you to identify which settings energize you and which may feel less aligned with your interests. This insight strengthens how you discuss your career goals in your application.
How to Reflect on OT Shadowing in Your Personal Statement
Reflecting on your shadowing experience is essential. It helps clarify whether occupational therapy is the right fit and which aspects of the profession genuinely interest you.
You may discover that a specialty you once favored is less appealing than a setting you had not previously considered. Reflection can also reveal challenges you may face and skills you need to develop, such as communication or time management.
In your personal statement, use these reflections to highlight what you learned about occupational therapy and yourself, what sparked your interest, and what you find most rewarding about the profession.
How to Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation for OT School
Common mistake: Choosing recommenders who cannot speak to your strengths or failing to provide enough time for them to write a thoughtful letter.
Letters of recommendation may come from professors, academic advisers, employers or volunteer supervisors. If you developed a strong professional relationship with an occupational therapist during your shadowing experience, that individual can also be an excellent choice.
Who to Ask for Letters of Recommendation for OT School
Choose recommenders who know you well enough to speak meaningfully about your abilities and character. Individuals who worked with you briefly may not be the best option.
Strong choices include instructors who mentored you, employers who understand your work ethic and interpersonal skills, or supervisors who can speak to your problem-solving abilities and professionalism.
When to Ask for OT School Letters of Recommendation
Provide recommenders with ample time to write an effective letter. Strong recommendations highlight both academic and personal strengths and explain why you are a good fit for an occupational therapy program.
Last-minute requests often result in weaker letters that lack depth and specificity.
How OT School Recommendation Letters Are Submitted
Check with admissions offices to confirm whether a specific format or submission method is required. Many programs streamline the process through electronic requests and online submission systems.
Making the process as easy as possible benefits both you and your recommenders.
What Makes a Strong Occupational Therapy School Application
Deciding that a career in occupational therapy is right for you is the first step. Once you have selected a program and are ready to apply, keeping these strategies in mind can help you avoid common mistakes.
A strong personal statement, thoughtful reflection on high-value shadowing experiences, and well-chosen letters of recommendation all work together to showcase your strengths, interests, passion for the field, and potential for success in an occupational therapy program.
