Pre-Occupational Therapy | Health Professions Advising | BYU-Idaho

# Pre-Occupational Therapy

Academic Preparation

Extracurricular Preparation

GRE Preparation

Application Preparation

Application Timeline

International Students

Academic Preparation

Extracurricular Preparation

GRE Preparation

Application Preparation

Application Timeline

International Students

Academic Preparation

Extracurricular Preparation

GRE Preparation

Application Preparation

Application Timeline

International Students

## Academic Preparation Overview

Most occupational therapy programs require earning a Bachelor's degree and completing a set of prerequisite classes, which can vary from school to school. OT programs do not have a preference regarding your choice of undergraduate major, so study something you love!

### Required and Recommended Courses

This guide is designed for applying to a range of OT schools. ****It is not a comprehensive list.**** Requirements may vary by school. See a Health Professions Advisor if you have additional class planning questions.

Pre-occupational Therapy School Prerequisites (PDF)

### AP Credits

Check with individual schools to see if they accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits earned in high school towards their prerequisites. AP Credit is acceptable for General Education requirements and other degree requirements.

### Grading Policies

- ****GPA****--OT schools generally look at three GPAs: Overall GPA, Science GPA, and All Other (Non-Science) GPA.

 - Generally, the ****minimum****GPA required for Overall, Science, and all Non-Science is 3.0 but may be higher or lower depending on the school.
 - ****To be most competitive, strive to earn at least a 3.5-3.8 GPA.****
- ****Withdrawals****--W's should be used ****only**** for emergencies, although W's will not affect your GPA.
- ****Repeated/Retaken Courses****--All grades from ****ALL****attempts at a class are counted in your GPA when you apply for OT school. For example, if you take CHEM 105 and earn a D, but retake the course and earn an A, both grades will be factored into your GPA for OT school admission.
- ****CLEP Credit & Correspondence Study****--Not acceptable as part of the pre-OT curriculum
- ****AP Credits****--Generally, students must take coursework beyond introductory classes waived by AP, but may be accepted by individual schools

### Preparing for Letters of Recommendation

When it is time to apply to OT school, you will need 3-5 letters of recommendation. Your letters should support your application by speaking to things such as your academic ability, commitment to service, leadership, teamwork, reliability, and resilience.

****Collecting Letters****

As you prepare to collect your letter of recommendations, it is best to subscribe to a service like Interfolio.com. This allows you to collect all your letters in one place and have them sent to each application service when the application opens up. It is not best to wait until your application opens to obtain your letters of recommendations.

****Types of Letters Needed****

Determine the number and types of evaluators required by each institution. It is common for a school to require 1-2 letters from science professors, 1-2 letters from practicing occupational therapists, or 1 letter from a non-science professor.

****Tips to Get to Know Your Professors/Mentors****

- Visit their office regularly
- Look for mentors, not just letter writers
- Be genuinely interested in those you seek as mentors
- Be humble and gracious
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Share your academic and career goals
- Inquire about their areas of interest and research
- After you have gotten to know professors, ask about further opportunities, e.g., teaching assistantships, individual research projects, etc.

### Helpful Websites and Resources

- AOTA Resources for Students
- Considering an OT Career?

## Extracurricular Preparation Overview

Preparation for OT school involves engaging in experiences that develop and demonstrate skills in communication, leadership, community service, research, and familiarity with the profession. ****What you do with your time helps define who you are on your application.**** OT schools will learn what you care about and who you are through experiences that align with your interests and goals. Keep in mind that activities complement your coursework, but will not compensate for low grades. ****Both are important!****

- Keep a detailed record of all hours and experiences -- document contact information and reflections on each activity. Most students track hours and experiences on an Excel spreadsheet.
- All activities should ****be completed**** during your undergraduate study.
- Complete activities consistently throughout the school year.
- Be intentional and deliberate in planning your experiences so you are prepared to apply when the time comes.

### Observation/Shadowing Hours

Observation hours should be one of your first experiences as a pre-OT student. Observing occupational therapists in action will help you gather the information you need to commit to the profession fully. Shadowing requires professional dress and conduct.

****Competitive applicants shadow at least 2 different occupational therapists and accumulate 75-150 hours of shadowing. For some schools, this can be grouped with patient contact experience, if you work in an OT setting.****

### Community Service

Because you are preparing for a humanitarian profession, it is important to have volunteer experiences that demonstrate a consistent and long-term commitment to serving others in your community. Look for service opportunities with an underserved population, in your community, or on campus. Volunteer activities need not be medically related but should be meaningful to you. Quality of the experience is more important than quantity.

****Competitive applicants complete at least 3 different experiences and gain 200-300 hours of volunteer experience during their undergraduate study--this is in addition to any church service.****

### Leadership Experience

As an occupational therapist, you will be a leader in many ways. Professional schools admit students who have experience making and recognizing the consequences of their decisions. Leadership involves teamwork and builds solid communication skills. Examples of leadership could be mentoring, tutoring, society presidencies, student government, in a job, coaching, or church callings.

****Competitive applicants complete 2 different experiences and gain 50-100 hours. At least half of your hours need to be non-church related.****

### Research Experience

OT schools desire applicants who understand scientific literature, know how research is performed, and can distinguish credible research. Any research, as long as it is hypothesis-based and utilizes the scientific method, can build your experience. As you do research, make sure you understand the hypothesis, the procedure, and your responsibility in the project. You can count research projects done in your courses, you can participate in research through faculty-directed work, or find other research internships nationwide.

****This is not required for OT school, but makes you a more competitive applicant.****

### Patient Exposure

Interacting well with patients is one of the key indicators of a successful future provider. Some OT programs do require contact with patients in an occupational therapy setting. In some cases, these hours can be combined with shadowing hours. It is highly recommended that you check individual school requirements to determine if patient exposure hours and observation/shadowing can be combined, or if they have separate requirements for each area.

****It is highly recommended that you check individual school requirements for OT clinical observation and patient contact hour recommendations.****

### Hobbies

While OT schools do not have requirements for hobbies, they are interested in well-rounded students who know how to balance work with recreation. Hobbies and interests can make your application unique to you.

### "Double-Dipping"

To be competitive, you should strive to meet the requirements in ****each individual area****. One activity should not be counted in two areas. This is called "double-dipping," and makes it appear you are not taking the time to develop yourself fully. While an activity may be both volunteer and leadership, you will list the experience as a single experience on your application--recognizing there may be overlap in some experiences.

### Helpful Websites and Resources

- SDN Guide to getting into Occupation Therapy School
- FAQs on OT Education

## GRE Test Preparation Overview

Most schools require you to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) before you can apply. Check individual program websites to determine if they require the GRE.

### What content does the GRE contain?

The GRE is broken down into three sections:

1. Analytical Writing
2. Verbal Reasoning
3. Quantitative Reasoning

### How is the GRE scored?

****Verbal Reasoning****

- 130-170, in 1 point increments
- 158 or more is generally considered a competitive score

****Quantitative Reasoning****

- 130-170, in 1 point increments
- 159 or more is generally considered a competitive score

****Analytical Writing****

- 0-6, in half-point increments
- 4.5 or more is generally considered a competitive score

### What Classes Should I Complete Before Taking the GRE?

ENG 150, ENG 301, MATH 109 (or MATH 110x and MATH 111), and MATH 221 are all foundational courses to prepare you for the GRE.

### What are the costs associated with taking the GRE?

The GRE costs $220. There may be other fees for extra score reports or rescheduling fees.

The costs for study materials, travel, and the exam can be between $220-$1500, depending on if you choose to self-study or purchase programs and materials.

The GRE Program offers a limited number of GRE Fee Reduction Vouchers on a first-come, first served basis to U.S. citizens or resident aliens who are college seniors or unenrolled college graduates who meet eligibility requirements.

To apply for a GRE Fee Reduction Voucher, students should complete the GRE Fee Reduction Request form (PDF) and follow the instructions on the form regarding submission of materials to ETS. Students should allow up to three weeks for processing and mail delivery.

### How do I register for the GRE?

The GRE® General Test is available at more than 1,000 test centers in more than 160 countries. It is offered as a computer-delivered, meaning you can take it at home, at most locations around the world. To register for the test, view your scores, and access other services, you'll need an ETS account.

The computer-delivered test is offered year round, and you can register online or by phone. How you register may vary depending on where you will test. Register for the computer-delivered test.

### Where do I take the GRE?

View test centers and dates for the GRE General test. For the computer-delivered test, you can also view seat availability, though you won't be able to register without signing into your GRE Account. See Test Centers and Dates.

### How do I prepare for the GRE?

Give yourself one to three months to study for the GRE. Many sources recommend 100-200 hours of test preparation.

Additional ideas to help:

- Take two or three real-time simulated practice tests--this is the best way to most accurately replicate the conditions you will experience on test day.
- Study efficiently by creating a study calendar and focusing extra time on subjects you find difficult.
- Study one subject at a time. By focusing on one subject, you will be able to digest the material quickly and effectively.
- Get into a routine and ensure you continue to sleep and eat well.

There are multiple test prep courses available. When deciding between the courses, consider the following:

- Cost: compare what resources will be available through each test prep course for the expense.
- Location: some test preps are only available online while other test preps will have in-person classes or tutoring available.
- Teaching Style and Structure: Compare the length of the programs, the teaching style, and how the programs are structured.

### Helpful Resources and Websites

- FAQs about the GRE
- Prepare for the GRE
- GRE Test Content and Structure

## Application Process Overview

OT schools admit students once a year in the fall, but applications are submitted about a year before the desired enrollment date. Applications open each year in July for the following year admission. For example, if you apply in July 2025 you will be admitted for Fall 2026.

When you apply depends on when you will complete your degree, complete necessary prerequisite coursework, and successfully take required test (GRE). Timing is sensitive so you want to plan well.

Apply ****early**** in the cycle, but make sure your application is the best it can be. OT school requirements vary from school to school -- ****research schools early for specific information on their requirements.****

Before submitting your application, have people with an unbiased eye go over the ****entire**** application to catch any errors.

### How to Choose the Right Program

When considering attending an OT program, you should know their prospective program's pass rates for the National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). The NBCOT tests an individual's knowledge of different areas of OT practice, clinical reasoning skills, ethics, and professional standards. Passing the NBCOT is required for occupational therapists to practice. High pass rates indicate that the program teaches its students how to learn the material that will be tested.

### OT School Application includes five main components:

1. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
2. Primary Application
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Secondary Applications (not all schools will require Secondary Applications)
5. Interviews

### The Admissions Test

Check school websites to determine if you will need to take the GRE to apply for admission. Most OT schools do require the GRE so plan to take it early.

### Primary Application

Primary Applications are processed through a central processing service and are sent to every school affiliated with that service. The application service for OT school is called OTCAS. ****Please note, not every OT program uses OTCAS for applications. Check admissions websites to determine how to apply to specific programs.****

OTCAS opens online in July and can be submitted as soon as completed. It is important to apply early!

****READ ALL INSTRUCTION MANUALS AND DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY!****

****OTCAS requires:****

- Your GRE score
- A list of all college classes taken, as well as official transcripts from each college where you have earned credit
- A list and descriptions of your activities since graduating from high school
- A Personal Statement
- Letters of Recommendation
- Observation Hours

****NOTE: To help us advise other students, we would appreciate it if you would release your statistical information from your applications to the Health Professions Advisor when prompted. This information will always be kept confidential.****

### Personal Statement

Your personal statement is a very important piece of your application and should be given a high degree of attention in the process. You can begin creating your first draft at any time, but serious work should be done a few months before applying.

Get feedback! Have 3 or 4 people you can trust to be honest with you (professor, parent, advisor, etc.) read your essay and offer feedback. Give yourself plenty of time to make revisions.

A great personal statement will answer the following:

- Motivation - Why occupational therapy? Why occupational therapy over another helping profession?
- Capacity - How have you prepared to become an occupational therapist?
- Fit - What makes you a good fit for the profession?
- Vision - What impact do you wish to make?

****GENERAL PERSONAL STATEMENT DOs AND DONTs****

DO answer the question posed by OTCAS.

DO concentrate more on actual experiences rather than speculation about future accomplishments.

DO focus more on what you can **give** rather than on what you can **get** by becoming an occupational therapist.

DO "show" more than "tell."

DO limit the number of "I" statements you use.

DO share your background if it is appropriate.

DO describe meaningful experiences.

DO pay careful attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

DO pay attention to the character count (7500).

DO NOT use the "I want to help people" theme if possible.

DO NOT devote too much space writing about other people (family, patients, an OT you know).

DO NOT summarize or merely repeat what is on the activity list on your primary application.

DO NOT use overly flowery language.

DO NOT assume everyone knows what you know.

DO NOT try to make jokes.

DO NOT use a foreign language.

DO NOT begin your essay with a quote.

### Letters of Recommendation

OTCAS has a service that allows your letter writers to upload your letters directly to the application and have them distributed to all schools to which you have applied.

Requirements for letters vary between schools, so research schools **early** and know what you need.

If the school you are applying to does not use OTCAS, check with their admissions webpage about how to submit letters of recommendation.

****Requesting Letters of Recommendation****

- Ask if potential writers feel capable of writing a STRONG letter. If anyone is hesitant, you should probably try someone else.
- Ask if recommenders would welcome any written background material. You could include a brief biographical sketch or resume, your interests and activities, career goals, and motivation toward your intended profession.
- Always give recommenders ample time -- two to three weeks at a minimum.
- Follow-up with your letter writers and be sure to send thank you notes.

### Secondary Applications

Some OT schools will require a Secondary Application. These are specific to each school, and vary in length and structure, but often require one or more additional essays, or ask you to list certain experiences in a specific format. ****FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY.****

Some schools send Secondary Applications to every student who submitted a Primary Application. Other schools will screen Primary Applications first and only send Secondary Applications to students who are under consideration for admission.

Secondary Applications usually have a fee attached, so it is a good idea to re-evaluate your list of schools at this point. If you have changed your mind about applying to a school, you do not have to complete their Secondary Application.

Make sue you promptly return your Secondary Applications with well-written, thoughtful, and professional responses.

### Interviews

The final stage of the application process is the interview. If you receive an invitation for an interview, that is an indication that a school has decided that you are a qualified applicant and they want to get to know you better. Some OT schools hold "interview days" where they bring in a group of applicants for a day that may consist of some or all of the following: Interviews, lunch, school tour, and opportunities to meet students and faculty. Remember, ****the entire day is the interview****, not just those times when you are in a formal meeting. Be on your best professional behavior all day!

Interviews can take many forms, so it is essential to research your schools and be prepared. A Health Professions Advisor can help you with preparing tips and practicing your interviewing skills.

The most common types of interviews are:

- One one one interview--Usually one or two 20-30 minutes interviews
- Multiple Mini Inverview(MMI)--7-10 rooms with a different prompt or scenario posted on the door. You are typically given 2 minutes to think about the prompt before entering a room, and 5-8 minutes to respond to the question. Additional questions or a role play situation could be part of the interview.
- Group interview--Either one applicant interviewed by several interviewers, or a group of applicants interviewed by one or more interviewer.
- Zoom Interview--More schools are implementing video interviews. Before the interview, applicants are sent a link to a site like Zoom, Teams, HireVue, etc., where they will be asked to provide a timed video or written response to questions.

### Helpful Resources and Websites

- Find an Accredited School

## Application Timeline Overview

- Applications are submitted about 12 months before the desired enrollment date. Applications can be submitted in July for the following year.
- It is helpful to create a timeline for yourself when applying to OT school. Having an academic plan, a plan to complete extra-curricular activities, and a plan for test preparation all contribute to your timeline.

### Preparing to Apply

- Talk to the potential writers of your Letters of Recommendation. Give them plenty of time to write the letters.
- Continue with your volunteer, shadowing, or research activities until you have received an acceptance letter from an OT school. ****Do not stop these activities until you have an official offer of admission.**** It may take more than one application cycle to gain admission, so you need to be continually improving your application until you do.
- Prepare for and take the GRE- Register for and take it by the end of June in the year you submit your application.
- Always confirm school-specific requirements by checking each school's website directly.
- Continue to save money for the application process.

Occupational Therapy School Application Timeline (PDF)

View PDF

## International Students Overview

International students are students who are not green card holders or permanent residents. A permanent resident is generally considered the same as a US resident for application purposes.

International students not holding a green card can be accepted to some US occupational therapy schools.

If an international student is accepted, schools have policies that may require a student to show evidence of their capacity to pay tuition above and beyond the INS requirements for an I20. Some schools may expect the student to ****pre-pay**** tuition for the entire three years or create an escrow account for these funds. Some institutions will accept loans co-signed by a US citizen.

International students do not qualify for Federal Financial Aid, but a few institutions may provide merit scholarships.

### Research Schools and Plan Accordingly

Each school is different, and it is imperative that you check individual admissions websites to view policies regarding international applicants, coursework requirements, financial requirements, etc.

### Create a Financial Plan for Occupational Therapy School

OT school is an expensive endeavor. ****The average cost of attending a 3-year program can range from $50,000 to $125,000. International non-resident students do not qualify for Federal Financial Aid,**** so consider alternate options. For instance, some institutions offer ****school-specific loan programs.**** Additionally, some major banks offer ****private student loans**** to international applicants, but you would need to have a co-signer who is a citizen of the US.

The key is to evaluate the available options and have a plan in place before starting school.

### Most Important, Make Yourself a Competitive Applicant

This really is the key to the whole process. ****When you apply, it is imperative there are no gaps in your application.****