1. Research the OT programs you think you may be interested in.
http://www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Find-School/AccreditEntryLevel/OTMasters.aspx will give you a list of all the accredited MOT programs in the United States.
From there check out the programs' website and dissect it to pieces. I mean really get in there!!
You can also consult websites such as http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/occupational-therapy-rankings?int=493b21, but keep in mind that ranking should NOT be your ultimate decision factor.
You ultimately need to choose a school that best fits your learning style, personality, and goals.
2. Tour the program(s)
You really can't get a good understanding of a program until you visit it first-hand (at least in my opinion). Visiting campuses allows you to explore the location (do you feel safe?, what's available?, what does the housing look like?, are their any housing options available on campus? how clean is the area?, what are the pros and cons? are you likely to have to evacuate because of a hurricane warning?, etc.), allows you to meet the staff (are they nice?, are they down to earth?, are they willing to answer questions?, open door policy?, etc.), meet current students (how do they like it? where are some places they like to go? do they feel like the program is truly preparing them? what are some cons about the program?, etc.), and you get to tour campus (does it feel like home?, do you feel comfortable?, are the facilities legit?, does it make you happy?, or do you have concerns?, etc.).
When you go just don't go through the motions! Pick up brochures, ask questions, get involved!
If you can't tour the program because of say... money, distance, time -- don't fret! You can google the location, look at pictures of the city, crime rates, consult the program's website for pictures, and other what nots. You can also call the admissions office if you have any questions that you need addressed. If you still decide that the program is still in your top choices from your online browsing and you get invited for an interview, they usually give you a tour of their facilities and from there you can do and reflect on all the things I mentioned above.
3. Narrow your selections and meet the pre-requisites
Once you figure out the top 2-6 programs you are interested in, ensure that you are meeting the pre-requisites for each program. Most programs' prerequisites are similar, but there can be differences and you want to make sure you pay particular attention to those differences. **Keeping an organized binder of your potential MOT programs may prove to be helpful**
I will also inform you that some programs require all course pre-requisites to be satisfied before applying, others the Fall semester prior to enrollment, others the Spring semester prior to starting the program, and others have specific courses that need to be taken prior to application and the others can be satisfied by "such and such" date. Make sure you know which category your program(s) fall under.
Some programs require you to take the GRE -- others don't
*Note: If you have to take the GRE I would recommend taking it at least 1 year prior to applying for grad school. You are allowed to take the GRE up to 5 times I think (don't quote me). This will give you enough time to retake the GRE if your first score wasn't too hot. (I don't have any tips for studying for it because I didn't have to take it)
What are the GPA requirements?
*Note: GPA is NOT everything, but it is important. Try your best to keep your GPA up, especially in courses that are pre-reqs for your MOT program. I will inform you, however, that the average GPA for those accepted into MOT programs is at about 3.5. However, if your GPA isn't quite there, don't be discouraged. They really do take into account your entire application...not just your grades. If your program doesn't require the GRE, but will still accept it, you can try taking it to boost up your chances of getting accepted a bit.*
How many observation hours do you need? Is documentation required? Do they provide a form or do you have to figure out your own system?
Here are the pre-requisites I had to meet for Program Z:
English 6 hours Statistics 3 hours Anatomy and Physiology (with lab) 6-8 hours Physics and/or Biomechanics and/or Kinesiology 3 hours Introductory Psychology 3 hours Abnormal Psychology 3 hours Introductory Sociology 3 hours Developmental Psychology (across the lifespan) 3 hours - Bachelors Degree prior to beginning Program
- No GRE Required
- Minimum of 3.0/4.0 GPA
- Minimum of 40 Observation Hours
- 2 Letters of Recommendation (One letter must be completed by an occupational therapist)
- All College Transcripts
4. Make sure your observations are in different settings or focuses
Programs care more about the variety of OT settings you have experienced than the number hours you have obtained. For example, if you observed 200 hours, but they were all in pediatrics, it does not carry as much weight as if you observed 100 hours with a hand therapist, in an outpatient clinic, in a hospital, in a school, in a nursing home, in a pediatric clinic, etc.
Here are some common OT settings/focuses:
- Inpatient
- Outpatient Clinic
- Pediatrics
- Geriatrics
- Home Health
- Hand Therapy
- Schools
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Nursing Homes
Programs want to know that you have thoroughly explored the field and know exactly what you are getting into. They want the students in their program to start and FINISH. Not start, realize it's not what they really wanted or expected and then DROP OUT!
5. Notify your recommenders WELL in advance AND have a back-up!
Be sure to notify your recommenders at least a month before you plan on submitting your application. Not a month before the application deadline, but when you are actually going to submit your application (the sooner the better).
Also, be aware that although some programs have forms available for recommenders to fill out on your behalf and then fax, mail, or email in, at the time of your application, many actually send an online form to your recommenders for them to fill out electronically. That was an issue I ran into. My recommenders went through all the trouble of trying to use PDF programs to enter in their letter and/or check boxes and then when I started my application and filled out my recommenders' information lo and behold...the programs sent them an electronic version. *side eye*.
My recommendation would be to tell your recommenders to just know what boxes they would check and then to type up the recommendation letter in a word document. That way if your program does send them an electronic version they can simply copy and paste and then choose their selections. If the program does not send them an electronic version then they can go through the hassle of trying to type or do whatever to the PDF document, which can be frustrating.
Also, have a back-up! Some people are natural procrastinators and will never get your recommendation letter filled out. If they do not want to act right, even after consistently reminding them, it's best to have a back up person you can ask.
6. Start your application as soon as it opens
Some programs' application process can be quite long and unfortunately you won't know until you get that baby started up. You want to get started on the steps ASAP because they may take awhile...and then dun dun dun you may have an essay question or two to write and that's going to take you more than a while!
7. Have several people and/or professionals review and revise your essay
I'm sure you are a great writer, but trust me when I say that you are going to want a second, third, even fourth opinion. The more people that review, revise, and make suggestions on your essay(s) -- the better!
When I finished my essays I had three different people critique it. I asked my professor, I went to the campus career center, and I went to the writing center last for final touches. Professors have had to write admission essays themselves, campus career centers are exposed to admission essays all the time, and writing centers are filled with people who eat, breathe, and sleep grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and essays.
8. Get your transcripts and/or test scores (if required) sent ASAP!
For many programs processing transcripts and test scores can take several weeks. Thus, it's best to get those bad boys sent and out of the way as soon as you can.
9. Submit your application well before the deadline
The sooner you submit, the better your chances! However, with that being said do NOT rush through the application process because that's just as bad! Instead, start early and work consistently on it!
10. Take a deep breath
Up until this point you have done absolutely everything you possibly could to prepare yourself for admission into the MOT programs of your choice. Trust in your effort and take a DEEP breath!
11. Trust that you will get at least one interview and start preparing
Preparing for interviews can be quite difficult, but the best advice I can give you is to NOT over prepare. You do not want to go into the interview sounding like a robot. Your answers should sound natural.
Starting Points: (you may be asked one, some, or none of these questions, but they are good questions to know the answers to and/or will help you answer others)
Note: PLEASE don't just rely on these questions! This is to just get you started and thinking!
What is OT in your own words?
What experiences have you had that really brought to light for you what OT truly means?
What is the difference between OT and PT?
Why do you want to be an OT? Are you sure?
Why are you interested in Program A, B, C, D? How/why are they a good fit for you?
What have you done to prepare for program A, B, C, D?
Your strengths, weaknesses?
What have you learned from your observation experiences?
Recall a time that you have been critiqued. How did you take it?
How well would you say you work with others? Give an example.
What are current issues that are currently affecting Occupational Therapy as a field?
What questions do you have for program A, B, C, D? (think of at least 3 & then alternatives)
Also, do not think you have to immediately respond to a question. Take a couple of seconds (I'm talking 2-3 seconds, don't get carried way lol) to organize your thoughts and then speak. I typically like to repeat the question quietly to myself so they know I am thinking and not just zoned out lol. I don't know whether they appreciate it or not, i'm just telling you what I do :) Also, show a little personality, but don't scare them!! ha
Starting Points: (you may be asked one, some, or none of these questions, but they are good questions to know the answers to and/or will help you answer others)
Note: PLEASE don't just rely on these questions! This is to just get you started and thinking!
What is OT in your own words?
What experiences have you had that really brought to light for you what OT truly means?
What is the difference between OT and PT?
Why do you want to be an OT? Are you sure?
Why are you interested in Program A, B, C, D? How/why are they a good fit for you?
What have you done to prepare for program A, B, C, D?
Your strengths, weaknesses?
What have you learned from your observation experiences?
Recall a time that you have been critiqued. How did you take it?
How well would you say you work with others? Give an example.
What are current issues that are currently affecting Occupational Therapy as a field?
What questions do you have for program A, B, C, D? (think of at least 3 & then alternatives)
Also, do not think you have to immediately respond to a question. Take a couple of seconds (I'm talking 2-3 seconds, don't get carried way lol) to organize your thoughts and then speak. I typically like to repeat the question quietly to myself so they know I am thinking and not just zoned out lol. I don't know whether they appreciate it or not, i'm just telling you what I do :) Also, show a little personality, but don't scare them!! ha
Email: OTeaTimeBlog@gmail.com
This MOT is required annually for everyone's safety.
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