Occupational Therapy: Application Timeline

Applications for occupational therapy opens in mid-July. Most, but not all OT programs, use OTCAS for their application.

Application Timeline

Time Period Milestones
August - December
  • Continue to gain clinical experience
  • Continue other types of involvement such as RSOs and community service
  • Complete prerequisite coursework
  • Identify and develop relationships with potential letter writers
  • Develop personalized preparation plan and timeline for taking the GRE
Winter Break
  • Relax!
  • Continue to gain clinical exposure and community service activities
  • Research schools/programs using the OTCAS directory
  • Visit schools
  • Develop budget for cost of application cycle
January - April
  • Begin writing your personal statement; confirm with letter writers; consider storage for LORs (Interfolio)
  • Register for and take GRE
April - June
  • Attend Health Professions Application Workshops
  • Submit personal statement for review
  • Read the FAQs and instruction manual for your application service
  • Create account in application service for upcoming cycle
  • Apply for fee assistance if applicable
  • Take GRE
July-August
  • Submit OTCAS application
  • Complete secondary/supplemental applications AS THEY COME IN
Fall semester
  • Complete a mock interview at The Career Center
  • Respond to interview offers
  • Continue clinical experience, involvement, and community service activities
  • Consider alternative plans
  • Complete any remaining prerequisite courses
Spring semester
  • Continue to respond to interview offers
  • Consider alternative plans
  • Continue clinical experience, involvement, and community service activities
  • Respond to admissions offers

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Apply to Health Professions School
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FAQ: Applying to Health Professions Programs

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OTCAS Application
Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy

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Health Professions Advising
A 30 minute one-on-one appointment scheduled in advance
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Pre-health advisors will be available to answer your quick questions about classes and more. No appointment necessary. In-person or via phone at 217-333-0820.
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