Use the Documents section to upload required and optional documents.
Be sure to proofread and review your documents before you submit the application. Once your application is submitted, you cannot re-upload, update, or edit the document in any way; however, you can upload new documents.
If you find an error after submission that you believe could affect the consideration of your application, we recommend sending a corrected version directly to your program(s).
Add a Document
- Click Add Document.
- Click Choose File.
- Locate and select your file.
- Click Upload This Document.
Note: you are responsible for protecting any sensitive information in the documents you are uploading (for example, your Social Security Number). Use correction fluid or a security redacting marker to cover any sensitive information.
Observation Hours Verification
Some programs require observation hours to be verified by the occupational therapist you shadowed. Check with your programs to determine their requirements. OTCAS does not verify observation hours and will not determine if you met the minimum observation requirements for a specific program.
Personal Statement
Create and upload a personal statement that responds to the following question:
Explain why you selected occupational therapy as a career and how this degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. We invite you to share how your lived experiences (e.g., personal, professional, cultural, etc.) have influenced your interest in pursuing OT.
This essay is an important part of your application and allows you to clearly and effectively express yourself. Do not personalize this essay for a particular program, as it is shared with all your programs.
Requirements
- Keep your topic general: Keep the statement general as this essay is sent to all the programs you apply to. If you plan to only apply to one program, we still strongly recommend keeping your statement general in case you later apply to additional programs. Once you submit your application, the essay cannot be edited or changed.
- Use your own words: Plagiarizing any part of your essay is a violation of the code of conduct and may subject you to sanctions.
Proofreading
Be sure to read over your essay several times to catch any spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc., errors before submitting. Once you submit your application, you cannot edit your essay. If you find an error after submission that you believe could have major effects on your application, we recommend sending a corrected copy directly to the programs you applied to.
