4 Tips for Your OTCAS Application

Beginning the process of applying for occupational therapy school can be daunting. You may be thinking through how many schools to target and where to submit an application. The good news is that the vast majority of OT programs use a centralized application service called OTCAS. The best advantage of OTCAS is that you can complete one application and submit the details to multiple schools. This will save you a significant amount of time and transcript fees. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you work with OTCAS:

• Understand the Cycle Dates – The OTCAS application opens each calendar year in July and closes in June of the next year. The official dates vary from year to year, and each July to June year is referred to as a cycle. You will be able to carry some details over from one cycle into another, but not everything. Before you invest time to complete the full application, ensure that the information you complete is for the start date you are interested in at the school to which you are applying.
• Include Every Transcript – OTCAS will insist that you submit all transcripts from every school you have attended. For some applicants, this may be a single transcript file, but for many this will include three or four or more transcripts. You should include dual-credit courses you took while in high school and transferred to another school. A common mistake that applicants make is to submit an OTCAS application with only the bachelor’s degree transcript included. Once OTCAS identifies transfer credits, they will return the application and remove it from consideration from any school. You are able to make corrections and resubmit, but having all transcripts included on the initial submission will ensure you hit all your target school application deadlines.
• Check for Multiple Applications for One School – Many OT programs list multiple applications. These applications can be for various versions or levels of OT instruction, different start dates, or even different locations. Be careful with your selections and ensure you are making the correct application. Do not hesitate to contact your target school to inquire if you can submit a single application for multiple options or if each selection requires a different submission.
• Be Proactive – OTCAS is a valuable service that can streamline the application process. With that said, they are processing thousands of applications for OT applicants as well as applicants for many other professions. Sometimes items do slip through the cracks. Monitor your application, and if you do not feel that a document is uploaded in a timely manner or you identify another issue, do not hesitate to contact OTCAS. Another step in being proactive is communicating directly with your target school. OTCAS helps streamline the process but should not replace your direct communication with any institution. Do not hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification.

Best of luck on your application journey, and hopefully these tips allow for a smooth process to begin your occupational therapy career!

To learn more about Huntington University’s doctoral program in occupational therapy, visit huntington.edu/OTD.