Traditional Entry to the Occupational Therapy Program

• Admission Application 
  For the traditional post-bachelor’s entry, applicants are required to submit their applications to OTCAS by May 1.
• GPA 
  A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a minimum cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are required.
• Letters of Recommendation 
  Two letters of recommendation are required from the following (personal references are not accepted):
  • A professor, teacher, or academic advisor or a person of your choice, other than a relative or family friend, who can speak objectively about your strengths, such as a work supervisor or employer.
  • A person who can speak to your clinical potential, such as someone who supervised you during an OT-related experience or worked with you in a setting related to health care or populations related to OT.
• OT-Related Experience or Observation Hours 
  A minimum of 30 in-person hours of occupational therapy-related experience or observation is required. We encourage applicants to visit different sites to experience the diversity of the OT practice. Activities such as volunteering as a camp counselor for children with disabilities or working as an aide at an assisted living facility count toward this requirement, as they provide exposure to populations that interface with occupational therapists. It is strongly recommended, but not required, that a portion of the hours include observation with one or more occupational therapists. We also encourage you to supplement these types of experiences with non-traditional OT-related hours, which could include written reflection on books, podcasts, movies, website, and alumni interviews, etc.
• Personal Statement 
  Describe your understanding of occupational therapy and reasons for interest in the profession. It is encouraged that all written personal statements be completed without the assistance of any artificial intelligence tools, since the statement should provide information related to the individual’s personal and professional goals and aspirations as an occupational therapist. In your personal essay, explain why you have chosen occupational therapy as your career path and how obtaining this degree aligns with both your short-term and long-term professional goals. Be sure to discuss how your personal experiences, educational background, and professional development have prepared you to achieve these goals. This essay is a critical part of your application, offering an opportunity to express yourself clearly and effectively.
• Resume 
  Participation and leadership in extracurricular activities, work, research, or other pursuits are considered positive attributes. Submit a resume providing details of work and other related life experience.
• Personal Interview 
  After submitting the application, qualified candidates may be invited for a personal interview. Please note that this program is competitive and not all qualified applicants are invited for an interview. McDaniel alumni who are academically qualified are guaranteed an admission interview if the application is completed by the deadline.
• Criminal Background Check & Other Clearances
  All students who are offered admission are required to have a criminal background check and child abuse clearance. Some clinical sites may require students to be fingerprinted and/or undergo a drug test or other health clearances.

Failure to meet these conditions may result in revocation of the admission offer.