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Occupational THERAPIST
So you want to go to OT school?
The journey to OT school and the path to becoming a OT is not an easy one, however it is rewarding in the end. If you're looking for helpful resources on everything you'll need to know as you move through your undergraduate career, then you've come to the right place. In addition to this resource page, AED has many other useful tools to offer. Feel free to reach out to your allied health chair or AED president for more information.
ACADEMIC REQUIRMENTS
A high GPA is an important aspect of your application for OT school. However, a high GPA alone won't get you in the door. It is important to work hard to keep your GPA up, in addition to taking all required prerequisite courses.
OBSERVATION HOURS
OT schools require that their prospective students gain some health-related experience before applying. This experience is called OT Observation Hours. Most schools require a certain number of hours, and usually they should be paid. For specific numbers, research the number you will need for your specific school(s) that you are applying to. The general rule of thumb is to rack up as many OT Observation Hours as you can before applying, and make sure they are all documented and signed. These hours will help you determine if becoming a OT is right for you. Also, obtaining these hours will show OT schools that you are serious about being a OT; it will show them that you are motivated enough to go out and test your future career. Finally, it will help you in your interviews for OT school. When they ask you certain questions, you will have personal experiences and examples to help you answer certain questions.
GRE
Most schools require their prospective students to take the GRE, the Graduate Record Examination. The GRE is equivalent to the MCAT for medical schools. (Check out the MCAT information located on the "Medical" resource tab) It is a standardized test given to prospective postgraduate school students. It allows OT schools to compare students on a single medium since so many different students from so many different universities and majors apply to OT school. If you know what to study, and how to prepare, the GRE can seem a lot less intimidating.
APPLYING
This seems like something not to fiddle with until you have done the above, but take a few minutes now to understand what admissions committees are looking for. And if you're all set and ready to apply, on behalf of AED, we wish you goodluck!
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