Admission FAQs
- I have taken a specific course, but I am unsure if it meets a specific prerequisite. What should I do?
All WSU OT admission information can be found on the program's admissions page. Please consult the "Questions about prerequisite course equivalencies?" section on this page.
- From whom should I get a recommendation?
You should obtain a recommendation from an OTR, professor/instructor or another health care professional.
- I have submitted my personal statement, references and transcripts to OTCAS. Do I need to submit them with my graduate admissions application too?
Since OTCAS does not share transcripts, you will need to send official transcripts to Graduate Admissions for your supplemental application. Personal statement and references are not required for the Graduate Admission Application regardless of the reminders you may receive from them.
- I am completing courses in the Fall semester, do I need to do anything?
Yes, you will need to include the courses in your Academic transcript information and once the classes are completed in December you will need to complete an Academic Update in OTCAS.
- Can I finish my non-science prerequisite courses in the semester prior to admission to the Spring/Summer semester at WSU?
Only one non-science prerequisite can be in progress for May completion. All other non-science prerequisite courses need to be completed by the end of Fall semester (December) of the previous year.
- How can I tell if my OTCAS application has been verified?
Logging into your OTCAS application and checking the status should provide you with this information.
- Does my bachelor's degree have to be completed before I apply to your program?
You may submit your OTCAS application to the program without having completed the bachelor's degree, as long as you will complete the degree prior to the start of the Occupational Therapy program. Submit any questions to cphsinfo@wayne.edu.
- Do you accept coursework from other colleges or universities?
Yes, we accept undergraduate coursework from all accredited schools and universities for consideration of prerequisite and cumulative GPA. Coursework completed outside of the United States must be evaluated by Wayne State University approved transcript evaluation service, World Education Service. See the college's transcript evaluation guide for more information.
- How do I get an application?
Applications are available in July each year through the Occupational Therapy Central Application Service (OTCAS). The WSU OT program only accepts applications submitted through OTCAS. Additionally, students must submit an online application to the WSU Graduate School. Both applications must be completed and submitted by December 1 in order to be considered for admission to the program.
- When do I complete the WSU Graduate Admission application?
You only complete the WSU Graduate Admission application if you are offered an admission interview.
- I completed my application, it has been verified but I have not heard anything. What do I do?
If it is after the date indicated in the email confirming receipt of your OTCAS application, you have not heard from the OT Admissions Committee and you are sure that your application has been verified, please check your email spam/junk folder for an email sent through OTCAS to the email address provided in your application.
- I have more than one OTR Observation hours form, how do I attach them to the OTCAS application?
Scan in all the forms together and attach as a single PDF. Observation Hours should be attached in the documents section of the WSU OT program section of the application. You can attach them in the general section but all programs you apply to will be able to see the observation hours. It is suggested to upload them in the WSU Documents section.
- I have AP/CLEP credits for some of the prerequisites, how do I submit them?
Original AP/CLEP scores need to be attached to the supplemental Graduate School application in the Test Scores area (Additional Documents). An unofficial copy is sent to cphsinfo@wayne.edu ATTN: Shauna Reevers
- Do I need to complete the optional Supplemental Essay in the OTCAS application?
This essay is optional for applicants with a cumulative GPA under 3.31, more information on this essay can be found in the admission requirements information.
- Where do I find the experiential essay and the supplemental essay?
Both the experiential essay and the supplemental essay are located in the WSU program section of the OTCAS application under the Questions section.
- Do I need to include my personal statement in both the general section of the application and the WSU program section?
Yes, you can copy and paste the text from the text-only word processor to the General section of the application and you can upload the text-only word processor document to the WSU program section of the application.
- How should I prepare if I am invited to an interview?
Visit the websites for the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association to obtain information about the OT profession. Consider why WSU is a good fit for you and why you are a good fit for WSU.
- What kind of student are you looking for? Is there a specific profile?
There is no specific profile. However, we aim for students whose goals are aligned with the mission of our program, having beliefs and actions consistent with professionalism and a passion for healthcare, favorable recommendations, leadership and commitment to community service, and the motivation to study intensively for long hours!