The University of Toledo

Admission Requirements

University Hall Clock Tower

NOTE:  Due to the sequential nature of the curriculum, matriculation to the OTD degree program occurs FALL SEMESTER ONLY. We begin to review applications each September for Fall admission of the following year. Rolling admissions means that completed applications are evaluated and candidates are accepted into the program beginning in September and continuing until the class is filled. The Occupational Therapy Program admits students for one admission cycle only. Applicants who request deferred admissions must reapply and compete with the new applicant pool.

Admission Criteria—Please note: All application materials are submitted through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System (OTCAS). See below for instructions on how to apply.
The faculty consider the following requirements essential in determining a candidate's potential for success in this program. To be considered for acceptance into the OTD program, a candidate must:

1. Hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA). Degrees in progress will be considered. Official college transcripts are required. Degrees from foreign institutions must be independently evaluated for equivalence to the U.S. baccalaureate, including determination of a U.S. converted GPA.
   
   It is the OTD program policy to use the GPA calculated by OTCAS when calculating admission points. This applies to those who have completed their bachelor’s degrees and to those who have degrees in progress. OTCAS calculates GPAs based on all academic coursework completed. For more information on how OTCAS calculates GPAs, please read the OTCAS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the OTCAS website (www.portal.otcas.org).
   
   We will consider applicants whose undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0 provided 10 semester or 15 quarter credits of graduate level course work have been completed with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
   
   
2. Submit the official results of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), general test, which demonstrates a minimum mean percentile of 33% across the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections. All three areas must be completed. It is essential that the applicant determine the appropriate time to take the GRE so that the official results are received by the College of Graduate Studies in a timely manner. GRE information can be obtained by calling 866.473.4373 or 609.771.7670 or visiting the GRE web site at http://www.gre.org. The UTHSC school code for the GRE is 1845.
   Exceptions:
     - If GPA is 3.5 or greater, the GRE is not required.
     - Applicants who have completed at least 10 semester or 15 quarter graduate school credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0 do not need to take the GRE.
   
   
3. Show completion of, or a plan for completing, the following prerequisites at the College level with a grade of B- or better. 
   • Introductory Biology (3 semester or 4 quarter credits)
   • Human Anatomy and Physiology (6 semester or 8 quarter credits)
   • Introduction to Psychology (3 semester or 4 quarter credits)
   • Abnormal Psychology (3 semester or 4 quarter credits)
   • Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology (3 semester or 4 quarter credits)
   • Competence in Medical Terminology. Must be demonstrated by either 1) course work with a B- or better; or 2) self-study and passing a proficiency test given at the University of Toledo prior to the start of the program.
   • Lifespan Human Development. You may meet this requirement by either 1) obtaining a B- or better in a Lifespan Human Development course (3 semester or 4 quarter credits) that covers human development from birth to death or 2) obtaining a B- or better in both a Child Development (3 semester or 4 quarter credits) course AND a Gerontology/Psychology of Aging course (3 semester or 4 quarter credits).
   
   Candidates must submit a plan for prerequisite completion with their application materials. Official transcripts showing prerequisite completion will be required prior to program matriculation.
   
   
4. Submit three letters of recommendation via OTCAS, each from a person with authority regarding your work and assessing your qualification for graduate education, ability to complete graduate work, and your qualifications for a professional scholarly career. 
   
   
5. Writing Sample: Please see instructions online at https://portal.otcas.org.
   
   
6. Submit OTCAS application and The UT supplemental application as well as OTCAS and UT application fees.

Application Process

The Occupational Therapy Program application process is now in the Occupational Therapy Centralized Admission System (OTCAS).  All materials for application can be found at https://portal.otcas.org.

You must complete the OTCAS online application AND The UT supplemental application before your application is complete.  To find The UT supplemental application link, go to The UT page description on the OTCAS website.

Once these materials are on file, and are judged to meet the specified criteria, a candidate's application will be scored using the following point system:

Application Requirements	Points to Total
OTCAS Online Application	Required Document
College of Graduate Studies Supplemental Application	Required Document
Official Transcripts (all schools attended)	Required Document
Recommendation Letters (3)	Required Document
Prerequisite Completion Plan	Required Document
Undergraduate Grade Point Average	Possible 40 points (official transcripts required)
GRE - Quantitative Section	Possible 15 points (official scores required)
GRE - Analytical Section	Possible 15 points (official scores required)
GRE - Verbal Section	Possible 10 points (official scores required)
Writing Sample	Possible 20 points
	Possible 100 points total

Based upon the total score an applicant receives, two actions by the Admissions Committee are possible:

1.    Automatic Acceptance: Applicants whose total scores meet or exceed the annually adjusted predetermined minimum score for automatic admission will be recommended for immediate admission to the College of Graduate Studies.

Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. In the event that there are more applicants who meet this criteria than there are spaces available, the Admissions Committee will then recommend applicants for seats in the order in which they applied, until the class is filled.

2.    Admission via the Wait List: Applicants whose total scores fall below the annually adjusted predetermined score for automatic admission will be rank ordered and will be notified of their admission status after April 15th. Admission from the ranked wait list will continue until the class is filled.

Candidates who remain on the wait list at the start of Fall semester and who wish to reapply for the next admissions cycle will be required to submit a new OTCAS application and fee. They also need to complete a new UT supplemental application; however, the UT supplemental application fee will be waived if the reapplication is within a year from the previous application. The Admissions Committee encourages those reapplying to strengthen their applications by 1) revising and resubmitting their writing sample; 2) taking or re-taking courses to improve their GPA; and 3) re-taking the GRE, if required. If admission criteria change, the most recent criteria must be met.

Admission Criteria for Provisional Status

An applicant must complete the general admission requirements as specified under “Admission Process”.  An example of a circumstance that may result in a provisional admission is:

1.    An applicant who does not meet the minimum GPA or GRE requirements may be considered for provisional acceptance if the overall application provides evidence that the applicant has potential to succeed in the program. The student must achieve a 3.0 GPA within the first semester to progress in the program.

Please note - Official final transcripts must be provided before Fall registration will be permitted.

Admission Criteria for Contingent Admission

An applicant must complete the general admission requirements specified under “Admission Process”.  Examples of circumstances which may result in a contingent admission and must be fulfilled prior to the term of admission (these may occur singularly or together) are:

1.    An applicant with a bachelor's degree in progress.

2.    An applicant who has any prerequisite courses to complete at the time of application may be admitted with contingent status, with the clear understanding that all remaining prerequisite courses will be completed with a B- or better prior to matriculation in Fall courses.

Please note - Official final transcripts must be provided before Fall registration will be permitted.

Information Sessions

The Admissions Committee invites interested applicants to attend one of the informal information sessions held throughout the year. This is an opportunity to see the campus and ask questions about the OTD Program. Please email us at OccTherapyDoctorate@UToledo.Edu if you would like to schedule a visit.