Wow thanks so much for this !! This helps break down everything alot more clearly! Quick question, I am now completing my observational hours, does OTCAS have a direct form I can print out where my OT can sign my daily completed hours? So far I have had her sign me off on a printed PDF log sheet I found online but they are now asking for something directly linked from school. How did you go about logging in your hours and that whole situation? Thanks in advance!
Hi, friend! As far as a direct form from OTCAS, no I don't believe there is. I personally only used the forms provided by the clinics I volunteered at and there wasn't a problem. If your clinic is having a problem signing, try to find out what specifics they'd like on the form? I'm assuming if it's a blank pdf they want to know where the hours are going. Perhaps, including a title like OTCAS HOURS may help? The only school logs I've seen are from specific programs themselves. If a program/school requires their own logs they'll usually have it on their websites (: HOPE THAT HELPED!
If you don't mind me asking, I see that you've applied to many programs instead of putting all your eggs in one basket. Around how much did all that cost you? And out of all the programs you applied to, how many did you get accepted into? Thanks this has been very helpful
Hi Rebeca! Unfortunately I don't have an exact number with all of the OTCAS, supplemental application, and processing fees. I do know that it wasn't cheap :/ If you're looking to apply to programs on a budget, i'd suggest taking a look at their previous cohort stats to see if you'd be a competitive applicant first! Also look for schools with multiple campuses to increase your odds. I applied to a total of 7 programs (5 in state, 2 out of state), invited to interview at 6, accepted into 4. For more specific questions don't hesitate to reach out: Hope this helped! :) Instagram: @ausomelifeofficial Email: ausomelifeofficial@gmail.com
Erika Hernandez uff wow I’m so anxious but excited to apply!! (Still have 1 year to get my Bachelors) I’ve filled out the basic personal info of my OTCAS, but I’ll be sure to send you an email 🙏🏼😩
Hi I have a question about adding observation hours vs experiences. On OTCAS they say to list any volunteer or observation work with OT's on the "Internships and Clinical Experiences" section, but I also think it should be added to the observations tab as well. Did you put all of your OT observation/volunteer hours in only one section or more than one section? I hope that made sense lol Thank you for your videos they are really helping me out!
I had that same question!! I am only going to list my biggest observation setting in experiences tab--- how many experiences are you listing? Is it supposed to be like a few or closer to 15..??
@@sarahelizatunick5733 I say if its relevant experience, list it! But make it worth while as well. As in prioritize the ones you spent the most time in first, opposed to the ones that are the least amount of hours.
@@erikahernandez9567 Thank you! Yes for sure - like I took an instructor job for one day to use for my application but now it doesn't seem relevant. It is taking me a while to write my paragraph descriptions for each experience. Do most people go so in depth writing in this section?
Am I supposed to send or mail OTCAS my transcript in some way? I'm confused about the check status tab. I completed the transcript entry form. Why is it saying my transcripts have "not arrived"?
Thanks for the video! I wanted to know if the transcript verification and the actual application submission are two different processes? If I decide to do the professional transcript entry, do I have to have everything on my application completed & ready to be sent to a school? (Experiences, Evaluations, etc.) Or, can i just have OTCAS verify my academic history, and then I can continue filling out the rest of my application?
Do you have to apply through OTCAS or can you apply through the school of your choice? The school I am interested in has a different application process, wasn't sure if I had to apply through both the school and OTCAS. Or can I apply just through the school's website! Thank you!
Hi Erika! Thank you so much for this really informative video. I have a question about the evaluation letters- if you're applying to multiple programs, should you ask your evaluators to address each program directly/ do you need them to submit multiple letters?.. Thanks!
@@erikahernandez9567 Hi again Erika! So I'm a bit confused on how early you should send your application in in order for it to be processed by OTCAS in time. I made the mistake of asking for rec letters to be completed by Oct 1st, not recognizing that one of the programs I'm applying to actually has a deadline of Oct 1. I can always ask them to submit it a bit earlier. But should the evaluations be completed weeks before the deadline or can it be submitted the day of?... Thanks!
I tried not to include many high school experiences. I only included relevant ones that may have strengthen my overall application. (ex. my magnet program that lead me to a career in healthcare then into OT) Just be sure it's relevant!
How long did it take for OTCAS to accept/post your transcripts? I’m totally stressing because I’ve sent my app off two weeks before the due date but I totally didn’t see this step on my application, i sent off my transcripts over two weeks ago and they still haven’t be posted on OTCAS.
Hi Alex! Usually OTCAS is pretty good about getting everyone through by the due date and you seem to have submitted it with good time for processing. The longest i've waited was about 8 business days .
Erika Hernandez okay thank you and one other question. I’m not sure how to classify my hours from working as an inpatient rehab tech, since I work with PT’s and OT’s? I have a whole log of all my hours/ days I’ve worked but idk if I should just have an OT sign off on then or my Director and what OTCAS category to put them ??
I’d suggest getting an OT to sign off if I’m assuming you’re applying to OT school. Most programs require you to have a certain # or hours under an OT specifically. So that option would be best for you to receive credit for those hours! Hours can be put in both the observation hour section and volunteer section depending on if they were employed hours or volunteered!
Thank you so much for making this video. I'm applying for the first time this year.
Sarieni Vasquez Yay! I’m glad you find this video helpful. GOODLUCK THIS YEAR!!!
Did you enter observation under experiences too? Thanks for these videos they are saving my life
Wow thanks so much for this !! This helps break down everything alot more clearly! Quick question, I am now completing my observational hours, does OTCAS have a direct form I can print out where my OT can sign my daily completed hours? So far I have had her sign me off on a printed PDF log sheet I found online but they are now asking for something directly linked from school. How did you go about logging in your hours and that whole situation? Thanks in advance!
Hi, friend! As far as a direct form from OTCAS, no I don't believe there is. I personally only used the forms provided by the clinics I volunteered at and there wasn't a problem. If your clinic is having a problem signing, try to find out what specifics they'd like on the form? I'm assuming if it's a blank pdf they want to know where the hours are going. Perhaps, including a title like OTCAS HOURS may help?
The only school logs I've seen are from specific programs themselves. If a program/school requires their own logs they'll usually have it on their websites (: HOPE THAT HELPED!
Do you know what you would put in if you were still working on one of prerequisites while applying?
If you don't mind me asking, I see that you've applied to many programs instead of putting all your eggs in one basket. Around how much did all that cost you? And out of all the programs you applied to, how many did you get accepted into? Thanks this has been very helpful
Hi Rebeca! Unfortunately I don't have an exact number with all of the OTCAS, supplemental application, and processing fees. I do know that it wasn't cheap :/ If you're looking to apply to programs on a budget, i'd suggest taking a look at their previous cohort stats to see if you'd be a competitive applicant first! Also look for schools with multiple campuses to increase your odds.
I applied to a total of 7 programs (5 in state, 2 out of state), invited to interview at 6, accepted into 4.
For more specific questions don't hesitate to reach out: Hope this helped! :)
Instagram: @ausomelifeofficial
Email: ausomelifeofficial@gmail.com
Erika Hernandez uff wow I’m so anxious but excited to apply!! (Still have 1 year to get my Bachelors) I’ve filled out the basic personal info of my OTCAS, but I’ll be sure to send you an email 🙏🏼😩
Hi I have a question about adding observation hours vs experiences. On OTCAS they say to list any volunteer or observation work with OT's on the "Internships and Clinical Experiences" section, but I also think it should be added to the observations tab as well. Did you put all of your OT observation/volunteer hours in only one section or more than one section?
I hope that made sense lol
Thank you for your videos they are really helping me out!
legreenradio I listed them in both sections (:
I had that same question!! I am only going to list my biggest observation setting in experiences tab--- how many experiences are you listing? Is it supposed to be like a few or closer to 15..??
@@sarahelizatunick5733 I say if its relevant experience, list it! But make it worth while as well. As in prioritize the ones you spent the most time in first, opposed to the ones that are the least amount of hours.
@@erikahernandez9567 Thank you! Yes for sure - like I took an instructor job for one day to use for my application but now it doesn't seem relevant. It is taking me a while to write my paragraph descriptions for each experience. Do most people go so in depth writing in this section?
Am I supposed to send or mail OTCAS my transcript in some way? I'm confused about the check status tab. I completed the transcript entry form. Why is it saying my transcripts have "not arrived"?
clothe246 YES!!! You must send your transcripts to OTCAS!!!
clothe246 The address is in the description box of this video. (:
I also have a transcript link there as well, if you have other transcript questions.
Thanks for the video! I wanted to know if the transcript verification and the actual application submission are two different processes? If I decide to do the professional transcript entry, do I have to have everything on my application completed & ready to be sent to a school? (Experiences, Evaluations, etc.) Or, can i just have OTCAS verify my academic history, and then I can continue filling out the rest of my application?
Do you have to apply through OTCAS or can you apply through the school of your choice? The school I am interested in has a different application process, wasn't sure if I had to apply through both the school and OTCAS. Or can I apply just through the school's website! Thank you!
Hi Erika! Thank you so much for this really informative video. I have a question about the evaluation letters- if you're applying to multiple programs, should you ask your evaluators to address each program directly/ do you need them to submit multiple letters?.. Thanks!
Hi Safiyah, great question!
It’s usually good if your evaluators just address the program(s) in general instead of each specific.
Hope this helps 😊
Erika Hernandez yes that’s super helpful! I really really appreciate it Erika. 🌸
@@erikahernandez9567 Hi again Erika! So I'm a bit confused on how early you should send your application in in order for it to be processed by OTCAS in time. I made the mistake of asking for rec letters to be completed by Oct 1st, not recognizing that one of the programs I'm applying to actually has a deadline of Oct 1. I can always ask them to submit it a bit earlier. But should the evaluations be completed weeks before the deadline or can it be submitted the day of?... Thanks!
you are a saint
I got into nova in ft Lauderdale thanks for all the help couldn’t have done it with out you.
For the experience tab, is that just for college and beyond? Did you include experiences from high school?
I tried not to include many high school experiences. I only included relevant ones that may have strengthen my overall application. (ex. my magnet program that lead me to a career in healthcare then into OT)
Just be sure it's relevant!
@@erikahernandez9567 Okay, thank you so much Erika!
How long did it take for OTCAS to accept/post your transcripts? I’m totally stressing because I’ve sent my app off two weeks before the due date but I totally didn’t see this step on my application, i sent off my transcripts over two weeks ago and they still haven’t be posted on OTCAS.
Hi Alex! Usually OTCAS is pretty good about getting everyone through by the due date and you seem to have submitted it with good time for processing. The longest i've waited was about 8 business days .
Erika Hernandez thank you!! I was freaking out, but I actually just received a phone call for an interview!!!
@@alexraines1580 That's amazing! Sending all the positive vibes your way! Please keep me updated.
Did you have to enter your entire transcript or just the pre reqs ??
I believe it is your whole transcript!
Erika Hernandez okay thank you and one other question. I’m not sure how to classify my hours from working as an inpatient rehab tech, since I work with PT’s and OT’s? I have a whole log of all my hours/ days I’ve worked but idk if I should just have an OT sign off on then or my Director and what OTCAS category to put them ??
I’d suggest getting an OT to sign off if I’m assuming you’re applying to OT school. Most programs require you to have a certain # or hours under an OT specifically. So that option would be best for you to receive credit for those hours!
Hours can be put in both the observation hour section and volunteer section depending on if they were employed hours or volunteered!