Application Procedures
When applying for admission, Baylor receives applications exclusively through the Occupational Therapist Central Application Service (OTCAS), provided by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Application instructions can be found at OTCAS. Information about the Baylor University Entry-level OTD can be found below:
Applying for Admission
The Baylor University Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program will be accepting applications for the Class of 2025—to begin coursework in January of 2024—starting on January 15, 2023. It is strongly encouraged that all applicants thoroughly review the instructions for submitting an application through OTCAS as available for download through the OTCAS website before attempting to apply to the Baylor University Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program.
The program has two application windows for the Class of 2025:
- January 15, 2023 — June 9, 2023
- TBD — November 1, 2023
Supporting Materials
All of the following materials must be submitted through OTCAS:
- Official Transcripts: Applicants must arrange for OTCAS to receive an official transcript from each college and university from which you earned a degree (bachelor’s or higher) in the United States and Canada.
- References: References should come directly from the evaluator to OTCAS. Evaluators can send references to OTCAS electronically or by using a paper reference form that can be printed from the OTCAS application. We require one letter of recommendation from a licensed occupational therapist.
- CV/Resume
- Observation Hours: We require 30 hours of observation but recommend 50.
- Writing Sample: Applicant must provide a carefully written 5-paragraph essay describing one treatment activity observed during an occupational therapy observation. Describe the purpose of the activity and the client’s response. Sample is scored for writing mechanics and content.
- Personal Statement: Describe why you want to be a doctorally prepared occupational therapist and what sets you apart from the other Baylor University OTD applicants.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): If English is not an applicant’s first (primary) language, official TOEFL scores must be submitted to OTD@baylor.edu.
Application Review
The Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee and faculty will review all completed applications (i.e., application and all supporting materials received) in the order of receipt. Applicants are evaluated based on the following items:
- Cumulative GPA
- Pre-requisite GPA
- References
- Personal Essay
Other factors considered, but not required:
- Relevant work experience
- Observation hours
- Prior military experience
The Admissions Committee will use this evaluative process to ensure nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all applicants. The Admissions Committee will grant admission interviews by invitation only.
Interview Process
The OTD Admissions Coordinator will contact selected applicants and provide further instructions for completing the interview process. All interviews are conducted using a video-based platform called Kira Talent. Students record and upload their responses to a series of standardized interview questions for review by program faculty and the Admissions Committee. Students must have a computer with webcam and internet service to complete this interview.
Selection Process
The Admissions Committee and faculty will accept students into the program based on a holistic evaluation of their application, supporting documents, and interview. All applicants will be notified by email and/or mail regarding final selection decisions.
Questions? For questions related to admission to the program, please contact OTD@baylor.edu.
*Health Insurance
Baylor University requires all domestic graduate students to hold health insurance. For more information regarding health insurance opportunities, visit the Graduate Student Health Insurance website.