OT Personal Statements Online Advising

 

The OT personal statement can seem like the most daunting and difficult part of your application.

Silver lining, though: a well-written essay can:

1. Wake up a bored admissions committee (most essays they'll read are extremely similar)
2. Convey your real personality and make you come alive to your readers
3. Depict your experiences in movie-like clarity and detail
4. Show your best qualities and values
5. Help the reader see why you and their program are such a great fit

Simply put, the essay is not a to-do; it's a powerful tool to help you get accepted!

Lauren Hammond is our OT application essay expert and has been helping people write their Occupational Therapy personal statements for several years. Whether you just want some feedback on a draft, or you're staring at a blank Word doc and don't know where to begin, she is happy to help!

 

Contact Lauren directly at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or send us an email.

 

She works with people online via Zoom and via email / Google Docs. P.S. We also offer GRE prep!

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1. OT personal statement tips

2. OT personal statement examples

3. OT personal statement reviews

4. Learn more about Lauren, our OT personal statement expert.

 

3 Quick OT Statement Tips

 

1. Explain Your Interest in Occupational Therapy

• Share a meaningful experience: Describe a specific moment or situation that introduced you to occupational therapy, such as shadowing an OT, volunteering with individuals facing physical or cognitive challenges, or personal encounters with the field.
• Highlight OT’s unique role: Explain how OT’s holistic and client-centered approach to improving quality of life resonates with your interests and values.
• Show your dedication to empowering others: Connect your interest in OT to your desire to help individuals achieve independence and participation in meaningful daily activities.

Example:
"I first became aware of the transformative power of occupational therapy while volunteering at a rehabilitation center. Observing an OT help a stroke survivor relearn how to dress independently made me realize the profound impact this field has on restoring not only physical function but also a sense of purpose and autonomy."

 

2. Highlight Relevant Experiences and Skills

• Discuss academic and professional preparation: Share your background in relevant fields like psychology, kinesiology, or health sciences, along with any practical experiences like shadowing an OT, volunteering, or working in rehabilitation or caregiving roles.
• Showcase essential OT qualities: Highlight skills such as empathy, creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability, providing specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated these in relevant contexts.
• Connect your experiences to OT’s scope: Reflect on how your previous experiences have prepared you to address the physical, emotional, and environmental challenges that OTs help clients overcome.

Example:
"As a teaching assistant for a special education classroom, I collaborated with an OT to adapt classroom tools for students with sensory processing disorders. This experience deepened my understanding of how small, tailored interventions can make a significant difference in a person’s ability to succeed in their daily environment."

3. Align Your Goals with the Program’s Strengths

• Research the program: Mention specific features of the program, such as faculty expertise, hands-on clinical training, or opportunities for specialization in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health.
• Connect your goals to the program’s offerings: Explain how the program will help you achieve your aspirations, whether that’s working in rehabilitation, schools, or community settings.
• Articulate your long-term vision: Share your career goals and how an OT degree will help you make a difference in the lives of the clients you aim to serve.

Example:
"I am particularly drawn to [Program Name] because of its emphasis on community-based interventions and opportunities to work with underserved populations. This aligns with my goal of specializing in mental health OT to help individuals with anxiety and depression regain confidence and re-engage in meaningful activities."

 

OT Statement Examples

Below you'll find a strong OT personal statement, followed by a brief discussion of why we liked it.

 

When my grandfather had a stroke, it was an occupational therapist who helped him regain his independence. I remember watching her work with him on simple tasks—buttoning a shirt, holding a fork—and seeing how much pride he took in each small victory. That experience opened my eyes to the power of occupational therapy to transform lives. It wasn’t just about physical recovery; it was about restoring dignity and confidence. Since then, I’ve been passionate about pursuing a career where I can help others reclaim their lives in the face of challenges.

In college, I majored in psychology, focusing on courses like Human Development and Behavioral Neuroscience to understand the interplay between mind and body. A standout experience was a research project on how adaptive equipment impacts quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This project not only deepened my knowledge of the tools used in occupational therapy but also underscored the importance of tailoring interventions to individual needs and goals.

I’ve also gained hands-on experience through shadowing occupational therapists in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. One of the most memorable cases was a child with sensory processing disorder. The therapist used creative approaches, like incorporating play and art into sessions, to help the child manage sensory overload. Witnessing the child’s progress reinforced my admiration for the versatility and creativity required in occupational therapy.

In addition, I worked as a caregiver for a young adult with cerebral palsy, assisting with daily activities and therapy exercises. This role gave me firsthand insight into the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the patience and empathy required to support them effectively. It also strengthened my communication skills, as I learned to adapt my approach to meet his unique needs and preferences.

Volunteering at a community center for older adults further broadened my perspective on occupational therapy. I helped organize activities designed to promote fine motor skills and cognitive engagement, such as crafts and puzzles. One participant shared how these activities helped her feel more capable and connected, which reminded me of my grandfather’s journey and reignited my commitment to this field.

Pursuing a Master’s in Occupational Therapy (OT) is the next step in my journey. I am particularly drawn to [University Name] because of its emphasis on holistic care and evidence-based practice. The program’s focus on serving diverse populations aligns with my goal of working with clients across the lifespan, from children with developmental delays to older adults recovering from illness or injury.

In the future, I hope to specialize in rehabilitation for neurological conditions, helping clients regain independence and achieve their personal goals. I’m especially interested in exploring how emerging technologies, like virtual reality and adaptive devices, can enhance therapy outcomes. Ultimately, I want to be an occupational therapist who empowers individuals to live meaningful and fulfilling lives, no matter their circumstances.

Looking back, my grandfather’s recovery journey was the catalyst for my passion for occupational therapy. Since then, every step—from academic studies to hands-on experiences—has prepared me to make a meaningful impact in this field. I am eager to bring my dedication, creativity, and empathy to your program and to continue growing as both a person and a professional.

 

What we liked:

 

• Personal Connection: The story of the applicant’s grandfather provides a compelling and emotional entry point, showing how the profession has personally impacted their life.

• Academic Preparation: The essay highlights relevant coursework and a research project, demonstrating a strong understanding of foundational concepts and their application to occupational therapy.

• Diverse Hands-On Experiences: Shadowing, caregiving, and volunteering showcase the applicant’s direct engagement with different populations and settings, underscoring their preparedness for the field.

• Admiration for the Profession: The applicant expresses a deep appreciation for the creativity and adaptability required in OT, which aligns with the field's values.

• Program Fit: The statement ties the applicant’s interests to the specific strengths of the program, such as holistic care and serving diverse populations.

• Clear Career Goals: Specializing in neurological rehabilitation and exploring emerging technologies gives the admissions committee a clear picture of the applicant’s ambitions.

• Emotional Resonance: The conclusion ties back to the opening anecdote, creating a cohesive narrative that emphasizes the applicant’s passion and dedication.

 

 

OT Statement Reviews