Many entry-level OT programs, master’s and doctoral, interview applicants before making offers, and they run the interview in different ways: a recorded Kira video, a group problem-solving task, an MMI on Zoom, or a conversation with a faculty member and a practicing OT. Here is what named OT programs say about their interviews and how to prepare.
From the AOTA and programs’ own admissions pages2026-27 cycleChecked October 28, 2026
Practice with a mock interviewOne-on-one on Zoom with Julie Cunningham, MA, CCC-SLP.
Jump to:Formats by programWhat they look forQuestions to practiceTimingHow to prepareFAQ
Interview formats by program
These come from each program’s own page. Formats change, so check the page for every program you apply to. The AOTA’s advice applies: “It is important that you contact the educational programs to which you are interested in applying” (AOTA).
| Program | Format | What their page says |
|---|---|---|
| Baylor University (OTD) | Recorded video on Kira | “All interviews are conducted using a video-based platform called Kira Talent.” Applicants “record and upload their responses to a series of standardized interview questions.” Source |
| Des Moines University (OTD) | Kira plus live interview | A “Kira Talent Virtual Interview Assessment” and “a live session conducted either in-person or via Zoom, per the applicant’s choice.” Source |
| University of Arkansas (OTD) | MMI on Zoom plus writing | “Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) via Zoom.” The process also includes “Scholarly writing activities.” Source |
| University of Louisiana Monroe (OTD) | Group interview | “4-6 applicants will engage in small group discussion and a problem-solving task.” December 10, 2026, for the Summer 2027 start. Source |
| Towson University (OTD) | Virtual group interview | “Interviews are conducted virtually in a group format and typically occur in early December.” Source |
| West Virginia University (MOT) | Virtual, about 30 minutes | Candidates “meet with one WVU OT faculty member and an OT from the community for approximately 30 minutes.” Source |
| LSU Health New Orleans (MOT) | On site, plus writing sample | An “on-site interview and completion of an on-site writing sample.” “Interviews typically take place in early August.” Source |
For how MMI stations work, see our page on the MMI interview.
What OT programs are looking for
Louisiana Monroe says its group interview lets the committee see how applicants communicate and how well they participate and interact in a group (ULM). Baylor bases admission on “a holistic evaluation of their application, supporting documents, and interview” (Baylor). In a group task, the committee is watching how you work with others: whether you listen, build on other people’s ideas, and help the group reach an answer.
Questions to practice
OT programs and the AOTA don’t publish admissions interview questions. Based on what programs say they assess, practice these out loud. They are my practice prompts, not questions any program has published:
- Why occupational therapy, and not physical therapy or nursing?
- How would you explain what an OT does to someone who has never heard of it?
- Tell me about something you observed while shadowing an OT.
- Describe a time you helped someone do something that mattered to them.
- Tell me about a group project that didn’t go well and what you did.
- Why a doctorate (or a master’s) for you?
- Why our program?
Your interviewers may have your application in front of them, so reread your own OTCAS personal statement before the interview. If you haven't submitted yet, see our OTCAS personal statement examples, or work with Lauren Hammond, PhD, our personal statement editor.
When OT interviews happen
Timing depends on the program and its start date. LSU Health New Orleans interviews in early August for a January start (LSU Health). Louisiana Monroe holds its group interviews on December 10, 2026, and Towson in early December. MUSC says “Interviews are typically conducted in January” for regular admission, though its early admission track does not require an interview (MUSC). Des Moines University admits on a rolling basis and says “those who apply early in the admissions cycle are more likely to be interviewed” (DMU).
How to prepare
- Find each program’s format. Recorded video, group task, MMI, and one-on-one each need different practice.
- Have a clear, two-minute answer to “why OT.” Build it from what you saw OTs do and a specific client or moment.
- Practice a group problem-solving task with friends. Speak early, invite quieter people in, and summarize where the group has landed.
- Practice recorded answers on a timer. Kira gives you a fixed time to think and to answer, with no interviewer to react to. See our Kira Talent interview guide.
- Practice a short writing sample. Arkansas and LSU Health include writing.
- Do a mock interview with feedback. You can’t hear your own filler words or see how you come across on camera.
For programs that use MMI stations, see MMI prep tips from Julie Cunningham, a licensed speech-language pathologist.
Practice with a real interviewer before the real one. My wife, Julie Cunningham, MA, CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist who runs mock interviews on Zoom for OT school applicants. She coaches every format: one-on-one, panel, MMI, and recorded video interviews such as Kira Talent. She works on how your answers come across: clear key words, pace, voice, filler words, organizing an answer so it has a point, staying steady when you're nervous, and how you look and sound on camera. It's $250 an hour.
Frequently asked questions
Do OT programs require interviews?
Many do. Des Moines University says its interview is required for admission, and MUSC requires an interview for regular admission. Formats vary by program.
What is the OT school interview format?
It depends on the program. Baylor uses recorded Kira interviews, Arkansas uses an MMI on Zoom, Louisiana Monroe and Towson use group interviews, and West Virginia uses a 30-minute virtual interview with a faculty member and a community OT.
Is there a group interview for OT school?
At some programs. Louisiana Monroe has 4 to 6 applicants discuss a topic and work through a problem-solving task together, and Towson interviews virtually in a group format.
Is there a writing sample at OT interviews?
At some programs. LSU Health New Orleans requires an on-site writing sample, and Arkansas includes scholarly writing activities.
When are OT school interviews?
It varies. LSU Health interviews in early August, Louisiana Monroe on December 10, 2026, Towson in early December, and MUSC typically in January.
Does applying early help?
It can. Des Moines University says those who apply early in the cycle are more likely to be interviewed.
Related guides: PT school (DPT), SLP grad school, Audiology (AuD), Athletic training (MSAT), and Orthotics and prosthetics. See all interview guides by program.
Every format and quotation on this page comes from the AOTA or the program’s own admissions page, linked where it appears. Last checked October 28, 2026.