In response to COVID-19, we have made modifications to our application information for Fall 2021. Please review our updated application requirements below.

Both OTCAS and Puget Sound-specific requirements are listed here. Unless indicated otherwise, all requirements should be submitted via OTCAS.

  • Occupational Therapy Observation: It may be difficult to actually observe an occupational therapist in a clinical setting. If due to COVID-19 restrictions you are unable to complete an OT observation in a clinical setting, you may choose to do one or more of the following to enhance your knowledge of OT (you will need to have completed this prior to writing your supplemental essay).

o Interview an occupational therapist (cannot be an OT faculty person)

o Explore resources about OT on the AOTA website (www.aota.org)

o Interview a client or family member/caregiver of a client who has had occupational therapy services

If you have another activity that you have completed that you feel has helped you understand the breadth and depth of occupational therapy, you may email us (ot@pugetsound.edu) to confirm the activity.

  • Apply online via Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time/8:59 p.m. Pacific time on December 1. OTCAS will begin accepting applications on July 24th.
  • Submit official transcripts from every college attended via OTCAS.
  • 1 Letter of Recommendation from a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) - submitted via OTCAS.

We recognize that due to COVID-19 restrictions it may be difficult to do an observation in an OT setting or to obtain a recommendation from an occupational therapist. For applicants applying for Fall 2021, we will take references from an employer or a faculty person. We ask that you choose someone who is able to speak to the following:

o Your ability to be successful in a graduate program

o Your ability to work as a healthcare provider

o Your work ethic

  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) - submit official scores directly to OTCAS via ETS (Puget Sound #4461). Scores should not be more than five years old.

    Puget Sound will accept GRE scores from tests taken at home.

    However, given the challenges many have faced in recent months adjusting to COVID-19 restrictions, the access to and/or stress of taking standardized testing may not be the best representation of a student’s academic preparation and commitment to excel in graduate school. As a result, we are offering students the opportunity to choose to respond to two short essay questions in lieu of submitting standardized test scores.

    The choice of which to submit is yours. Our goal is to provide you with options to show that you are prepared for the rigor of graduate school and to put your best foot forward in your application. Please see our OTCAS page for detailed submission instructions.

    GRE ALTERNATE QUESTION 1

    Describe how you have prepared yourself for the rigors of graduate school, academically and/or with scholastic/professional behaviors . Be specific. (200 words)

    GRE ALTERNATE QUESTION 2

    Describe any past academic challenges related to reading, writing, mathematics/calculation, and/or problem solving. What strategies do you anticipate using to minimize these challenges in graduate school? (200 words)

  • $50 Application Fee - submitted directly to Puget Sound via US mail. Checks can be made out to University of Puget Sound and should reference the student's full name, OTCAS ID number, and the OT program (For example: "Jane Smith, 20112112939, OT"). Mail to:

University of Puget Sound, Office of Admission
1500 N. Warner St., CMB 1062
Tacoma, WA 98416-1062

  • Supplemental Essay - submitted via OTCAS.
  • Prerequisite course descriptions from all non-Washington institutions attended submitted via OTCAS.