Mastering the OT School Interview: 7 Essential Questions to Ace

Congratulations! If you’ve been invited for an occupational therapy (OT) school interview, you’re one step closer to realizing your dream of becoming an OT. However, the interview process can be daunting, and you’ll need to be well-prepared to stand out from the competition. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore seven crucial questions you can expect to encounter during your OT school interview, along with expert tips to help you craft compelling responses.

1. Describe Yourself

This seemingly simple question is a golden opportunity to make a lasting impression. The admissions committee wants to understand who you are beyond your academic achievements and resume. Use this chance to highlight your unique qualities, passions, and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the OT program.

• Strike a balance between highlighting your professional qualifications and sharing personal anecdotes that showcase your personality and values.
• Emphasize your commitment to the field of occupational therapy and how your background aligns with the program’s mission and values.
• Avoid generic responses and aim to be authentic and memorable.

2. Why OT? Why Not PT?

This question assesses your understanding of the occupational therapy profession and its distinctions from related fields, such as physical therapy (PT). Admissions committees want to ensure that you have a clear grasp of the unique role and scope of practice of an OT.

• Highlight the holistic, client-centered approach of occupational therapy, focusing on enabling individuals to engage in meaningful occupations and activities.
• Emphasize the importance of addressing physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors that impact an individual’s ability to participate in daily life.
• Differentiate OT from PT by explaining that while PT primarily focuses on physical rehabilitation, OT addresses the broader range of occupations and activities that are essential for overall well-being.

3. How Would You Define OT to Someone Unfamiliar with the Profession?

This question tests your ability to communicate the essence of occupational therapy in a clear and concise manner. Admissions committees want to gauge your understanding of the profession and your ability to articulate its value to those unfamiliar with it.

• Use plain language and avoid jargon to ensure your explanation is accessible to a general audience.
• Highlight the core principles of occupational therapy, such as enabling individuals to engage in meaningful activities, promoting independence, and enhancing quality of life.
• Provide real-life examples or scenarios to illustrate the practical applications of occupational therapy.

4. What Are Some of Your Interests Outside of School/Work?

While this question may seem unrelated to occupational therapy, it provides insight into your personality, work-life balance, and ability to manage stress. Admissions committees want to assess your well-roundedness and ensure that you have healthy coping mechanisms to thrive in a demanding program.

• Share your hobbies, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work, and explain how they contribute to your personal growth and stress management.
• Highlight interests that align with the values of occupational therapy, such as community involvement, creativity, or promoting health and well-being.
• Demonstrate your ability to prioritize self-care and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

5. Tell Me What (Insert OT Shadowing Experience Here) Taught You About the OT Profession

This question evaluates your understanding of occupational therapy based on your shadowing experiences. Admissions committees want to assess your ability to observe, analyze, and learn from real-world situations.

• Describe a specific scenario or interaction that left a lasting impression on you during your shadowing experience.
• Explain what you learned about the roles, responsibilities, and impact of occupational therapists in that particular setting or situation.
• Highlight how the experience reinforced your interest in and passion for the profession.

6. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

This classic interview question allows the admissions committee to evaluate your self-awareness, honesty, and ability to reflect on your personal and professional growth.

• Identify strengths that are relevant to the OT profession, such as communication skills, empathy, problem-solving abilities, or attention to detail.
• Provide specific examples that illustrate how you have demonstrated these strengths in academic or professional settings.
• When discussing weaknesses, avoid clichés or overly negative self-assessments. Instead, focus on areas for improvement and highlight your willingness to learn and grow.

7. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?

This final question provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your genuine interest in the program and your ability to engage in a thoughtful dialogue.

• Prepare insightful questions that showcase your knowledge of the program, its faculty, research opportunities, or unique offerings.
• Inquire about aspects of the program that are particularly important to you, such as fieldwork experiences, interdisciplinary collaborations, or student support services.
• Avoid asking questions that could easily be answered by reviewing the program’s website or materials.

Remember, the OT school interview is not just an evaluation of your knowledge and skills; it’s also an opportunity for the admissions committee to assess your fit within the program and the profession. By thoroughly preparing for these common questions and showcasing your passion, professionalism, and commitment to occupational therapy, you’ll increase your chances of making a lasting impression and securing a coveted spot in your dream OT program.