General Admissions & OTCAS Reapplying- Rec Letters and OTCAS

[chicagoOT23]

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I plan on reapplying for the '16/'17 cycle but am getting stressed out about the process of the rec letters..

I know OTCAS just switched over to a new system last year, so they previously could not transfer information from the '14/'15 to '15/'16 cycle, but does anyone know if they will keep recommendation letters for the upcoming cycle?

This year I will also be applying to a school that does not use OTCAS and asks that letters be directly sent to them. How do you guys navigate this? Do you ask your reference to fill out the OTCAS form and also send a physical letter separately? One of my weaknesses last cycle was that I did not have a letter from an academic source, so this year I am going to ask my recent A&PII professor, but he isn't the friendliest and I am nervous about asking too much.

Any advice is appreciated! Thank you!

 

[proapplicant]

from what I read letters don't carry over. which kinda makes sense if you want new ones but is also a pain if you want to use the same.

as for non OTCAS- one of the program's I applied to had their own form to send recs and the other had me collect them and mail together (all sealed in their own envelopes). if it's non OTCAS they have nothing to do with anything OTCAS.

 

[thebiggestsky]

I applied to only one school not on OTCAS this past cycle. I printed the form for the non-OTCAS school (a form specific to just that school on their website) and just let my writers know that they would also get an email from OTCAS. It's no big deal.. most professors are accustomed to the letter writing process and know that a lot of grad programs use application systems like OTCAS and a lot don't. If a letter needs to mailed in, make sure to provide a stamped envelope for your writers as well.

 

[Hopeandfaith22]

Make sure the people writing the recommendations actually write you a letter in addition to filling out the OTCAS recommendation form. Also i too was very nervous about asking certain professors for letters. If you think he knows you well and will actually write you a great letter just go for it!

 

[TNick92]

One tip about asking for rec letters that my professors taught me was to ask the person "Do you think you can write me a good letter of rec?" Pay attention to how your professor responds. If he seems kinda hesitant or gives you a weird vibe after, ask someone else. You want someone who knows you well and can also vouch for you as much as they can.

 

[butterfly29]

Hello! I'm reapplying this cycle. (I only applied to one school and knew my chances were slim but I wanted to get a feel of the application process. I was super stressed!) This time I'm applying to a handful of schools and also that same school from the last cycle. So, my question is, is it okay to use the same letters of rec this cycle? I'm only looking to use 2 of 3. They were very strong letters of rec, one included the principal from the school I previously worked for and now will likely be a long-term sub there next month. Last cycle all 3 were from current/ past employers. This time I'm hoping to get one from an OT. Although the OTs I shadowed previously were lovely, I didn't think they could write a letter or rec that would be true to my character and work ethic.

Your input will greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Hopeandfaith22]

Hello! I'm reapplying this cycle. (I only applied to one school and knew my chances were slim but I wanted to get a feel of the application process. I was super stressed!) This time I'm applying to a handful of schools and also that same school from the last cycle. So, my question is, is it okay to use the same letters of rec this cycle? I'm only looking to use 2 of 3. They were very strong letters of rec, one included the principal from the school I previously worked for and now will likely be a long-term sub there next month. Last cycle all 3 were from current/ past employers. This time I'm hoping to get one from an OT. Although the OTs I shadowed previously were lovely, I didn't think they could write a letter or rec that would be true to my character and work ethic.

Your input will greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Lots of schools require a recommendation from an OT. It looks good to have recommendations from various settings so try not to focus only on past employers. If you're using OTCAS just have the OT's complete the required recommendation form. They may not be able to include an actual letter of recommendation but since you're saying the ones from your past employers are great you should be fine! Best of luck!