General Admissions & OTCAS Shadowing/Letters of Rec--help!

[cjOTtobe]

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Hi all,

Its always awkward asking for letters of recommendation. Lets be honest, I don't think anyone really WANTS to write them; but they're so necessary! How long is long enough to shadow someone before asking for a letter of recommendation? 20 hours? 50? Not until 100+?? Has anyone just been plain denied when asking for one? I need to do some more shadowing but will only be doing so in hopes of a LOR at the end. Should I let the facility/OT know before shadowing that that's what I'm looking for? Just being realistic! 😉

Also, since the applications for next cycle (19-20) won't open until July again; is it wise not to ask for letters of recommendation until then, since requests have to be sent from OTCAS?

Thanks everyone! And congratulations to all on acceptances for the 18-19 cycle!

 

[future_OT3]

I think it depends on your relationship with the OT you are shadowing. I shadowed at a facility for 30 hours over a semester and I still felt like they didn't know me well enough to write a letter or would do it. I don't think it matters if you have 20 or 100 hours as long as they know you well and can write a good, personal letter.

I wouldn't ask them in the beginning. If you're done shadowing before July, I would talk to them and see if they're willing to write a letter, and then send a formal request or reminder by email/phone once OTCAS opens.

 

[september0403]

I had someone write me a letter of rec after 30ish hours, she was more than willing although it was awkward for me to ask I had no other option! I tried to connect with her as much as possible so she really knew who I was and what my goals are throughout that time so I think that helped


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[lightredfloyd]

I think it depends on your relationship with the OT you are shadowing. I shadowed at a facility for 30 hours over a semester and I still felt like they didn't know me well enough to write a letter or would do it. I don't think it matters if you have 20 or 100 hours as long as they know you well and can write a good, personal letter.

I wouldn't ask them in the beginning. If you're done shadowing before July, I would talk to them and see if they're willing to write a letter, and then send a formal request or reminder by email/phone once OTCAS opens.

I think this is some great insight. I asked the OTs I shadowed with for letters when after around 40 hours of observation but I spent a lot of time engaging with them so I felt confident that they knew me well enough to write a good letter.

Although one thing I learned was that if the therapist agrees and you still feel they don’t know you well enough, consider sending them your resume! It’s a good way to potentially show them the kinds of things you’re involved in outside of shadowing and can help them get a better picture of you as a full individual. I did this with those same therapists I shadowed as well and I think it gave them a bit more material to work off of for the letters as well. Just a thought!

 

[Asantana53]

An OT that barely knew me (met her 2 months ago at that time) was very willing to write me one. I guess it depends on the person.

I preferred an OT that knew me longer (over 100 hours) since the OTCAS evaluation will ask how long they have known you and to rate you on several characteristics (i.e. communication, critical thinking and team skills). The OT asked me to write about my experience at the facility. I mentioned what I learned about OT and the age group. You could also share areas of OT that you are interested in and why you choose OT. I think she asked for this to learn more about me and to facilitate the writing process since they are very busy (most likely writing during their free time). You can always ask them if they would like anything else.

 

[spup]

I agree with everyone above that it really depends on the relationship you build. I had a letter of rec from an OT I shadowed about 30 hours and one I shadowed for 60 hours. I think its fine as long as it is enough time for them to see why you will make a great OT.

I asked near the end of my shadowing hours. With both OTs the application process got brought up naturally in conversation. They would ask me what I had to do next or what schools I was looking at. At which point I would usually casually ask if they would be willing to give me a letter of recommendation. I followed this up by asking formally at a later date.

Side note: I am sure you know this but always write a thank you card 🙂
Recently a friend of mine got called out for not giving one, she hadn't been taught to do so and had no idea it was kinda common practice. So I just thought I would share that little reminder 🙂
(I actually gave my recs thank you gifts too)