I'm wondering if USC admissions reads the general OTCAS Personal Statement in addition to the one listed under their program specific questions?
I went to an info session at USC a few weekends ago and they said they just read the specific one. so basically summarize your personal statement into their questions.
Did they really straight up say they don't read the OTCAS essay? I find it hard to believe they wouldn't read both since the USC prompt only asks to talk about one aspect of your life, while the OTCAS personal statement is essentially how you came to pursue this profession. Both my essays talk about very different things, so that's why your post concerns me.
I'm hoping they read both! My USC essay is basically a very condensed version of the OTCAS essay and I had to take out a lot to fit the 3000 character limit. @OccTherapy have you heard anything from USC lately?
I would email Sarah Kelly and ask if there is anyway the department can review both essays for your application. If both essays talk about important aspects of your life/journey to OT/attributes, then you need to let them know!