Letters of recommendation are a key component of the Pitt Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program’s application review process. These additional perspectives included in your application paint a full picture of you for our Admissions Committee.
Considering how to get a strong letter of recommendation from an occupational therapist or college instructor might take some planning, but they follow similar approaches.
Build a Relationship—Ideally Before You Ask
- For your instructor
- Be proactive: sit near the front, participate in class discussions, attend office hours and ask thoughtful questions. Your goal is to be recognized as a mature, professional student, especially in larger courses. Visiting office hours early will help you academically and professionally.
- For your occupational therapist
- You often have limited time in the clinic, so make it count! Professionalism from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave is essential.
Be punctual, appropriately dressed and engaged throughout. Ask questions during downtime (not during patient care), take notes, offer to help when appropriate and show genuine enthusiasm. Share your reasons for pursuing occupational therapy and ask about theirs—this is common ground for both of you. If you have multiple sessions, reference earlier conversations.
Choose the Right Person
- For your instructor
- Look for someone who saw strong work from you, knows you beyond just a grade (office hours visits help here) and teaches in a field relevant to your program. Instructors from smaller upper-level courses or those who taught you more than once are ideal.
- For your occupational therapist
- Choose the occupational therapist who had the best opportunities to observe your professionalism and interpersonal skills firsthand.
Ask Early and In-Person
- For your instructor
- Give at least six to eight weeks’ notice, ideally more: remember that not all instructors are available during the summer. Ask in person and frame it as a question: “Would you be comfortable writing me a positive letter of recommendation for my graduate school application?” Always include the deadline so they are aware of the commitment and when you need to have all your materials submitted.
- For your occupational therapist
- Ask toward the end of your observation experience, once they’ve had enough time to observe you. Use the same request: “Would you feel comfortable writing me a positive letter of recommendation for my graduate school application?” If you’re applying more than a year out, ask if they’re comfortable providing a non-work/permanent email. If you aren’t returning, ask to stay in touch and send them periodic updates.
Make It Easy for Them
Once they agree, send an email that includes a “brag packet” (your resume and a copy of your personal statement); their deadline, and a reminder to watch for the OTCAS request from support@otcas.myliaison.com.
- For your instructor
- Include: The course(s) you took with them and any standout work or interactions and the achievements or context you’d like them to highlight.
- For your occupational therapist
- You can also include a summary of your observation hours (dates, total hours, setting/patient population) and specific experiences or moments you’d like them to reference.
Follow Up and Say Thank You
Send a polite reminder one to two weeks before the deadline. Stay in touch throughout the application cycle and let them know when you make your decision. Remember, no matter what, to send a thank-you note. They have invested in your future!