Pre-OT advising and occupational therapy admissions.
Guidance from practicing occupational therapists, side by side with our physicians, from your first observation hours to your acceptance.
Pathways / Pre-OT
How OT school admissions works.
The application
Most entry-level OT programs, both master's (MOT or MSOT) and doctorate (OTD), use OTCAS.
Master's or doctorate?
Both lead to licensure as an occupational therapist. We help you weigh cost, length, and career goals.
Observation hours
Programs often ask for observation hours with occupational therapists, ideally in different settings.
Tests
Some programs require the GRE, and many don't. We map what each program on your list needs.
Requirements, tests, and dates vary by program and change from cycle to cycle. We confirm current requirements for every program on your list.
Everything we help with.
Academics
- Prerequisite planning, including anatomy, physiology, and psychology
- GPA strategy and grade repair
- Tutoring for any course
- Study systems and time management
Observation hours
- Hours in pediatrics, rehab, mental health, and other settings
- Finding OTs to observe
- Tracking hours the way OTCAS asks
Program choice
- Master's vs. doctorate
- Cost and length
- Fieldwork and capstone fit
Your story
- Why occupational therapy
- Personal statement coaching
- Experience descriptions
- Letters of recommendation, including from OTs
Applications
- Program list strategy
- OTCAS application
- Program supplementals
- Timelines
Interviews & decisions
- Mock interviews with an OT
- Group interview practice
- Waitlist strategy
- Comparing offers and cost
Need something that isn't listed? Ask. If we don't do it ourselves, we'll help you find someone who does.
Led by people who do this work.
Your Pre-OT plan is led by practicing occupational therapists who know OTCAS, observation hours, and OT interviews firsthand, working side by side with our physicians. You get one lead advisor who knows your whole file and a team that checks in, celebrates the wins, and steps in fast when something goes sideways.
We work with you online everywhere in the U.S., and in person in Utah and Idaho. Programs in our region include the University of Utah, Rocky Mountain University in Provo, and Idaho State University. We'll help you weigh them against programs nationwide.
Specialist profiles coming soon.
Pre-OT packages at a glance.
Basecamp
$1,950
or $488/mo × 4, interest‑free
Strategy, program list, your OTCAS application, personal statement, and one mock interview.
Ridge
$3,450
or $863/mo × 4, interest‑free
Adds supplementals for up to 8 programs, 3 mock interviews, group interview prep, and waitlist strategy.
Summit
$4,950
or $1,238/mo × 4, interest‑free
Unlimited supplementals and mock interviews, weekly check-ins, and 10 hours of GRE or academic tutoring.
Packages, side by side.
Each level builds on the one before it.
Swipe sideways to compare all three packages.
| Basecamp$1,950or $488/mo × 4one application cycle | Ridge$3,450or $863/mo × 4one application cycle | Summit$4,950or $1,238/mo × 4one application cycle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free strategy session and in-depth diagnostic | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Program list strategy | Up to 10 programs | Up to 20 programs | Unlimited |
| OTCAS application | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Personal statement coaching, in your own words | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| OT observation hours across settings | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Letters of recommendation strategy | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Program supplementals and essays | — | Up to 8 programs | Unlimited |
| Mock interviews with an occupational therapist | 1 | 3 | Unlimited |
| Interview format prep (one-on-one, group, and MMI) | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| GRE tutoring, if your programs require it | — | Study plan | 10 hours |
| Update letters, waitlist, and offer strategy | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Check-ins, in person or by video | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Weekly |
| Message channel and Ascent Rewards | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ priority |
| Get started | Get started | Get started |
Monthly amounts are 4 interest-free payments, rounded to the nearest dollar; your total always equals the package price. "Unlimited" means as many as you need during your application cycle. Save 5% when you pay in full; longer monthly plans are available through PayPal Pay Later, subject to PayPal's approval.
Programs & memberships.
- The Ascent JourneyYear-round Pre-OT membership before you apply: roadmap, course reviews, experience planning, and regular check-ins$1,450/yr or $135/mo
- Strategy ResetFor reapplicants: full review of your past application, a rebuilt plan, and full support for your next cycle$2,950
Single services.
Pay only for what you need. Anything you spend on single services counts toward a package if you upgrade within 60 days.
See all 14 single services and prices
- Free strategy session20 minutes, in person or by video$0
- In-depth diagnosticFull review, 90-minute session, written strategy$350
- One-on-one advising sessionFor questions outside a package$175/hr
- Mock interview with an occupational therapistWith written feedback$175 · 3 for $475
- Personal statement coachingFrom first idea to final draft, with unlimited revisions through submission (one cycle)$750
- Experience section reviewOT observation hours across settings$495
- Supplemental essay coaching$200 per program · 5 for $850
- Program list strategy$350
- Experience plan and outreachA personal experience plan, plus help reaching out and applying$295
- Update letter or letter of intent$250
- Reapplicant review$450
- GRE or academic tutoringOne-on-one$110/hr · 10 hrs $995
- Academic tutoringAny course, science or non-science, in person or online$75/hr
- Advanced science tutoringOrganic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and upper-level sciences$95/hr
Special situations are our specialty.
- Students choosing between OT and PT
- Students who need hours in new settings
- Reapplicants
- Low GPA or prerequisite gaps
- Career changers, including from education and psychology
Can't afford this? Apply for a scholarship.
Need-based Ascent Access Scholarships apply to every pathway, from partial discounts to fully covered packages. Learn about financial aid
Pre-OT questions.
Should I choose a master's or a doctorate in OT?
Both lead to licensure. A doctorate takes longer and usually costs more, and may fit students interested in leadership, teaching, or research. We help you weigh it honestly.
How many observation hours do I need for OT school?
It varies by program. We build your plan around the programs you're aiming for, with hours across more than one setting.
Is OT or PT a better fit for me?
They overlap but focus on different goals. OT centers on daily life and independence, and PT on movement and function. We help you explore both through observation.
Will you write my personal statement?
No. Every word you submit is your own. We coach, question, structure, and edit, and we never write your essays. Application services ask you to certify that your essays are your own work, and we take that seriously.
Do you guarantee admission?
No. No one can ethically guarantee admission. What we guarantee is a real plan, honest advice, and our full effort.
What if I switch paths?
You stay with us and your plan adapts. Many students move between medicine and other health professions, and we guide every pathway.
What is your refund policy?
For application packages, programs, and memberships, you can request a refund within 14 days of enrolling. We refund what you've paid, minus the value of services already delivered at our single-service prices, and your free strategy session never counts against you. Single services are fully refundable before work begins. Monthly memberships can be canceled anytime before the next billing date. After 14 days, payments are non-refundable, but we'll always work with you to pause or adjust your plan.
More answers in our FAQ. Other pathways: Pre-Med Pre-PA Pre-Dental Pre-Vet Pre-PT Pre-Pharmacy Nursing Pre-Optometry
Start with a free strategy session.
In 20 minutes, you'll leave with a clearer picture of your path, whether or not you work with us.
Book your free strategy session