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Qualifying Year for theMScA
Occupational herapy
2018 Admission
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Qualifying Year for the Master of Science (Applied) in Occupational Therapy Program
APPLICANT GUIDEBOOK
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Qualifying Year for the MScA
Occupational Therapy 2018 Admission
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Program Overview ............. 3
Program Timeline .............. 4
Tuition & Financial Aid .... 5
Admission Requirements .. 6
Particular Applications ...... 9
How to Apply .................... 10
Application Evaluation ..... 12
Status of Applications ...... 13
Multiple Mini Interviews .. 14
Application Checklist ....... 15
Offers of Acceptance ........ 16
Unsuccessful Applicants .. 17
Resources & Help ............. 18
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Qualifying Year for the MScA
Occupational Therapy 2018 Admission
For more information on our program, please refer to our website: http://www.mcgill.ca/spot/programs/ot/curriculum Alternatively, you can also refer to the Health Sciences calendar: http://www.mcgill.ca/study/2017-2018/faculties/spot/
Year Summer Fall Winter
QY Campus-based Courses: OCC1-545 OCC1-550 POTH-563 IPEA-500
Campus-based Courses: OCC1-547 OCC1-548 OCC1-549 OCC1-551 IPEA-501
M1 Clinical Practicum 1 (OCC1-501) April – May (6 weeks) Clinical Practicum 2 (OCC1-502) June – Sept (7 weeks within this period)
Campus-based Courses: POTH-612 OCC1-617 OCC1-618 OCC1-620
Clinical Practicum 3 (OCC1-503) Jan – Feb (8 weeks) Campus-based Courses (9-weeks) OCC1-622 OCC1-623 Professional elective course IPEA-502
M2 Full-time work related to Masters Research Project (POTH-624)
Clinical Practicum 4 (OCC1-602) Sept-Oct (8 weeks) Research Project POTH-624 (registration and credit) Graduation (early November)
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Qualifying Year for the MScA
Occupational Therapy 2018 Admission
Qualifying Year (QY)
Completion of the Qualifying Year (QY) for the Master of Science, Applied, in Occupational Therapy (MScA-OT) program is required without exception before candidates may apply to the MScA-OT program. This entry point is only available to candidates who have completed a previous bachelor (baccalaureate) program. There is no distinction or quota for Canadian (Quebec), Canadian (other provinces) or International Applicants, unless specified as otherwise. The QY program begins in the fall semester and consists of 29 credits over 2 semesters (8 months) of professional content specific to the practice of occupa-tional therapy. After successfully completing the QY and maintaining a cGPA of 3.0, students can apply for the five semester (1.5 year) MScA-OT program. The number of places in the MScA-OT program is guaranteed for QY stu-dents, as long as they maintain a cGPA of 3.0 and remain in satisfactory stand-ing throughout the Qualifying Year. The McGill Occupational Therapy program encourages applications from First Nations, Inuit and Métis applicants. Please see Particular Applicants for more information.
Master of Science, Applied, in Occupational Therapy (MScA-OT) The MScA-OT program is a 64-credit program to be completed in 1.5 years over five semesters and includes several clinical practica of >1,000 hours lead-ing to professional licensure to practice. The educational approach is consistent with adult learning and reflective clinical practice. The curriculum uses a case-based, problem-solving, self-directed approach across the lifespan. Strong links between academic and clinical fieldwork education are emphasized throughout the educational process. Coursework will focus on client-centered and evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, ethics, and professionalism as essential com-ponents for the development of a humanistic, ethical, knowledgeable, compe-tent, critical thinking, and problem-solving Occupational Therapist. The mas-ter’s project is designed to develop research and scholarly skills.
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Occupational Therapy 2018 Admission
For information on tuition fees, please refer to the Student Accounts webpage (Fee calculator) on the McGill website: https://www.mcgill.ca/student-accounts/tuition-charges/fallwinter-term-tuition-and-fees/graduate-fees For information on scholarships and financial aid, please refer to the Scholarships and Student Aid webpage on the McGill website: http://www.mcgill.ca/studentaid/scholarships-aid
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Occupational Therapy 2018 Admission
Overview:
Those wishing to apply to this program should first review the following conditions. After preparing one’s file, candidates may open a uApply ap-plication by following the directions on page ten.
Requirements:
1. An undergraduate (bachelor) degree
- Any subject. Must be completed before the start of the QY;
- A McGill equivalent cumulative grade point average (cGPA) of 3.0 (B). Note that McGill uses a 4.0 scale which does not allow for A+ or C-. Also note that only credits obtained as part of one’s undergraduate degree will be factored into GPA calcu-lations. Upgrading or additional degrees will not affect cGPA ranking; however, master or doctoral education will be factored in when doing file review. See international conversion scales at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/international/apply/equivalency;
- The average cGPA for 2017 candidates was 3.55 (A-);
- Applicants with an occupational therapy degree from a university other than McGill must follow the same process as other applicants.
2. Background Courses Form
- No prerequisites are required;
- Applicants with one course completed or in progress in each of the following subject areas will be given preference: Human Anatomy; Human Physiology; Psychology; Neuroanatomy or Neuroscience; and Research Methods (with a quantitative research focus) or Statistics (biostatistics);
- Courses may be taken at the university level at any accredited school and must be complete prior to the start of the QY. Equivalency auditing or a course bank is not yet available.
- These courses should be identified on the background courses form. If no courses are taken, the form still must be uploaded, with the course items left blank. A
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3. A Personal Statement (Letter of Intent)
- A well-written personal statement (maximum 650 words) in Eng-lish or French which provides a reflection on your pertinent life experiences and describes your:
A) Motivation: What motivated you to choose a career in OT?;
B) Suitability: What personal attributes distinguish you as a candidate for the OT profession?
C) Preparedness: How did your work, life and/or volunteer experience(s) prepare you to become an OT student?;
D) Reasons for choosing the OT Professional Program; why do you want to study OT at McGill?;
- A word count should be included. Reviewers will not read past 650 words;
- Any style format is accepted.
4. A name-blind Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Also called a Résumé
- Do not include your name, address, contact information, coun-try of birth, references, or other personally identifying infor-mation;
- This document is not scored, but will be used to support your Personal Statement and during the Multiple Mini Interviews;
- Any style format is accepted. Please be concise (3 page max), de-scriptive, and only include relevant information;
- Note: We do not accept references.
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5. Language Requirement Component
- English proficiency requirement generally waived for Canadians, Mother-tongue Speakers, and students who completed uni-versity education in English;
- Various tests accepted. Results must be sent electronically directly to McGill (Institution code 0935).
A) TOEFL IBT of 86, no less than 20 or;
B) TOEFL PBT of 567 or;
C) IELTS of 7.0 or;
D) Additional options available;
- Students will be required to interact with francophone patients during their clinical practica. French is highly recommended.
6. Completion of the Multiple Mini Interviews
- Conducted in person only in English;
- Scheduled for May 15th. Date is subject to change;
- Invitations will be distributed in April.
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Aboriginal Applicants: The McGill Occupational Therapy program encourages applications from First Nations and Inuit communities. As such, two seats in our QY pro-gram are reserved for Canadian students who are status members of the First Nations as described in the Indian Act or are inscribed on the Regis-ter of Inuit Beneficiaries. Should an applicant wish to be considered for this alternative file review process, they should contact the QY Admission Coordinator using uApply messenger in addition to selecting the indigenous identify check-box during the application process. Indigenous applicants must complete the same uApply procedure as all other applicants; however, their file will be reviewed using alternate arrangements. SPOT encourages aboriginal applicants to self-identify to SPOT and welcomes any questions one may have on our admissions and applications processes.
Mitigating Circumstances: Applicants who feel that exceptional mitigating circumstances should be taken into account during the review of their application may submit a written explanation to the QY Admission Coordinator at [email protected]. This letter will be treated with the strictest confi-dentiality, and only be shared with the OT Admissions Committee. We recommend providing documentation of the reason for the request, when possible. Should you have trouble completing or submitting an application require-ment due to extenuating circumstances, we encourage applicants to reach out the QY admissions coordinator via uApply messenger as early as pos-sible. In exceptional circumstances, we may consider alternative arrange-ments.
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Occupational Therapy 2018 Admission
Overview:
After reviewing this guide, and our admissions website, candidates may apply using the paperless uApply system. Applications may be opened, and saved for later. Applicants may also submit (pay for) an application, and edit it at any point up until the application deadline. Some features of uApply, such as uploading transcripts, supporting documents (name blind CV, Letter), and messenger, are only available once an applica-tion has been submitted (paid).
Following the deadline, the administrative team reviews applications to ensure they meet the necessary requirements. You do not need to do any-thing to finalise your application—as of February 2nd, we will review the file. Accepted files are then sent to the Occupational Therapy Admission Committee for file review, where your documentation is scored. The top applications are then invited to attend the MMIs held each May. The strongest candidates are then invited by email to be recommended (nominated) to Graduate Studies Office (GPS) for Qualifying Year. GPS then undertakes a brief file review, and, on their approval, issues an invita-tion of acceptance on uApply
Deadlines:
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International Candidates Canadian Candidates
Payment & Submission January 15th February 1st
Document Upload February 1st February 1st
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Application Name:
Application Type: Degree, certificate or diploma Program: Qualifying for MScA Area of Study: Occupational Therapy Term: FALL 2018 Concentration: Qualifying
*This is the only way to apply to this program - entering any other option is not correct for the QY to the MScA—Occupational Therapy. Do NOT leave out
concentration*
uApply:
After creating a uApply account, candidates can declare their university education. Please note that failure to disclose all university education undertaken may be considered academic fraud. College (non-university) and CEGEP education should not be included. Please be sure to enter the correct degree and university name as stated on your academic record (transcript, relevé de notes). Once an application is submitted (paid for), applicants cannot change the education history—such requests must be made via uApply messenger.
Upon payment of the application fee (approx. $ 105 for up to two applications), candi-dates are able to upload their unofficial transcripts, Personal Statement, name blind CV, and background courses form (see SPOT website for template). Incorrect, or out-of-date documents can be replaced by uploading a new document. Nothing should be sent via the post. If the system requests a proof of English Proficiency re-quirement, please communicate with the QY Admission Coordinator via uApply mes-senger. Unofficial transcripts for in-progress studies should be uploaded; however, if they are not available, a receipt or proof of registration will suffice.
Any questions about the process can be directed to the QY Admission Coordinator using the uApply messenger system—please do not call or email for regular questions.
Following the document upload deadline (February 1st) files added or changed on one’s uApply application will not be reviewed. If one has made an error with docu-ments, please contact the QY Admission Coordinator via uApply messenger before making a change.
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Occupational Therapy 2018 Admission
Applications
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Once one has submitted one’s application along with all required support-ing documents, the application will be ready for review. No further ac-tion is needed— a file is automatically considered in review status after the document upload deadline. The status of a file, as written in uApply, may not change. This is intentional. To check the status of a file, one should use their login credentials to en-ter in the uApply website. On this website, one will be able to check the status of one’s application to see if any documents are missing. One should also regularly check uApply for messages from the Admissions Team. File statuses do not change until following the MMIs except for rejected files. To check where SPOT is in the file review process, please visit the Appli-cation Status page on SPOT’s website.
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Following File Review, the top candidates will be contacted in April 2018 via email to be invited to attend the in-person Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). The MMIs are scheduled for May 15th. Confirmation of the date will be provided with an invitational to attend the MMI. The MMIs will be held in person at the School of Physical and Occupa-tional Therapy. The purpose of the MMIs is for the Admissions Commit-tee to gain a better understanding of the applicant and their motivation for choosing the OT professional program. In making the overall assess-ment of the applicant, the Admissions Committee considers the following areas: depth and breadth of experience, personal attributes with respect to the OT profession and reasons for choosing OT as a profession. The MMIs do not test scientific or technical knowledge. If you wish to spend time preparing for the MMIs, we propose reviewing our program infor-mation and the CAOT website, as well as honing your interview skills. Applicants are expected to keep their calendar open for the MMIs and to attend on the date and time specified. Applicants are responsible for their own travel expenses. While the MMIs will be conducted in English, interviewers will offer ac-commodations to those who are more comfortable in French. Note: No other alternate admissions arrangements can be made such as completing interviews via Skype, Facetime, etc… Should you decide not to come to the MMI, please communicate with us as soon as possible so that we can invite other applicants to take your place.
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To ensure your file is ready for file review, we suggest following these steps (in order):
Read the entire admissions website & this guide;
Verify I meet the requirements for cGPA, ESL, and Education;
Verify I will be able to attend the MMIs in person (May 15th);
Open an application on uApply as early as possible;
Enter all my university education information exactly how it reads on my university transcript(s);
Verified I am applying for the correct program—being sure to include the concentration in my submission;
Submit (pay for) my application before the deadline;
Upload all my unofficial transcripts before the deadline;
Upload my Personal Statement, name-blind CV, and Background Courses document before the deadline;
Verify ESL requirements (international only). Request my ESL testing centre send the test results to McGill electronically (if needed) before February 1st;
Double check all my documents to make sure my transcripts are com-plete and my supporting documents meet the requirements before the deadline;
Cross-check uApply Education History against my unofficial tran-scripts to make sure the information is identical before the deadline;
Do not modify my application after 11:59 pm on February 1st (Note: I do not need to do anything to submit it in its final form);
Wait for MMI information in the month of April.
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Offers:
Offers to recommend applicants to the GPS office will be made to candi-dates via email within six weeks of the MMIs. Should applicants decline an offer, SPOT may choose to invite additional applicants from a waiting list. A portion of files are maintained on a waiting list until July, after which point, the list is reduced to only shortlisted candidates. Applicants who have not received information by this time (June 25th) may choose to write to us using the uApply messenger system. The files of Applicants who accept our offer to recommend are sent to GPS. This department reviews academic histories to ensure the applicant meets McGill’s admissions standards. This may take anywhere between two and four weeks. Accepted applicants are notified via uApply. Appli-cants will need to confirm the uApply offer and pay a non-refundable de-posit in order to register for our program. The $ 300 deposit will be ap-plied to your first semester’s tuition. Applicants who are not accepted will be contacted by SPOT for further documentation. Nominated files are only refused for reasons of misrepresentation, error, or extenuating cir-cumstances.
Deferrals: Candidates may defer their offer of acceptance in very specific circum-stances. A deferral will be granted only for reasons of maternity/paternity, health, or family crises. Requests for deferred admissions must be submitted in writing via email to the QY Admission Coordinator. Such a request should include a signed letter outlining the reason for the request addressed to the OT Program Director. The request should, when possible, also include documentation, such as a medical note.
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Applicants who are not invited to the MMIs will be sent a letter of refusal following the MMIs. Remaining files are sorted. Those not sent an offer to recommend are send refusal letters or kept on a waiting list. Candi-dates can check the status of their file on uApply. Once all spaces have been filled, SPOT will send a letter of refusal to remaining applicants ex-cept for those shortlisted as replacement candidates.
Applications are not held over year to year. If an applicant wishes to re-apply in a future year, a new application, including documentation, will be required. Repeat applicants are not penalized or otherwise affected by past applications.
Should one wish to learn ways to improve one’s application for future years, please email the QY Admission Coordinator between June 25th and July 31st to request information about the file. To protect applicant security, one should use the same email address to contact us as one used to register with uApply. Please include your McGill ID in this email. You can find it on your uApply application.
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Getting in Touch:
To provide the best service to our candidates and students, SPOT asks applicants to first review this guide, McGill’s Graduate Admissions Web-site, and the SPOT Admission page. Any remaining questions should be directed to the QY Admission Coordinator using uApply messenger. Should one not have access to uApply messenger, please contact us via email at [email protected] - please include your McGill ID (if you are a past applicant or student) and application type (OT or PT). While we are happy to assist applicants, SPOT does not offer pre-admissions meetings in regular circumstances. Please also note that SPOT welcomes communications, and documenta-tion in either official language (English or French).
Useful Links:
SPOT Admissions: www.mcgill.ca/spot/admissions
SPOT Program Guide: www.mcgill.ca/spot/programs
Graduate Studies Admissions: www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/ apply
Undergraduate Admissions: www.mcgill.ca/undergraduate- admissions
English Requirements: www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/ International/apply/proficiency
Graduate Society Guide*: www.pgss.mcgill.ca/document/view/ document/328/PGSS%20Member%20Handbook.pdf
Tuition Information: www.mcgill.ca/student-accounts/tuition- charges/fallwinter-term-tuition-and-fees/graduate-fees
*This guide is provided by McGill’s graduate students` association. We do not endorse the contents of this guide or attest to its validity. R
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