From Admission Criterion to Early Alert Tool: A Case Study of Using Writing Samples in Occupational Therapy Education

Document Type (Journals)

Original Research

Abstract

Writing samples are commonly used for admission to occupational therapy programs. However, there is limited evidence supporting the predictive validity of writing samples for academic performance. This case study chronicles the use of writing samples, initially as an admission criterion and later as a post-admission early alert tool, at one institution. A post-admission writing sample designed to assess readability and coherence of writing was collected from a cohort of 47 master’s and doctoral occupational therapy students during the first week of the program. Recommendations for writing support services were then provided to students based on their writing sample scores. An analysis of variance found that writing sample scores did not significantly differentiate students’ cumulative grade point average in the occupational therapy program. Results from a binary logistic regression indicate that the writing sample score was not a significant predictor of passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination on first attempt. The findings, contextualized within the existing literature, suggest there is insufficient evidence to support denying admission to an occupational therapy program applicant solely based on a pre-admission writing sample score. Occupational therapy educators are encouraged to thoughtfully prioritize the most relevant writing skills for occupational therapy practice. Occupational therapy programs are urged to carefully consider the validity of using writing samples to determine applicants’ readiness for occupational therapy education.

Biography

Robyn Wu, OTD, OTR/L is a Professor in the Occupational Therapy Programs at Samuel Merritt University.

Diane Tom, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, ATP is an Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Programs at Samuel Merritt University.

Chi-Kwan Shea, PhD, OTR/L is a Professor Emeritus at Samuel Merritt University.

Nandini Dasgupta, PhD is the Director of Institutional Research and Evaluation at Samuel Merritt University.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Recommended Citation

Wu, R., Tom, D., Shea, C., & Dasgupta, N. (2026). From Admission Criterion to Early Alert Tool: A Case Study of Using Writing Samples in Occupational Therapy Education. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 10 (4). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol10/iss4/4