Admissions

• An undergraduate degree is required as a prerequisite to our program.
• A transcript from every post-secondary institution attended. OR
• A PLAR application demonstrating equivalency.

Transcript: Mature Student Standing

Applicants who graduated five or more years ago without achieving strong academic standing may be considered for admission if, since graduation, they have undertaken significant intellectual work and/or made a substantial professional contribution that can be considered equivalent to higher academic standing. The mere passage of time in a profession is not sufficient; the applicant must submit recommendations for admission to the OPC Program for approval.

Please download and complete this form to provide information about your previous experiences working with people to support your consideration for adjusting your application. We’d like a general but accurate idea of the duration of your experiences. Please attach this form to your application in the Considerations for Adjusting Application section.

This contribution and its impact on the profession must be detailed, documented, and presented as part of the application. Such applicants may be considered for admission if they can document that they have achieved qualifications at least equivalent to those stated in the preceding sections. Applicants should explain why they think their professional development activities or work experiences should be viewed as equivalent to academic work conducted at a university.

Examples of evidence may include but are not limited to:

• Publications and/or Research: Professionally relevant work such as published papers, technical reports, or patents.
• Professional Advancement: A record of outstanding advancement in one’s profession, such as progressive leadership roles, management of projects and personnel, professional or scientific citations, and awards.
• Professional Designations: Diplomas, certificates, or professional designations earned after undergraduate studies.
• Training or Courses: Additional training or courses taken subsequent to the undergraduate degree, or serving as an instructor of professional development courses to others in one’s profession.
• Skill Development: The development of new skills over and above what would normally be expected in one’s profession.

• Statement of Intent: Describe your background and learning interests related to the program. Highlight your assets and strengths, providing examples to illustrate your interests and giving a deeper understanding of who you are and what you would bring to the program. (1000-1500 words, 2-3 pages). For Tips on writing a statement of Intent please download this document.
• Autobiography: Demonstrate psychological mindedness (PM). Defined as: the capacity to recognize and reflect upon one’s own psychological processes, including thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It involves an interest in understanding the internal experiences and motivations that drive oneself and others. Key aspects of PM include:
  • Self-Reflection: The ability to introspectively examine one’s own mental and emotional states.
  • Empathy: Understanding and relating to the psychological experiences of others.
  • Insight: Recognizing patterns and connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
  • Affective Dimension: An emphasis on being in touch with one’s feelings in a non-analytic, experiential manner.
  • Analytic Dimension: The intellectual ability to analyze and articulate psychological processes and their implications.

PM encompasses both an affective dimension—being emotionally attuned and reflective in a non-analytic way—and an intellectual dimension—engaging in thoughtful analysis and interpretation. Together, these dimensions enable individuals to gain deeper insights into the meanings and causes of their experiences and behaviors. (1000-1500 words, 2-3 pages).

Importance of personal statements section
OPC College places significant weight on the Statement of Intent and Autobiography sections of your application. These components provide critical insights into your personal and intellectual qualities, your readiness for the program, and your potential to contribute meaningfully to our learning community. We strongly encourage applicants to thoughtfully and thoroughly address these sections to best represent their capabilities and aspirations.

Three Letters of Reference

1. Academic Reference: The academic reference letter should be written by a professor or employer who can provide insights into your academic abilities and potential. The referee should comment on:
   • General impressions of your aptitude
   • Contributions in class or other learning situations
   • Ability to work with others
   • Writing and language skills
   • Problem-solving ability
   • Creativity
   • Organizational skills
   • Research ability
   • Technical expertise
   • Computer/software proficiency
   • Any other academic assets you would bring to our program
2. Professional Reference: The professional reference letter should be written by someone who can speak to your professional experiences and qualities. Please ask your referee to comment on the following:
   • Your rapport and experience with others (co-workers, clients, children, etc.)
   • Organization, problem-solving, and planning abilities
   • Professionalism and work ethic
   • Interpersonal skills
   • Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and response to stress
   • Ability to take direction and feedback
3. Character Reference: The character reference letter should be written by someone who can speak to your character, skills, and qualities related to becoming a psychotherapist. Ideal referees could be a coworker, coach, customer, business acquaintance, mentor, or close friend. Family members and personal therapists do not make ideal referees.

Application Guidance: These letters are a crucial part of your application and provide the Admissions Committee with a comprehensive view of your qualifications and potential for success in our program. Please ensure that your referees are informed about the specific aspects they need to address in their letters.

Included in the application is a section that asks applicants to identify any work/volunteer experience that provided a background in the field of therapy/counselling or related work.

Once your application has been reviewed, an interview date and time may be arranged as part of the second stage of the application process. Interviews can be in-person or remotely with a faculty member.