Switching Fields to OT – How Riverwood Helped Client Secure a Spot at USYD Against the Odds

Client S, a graduate with a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Second Honours) from the University of Hong Kong, later completed a Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Endicott College (USA) and became a certified BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). Her professional focus was on intervention and therapy for children and adolescents with autism.

But instead of continuing in ABA, she decided to pivot – aiming for the highly competitive Master of Occupational Therapy, particularly at the University of Sydney (USYD), one of the most selective programs in the field.

Occupational Therapy (OT) programs often assess all applicants in a single pool, ranking candidates by academic background, GPA, and relevant experience – much like the points-based immigration system. That means every detail counts, and competition is intense.

With Riverwood’s support, S tackled the application process with clarity and confidence:

• Tailored Document Preparation

We helped S consolidate and structure her academic records from HKU and Endicott, clinical experience, and resume into a clear and compelling application.

• High-Impact Personal Statement

Together, we crafted a persuasive personal statement highlighting her clinical work as a BCBA in autism intervention, using real case examples to illustrate how ABA theory could translate into OT practice. The result? A powerful narrative that showcased both passion and professionalism.

• Strategic Application Timeline

We mapped out key application dates and ensured timely submission across early and regular rounds – leaving nothing to chance.

• 1-on-1 Ongoing Support

Throughout the process, we followed up weekly, swiftly addressing document requests or application queries to keep things moving smoothly.

• Personalised Program Selection

Initially unsure of which programs best aligned with her goals, S benefited from our personalised advice in narrowing down schools that matched both her academic background and future career plans.

Thanks to her strong foundation and Riverwood’s strategic planning, S successfully secured an offer from USYD’s Master of Occupational Therapy – one of the most sought-after programs in the country.

OT is a fast-growing profession with strong employment outcomes, but the pathway is highly competitive and demanding. Success often requires more than just good credentials – it takes a team who knows how to shape your story, time your moves, and guide you from start to finish.

If you have any questions or would like professional assistance, please feel free to contact us at Riverwood Migration (Email: [email protected]). We are committed to providing transparent, expert migration services to help you achieve your dream of moving to Australia.