HEY PTs! Will I get into Physical Therapy school?!?

Question

I am a senior exercise science major and am applying to DPT programs which start next fall. First, here are my stats.

3.8 pre req GPA (3.97 overall)

150 verbal and 154 quantitativd GRE (just average I know but I'm taking it again soon)

>300 volunteer/observation hours by the end of this semester.

My hours come from four different locations, however, the majority are outpatient hours. I have observed about 20 hours inpatient therapy in hospital rooms, lots of aquatic therapy, and a little wound care, but I worry if this is still not enough variety. I've talked with a therapy tech at my current intern site who is also applying, and I feel like he has so much more experience, especially because he actually has a job as a tech. I have learned a lot throughout my experiences but, being a volunteer, I'm not really allowed to do anything hands-on. I realize that DPT programs are very competitive. Up until recently, I was feeling pretty confident in my chances of getting in. Now I'm really second-guessing myself. Based on my info, would it be safe to assume that I will at least get an interview? What are the key things that the DPT admission committees look for? And if I am invited to an interview, what kinds of questions might be asked? Any info will help and will be greatly appreciated!

? · Accepted Answer

PT schools will look at your academic record, including your GPA, and particularly your GPA in prerequisite courses, and at the breadth of the courses you have taken. They will look at test scores of course. Most applications will require you to write some type of essay and that can also weigh heavily on your application. They are looking for prepared, well-rounded students who know what they are getting into. They want people who are sensible and understand the profession. Of course if you have an interview that also plays a role.

What often eliminates candidates is making statements either in essays or in interviews that show they do not understand the profession. Things such as "I don't like working with sick people" and "I am not concerned about insurance companies. I won't have to deal with that" show someone to be uneducated about what a PT does in real life. (These are both things that I have heard faculty report that real interviewees said to them.) You need to understand the profession, the scope of practice, and some of the practical issues like payment sources and regulations. However, they are not looking only for people who have worked as aides, and they do not expect you to be completely knowledgeable. A strong effort to be well-informed, as well as humility, is appreciated by the admission committees.

If you have a good GPA as you do, and your prerequisite GPA is excellent, and you have a good, prepared application, you will probably be fine. Of course it is always wise to apply to more than one school. It is lovely if you have a choice of where to go, but it gives you additional options in case someone turns you down. Many PT programs have substantially increased their available seats over the past years, so PT school is not quite as competitive as it was in the mid and late 1990s. It is still competitive but your odds are better now. Good luck.

HEY PTs! Will I get into Physical Therapy school?!?

1 Antwort