2019-2020 PTCAS Applicant

[Future_Ms_DPT]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi everyone! With the 2019-2020 PTCAS application cycle nearing in just under a month, the nerves are rising. I decided late in the game that I wanted to pursue physical therapy, but the time has finally come for me to apply to programs. I've posted my stats below and am just curious if I seem like a competitive enough applicant? I also am open to hearing any advice/tips that veterans may have for me.

Major: Exercise Science
Overall Cumulative GPA: 3.69

Science GPA: ~ 3.32
Science & Math GPA: ~3.25
Pre-Req GPA: ~3.55-3.66 (depending on school)
^I calculated these myself using PTCAS's method (quality points/credits attempted) to give myself an idea of where I fell as I research schools. I also still have to take physics which I will be doing in the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020, but those courses were not factored into the above GPA's as they will not be completed when I submit my applications.

GRE: Will be taken in a little under a month... hoping to score a 153Q, 154V, 4.0AW at the very LEAST because these types of tests are not at my strong suite. ​

Observation Hours: 100 outpatient/ortho, 30 inpatient/subacute/geriatrics, 10 inpatient/acute, 10 outpatient/pediatrics (150 total... should I try and acquire more this last month?)

Extra-Curric: Collegiate athlete, my school's main service program, Chi Alpha Sigma (National College Athlete Honor Society), Black Student's in Action, executive board member of Medical Association for Premedical Students (MAPS)

Volunteer: Local 5k committee member, local food drive committee member, fair trade expo volunteer, afterschool program supervisor for local private school, math & literacy tutor at local charter school, peer mentor for first year students

Any and all advice/tips/comments are appreciated! Thanks!!
​

 

[MartialArtDPT]

Where are you applying? I went to a seminar yesterday for a DPT program, and the admissions chair's advice was that if you have any weak spots, drill the GRE and take it again and again if needed (this was for a school that took the highest in each category rather than averaging, so it helps to know where you're applying). When I asked if there was a point where we should be satisfied, she said a minimum of the 50th percentile. If your testing ability isn't strong, my advice is to reach out to schools you're interested in and show that interest to them. Genuine interest, that is, not faked interest. I was fascinated by some research going on at one school I'm interested in, so I emailed them to ask about it and ask if I could come talk to them about it and their program before I applied. It gave me a foot in the door, but I wasn't reaching for it- I'm truly fascinated by it and them, and want to share that excitement and talk to them about the program to feel if it is truly a fit.

Your chances seem okay to me, but most admissions officers want to see that there's a *you* behind the grades and the scores. What are you driven by? What motivates you- what excites you so much about that school that you giggle like a schoolgirl at the chance to talk about it? I see you have service/charity experience. Try to bring to life why you care for those things in your essays whenever possible- you'll do fine. 🙂

 

[Future_Ms_DPT]

Where are you applying? I went to a seminar yesterday for a DPT program, and the admissions chair's advice was that if you have any weak spots, drill the GRE and take it again and again if needed (this was for a school that took the highest in each category rather than averaging, so it helps to know where you're applying). When I asked if there was a point where we should be satisfied, she said a minimum of the 50th percentile. If your testing ability isn't strong, my advice is to reach out to schools you're interested in and show that interest to them. Genuine interest, that is, not faked interest. I was fascinated by some research going on at one school I'm interested in, so I emailed them to ask about it and ask if I could come talk to them about it and their program before I applied. It gave me a foot in the door, but I wasn't reaching for it- I'm truly fascinated by it and them, and want to share that excitement and talk to them about the program to feel if it is truly a fit.

Your chances seem okay to me, but most admissions officers want to see that there's a *you* behind the grades and the scores. What are you driven by? What motivates you- what excites you so much about that school that you giggle like a schoolgirl at the chance to talk about it? I see you have service/charity experience. Try to bring to life why you care for those things in your essays whenever possible- you'll do fine. 🙂

I plan on applying to quite a few schools, but to name some: Duke, Elon, High Point, MUSC, Temple and University of St. Augustine - Miami. Definitely my dedication and passion for service is what I plan to bring to light in my essays. Through my school's service program I've done so much, grown so much and learned so much both about myself and social justice/advocacy work. I appreciate you responding to my post, it brought me some comfort.