I'm not a traditional PT applicant. I've been out of undergrad for almost three years now and majored in Geology and Religion. I decided I wanted to apply to PT school in September 2019 and started taking pre-reqs in January (2 in spring, 2 in summer, 2 in fall). I was set to start getting observation hours in mid-March, but everything got cancelled due to COVID-19. I'm not trying to stress too much about it because there's nothing I can do, but I'm wondering if it'll be worth it to apply when applications open up? My cGPA is ~3.53, pGPA is ~3.68, and I haven't taken the GRE yet, but based on practice scores, I would be between 305-315. I don't currently have any observation hours. Having no observation hours would also mean I wouldn't have any letters of recommendation from physical therapists. Anyone else in a similar situation regarding hours/letters? Would I even be competitive enough this cycle or should I wait another year?
2020-2021 Application Cycle & COVID-19
- Thread starter bfrost827
- Start date
I can't speak on your observation hours and letters of recommendation but I've been out of undergrad for almost seven years now with a major that has nothing to do with PT. I took all of my pre-reqs within a year with both my cGPA and pGPA not even over a 3.30. I scored a 301 on the GRE. I didn't have an outstanding number of observation hours since I work two jobs and didn't have much time between and I just got accepted into two programs so I can tell you it is possible. You just have to be personable and be able to show schools what makes you unique from other applicants.
dreamingofpt
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Hi! I'm a PT student (starting next month) and you're stats are definitely above mine - cGPa 3.34, pGPA 3.50 (estimate) and GRE a 303. I had observation hours in 4 sites totaling about 371 hours. So I would recommend you focus on getting some hours in a couple sites, rather than a ton of hours in one site. I know it's hard because of COVID-19 but hopefully as restrictions start letting up, there will be more opportunity. Try expanding your search too and be willing to commute for more hours. I had a cousin live with me and get hours at an old site I went to so he could apply to PTA program. So maybe if you have a potential site near a relative? Because hours are def important because we need good letters of rec as well. Message me if you have any questions.
