3rd time applying..

[gumballl]

The first two times I applied to DPT schools was when my PTCAS GPA was EXTREMELY low (2.58, 2.78), and obviously, got rejected to like all of them.

This will be my 3rd year in 2016 when I'm applying. After I graduated Rutgers, I retook 18 classes at a community college, and I retook all of my preqs.

My current PTCAS cGPA is 3.003, my prereq GPA is: 3.875 (after retakes), and
60 hours GPA is 3.936 (I got 1 B out of all 18 classes, and rest are all A's).
GRES: 153/153

I'm not in any extra-curricular activities, but I have done a 126 hour internship as a PT aide.
I also have over 100+ hours in volunteer work, and have great recommendation letters.

Is there anything else that I can do to strengthen my application? I really want to get in this year, but I have no confidence.. I took SO many classes to bring up my PTCAS GPA up to a 3.003, but obviously, it won't get any higher than that because everything averages out. Do you guys think I'll have a chance to get in next year? If not, what else can I do?

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[FL19DPT]

Shadow in several settings
Volunteer in several settings of the community
Elevate gre to 156/156 that would be considered a high end score to match a lower cgpa
Apply to schools that look at last 60 hours and pre req over cgpa
Explain on ptcas that the 3.0 doesn't reflect your full potential (there's a section for this to explain)
Good luck!

 

[NMPTguy]

I think you have some hope. Your stats are similar to mine. I have already been accepted to one school and I have two interviews coming up. My suggestion is to be discriminant when selecting the schools you are going to apply to. There are schools with lower average GPA requirements, take the last 60/90 credit hours and some place emphasis on the 'total package.' Continue gaining more experience by shadowing/volunteering. Also, try to be thoughtful and honest in your application essays. Allow the reviewer to get to know your experience, desire and ability to become a successful PT. What are your GRE scores? If they are not strong, then you may want to retake the test. It seems like you have sincere desire to pursue PT so I hope things work out for you!

 

[gumballl]

Shadow in several settings
Volunteer in several settings of the community
Elevate gre to 156/156 that would be considered a high end score to match a lower cgpa
Apply to schools that look at last 60 hours and pre req over cgpa
Explain on ptcas that the 3.0 doesn't reflect your full potential (there's a section for this to explain)
Good luck!

Thank you very much! I will definitely look into the schools that look for the last 60 hours!!

I think you have some hope. Your stats are similar to mine. I have already been accepted to one school and I have two interviews coming up. My suggestion is to be discriminant when selecting the schools you are going to apply to. There are schools with lower average GPA requirements, take the last 60/90 credit hours and some place emphasis on the 'total package.' Continue gaining more experience by shadowing/volunteering. Also, try to be thoughtful and honest in your application essays. Allow the reviewer to get to know your experience, desire and ability to become a successful PT. What are your GRE scores? If they are not strong, then you may want to retake the test. It seems like you have sincere desire to pursue PT so I hope things work out for you!

Thank you very much for the thoughtful advice! I'll definitely retake the GREs and add on some more volunteer work! That's great that you got into a school, and already have 2 interviews. I'll be so happy if I even get into one!

 

[steveyk]

The first two times I applied to DPT schools was when my PTCAS GPA was EXTREMELY low (2.58, 2.78), and obviously, got rejected to like all of them.

This will be my 3rd year in 2016 when I'm applying. After I graduated Rutgers, I retook 18 classes at a community college, and I retook all of my preqs.

My current PTCAS cGPA is 3.003, my prereq GPA is: 3.875 (after retakes), and
60 hours GPA is 3.936 (I got 1 B out of all 18 classes, and rest are all A's).
GRES: 153/153

I'm not in any extra-curricular activities, but I have done a 126 hour internship as a PT aide.
I also have over 100+ hours in volunteer work, and have great recommendation letters.

Is there anything else that I can do to strengthen my application? I really want to get in this year, but I have no confidence.. I took SO many classes to bring up my PTCAS GPA up to a 3.003, but obviously, it won't get any higher than that because everything averages out. Do you guys think I'll have a chance to get in next year? If not, what else can I do?

I think really the only way to make up for a low gpa is with really high GRE scores and applying to the right schools. Did you get any interviews your first two years of applying? If not, you may receive more interviews by a) retaking GREs and possibly breaking the 160s on one section (or breaking 310s total) b) applying to schools that focus on last 60 hour gpa c) schools that weigh GREs more than gpa

If I were to try and think from an adcoms perspective, it'd be difficult accepting you just based on #s since both your gpa and GREs are below avg. But since you exceeded the 3.0 gpa minimum req for most schools, I'm sure you'd get a few interviews if you apply really early and apply to schools that take the last 60 since your last 60 looks good. That's really awesome that you retook 18 courses and did well though! I went back to school for 6 courses and it was hard getting all A's so major props to you!

 

[89bogues]

You should definitely be able to get into schools that look at recent coursework (last 30/60hrs.) As others have already stated, a high GREs will help offset a low cGPA and give adcomms an indication of your potential. I would say your current GRE is average, but IMHO when trying to offset a low cGPA, dominating the GRE is one of the easiest and most time/cost effective ways of strengthening your application and setting you apart from other candidates. Many people on this forum have improved their GREs 5-10 points by really focusing/studying for it. FYI my stats were similar to yours with a stronger GRE and I was accepted to the two public schools I applied to (both had last 30/60 hr rules.)

 

[ptdude66]

Try early decision

 

[starrsgirl]

Best of luck! I was in a similar situation and got in after I retook a billion classes and inched above that 3.0. I agree with strategically applying. Know your schools and focus where you gave the best chance of admittance. Write a killer essay and prep for interviews like no one else.

 

[CrazyRunner]

Don't lose hope! This was my third year applying and I'm glad I didn't give up! My stats were similar to yours and I had three interviews so far for Bellarmine, Rutgers South and A.T Still U and one acceptance so far...
I would agree with PTpursuit -- be strategic when looking at programs and apply to schools that are going through the accreditation process as well
Some schools will take the highest earned grades (when retaking courses), while others may not...
I would start with looking at the GPA requirements of each program then go from there...that's what I did -- Saves you money too!

Try doing some community service as well - that always helps and show confidence in your essays!
You'll get there -- don't give up!

 

[kdab28]

First of all, it's extremely impressive to see that GPA improvement - don't take that lightly, you killed it! I think the tremendously better student you've become, through such hard work and dedication, is going to help you in the application process. It'll certainly be a good talking point in essays and interviews.

Is there anyway you can get involved in research? That's an excellent way to boost an application. Everywhere I interviewed was extremely happy to see a lot of research experience. There's also more time to continue shadowing in different settings. Schools definitely like to see a variety. And your GRE score is just fine, but it might help to take it again to get a little score boost.

Best of luck! Please be proud of your hard work! It's inspiring!

 

[steveyk]

Here are my stats that are pretty avg and below avg for CummGPA. I made sure to target some schools that only look at PreReqGPA like MGH and Boston and USA. Also last 60 hours like u of Florida. I also applied to two unaccredited new programs because it felt safe and I got interviews at both but declined them once I got into an accredited school. Def consider applying to schools that are in a candidate of accreditation process. Also, USA looks at the applicant holistically .... Def apply there

OverallGPA: 3.01 was a 2.95
Prereq: ~3.66 - 3.8
GRE: 149Q 156V 4.5A

Interviews: MGH, Methodist U, Emory & Henry, USA FL, Rutgers South

Acceptances: USA FL, Boston University

Rejections: Shenandoah, disqualified from wheeling Jesuit and Marshall u

Don't give up, be strategic. I didn't think I would get in anywhere but I am fortunate to say I faired better than I ever imagined! I retook every science class I got less than a B in. Good luck! Research your programs. 🙂

I second this! Applying to some candidate programs is probably the best decision I made considering I may end up in one this Fall. I recommend googling developing PT programs and thoroughly researching programs that received candidacy. As long as it has a good faculty and some resources, some candidate programs have the potential to excel past other accredited programs (ex: Mercer University - newer program, accredited 3 years ago but probably one of if not the best program in GA).

 

[PennyP]

The first two times I applied to DPT schools was when my PTCAS GPA was EXTREMELY low (2.58, 2.78), and obviously, got rejected to like all of them.

This will be my 3rd year in 2016 when I'm applying. After I graduated Rutgers, I retook 18 classes at a community college, and I retook all of my preqs.

My current PTCAS cGPA is 3.003, my prereq GPA is: 3.875 (after retakes), and
60 hours GPA is 3.936 (I got 1 B out of all 18 classes, and rest are all A's).
GRES: 153/153

I'm not in any extra-curricular activities, but I have done a 126 hour internship as a PT aide.
I also have over 100+ hours in volunteer work, and have great recommendation letters.

Is there anything else that I can do to strengthen my application? I really want to get in this year, but I have no confidence.. I took SO many classes to bring up my PTCAS GPA up to a 3.003, but obviously, it won't get any higher than that because everything averages out. Do you guys think I'll have a chance to get in next year? If not, what else can I do?

This was also my 3rd year applying, and I just got accepted to Boston. I applied to Boston because they didn't look at cGPA, I didn't take my undergrad real seriously and my cGPA suffered.
Look at schools that either have a lower required cGPA or don't look at that at all. Be strategic with your choices. I took the GRE a few times and ultimately got in with 147Q/158V/4.5. I'm sure my recommendations, and my work as a PTA helped a bit too.

Don't lose hope. I almost did a few times, but I kept working, and finally succeeded.

 

[gumballl]

Wow!!!!! Thank you everyone for replying and giving such encouraging advice! I was feeling really depressed and down. It honestly made me tear up. YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME! I'll definitely be strategic in applying this year.. I'm going to take a wing at the GREs again. Thank you so much, everyone!!!