A few DPT questions

[epk1231]

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I'm a bit new to DPT. I've applied to medical but my future is in the hands of only one school. More than likely I'll have to reapply but I wish to apply to DPT programs as well. I plan on taking the MCAT on July 25th and I'm trying to figure out the appropriate time to take the GRE. Would taking it in mid-August be considered too late?

Any tips on selecting schools aside from from matching GPA/GREs?

Also, what is generally the goal date for completing the PTCAS application? I've been 2 years out of undergrad and my current grad program doesn't know anything about DPT programs, so I'm trying to plan my summer and make sure I have all of the deadlines in line.

 

[iseidthat]

You should think about cost, location, and the set up of the programs- see what fits you. I think that most schools (on the west coast at least) start this application due dates in the fall. Some schools have multiple cycles (e.g. fall, spring, and summer starts for a new class). Of course you have to meet the pre-reqs/references/GRE scores.

Other than that, make sure you follow your bliss. If DPT is your backup, do you think you'll be happy doing it?

 

[nicolej5]

I'm a bit new to DPT. I've applied to medical but my future is in the hands of only one school. More than likely I'll have to reapply but I wish to apply to DPT programs as well. I plan on taking the MCAT on July 25th and I'm trying to figure out the appropriate time to take the GRE. Would taking it in mid-August be considered too late?

Any tips on selecting schools aside from from matching GPA/GREs?

Also, what is generally the goal date for completing the PTCAS application? I've been 2 years out of undergrad and my current grad program doesn't know anything about DPT programs, so I'm trying to plan my summer and make sure I have all of the deadlines in line.

Mid august is a little late to take the gre. You really want to have your apps out by august-1st of September to give yourself the best shot imo.

 

[epk1231]

You should think about cost, location, and the set up of the programs- see what fits you. I think that most schools (on the west coast at least) start this application due dates in the fall. Some schools have multiple cycles (e.g. fall, spring, and summer starts for a new class). Of course you have to meet the pre-reqs/references/GRE scores.

Other than that, make sure you follow your bliss. If DPT is your backup, do you think you'll be happy doing it?

Thanks for the input. Is there a book/website that has information for all of the programs (that has a brief overview and their admission stats/gpa ranges, etc...)?

I'm going to shadow a DPT soon to make sure my heart is in the right place - but I feel I would be happy with DPT (if I were to go to med school, I would want to go into physical med and rehab).

Mid august is a little late to take the gre. You really want to have your apps out by august-1st of September to give yourself the best shot imo.

Cool, thanks - that helps with setting a goal for myself. I just planned my MCAT for mid-July so I'm going to try to get my GRE done as soon as I'm ready...maybe at the end of July (I'll find out if MCAT verbal section prepares me for the GRE verbal). Would the scoring of the writing section delay my application (from my understanding the other sections are scored immediately)?

 

[iseidthat]

I mainly did research by requesting information from all the schools. There are rankings of schools, but I haven't found a website that compares/give overviews of schools. Most of the school websites have everything, but it really is a lot to go through. Honestly I'd just set a hight goal to "blanket" the requirements- then apply to every school in the locations you want. Since most programs require letters of rec- you should aim for 2 from PTs and 2 From professors/professionals, get high scores on GRE, etc. With the GREs, you can take it every 30 days, so you should take it now if you want to apply for the next cycle incase you need to retake it.

Sadly, I think that more and more people just go to whatever school they are accepted to and not necessarily the one they want to. But a DPT is a DPT to most PTs I've talked to. I'm sure you'll learn more from the PT you shadow as well. Anyways, this is the same plan I'm on.

 

[Myosin]

Taking the GRE in August may be too late for most schools that admit in the spring. Most people generally take their GREs in the early spring up to mid July, which is usually the cut off date for taking it and still applying. It varies so check with the school.

The Manhattan Prep series is one of the best study sets if you're willing to drop the money for the set of books. Give yourself at least two months to study for it


Only three things matter for DPT schools, cost of living, cost of tuition, and board pass rates. As long as they have over a 90% pass rate, the costs are the only thing you should base your decisions on.

It doesn't matter if you like a certain location more than another if one is significantly higher in costs. You can always move there after you graduate.

Don't worry about the last day for submitting PTCAS. Just get it done as soon as humanly possible to apply to your schools. Don't be one of those people who wait till the last day and then come here wondering why they didn't get accepted when their submissions arrive after the due date for their schools.

 

[NewTestament]

Sadly, I think that more and more people just go to whatever school they are accepted to and not necessarily the one they want to.

They do this out of necessity, not because they're complacent. If you apply to 10 schools and one accepts you, and it's your least favorite choice, then go to that school. Don't apply to schools you're not willing to attend or pay for. Schools help you choose which school you go to when they reject you. It's not like shopping for a car. The application process is competitive, and you take what you can get.

Take the GRE sooner. If you don't want to go to med school, then why are you wasting your time taking the MCAT? Start studying for the GRE and start observing. Aim for >300 if you want to be competitive.

Kevin

 

[standby]

The CAPTE website should give you the information you are lookijng for all in one place.

 

[epk1231]

Thanks all for the input! This really helps me get a jump on all of this.