Advice during year off PLEASE

[Antsi3]

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Alright so I'm not sure where to begin.
Next week I will be graduating with my Bachelor's in Biology from FIU and I will be taking the year off. I applied to the program but didn't get accepted, my GPA and GRE scores weren't too hot. I understand that for sure I will be retaking the GRE and retaking classes such as anatomy and physiology which I got C's in. Am I on the right track because I really want to strengthen my app for the next cycle? I was speaking to an advisor from the FIU DPT program about my app and she told me that even if I were to retake classes, it wouldn't help me in my gpa and instead, I would have to major in something else. I assume that this is only FIU's requirement and that other schools actually factor in the classes you take after your bachelors as a non-degree student.
Aside from retaking the GRE and classes, what are some other things that I can do to help improve my chances? To note, I'm currently applying to local hospitals and clinics that offer aide/tech positions and still waiting for their response.
I've messed up during my undergrad career and I'm trying to get myself out of this hole. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[abynormal]

You should not have to get a second major and feed more money into your undergraduate institution. Retake classes, get As, develop solid relationships to get references, Magoosh for GRE prep and retake. A job as a rehab aid is great too. The biggest thing to know is each school may calculate GPAs a little differently, some average your retakes, some take the higher grade. Get to know the schools of interest that you will apply to NOW so you can get what you need to prepare for a more competitive application.

 

[Antsi3]

You should not have to get a second major and feed more money into your undergraduate institution. Retake classes, get As, develop solid relationships to get references, Magoosh for GRE prep and retake. A job as a rehab aid is great too. The biggest thing to know is each school may calculate GPAs a little differently, some average your retakes, some take the higher grade. Get to know the schools of interest that you will apply to NOW so you can get what you need to prepare for a more competitive application.

Thank you. I appreciate it

 

[starrsgirl]

Sounds like your biggest task is to start researching other programs besides FIU to apply to. I think it's somewhat ridiculous that retake classes can't raise the GPA they use for apps. The good news is that most schools will consider retaken classes and classes taken after your degree towards improving your cGPA.

If you GPA is low, sometimes schools worry about your ability to handle the rigorous DPT schedule. My ideal recommendation is to complete at least 1 semester while you are carrying a full time course load and working. (And get straight As in that semester). Make sure you are taking science courses (either do some retakes or take advanced courses or lateral level courses). I find this to be more valuable to schools then simply retaking 1 class at a time. Many people can do well in 1 class, but handling a full schedule and doing well sends a strong message.

Consider taking a GRE prep course.

Evaluate your hours....this one depends on how many hours you have now. If you already have a ton, I wouldn't put as much emphasis here. Just find something (even observation) that keeps you current.

 

[Antsi3]

Sounds like your biggest task is to start researching other programs besides FIU to apply to. I think it's somewhat ridiculous that retake classes can't raise the GPA they use for apps. The good news is that most schools will consider retaken classes and classes taken after your degree towards improving your cGPA.

If you GPA is low, sometimes schools worry about your ability to handle the rigorous DPT schedule. My ideal recommendation is to complete at least 1 semester while you are carrying a full time course load and working. (And get straight As in that semester). Make sure you are taking science courses (either do some retakes or take advanced courses or lateral level courses). I find this to be more valuable to schools then simply retaking 1 class at a time. Many people can do well in 1 class, but handling a full schedule and doing well sends a strong message.

Consider taking a GRE prep course.

Evaluate your hours....this one depends on how many hours you have now. If you already have a ton, I wouldn't put as much emphasis here. Just find something (even observation) that keeps you current.

Thank you!

 

[apta_pharaoh]

Redo GRE
Retake classes at Community College (easier, more flexible)
Become a PT aide ( more hours, Letters of Rec, money)