Advice? Will I be competitive

[Dwish]

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University: Florida International University
Major: Psychology (no PT major offered)
Overall GPA: 3.14(PTCAS)
Pre-Req GPA: 3.03 (PTCAS)
Upper-Division GPA: 3.40
GRE:verbal-157, quantitative-149, analytical-3.5

Volunteer/Observation: 300+ outpatient hours (ortho, geriatrics, sports)

So I recently finished applying to five Florida schools. Florida International University, University of Central Florida, Nova Southeastern University full time main campus ft. lauderdale, Nova part time program at tampa, Saint Augustine Florida, and Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University.

Roaming through the forums I saw many people's stats, and quite frankly while I'm not horrendous, I am also not competitive at all. My expectations are pretty realistic in knowing that I probably won't be accepted this year, not saying that I won't put my best foot forward if I get an opportunity for an interview. However, looking at things realistically I see myself most likely getting rejected, with my highest chances of acceptance being from FAMU, nova part time, and st. augustine.

so my question is, if I buff everything but my GPA up will I have a legitimate chance at getting into one of those schools? Meaning, if i do more volunteer hours in different settings, get a job as a PT aide or PT tech, get a CPT and silver sneaker certification, etc. will it give me a realistic chance of getting accepted? or is my GPA too hard to overcome? I have already retaken chem I, physics II, and anatomy lab.

Obviously the best way of finding out is trying. I know somebody who got accepted to FIU with a overall 3.1 gpa, but his resume was outstanding and right now I pretty much don't have one. Keep it brutal and honest, thanks guys.

 

[ptlover]

University: Florida International University
Major: Psychology (no PT major offered)
Overall GPA: 3.14(PTCAS)
Pre-Req GPA: 3.03 (PTCAS)
Upper-Division GPA: 3.40
GRE:verbal-157, quantitative-149, analytical-3.5

Volunteer/Observation: 300+ outpatient hours (ortho, geriatrics, sports)

So I recently finished applying to five Florida schools. Florida International University, University of Central Florida, Nova Southeastern University full time main campus ft. lauderdale, Nova part time program at tampa, Saint Augustine Florida, and Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University.

Roaming through the forums I saw many people's stats, and quite frankly while I'm not horrendous, I am also not competitive at all. My expectations are pretty realistic in knowing that I probably won't be accepted this year, not saying that I won't put my best foot forward if I get an opportunity for an interview. However, looking at things realistically I see myself most likely getting rejected, with my highest chances of acceptance being from FAMU, nova part time, and st. augustine.

so my question is, if I buff everything but my GPA up will I have a legitimate chance at getting into one of those schools? Meaning, if i do more volunteer hours in different settings, get a job as a PT aide or PT tech, get a CPT and silver sneaker certification, etc. will it give me a realistic chance of getting accepted? or is my GPA too hard to overcome? I have already retaken chem I, physics II, and anatomy lab.

Obviously the best way of finding out is trying. I know somebody who got accepted to FIU with a overall 3.1 gpa, but his resume was outstanding and right now I pretty much don't have one. Keep it brutal and honest, thanks guys.

Is there any other pre-reqs you have lower than a C in? Can you retake the GRE and score higher? These are two things to consider.

If you need advice PM me

 

[starrsgirl]

I honestly would just focus on GPA and GRE. You are low in both of those. I don't think doing more of that stuff will particularly help as you already have more than the minimums there. What else can you retake to get an A on top in your pre reqs? I got into school with a low gpa...a 3.1. It is very difficult to raise a gpa sometimes depending on credit hours and such but I had straight As on top in all my pre reqs (As for every class even if I had to retake).

Also did you notice the math /science gpa minimum for Nova? I applied there last year and realized at the last minute I didn't meet that particular calculation for them. Very frustrating but hope I can help someone else. Even with As on every pre req it wasn't enough for me as they pulled in a ton of random classes for that calculation like Calculus III I took 15 years ago. lol.

 

[DesertPT]

I agree with @starrsgirl. Definitely retake the GRE. Your verbal score is average to slightly above average for PT school, but you need to get that quant score up to at least a 155 and the writing at or above a 4.0. Getting the writing up to a 4.5 would put you above the average and is something a lot of schools would like to see. Realize that it is only really worth retaking if you are going to improve your scores substantially, so don't retake until you have studied and prepared enough that you can nail high scores on practice exams consistently.

You need retake any pre-reqs you may have C's or B-'s in and then target schools that use grade replacement for retaken classes (rather than an average of the two grades). Figure out what you'd have to do and what schools you'd have to apply to to have your pre-req GPA at or above a 3.5. This is by far the weakest part of your application. Your ability to do well in undergrad level science classes is the best indication that schools have of your potential to do well in graduate level science classes.

Your cumulative GPA is unlikely to change substantially due to the large number of credits being factored in. But if you get it above a 3.2 in the process of improving your pre-req GPA it may help.

Like starrsgirl alluded to in her example regarding Nova, each school has widely varying policies and procedures for how they process, rank and select applicants. I saw you already responded to the thread linked below. It really is excellent advice that I think will help you.

If you spend time doing more observation hours, they need to be inpatient hours. Acute care hours are a must, and having them will strengthen your application. Obtaining outpatient hours above what you already have, however, will not increase your chances of acceptance. Becoming a PT tech, a CPT or a silver sneaker instructor at the expense of dedicating time to your grades and GRE scores is unlikely to improve your chances substantially either.

A strong interview score is critical at many schools as well, and is an area where numerically weaker applicants can potentially make up some lost ground. When you interview, make sure you own your past mistakes completely, make no excuses, and focus on showing what you have learned and how you changed and improved.

Other aspects of the application like essay and LORs could potentially be improved (rewrite stronger essay, change a potentially weak LOR out for someone who knows you better, etc) but you are going to have to be the one to determine that.

So to summarize, doing the following should be enough to get you in somewhere next year, if you have no luck this cycle:
1. Get pre-req GPA to >3.5, by retaking classes and targeting schools that use grade replacement.
2. Get GRE writing to 4.0, preferably 4.5.
3. Get GRE V/Q total to >315.
4. Obtain inpatient observation hours, in acute care and preferably one other setting (eg. rehab or SNF)
5. Evaluate essays and LOR writers and do what you can to make these areas as strong as possible.
6. Conduct an extensive analysis to determine the 6-8 schools at which your application will be the strongest, and tailor your application as much as possible to these schools.
7. Thoroughly prepare for any interviews you are invited to, and put forward a strong performance.


Good luck and here's hoping you end up getting in somewhere this year after all. Have you had any interviews/interview invites yet?

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/my-experience-in-applying-to-dpt-programs.1115591/

 

[Rudolph Mitchell]

@starrsgirl what school did you get into?

 

[CaptainBobo]

I agree with @starrsgirl. Definitely retake the GRE. Your verbal score is average to slightly above average for PT school, but you need to get that quant score up to at least a 155 and the writing at or above a 4.0. Getting the writing up to a 4.5 would put you above the average and is something a lot of schools would like to see. Realize that it is only really worth retaking if you are going to improve your scores substantially, so don't retake until you have studied and prepared enough that you can nail high scores on practice exams consistently.

You need retake any pre-reqs you may have C's or B-'s in and then target schools that use grade replacement for retaken classes (rather than an average of the two grades). Figure out what you'd have to do and what schools you'd have to apply to to have your pre-req GPA at or above a 3.5. This is by far the weakest part of your application. Your ability to do well in undergrad level science classes is the best indication that schools have of your potential to do well in graduate level science classes.

Your cumulative GPA is unlikely to change substantially due to the large number of credits being factored in. But if you get it above a 3.2 in the process of improving your pre-req GPA it may help.

Like starrsgirl alluded to in her example regarding Nova, each school has widely varying policies and procedures for how they process, rank and select applicants. I saw you already responded to the thread linked below. It really is excellent advice that I think will help you.

If you spend time doing more observation hours, they need to be inpatient hours. Acute care hours are a must, and having them will strengthen your application. Obtaining outpatient hours above what you already have, however, will not increase your chances of acceptance. Becoming a PT tech, a CPT or a silver sneaker instructor at the expense of dedicating time to your grades and GRE scores is unlikely to improve your chances substantially either.

A strong interview score is critical at many schools as well, and is an area where numerically weaker applicants can potentially make up some lost ground. When you interview, make sure you own your past mistakes completely, make no excuses, and focus on showing what you have learned and how you changed and improved.

Other aspects of the application like essay and LORs could potentially be improved (rewrite stronger essay, change a potentially weak LOR out for someone who knows you better, etc) but you are going to have to be the one to determine that.

So to summarize, doing the following should be enough to get you in somewhere next year, if you have no luck this cycle:
1. Get pre-req GPA to >3.5, by retaking classes and targeting schools that use grade replacement.
2. Get GRE writing to 4.0, preferably 4.5.
3. Get GRE V/Q total to >315.
4. Obtain inpatient observation hours, in acute care and preferably one other setting (eg. rehab or SNF)
5. Evaluate essays and LOR writers and do what you can to make these areas as strong as possible.
6. Conduct an extensive analysis to determine the 6-8 schools at which your application will be the strongest, and tailor your application as much as possible to these schools.
7. Thoroughly prepare for any interviews you are invited to, and put forward a strong performance.


Good luck and here's hoping you end up getting in somewhere this year after all. Have you had any interviews/interview invites yet?

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/my-experience-in-applying-to-dpt-programs.1115591/

This person is brilliant. One thing I'll stress that has already been said is research. Finding schools that are right for you is incredibly valuable. It'll take a lot of time (use a spreadsheet to keep track of everything), but worth it in the end. Unless money isn't a concern, don't waste your time applying to schools that are looking for an incredibly high cumulative GPA, won't accept retakes of courses, or ask for pre-reqs you don't have.

If you ever have questions about a program or requirements, feel free to call the department. That's what they're there for. Calling one school saved me time from applying, due to them telling me that their class was basically already full. That was only September IIRC. I've candidly asked, "How can I become a more competitive candidate for your program?" And the advice I've received was extremely helpful. They want Good candidates, and as long as you are professional and courteous about it, have no problem setting aside some time to talk to you about your situation, and whether or not you'd be right for a school.

And while I'm sure this doesn't apply to all schools, I know for a fact that at least one school gives you extra points in their ranking of you if you attend their information sessions/tour. Granted, I think it was roughly equivalent to 1% or less, but that's still something. Beyond an extra point, it allows you to get a feel for an individual program, and perhaps develop an ability to see what good programs have, and what you should stay away from.

One really important thing to remember, especially for us not as competitive candidates who are just trying to get in somewhere is that at the end of the day, you should still go/apply to a school you Want to go to. Tuition's exorbitant? Skip it. Professors seem unfriendly? Bleh. Somewhere you would absolutely Hate living (Maybe big city, or rural area) there? Pass. You're going to be spending at least the next two years of your life here (Clinicals might be somewhere else), you want to at least be somewhat happy with the program you've chosen. If all you're thinking about is how much that teacher is a bitch, or the class size is wayyy too large and you can't talk to anyone, or how you're paying over 120K for tuition WITHOUT loan interest, it's going to be the worst time of your life. And from what I understand, it's already going to be incredibly stressful. You don't want that piled on top of it.

Good luck!

 

[DesertPT]

...applying to schools that are looking for an incredibly high cumulative GPA, won't accept retakes of courses, or ask for pre-reqs you don't have

The sheer number of people that apply to schools at which they are not qualified every year, and the number of schools they do it with, is absolutely mind boggling. Example, at NAU last cycle, only 63% of the people who submitted an application met the minimum admissions requirements (which are clearly posted on their website). 462 people who did not meet the minimums for eligibility submitted an application. 462 people spent $100 to apply to NAU and then have their application automatically,instantaneously rejected. If people don't have common sense, I can't say I feel bad that they wasted their 100 bucks. The application to the NAU graduate college that you have to submit is $60 out of that $100. So the NAU graduate college made $27720 in one year from PT applications that they never even had to look at.

If you ever have questions about a program or requirements, feel free to call the department. That's what they're there for. Calling one school saved me time from applying, due to them telling me that their class was basically already full. That was only September IIRC. I've candidly asked, "How can I become a more competitive candidate for your program?" And the advice I've received was extremely helpful. They want Good candidates, and as long as you are professional and courteous about it, have no problem setting aside some time to talk to you about your situation, and whether or not you'd be right for a school.

This is good advice and is something that I don't think enough people actually do. If you haven't made at least one phone call for some reason to each program you are applying to, you probably should. You'll find out things you never would have otherwise. It's amazing how much information they will tell you over the phone that can't be found on their website.

 

[SwampPT]

I agree with @starrsgirl. Definitely retake the GRE. Your verbal score is average to slightly above average for PT school, but you need to get that quant score up to at least a 155 and the writing at or above a 4.0. Getting the writing up to a 4.5 would put you above the average and is something a lot of schools would like to see. Realize that it is only really worth retaking if you are going to improve your scores substantially, so don't retake until you have studied and prepared enough that you can nail high scores on practice exams consistently.

You need retake any pre-reqs you may have C's or B-'s in and then target schools that use grade replacement for retaken classes (rather than an average of the two grades). Figure out what you'd have to do and what schools you'd have to apply to to have your pre-req GPA at or above a 3.5. This is by far the weakest part of your application. Your ability to do well in undergrad level science classes is the best indication that schools have of your potential to do well in graduate level science classes.

Your cumulative GPA is unlikely to change substantially due to the large number of credits being factored in. But if you get it above a 3.2 in the process of improving your pre-req GPA it may help.

Like starrsgirl alluded to in her example regarding Nova, each school has widely varying policies and procedures for how they process, rank and select applicants. I saw you already responded to the thread linked below. It really is excellent advice that I think will help you.

If you spend time doing more observation hours, they need to be inpatient hours. Acute care hours are a must, and having them will strengthen your application. Obtaining outpatient hours above what you already have, however, will not increase your chances of acceptance. Becoming a PT tech, a CPT or a silver sneaker instructor at the expense of dedicating time to your grades and GRE scores is unlikely to improve your chances substantially either.

A strong interview score is critical at many schools as well, and is an area where numerically weaker applicants can potentially make up some lost ground. When you interview, make sure you own your past mistakes completely, make no excuses, and focus on showing what you have learned and how you changed and improved.

Other aspects of the application like essay and LORs could potentially be improved (rewrite stronger essay, change a potentially weak LOR out for someone who knows you better, etc) but you are going to have to be the one to determine that.

So to summarize, doing the following should be enough to get you in somewhere next year, if you have no luck this cycle:
1. Get pre-req GPA to >3.5, by retaking classes and targeting schools that use grade replacement.
2. Get GRE writing to 4.0, preferably 4.5.
3. Get GRE V/Q total to >315.
4. Obtain inpatient observation hours, in acute care and preferably one other setting (eg. rehab or SNF)
5. Evaluate essays and LOR writers and do what you can to make these areas as strong as possible.
6. Conduct an extensive analysis to determine the 6-8 schools at which your application will be the strongest, and tailor your application as much as possible to these schools.
7. Thoroughly prepare for any interviews you are invited to, and put forward a strong performance.


Good luck and here's hoping you end up getting in somewhere this year after all. Have you had any interviews/interview invites yet?

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/my-experience-in-applying-to-dpt-programs.1115591/

This is great advice!!! The only thing I would add is this: Since you are in Florida and you're around so many PT schools, set up tours and meet with as many adcom members that you can. Tell them what advice you've received and ask them for their input. Then follow whatever their advice is to a T. When you land an interview, remind them of who you are, their advice to you, and how you followed their advice. That will make you stand out and look like a serious student.

 

[SwampPT]

Their are only three things in life that are guaranteed: Death, Taxes, and Knj27 "liking" when you get accepted into a program🙂

 

[DesertPT]

Their are only three things in life that are guaranteed: Death, Taxes, and Knj27 "liking" when you get accepted into a program🙂

Don't know how long I can keep this up but at least I can say I did my best to give back for this cycle lol

 

[Dwish]

I agree with @starrsgirl. Definitely retake the GRE. Your verbal score is average to slightly above average for PT school, but you need to get that quant score up to at least a 155 and the writing at or above a 4.0. Getting the writing up to a 4.5 would put you above the average and is something a lot of schools would like to see. Realize that it is only really worth retaking if you are going to improve your scores substantially, so don't retake until you have studied and prepared enough that you can nail high scores on practice exams consistently.

You need retake any pre-reqs you may have C's or B-'s in and then target schools that use grade replacement for retaken classes (rather than an average of the two grades). Figure out what you'd have to do and what schools you'd have to apply to to have your pre-req GPA at or above a 3.5. This is by far the weakest part of your application. Your ability to do well in undergrad level science classes is the best indication that schools have of your potential to do well in graduate level science classes.

Your cumulative GPA is unlikely to change substantially due to the large number of credits being factored in. But if you get it above a 3.2 in the process of improving your pre-req GPA it may help.

Like starrsgirl alluded to in her example regarding Nova, each school has widely varying policies and procedures for how they process, rank and select applicants. I saw you already responded to the thread linked below. It really is excellent advice that I think will help you.

If you spend time doing more observation hours, they need to be inpatient hours. Acute care hours are a must, and having them will strengthen your application. Obtaining outpatient hours above what you already have, however, will not increase your chances of acceptance. Becoming a PT tech, a CPT or a silver sneaker instructor at the expense of dedicating time to your grades and GRE scores is unlikely to improve your chances substantially either.

A strong interview score is critical at many schools as well, and is an area where numerically weaker applicants can potentially make up some lost ground. When you interview, make sure you own your past mistakes completely, make no excuses, and focus on showing what you have learned and how you changed and improved.

Other aspects of the application like essay and LORs could potentially be improved (rewrite stronger essay, change a potentially weak LOR out for someone who knows you better, etc) but you are going to have to be the one to determine that.

So to summarize, doing the following should be enough to get you in somewhere next year, if you have no luck this cycle:
1. Get pre-req GPA to >3.5, by retaking classes and targeting schools that use grade replacement.
2. Get GRE writing to 4.0, preferably 4.5.
3. Get GRE V/Q total to >315.
4. Obtain inpatient observation hours, in acute care and preferably one other setting (eg. rehab or SNF)
5. Evaluate essays and LOR writers and do what you can to make these areas as strong as possible.
6. Conduct an extensive analysis to determine the 6-8 schools at which your application will be the strongest, and tailor your application as much as possible to these schools.
7. Thoroughly prepare for any interviews you are invited to, and put forward a strong performance.


Good luck and here's hoping you end up getting in somewhere this year after all. Have you had any interviews/interview invites yet?

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/my-experience-in-applying-to-dpt-programs.1115591/

Thank you everybody for your feedback. Especially you Knj27 for breaking it down and even making me a list. I have not gotten any invites to interviews, I have recently finished paying for the secondary applications to NOVA, FIU, and UCF. The GRE is the place that I can make the most improvement, and I will definitely retake. Retaking classes is definitely more of an obstacle for me, but that is what separates the people who get in and those who don't. At the end of the day it is up to me to put forth the effort and try, thank you all again for your input and support.

 

[DesertPT]

Thank you everybody for your feedback. Especially you Knj27 for breaking it down and even making me a list. I have not gotten any invites to interviews, I have recently finished paying for the secondary applications to NOVA, FIU, and UCF. The GRE is the place that I can make the most improvement, and I will definitely retake. Retaking classes is definitely more of an obstacle for me, but that is what separates the people who get in and those who don't. At the end of the day it is up to me to put forth the effort and try, thank you all again for your input and support.

No problem. Who knows, maybe something will still miraculously come through this year. Keep us posted 🙂

 

[DPT1720]

Thank you everybody for your feedback. Especially you Knj27 for breaking it down and even making me a list. I have not gotten any invites to interviews, I have recently finished paying for the secondary applications to NOVA, FIU, and UCF. The GRE is the place that I can make the most improvement, and I will definitely retake. Retaking classes is definitely more of an obstacle for me, but that is what separates the people who get in and those who don't. At the end of the day it is up to me to put forth the effort and try, thank you all again for your input and support.

Did you get accepted anywhere?