advice?

[msmith14]

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So, here is my situation. I have completed my bachelor's in kinesiology with a 2.97 GPA. but, my GPA for my final 60 credits is something like 3.3.... i have not yet taken my GRE because i have been undecided on whether i should do a 2 year PTA associates program or go towards my DPT...

i don't want to put all my eggs into the DPT basket, only to find out that my GPA wont allow me to get into any good programs. the main question i have is that, if i do very well on the GRE and work for a few months as a PT aide, will i have a legitimate shot towards being being accepted into a decent DPT program in spite of my GPA? or would you suggest going for PTA?

thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[noyceguy]

So, here is my situation. I have completed my bachelor's in kinesiology with a 2.97 GPA. but, my GPA for my final 60 credits is something like 3.3.... i have not yet taken my GRE because i have been undecided on whether i should do a 2 year PTA associates program or go towards my DPT...

i don't want to put all my eggs into the DPT basket, only to find out that my GPA wont allow me to get into any good programs. the main question i have is that, if i do very well on the GRE and work for a few months as a PT aide, will i have a legitimate shot towards being being accepted into a decent DPT program in spite of my GPA? or would you suggest going for PTA?

thanks in advance for any replies.

It would be better to decide first whether you want to be a PT or a PTA, and then do whatever it takes to make that happen. It would be a mistake to let your GRE scores dictate your career path.

Working a few months as a PT aide will not help you get into school as much as good grades and GRE scores will. If you have to, retake classes you did not get As in and get that A. Take the GRE until you get a good score. If all this sounds like too much work, you are not ready for the DPT yet.

Good luck!

 

[8MoreReps]

I am in the same type of situation pretty much. 3.0 GPA in my bachelors degree and don't want to waste time to retake all those classes and still not be certain to get in a program in any time soon. I am going to be starting the PTA program in the fall 2012 and then work as a PTA for a year or 2 and then decide whether I want to go onto the DPT. Most likely I will and there is a school in Ohio, Findlay University, that has a bridge program for PTA's to get the DPT if you already have a bachelors degree. It is still 3 years school but the classes are just 2 weekends a month and no classes during the week. So you work as a PTA during the weekdays and have school on those weekends. It's not an ideal route and will take a long time but I figure it's more secure this way and will get me into the field quicker. Your salary would also be higher than most graduating DPT's from having the PTA experience so that is a plus.

 

[fejin757]

So, here is my situation. I have completed my bachelor's in kinesiology with a 2.97 GPA. but, my GPA for my final 60 credits is something like 3.3.... i have not yet taken my GRE because i have been undecided on whether i should do a 2 year PTA associates program or go towards my DPT...

i don't want to put all my eggs into the DPT basket, only to find out that my GPA wont allow me to get into any good programs. the main question i have is that, if i do very well on the GRE and work for a few months as a PT aide, will i have a legitimate shot towards being being accepted into a decent DPT program in spite of my GPA? or would you suggest going for PTA?

thanks in advance for any replies.

My advice as I was in a similar situation(regarding the higher last 60 GPA).

My best advice:

1. KILL THE GRE. Study like your life depended on it, make sure to do well on the analytical section. I think most people have an easier time with the math portion but you can really stand out by doing well on the verbal. A strong GRE can offset a lower GPA and some schools ( Indianapolis University, University of Central Florida, Florida Gulf Coast ) have the GRE as their most heavily weighted admissions factor. No joke.

2. Find Schools that look at last 60 hour GPA. Non PTCAS schools could turn your low GPA around.

3. Retake prerequisite classes, especially Anatomy, if you did poorly ( C grades ).

4. Volunteer in a diverse amount of settings. It's great if you 2000 hours working in outpatient ortho, but it helps to have hours in SNFs, Peds, Inpatient, etc. Show your dedication and commitment to the profession.

5. My most important tip: APPLY, APPLY, APPLY. If you really want to get into this field, apply to a wide range of schools tp increase your odds. You should even apply to some PTA programs just in case you don't want to wait. Don't be afraid to get a few rejections, this was my biggest problem and kept me from applying for two years. I finally got over myself and applied this year and already have two interviews. You can do it. 🙂


Good luck and PM me if you have any questions.