any advice from current PT students on when to apply?

[GB78]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi everyone!

I'm applying to several PT schools this summer/fall and I'm currently particularly interested in UCSF - and their PTCAS deadline is the earliest possible one, October 3rd. I have heard so much about how we should try to submit our PTCAS applications well before the deadline that I'm completely confused about what I should do now: I'm taking a microbiology class that lasts till almost the end of August + I finally managed to find an outpatient setting to volunteer at ( all my 300+ hours are inpatient) and I won't be able to report a reasonable number of completed hours before, maybe, the 2nd week of September. So now I'm desperately trying to figure out whether it's better to just submit the application in a week or so without any grade for microbiology and without those outpatient hours or it makes sense to wait till I can input all of them.... 😕 🙁 Any advice from people who have successfully solved similar problems/ heard about those who did/ have an insight into what will make UCSF happier? 🙂

-------------------------------------------------------
GPA: most likely 3.8
GRE: 1500: V 730, Q 770, AW 5.5
Volunteer/Observation Hours: 300+
Applying to: UCSF/SFSU, Samuel Merritt, USC, MGH, Boston University, NYU, Arcadia, Creighton

 

[ItemN9ne]

First thing, course completion is not a requirement for just the submission of an application. You need to provide transcripts to prove that the class is being taken and a passing grade will be required before full acceptance. Also, IMO I do not believe a PT program will disregard your application solely because you have 300+ hrs in only an inpatient setting. However, you do need to complete outpatient shadowing in order to be accepted and most applications have a section to include such details as (outpatient shadowing is currently being completed at this particular facility etc..). Remember the application process is to determine who the school will interview and even then it's no guarantee. If your stats are good (i.e. GPA & GRE), then it would be WAY better to apply early IMO. PT school is a very competitive field with most programs having small class sizes and an abundance of applicants. Good Luck!

P.S. - after seeing that you have a 3.8 GPA & a 1500 on the GRE, I'd go ahead and begin the PTCAS. So many things can go wrong during the process it is best to start early just in case.