Can I get advice on how to strengthen my application?

[jjoy]

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Hi,

I have another another year and a half before I apply to my programs of choice and I would like advice on strengthening my application. I currently have a BA (Liberal Arts) and my graduating GPA was a solid 3.3. I didn't take any of the prereq courses doing my undergrad but I am completing them now, I'm doing very well in them -- except for a mishap in my Chem 1 class (received a C+)… I worked very hard in Chem 2 and earned an A. I'm confident that by next year I will have all As in my prereqs except for Chem 1 (which if I have the time, I will retake). Aside from my grades, I also volunteer and I will have over 250 hours by next year. My GRE scores and outlining my personal statements are prioritized.

BUT... I am worried about other parts of my application that can help me to stand out. Particularly extracurricular activities… I was not active in any clubs/orgs during my undergrad (except that 1 semester of fencing). At the college where I'm taking my prereqs I do my find myself much more social but I haven't joined any student organizations yet. I plan to become more involved during the coming semester and luckily have meet people in organizations (Engineering, Applied Sciences) through tutoring that are inviting me to their groups. I'm curious to know, how much weight do you think is placed on an applicants extracurricular activities? I'm sure that I'll eventually find one (maybe two if I can find the time) group(s) to join, but some students involve themselves with 3 at the minimum… and even hold leadership positions. I'm sure my personal hobbies (ex: programming, casual bike riding, cooking) hold no weight.

Any applicants had this as their weakness? Any advice, and kind words to calm this anxiety?

thanks! ~jjoy

 

[Watson27]

I've always thought that extracurriculars might be one of the last things a program looks at. Is fencing the only thing you have for that section currently? If so, I would definitely try to add a few more. Some schools prefer to see that you have been involved in 1-2 organizations consistently, rather than just a few events here and there. You have a year and a half, so there's definitely time. Extracurriculars don't have to be clubs. You could join an organization in your community. Volunteer at a homeless shelter etc. If you are concerned about that section seeming empty, you can always participate in one-time events. Volunteer at 5ks or triathlons, do Big Brothers Big Sisters, worth with your local United Way for a few events.

As far as programs I have spoken with, the things they look at in some variation of order are GPA/GRE (these can flip-flop), then observation hours&PT experience/essay/LORs (these can switch up), then extracurriculars/leadership/were you working/everything else. But there are schools who take a more "holistic" approach or don't accept GRE scores.

Yes, a well-rounded applicant is going to have consistent involvement in organizations/clubs, but as long as you have a handful of things, I think you'll be ok. I do not believe that a ton of involvement in sports or clubs can save a poor application. In fact, I have several friends that were college athletes, but did not get into PT school because they had a low GPA (3.0-3.3) - a direct result of their time-consuming sport.

Your GPA is ok, but hopefully getting A's in your pre-reqs with raise it a bit. Ace the GRE. Make sure you have stellar LORs. And try to add a few extracurriculars. If you don't have time for a leadership role, don't worry about it. I think you have plenty of time to fill the hole in your application. 🙂 Good luck!

 

[engmedpt]

Prereq GPA= most important aspect....directly from an adcom head I met yesterday. shoot for 160 verbal and quant gre (its relatively high but you can train yourself up to that score with good prep and simulated testing conditions. That score is also higher than every average gre for admitted classes to pt. Improving higher than that is very very difficult and is a result of just pure intelligence or a fantastic tutor. I did self study for a month and pulled my scores up 8 and 4 points respectively to get there. Use magoosh test prep and I recommend "Cracking the GRE" as well as memorizing the 1000 most commonly used words) If you can retake that chem 1 then do it, otherwise just all A's here on out. I had a lot of extra curriculars, but honestly it STRESSED. ME. OUT. it was very difficult to maintain a high gpa with those. A year and a half is enough time to get involved with something, BUT do something you like. don't resume fill it. If you like biking, then do a biking club or benefit races....if you program then make some money. From what I saw, the E.C. sections were more of a reassurance that the applicant has a life and can fit in. Also, get variety of hours in your settings. 250 hours in one setting doesn't beat 250 hours in 3 settings.

 

[jjoy]

Prereq GPA= most important aspect....directly from an adcom head I met yesterday. shoot for 160 verbal and quant gre (its relatively high but you can train yourself up to that score with good prep and simulated testing conditions. That score is also higher than every average gre for admitted classes to pt. Improving higher than that is very very difficult and is a result of just pure intelligence or a fantastic tutor. I did self study for a month and pulled my scores up 8 and 4 points respectively to get there. Use magoosh test prep and I recommend "Cracking the GRE" as well as memorizing the 1000 most commonly used words) If you can retake that chem 1 then do it, otherwise just all A's here on out. I had a lot of extra curriculars, but honestly it STRESSED. ME. OUT. it was very difficult to maintain a high gpa with those. A year and a half is enough time to get involved with something, BUT do something you like. don't resume fill it. If you like biking, then do a biking club or benefit races....if you program then make some money. From what I saw, the E.C. sections were more of a reassurance that the applicant has a life and can fit in. Also, get variety of hours in your settings. 250 hours in one setting doesn't beat 250 hours in 3 settings.

Absolutely, my volunteer hours are in three settings: inpatient, outpatient (sports) and pediatric/women's health (actually I would count these as "outpatient" but this was a private clinician who specialized in these two types of cases).

I do some independent programming for work, I will include it as my E.C.

And thanks for the GRE tips, I am shooting for 160 or better for each because the school I'm most interested in recommended it. Thanks again!

ETA: Most of my recent volunteer hours were in inpatient. Idk how that looks on app but it was the setting I liked the most. Also how far back can we count volunteer hours? I have hours from 2009 that I mentioned in the next post. I'm sure I can get these verified (eventually) and it would be a lot of hours because it was full-time summer, inpatient again. (8hrs a day, 4 days a week, 6 weeks.)

 

[jjoy]

I've always thought that extracurriculars might be one of the last things a program looks at. Is fencing the only thing you have for that section currently? If so, I would definitely try to add a few more. Some schools prefer to see that you have been involved in 1-2 organizations consistently, rather than just a few events here and there. You have a year and a half, so there's definitely time. Extracurriculars don't have to be clubs. You could join an organization in your community. Volunteer at a homeless shelter etc. If you are concerned about that section seeming empty, you can always participate in one-time events. Volunteer at 5ks or triathlons, do Big Brothers Big Sisters, worth with your local United Way for a few events.

As far as programs I have spoken with, the things they look at in some variation of order are GPA/GRE (these can flip-flop), then observation hours&PT experience/essay/LORs (these can switch up), then extracurriculars/leadership/were you working/everything else. But there are schools who take a more "holistic" approach or don't accept GRE scores.

Yes, a well-rounded applicant is going to have consistent involvement in organizations/clubs, but as long as you have a handful of things, I think you'll be ok. I do not believe that a ton of involvement in sports or clubs can save a poor application. In fact, I have several friends that were college athletes, but did not get into PT school because they had a low GPA (3.0-3.3) - a direct result of their time-consuming sport.

Your GPA is ok, but hopefully getting A's in your pre-reqs with raise it a bit. Ace the GRE. Make sure you have stellar LORs. And try to add a few extracurriculars. If you don't have time for a leadership role, don't worry about it. I think you have plenty of time to fill the hole in your application. 🙂 Good luck!

Thanks! Beside the fencing club I attended events for cultural clubs in undergrad. I donate regularly to nonprofits like animal shelters, and CHASA…

Most of my undergrad was spent interning and working at the same time as going to class. I didn't do much studying or focusing on networking unless it was to get a better internship or better part-time job… bad I know! My internships had nothing to do with physical therapy/healthcare. I came back to physical therapy because it was the career I was most interested in, although my family is not supportive.

In high school I was active in a lot of premed/health professional internships. I contacted one already (not to verify my very old (2009) volunteering hours or internship experience… unfortunately they still use pictures of me in their brochure :/ *awkward teenager*) but so that I can help them with preparing for next years crop of student applications since I've moved back to the area. Haven't heard anything back yet, sigh!

Thanks again!

 

[Dragon416]

Thanks! Beside the fencing club I attended events for cultural clubs in undergrad. I donate regularly to nonprofits like animal shelters, and CHASA…

Most of my undergrad was spent interning and working at the same time as going to class. I didn't do much studying or focusing on networking unless it was to get a better internship or better part-time job… bad I know! My internships had nothing to do with physical therapy/healthcare. I came back to physical therapy because it was the career I was most interested in, although my family is not supportive.

In high school I was active in a lot of premed/health professional internships. I contacted one already (not to verify my very old (2009) volunteering hours or internship experience… unfortunately they still use pictures of me in their brochure :/ *awkward teenager*) but so that I can help them with preparing for next years crop of student applications since I've moved back to the area. Haven't heard anything back yet, sigh!

Thanks again!

I am in a similar situation as you in regards to the "clubs and student activities". I was actually going to go to law school until I did my internship right after I graduated college two years ago and decided that was the most tedious job I have ever seen. I was either in front of a computer searching for laws, going to court to listen/argue a case or writing letters to our clients. Furthermore, all my undergrad activities were based on government and law, even my undergraduate degree was in political science. Also, I was a member of the international politics and political science scholar club. More so, I found this to be to be the opposite of what I anticipated and decided to reach my other career goal which was a physical therapist due to my traumatic brain injury in which PT was the main cause for my outstanding physical recovery and something I could relate too extremely well since since my beginning rehab was at 0% to currently 99%. While I did my observation hours my physical therapists would essentially leave me in a room with a patient and encouraged me to tell my story as it was extremely inspirational and a motivating drive for the patient to do their daily exercise and what benefits PT can really do to one. Ever since I was in college, my neurologist, physical therapists, family and friends really pushed me to be a physical therapist, due to my experience. Yet, I am not hear to make a sorrow story or anything, I am just saying, how many physical therapist due you know that has had a traumatic brain injury and became a PT? For me, this story is one in a million I believe as not many people get to achieve this goal. No matter what activities or clubs one is in, that wont stop you from getting into PT school. In the past year I have been entering clubs that aren't exactly PT related but close. If I were you, I would just start entering clubs now just to be apart of them and it will show on your application. I have not been in these PT related clubs for longer than seven months. I am sure your school will have something related to PT. Cheers.

 

[jjoy]

I am in a similar situation as you in regards to the "clubs and student activities". I was actually going to go to law school until I did my internship right after I graduated college two years ago and decided that was the most tedious job I have ever seen. I was either in front of a computer searching for laws, going to court to listen/argue a case or writing letters to our clients. Furthermore, all my undergrad activities were based on government and law, even my undergraduate degree was in political science. Also, I was a member of the international politics and political science scholar club. More so, I found this to be to be the opposite of what I anticipated and decided to reach my other career goal which was a physical therapist due to my traumatic brain injury in which PT was the main cause for my outstanding physical recovery and something I could relate too extremely well since since my beginning rehab was at 0% to currently 99%. While I did my observation hours my physical therapists would essentially leave me in a room with a patient and encouraged me to tell my story as it was extremely inspirational and a motivating drive for the patient to do their daily exercise and what benefits PT can really do to one. Ever since I was in college, my neurologist, physical therapists, family and friends really pushed me to be a physical therapist, due to my experience. Yet, I am not hear to make a sorrow story or anything, I am just saying, how many physical therapist due you know that has had a traumatic brain injury and became a PT? For me, this story is one in a million I believe as not many people get to achieve this goal. No matter what activities or clubs one is in, that wont stop you from getting into PT school. In the past year I have been entering clubs that aren't exactly PT related but close. If I were you, I would just start entering clubs now just to be apart of them and it will show on your application. I have not been in these PT related clubs for longer than seven months. I am sure your school will have something related to PT. Cheers.

Hi Dragon416, thanks for sharing! I have a somewhat similar story as you buy my family is not as encouraging. I have a mild form of cerebral palsy (suffered infant stroke) so all my life I've been a patient of PT, while also interested in the field. I still walk with a limp (although I !THINK! it's barely noticeable, haha!). My PTs have always been encouraging (wrote LORs for me to get involved in internships in H.S.) but my family thinks its awful, so in undergrad I focused on doing internships and jobs that would get me praises from them. They'd rather I sit in a chair for 9 hours a day, instead of what I'd prefer to do! But, lesson learned!

Anywho, my current college doesn't have a PT related group, only OT since a lot of students (returning or incoming) are interested in that field specifically. I'm thinking of joining it but aside from being rehab professions OT and PT is quite different and I do wish this school has something specifically for PT. I think I'll find something, but I was worried that it would only be ONE thing and could be used against me. :S

 

[Dragon416]

I personally think, you have a shot regardless of various clubs and activities. You seem to have a demanding story behind you in regards to the cerebral palsy and how physical therapist as been apart of your life duration, your gpas are average, observation hours good, do everything else well and you should be just fine! I am applying this year, everything is great but my gre it is on the lower side of the spectrum. That is why most of the schools I am applying to either do not require the gre or have no minimum. I am even taking a shot at Duke!

 

[jjoy]

I personally think, you have a shot regardless of various clubs and activities. You seem to have a demanding story behind you in regards to the cerebral palsy and how physical therapist as been apart of your life duration, your gpas are average, observation hours good, do everything else well and you should be just fine! I am applying this year, everything is great but my gre it is on the lower side of the spectrum. That is why most of the schools I am applying to either do not require the gre or have no minimum. I am even taking a shot at Duke!

Thanks for the encouragement!! I hope you get into every school you apply to, with scholarships too!

 

[Dragon416]

Hahaha, thank you so much and you as well!

 

[Azimuthal]

In my opinion, extra curricular activities are only used to tip you over a similar candidate. My interviewer thought they were kind of a cliche now. Everyone and their grandmothers was part of some sort of club and held a leadership position. However, I was told that one of the questions that stump interviewees is "What have you accomplished while holding your leadership position?" If they were able to answer clearly, it was more of a generic answer that did not actually explain how they took charge of anything. And I would agree that organizing BBQs and meetings do not make you a leader. Very few have actually obtained a leadership position and were actual leaders. The few who organized social programs or spent a few years volunteering at the same place consistently were the ones who stood out. They are the same group who turn extra curricular activities from tipping weight to actual strengths that may be desirable to adcoms.

If you have the time, consistently volunteer somewhere you like for a year or two. But for most people who do not have such luxuries and were not involved in sports, look for something meaningful and do it. A classmate of mine built a website and raised money for children in need of assistive devices oversees. She spent about $50 for the web space and advertising from her own pockets a year and was able to raise a few hundred dollars annually to donate to a small clinic in South America which in turn issued the AD's. A few hundred isn't a lot to us, but it is more than enough for a few dozen kids in a third world country. Position held: Founder. Long story short, if there are no opportunities, make them.

I hope that helps. Good luck.

 

[jjoy]

In my opinion, extra curricular activities are only used to tip you over a similar candidate. My interviewer thought they were kind of a cliche now. Everyone and their grandmothers was part of some sort of club and held a leadership position. However, I was told that one of the questions that stump interviewees is "What have you accomplished while holding your leadership position?" If they were able to answer clearly, it was more of a generic answer that did not actually explain how they took charge of anything. And I would agree that organizing BBQs and meetings do not make you a leader. Very few have actually obtained a leadership position and were actual leaders. The few who organized social programs or spent a few years volunteering at the same place consistently were the ones who stood out. They are the same group who turn extra curricular activities from tipping weight to actual strengths that may be desirable to adcoms.

If you have the time, consistently volunteer somewhere you like for a year or two. But for most people who do not have such luxuries and were not involved in sports, look for something meaningful and do it. A classmate of mine built a website and raised money for children in need of assistive devices oversees. She spent about $50 for the web space and advertising from her own pockets a year and was able to raise a few hundred dollars annually to donate to a small clinic in South America which in turn issued the AD's. A few hundred isn't a lot to us, but it is more than enough for a few dozen kids in a third world country. Position held: Founder. Long story short, if there are no opportunities, make them.

I hope that helps. Good luck.

This helps a lot, thank you!!!