Chances, chances, chances :)

[Azimuthal]

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I'm curious as to why students list their academic stats and ask about their chances of getting into a particular school or program? I understand the nature of curiosity, but to me this does not make much sense, considering the different requirements of PT schools and admissions personnel. Many schools also list their weighted averages on PTCAS or on school websites where any student interested in PT schools can compare. One would think that that is the first place to look?

In a small handful of cases, it's like the pretty girl telling everyone she's not pretty in an attempt to phish for compliments. If one was to read these "chances" posts, many will be flooded with follow-up words of encouragement. I'm all for encouragement, but I also understand that you don't get an undergraduate GPA of 3.7+ and GRE of 160+/160+ because you're a fool. (for those who have been around these forums far longer than I can probably substantiate these claims)

I'm more curious as to why more questions aren't asked about developing weaknesses, strengthening the SOP, interviewing skills (not questions), personal growth, etc...

Or, maybe I'm just over thinking things, lol...🙂

 

[A Burly Man]

👍 Wow, you are not the only one with that question. My sentiments exactly, how would anyone on this forum be able to provide valid feedback ecspecially when they don't know all the variables or how the school commitee makes its decision? I would like to understand this phenomenon too.

I'm more curious as to why more questions aren't asked about developing weaknesses, strengthening the SOP, interviewing skills (not questions), personal growth, etc...
Or, maybe I'm just over thinking things, lol...🙂

Good point, focus on the things you can change and above all don't ever let someone tell you that there is NO or little chance in obtaining your dream/goal!

 

[NeophyteParkour]

Oh come on, are you going to tell me you've never asked anyone what your chances were at a certain school? Even people with a 4.0 probably wonder if they can guarantee they are going to get into their favorite school. I think people posting these questions do have the intent of finding weaknesses in their applications, and would like advice on what area in particular they should focus on. To imply there is something wrong with that I don't think is necessary. This forum has helped me a lot during my application process, and I think the "what are my chances" threads are part of that help that people receive.

My only problem is that a lot of people expect other students to be giving them facts, and a lot of people pass off their opinion as fact. I'd be surprised if anyone here was actually on an admissions committee.

 

[A Burly Man]

Oh come on, are you going to tell me you've never asked anyone what your chances were at a certain school?

Yes, I asked the schools academic coordinator that I applied to, what the stats were of the students that were previously accepted. No, I did not just ask anyone. The reason why is that it is mere opinion as you stated and I prefer not to have my thought of chances obscured by a source that I cannot rely on.

I think people posting these questions do have the intent of finding weaknesses in their applications, and would like advice on what area in particular they should focus on. To imply there is something wrong with that I don't think is necessary.

I didn't mean to imply or think anything is wrong with asking however why ask a source that is unable to give a valid response. Thats like me asking my family and friends what they think my chances are when there is no way they have a clue.

My only problem is that a lot of people expect other students to be giving them facts, and a lot of people pass off their opinion as fact. I'd be surprised if anyone here was actually on an admissions committee.

Exactly my point, so why do students ask?

 

[Prsvranc10acity]

I completely agree with you Azimuthal

 

[egustafson01]

Coming from past experience with applying to PT school, getting accepted and withdrawing after completing a year, having a well-rounded application with the stats to back up a strong personal statement and shadowing hours, no one should have a problem getting an interview and acceptance to any school. I applied to Bellarmine and University of Cincinnati when I was doing all that stuff and got into both, and I had a biology degree. Having a competitive GPA with a degree from a strong science background definitely helps as well. As mentioned previously, having any or all of these looks very good compared to other applicants, and makes you stand out above others (just personal experience). However I did PT for a year and to be honest it wasn't for me, now in med school where I feel is a better fit for me. Good luck.

 

[Azimuthal]

Oh come on, are you going to tell me you've never asked anyone what your chances were at a certain school? Even people with a 4.0 probably wonder if they can guarantee they are going to get into their favorite school. I think people posting these questions do have the intent of finding weaknesses in their applications, and would like advice on what area in particular they should focus on. To imply there is something wrong with that I don't think is necessary. This forum has helped me a lot during my application process, and I think the "what are my chances" threads are part of that help that people receive.

My only problem is that a lot of people expect other students to be giving them facts, and a lot of people pass off their opinion as fact. I'd be surprised if anyone here was actually on an admissions committee.

Quite honestly, no, I did not. I found no need to because most schools listed their previous acceptance stats in PTCAS which can be used for comparison purposes. I did ask the half dozen PTs and peers who edited countless rounds of my SOP if it was "strong" or if it "evoked emotion" or a if it was clear and concise. I also asked just about anyone who had time to interview me and then provide feedback. To answer your other question, people with 4.0s are probably more worried about their chances based on other factors, such as extra curricular activities, SOP, LOR quality, etc. Do you believe that a 4.0 with good test scores will not have their application looked at? Of course they will. After that, it's all about everything else as to whether they receive an acceptance or not. That's all I'm trying to say. I also stand by that a 4.0 is no fool.

I do understand where you are coming from, however I do not know how listing one's stats and asking for "chances of acceptance" based on one's stats alone will provide any constructive feedback in comparison to asking for volunteer/observation tips or something that involves growth, etc.

I do apologize if I hit a nerve with my original post. Good luck!

 

[myzougrad]

Did you ever think what they are really seeking is a little emotional support and reassurance from those who are going through or have gone through the same process but they are afraid it would sound lame to point blank ask for it?

 

[ez1023dpt]

The OP seems like one of those people who would never ask for directions no matter how lost he is. Sorry dude, most people don't work the same way you do, why need to complain about it. Most people use GPA, GRE... Etc to understand whether it is a weakness, therefore it leads people to improve their application...

 

[A Burly Man]

Did you ever think what they are really seeking is a little emotional support and reassurance from those who are going through or have gone through the same process but they are afraid it would sound lame to point blank ask for it?

🙂 Thanks for your response, this does provide atleast one reasonable answer which I did not consider but makes sense.

If I were asked... "what are my chances?" by another, I would simply encourage the person to strive with all their heart and effort to do the best of their ability.

" Whatever you are be a good one. Be yourself, then - who else is better qualified?" Abe Lincoln

I known this quote is a more general statement toward LIFE but I find it provides a certain degree of TRUTH when asking about chance.

 

[Prsvranc10acity]

Did you ever think what they are really seeking is a little emotional support and reassurance from those who are going through or have gone through the same process but they are afraid it would sound lame to point blank ask for it?

Why would it be lame to point blank ask for it? Most people on these forums don't even use their real names as screen names so no one would really know who they were. I would much rather see a post stating specific worries about an application than to see one, like most "chances" postings, where the only things posted are GPAs and GRE scores (which EVERY school lists about their pool of applicants).

The OP seems like one of those people who would never ask for directions no matter how lost he is. Sorry dude, most people don't work the same way you do, why need to complain about it. Most people use GPA, GRE... Etc to understand whether it is a weakness, therefore it leads people to improve their application...

How does insulting the OP add anything to this thread?? I hate to break this to you, but don't be surprised if others have opinions different than your own in the future. The OP was merely stating that there are better ways of figuring out one's chances than by just posting GPAs and GRE scores.

 

[A Burly Man]

Why would it be lame to point blank ask for it? Most people on these forums don't even use their real names as screen names so no one would really know who they were. I would much rather see a post stating specific worries about an application than to see one, like most "chances" postings, where the only things posted are GPAs and GRE scores (which EVERY school lists about their pool of applicants).




How does insulting the OP add anything to this thread?? I hate to break this to you, but don't be surprised if others have opinions different than your own in the future. The OP was merely stating that there are better ways of figuring out one's chances than by just posting GPAs and GRE scores.

👍 👍

 

[elmcd77]

I have to say that I agree with the OP here. First off, nobody here knows you and the kind of person you are, which is something that hopefully comes off in an interview. Second, some schools weigh certain things more than others, and even those with a perfect 4.0 may not have what the school is looking for. I have heard from interviewers that they are trying to piece together a class that will be successful in the future as pts and successful at the moment as a team. All you can do is deal with the things you have control over and do the best you can at those. You can't worry about your past grades or transgressions. You have to continue to work towards your goal of being a PT by doing your best with what is ahead of you, whether it's how much time you put into the GRE prep or working as a tech or finishing off your last several classes strong.

I think first and foremost what comes across in an interview is your passion and commitment to the field. I had a group interview with two interviewees (and myself) who seemed to have it all on paper, but did not have the ability to convey their desire to be a PT and excel as one. This was clear to me in the group interview, I felt great about my portion of the interview, and I am the only one of the 3 who will be attending this particular school. My point is, there is so much that paper does not convey, and since it seems most schools interview nowadays, that is a crucial part. Also, my school was willing to break down points and percentages of what certain items were waited on the application. As it is probably different for each school, don't ask us! Ask the program coordinator for the schools you are interested in. It is their job to help you out and educate you on the process.

Thank you, OP, for bringing this up, as this has been something that has bothered me for a while.

 

[Azimuthal]

The OP seems like one of those people who would never ask for directions no matter how lost he is. Sorry dude, most people don't work the same way you do, why need to complain about it. Most people use GPA, GRE... Etc to understand whether it is a weakness, therefore it leads people to improve their application...

I'm sorry you took my post as a complaint versus something more constructive. It wasn't my intent.