Could someone please recommend some schools?

[GADPT2016]

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I am a reapplicant, applied last year to just Georgia State and Mercer and was rejected by both. My PTCAS was verified today and I applied to 6 schools this time. I was hoping to get some recommendations on other schools I should apply to as well?

Cum GPA: 3.67
Pre-req: 3.74
GRE: 155V, 153M, 4.5AW
Observation: 60 skilled nursing, 60 outpatient ortho, 30 subacute, 40 inpatient hospital, 3 home health

So far I have applied to: Georgia State, Brenau, Augusta University, Nova Southeastern (Tampa + Fort Lauderdale), University of South Alabama

Do I have a good chance at these schools? I was also considering MUSC.

 

[DPThopeful1859]

Were you ever invited to an interview? Or did you maybe apply late? How were your references?

I know my stats are lower than yours and I was recently invited for an interview this year with GA State, but I also interviewed with them back in 2012 and was rejected. I applied early decision this year, was told no for that and then a week later they invited me for an interview I may turn down since I already got accepted to another university. Your stats look pretty decent honestly. The only thing I'd say is maybe focus on getting some more hours and developing a better rapport with therapists so they could write stronger letters of recommendation. Did anything differ from last year to this year?

 

[GADPT2016]

Were you ever invited to an interview? Or did you maybe apply late? How were your references?

I know my stats are lower than yours and I was recently invited for an interview this year with GA State, but I also interviewed with them back in 2012 and was rejected. I applied early decision this year, was told no for that and then a week later they invited me for an interview I may turn down since I already got accepted to another university. Your stats look pretty decent honestly. The only thing I'd say is maybe focus on getting some more hours and developing a better rapport with therapists so they could write stronger letters of recommendation. Did anything differ from last year to this year?

I was invited to an interview at GSU but not Mercer. They told me I needed to improve on my personality as a PT in my app and interview. I added about 73 more observation hours, drastically improved my essay, applied earlier, and took a class this summer. I plan to better prepare for my interviews as well. I am not sure how good my references were last year I assume they were fine?

 

[liftthingsupanddown]

I was invited to an interview at GSU but not Mercer. They told me I needed to improve on my personality as a PT in my app and interview. I added about 73 more observation hours, drastically improved my essay, applied earlier, and took a class this summer. I plan to better prepare for my interviews as well. I am not sure how good my references were last year I assume they were fine?

That's interesting...What do you feel was "off" about your personality in the interview? I'm asking because I just had an interview and I can't decide if it went well.

 

[GADPT2016]

That's interesting...What do you feel was "off" about your personality in the interview? I'm asking because I just had an interview and I can't decide if it went well.

I was too nervous and I wasn't able to answer the questions the way I wanted to. Also, I applied with only shadowing at the skilled nursing facility and outpatient clinic, I believe these experiences weren't enough to give me complete insight into what PTs do.

 

[GADPT2016]

I was invited to an interview at GSU but not Mercer. They told me I needed to improve on my personality as a PT in my app and interview. I added about 73 more observation hours, drastically improved my essay, applied earlier, and took a class this summer. I plan to better prepare for my interviews as well. I am not sure how good my references were last year I assume they were fine?

Do you mind if i ask what school you were accepted to?

 

[liftthingsupanddown]

I was too nervous and I wasn't able to answer the questions the way I wanted to. Also, I applied with only shadowing at the skilled nursing facility and outpatient clinic, I believe these experiences weren't enough to give me complete insight into what PTs do.

I'm somewhat older than most candidates and I have a lot of experience interviewing for career jobs and schools. But I'll let you in on something that really helps: if you're single, download Tinder or some dating app, and go on a few dates. Seriously. You don't have to see the person again and it will give you invaluable practice staying calm and coming off confident. You'll have to talk about yourself just like an interview, and "sell yourself" like an interview. Try it out -like 5 real dates before your interview.

 

[DPThopeful1859]

That was going to be my next question: if you were invited for an interview, how you did....

Well, that should be something you strive to improve upon as well as gain more hours and try to loosen up a bit when it comes to interview time. They want to see YOU for you. I mean, going into an interview prepared is one thing, but you've got to be able to be confident to answer any question that they throw at you and not let them intimidate you. When I went to GSU for an interview before I improved upon anything in my application, I felt like my interview went very well, however, my professor didn't crack a smile the ENTIRE time I interviewed...and I was quite jovial the entire time. To this day, I'm convinced he didn't like me because I'm gay, but whatever lol! I could be totally wrong.
I say work on your interview skills with friends, family, anyone and feel confident and comfortable being put in one on one situations.

I was accepted to Campbell University in N.C. I've attempted to apply to schools for 7 years and I finally have the opportunity 🙂

 

[OptimusBear]

Hey GADPT2016!

What are you looking for in a school - (i.e. NPTE pass rates, location, cost of living, research, etc.)? That might help you decide on where else to apply.

As for your second point, to my knowledge, GSU and Mercer post the stats of the previous years, and I've provided links below.

GSU - (http://physicaltherapy.gsu.edu/academics/frequently-asked-questions/).
Mercer - (https://chp.mercer.edu/www/mu-chp/admissions/upload/DPT-Student-Outcomes-Table-Jan-2015.pdf)

I'm a Ga resident that applied to only the Georgia schools last year so I might be able to chime in on the interview processes of the some of the schools you applied to, so feel free to ask me any questions!

 

[jblil]

if you're single, download Tinder or some dating app, and go on a few dates. Seriously. You don't have to see the person again and it will give you invaluable practice staying calm and coming off confident.

Heck, do it even if you have a SO or are married. Now that would really give you some practice on staying calm and appearing confident!

Seriously, do some role-playing ahead of time. Ask a friend to be the interviewer, and practice answering the questions clearly and concisely.