DPT Admissions Questions, Please help!

[Frappaolow]

I live in New york. I just graduated from the University of Scranton with a Bachelors in Exercise Science. My cumulative GPA was 3.14, and I performed very well towards the end of my college career. My science gpa is around 2.8 and this is without counting the 2 C's i received in chemistry during the summer of freshman year when I was switching majors. I took those classes at a community college so my school just accepted the credits and didn't count them in my GPA. I also have C's in computer literacy, composition, and pre-calculus. I was wondering what, if any, courses I should take over. I'm currently studying for the GRE and I'm willing to start applying to school next year if I have to take courses over.
Other important stats:
I've worked for over 500 hours in an outpatient PT office.
I have great recommendations from a PT and professors.
I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get into PT school.
ANY HELP would be amazing! Thanks guys!

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[TheOx777]

It sounds like you are self-aware and have your eyes wide open about the process. How are your other pre-reqs? If they are strong(i.e. B to A+ range) and you get a very solid GRE(1200+) then I think you will have a decent chance of first-time admittance. If possible, I would look to take the Chemistry classes over, but they may not be a deal breaker depending on where you apply. I would also look to get more experience in other PT sectors, such as inpatient/neuro, SNFs, pediatrics, etc. This will show admission committees that you have exposure to the depth and breadth of physical therapy practice. I personally found that contacting programs early in the application process and letting them know I was interested was a key part of building a strong rapport. I let them know my grades, GRE, weaknesses, and strengths. Then I basically said, "Give it to me straight! Will I be a strong candidate?" If you continue to do what you are doing to improve your app and build a strong rapport with admissions directors, then let nature take its course! Best wishes to you!

 

[Frappaolow]

I really appreciate your encouraging advice. I still have to take General Bio 1, which will definitely boost my gpa!
Other grades:
Composition: C
Public Speaking: B+
Gen Bio 2: B, B-Lab
Structure and Function 1: B-, B lab
Structure and Function 2: B+, C+ lab
Sports Physiology: B+
Psychology: B-
Nutrition: A
Physics 1 and 2: B and B in labs
General Physiology: C+, B in lab
Exercise and Sport Psychology: A
Skeletal Biology: B+
Nutrition Through Life Cycle: A
Clinical Exercise Physiology: A
ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS ARE VERY APPRECIATED, these grades go in chronological order, hence why my grades progressively improved

 

[Yohan]

To add to what has already been said, I would recommend showing the admission committees that you are a strong leader and are able to work with a diverse population (age, race, religion, disabilities, etc). You can do this by getting involved with your community by volunteering. Go to your local Parks & Rec department of YMCA and ask how you can help and what you need to do to get involved. I also recommend starting on your personal essay now and get as many people to read/edit/critique it as possible. With lower than average grades, it is important to excel in the rest of your app (ie. essay, LOR's, extra-curricular activities, etc). Do everything you can to show that you are committed and determined to become a successful PT. Do more than what is expected.

Good Luck!

 

[jf1208]

It sounds like you are self-aware and have your eyes wide open about the process. How are your other pre-reqs? If they are strong(i.e. B to A+ range) and you get a very solid GRE(1200+) then I think you will have a decent chance of first-time admittance. If possible, I would look to take the Chemistry classes over, but they may not be a deal breaker depending on where you apply. I would also look to get more experience in other PT sectors, such as inpatient/neuro, SNFs, pediatrics, etc. This will show admission committees that you have exposure to the depth and breadth of physical therapy practice. I personally found that contacting programs early in the application process and letting them know I was interested was a key part of building a strong rapport. I let them know my grades, GRE, weaknesses, and strengths. Then I basically said, "Give it to me straight! Will I be a strong candidate?" If you continue to do what you are doing to improve your app and build a strong rapport with admissions directors, then let nature take its course! Best wishes to you!

would you say that it works if you email the school that you are anticipating???

 

[markelmarcel]

would you say that it works if you email the school that you are anticipating???

I emailed Pitt about a bazillion times while I was completing my prereqs (making sure these courses would count for their program)- I only made a phone call once or twice after my acceptance when I was trying to decide.

Then, after all of that, I decided to go somewhere else! Haha

 

[TheOx777]

would you say that it works if you email the school that you are anticipating???

I would say that there is NO DOUBT in my mind that those emails helped me build rapport. Every interview I went on, the director remembered me from emails. When I was interviewed at the Mayo Clinic(program I will be starting in a couple months) the director knew exactly who I was. Made me feel kind of....., and I knew that he was impressed. Bottom line is to be persistent and let programs know this is what you want.

 

[jf1208]

I would say that there is NO DOUBT in my mind that those emails helped me build rapport. Every interview I went on, the director remembered me from emails. When I was interviewed at the Mayo Clinic(program I will be starting in a couple months) the director knew exactly who I was. Made me feel kind of....., and I knew that he was impressed. Bottom line is to be persistent and let programs know this is what you want.

Good to know!!! Thanks!!! Good Luck!

 

[Frappaolow]

So you would suggest applying to like 3 or 4 programs and really trying to meet their standards over applying to a bunch? In other words, I should really focus on a small amount of programs and find out exactly what they suggest I should do?

 

[markelmarcel]

So you would suggest applying to like 3 or 4 programs and really trying to meet their standards over applying to a bunch? In other words, I should really focus on a small amount of programs and find out exactly what they suggest I should do?

I only applied to 3 programs because those were the 3 that I would be able to attend in reality given my personal life. If I were younger/not attached to an SO/family health was better, I would've applied to a lot more places.

 

[Frappaolow]

I understand. So the majority of you would recommend applying to a few schools and really focus on those, over applying to many schools

 

[Yohan]

I understand. So the majority of you would recommend applying to a few schools and really focus on those, over applying to many schools

With someone who has average to below average numbers, I would recommend applying early and often. It doesn't hurt to focus on a few of your top choice schools, but I would apply to as many schools as you can afford (it just increases your chances that much more). PTCAS promotes the "shotgun style" application (something I personally do not like about PTCAS) so take advantage of it.

 

[colivas1986]

I live in New york. I just graduated from the University of Scranton with a Bachelors in Exercise Science. My cumulative GPA was 3.14, and I performed very well towards the end of my college career. My science gpa is around 2.8 and this is without counting the 2 C's i received in chemistry during the summer of freshman year when I was switching majors. I took those classes at a community college so my school just accepted the credits and didn't count them in my GPA. I also have C's in computer literacy, composition, and pre-calculus. I was wondering what, if any, courses I should take over. I'm currently studying for the GRE and I'm willing to start applying to school next year if I have to take courses over.
Other important stats:
I've worked for over 500 hours in an outpatient PT office.
I have great recommendations from a PT and professors.
I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get into PT school.
ANY HELP would be amazing! Thanks guys!

I will echo what Yohan just mentioned about gaining more insight through doing some observational/volunteer work in different settings.

The GPA AVG for the 36 (out of 900+) accepted into the program where I will be applying to later was 3.67 this year, so besides a pretty good GPA you have to figure out what else will make you stand out from the hundereds of applicants and I believe that is big connections with the right people like others have mentioned. Anyways, it's nice to be a part of this forum, seems like there's a wealth of info here.
I'm lucky in that my PT advisor is good friends with and graduated with the lady heading the program I want to get into!