Well it sounds to me like you're in a good position. I'll be honest, I'm not sure if it really matters if you go to a tippity top school for getting a job. PT jobs are pretty well available now.
I would apply to at least 10 schools. As far as competition, I've heard people tell me that it's VERY competitive, however, to be honest with you, those who told me that didn't exactly have the most stellar scores or interview capabilities. I also know two girls who got into a top PT school after having been booted from another PT school, their grades were similar to yours, and they weren't even interviewed. I don't know what their GRE's were but I don't think they were stellar.
A strong application has grades like yours, good extracurriculars, lots of shadowing time in broad settings (acute, rehab and outpatient), good recommendation letters and, sometimes, connections.
I'm not sure what effect cost and location have on competitiveness. But I would say, try to go to the cheapest program you can find, or at least one with a paid internship. Salaries right now are not really worth the severe debt of a top tier university (but if money isn't a concern then go for it). Also, look for schools with good scholarship opportunities.
To enhance your chance of acceptance I'd highly recommend a campus visit and a tour of the facilities. Then when you go to write your essays, you can describe first hand, what advantages and resources a school has to offer you.
I also wouldn't think of the application process as the school accepting you... I'd think of it as YOU accepting the SCHOOL. Every school is SOOOO different in curriculum and facilities and even style of practice. Research, research, research EVERYTHING YOU CAN about the school before you make a decision.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
marlin3 said:
Just a question or two concerning applying to DPT programs.
1. How many programs to apply to?
2. Competition this year/last year?
3. What makes the strongest application?
4. How important is a high GRE score? (my brother is in med school and it seemed that the MCAT was often the most important factor in determining who would get a shot at an interview.
5. How important is location and tuition cost in making certain places "competitive".
Just to help, I am Purdue student, 3.8gpa, many extracurriculars, summer internship at RIC in chicago and taking GRE shortly. Any help would be appreciated.