For those applying this cycle: The new PTCAS essay prompt is up!

[Kuhdaytee]

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PTCAS replied to someone on facebook with the new essay here: https://portal.ptcas.org/ptcasHelpPages/instructions/additional-information/essays/index.html

The website doesn't say anything about 2014, but they commented yesterday so it should be correct.

 

[HeatherDPT]

PTCAS replied to someone on facebook with the new essay here: https://portal.ptcas.org/ptcasHelpPages/instructions/additional-information/essays/index.html

The website doesn't say anything about 2014, but they commented yesterday so it should be correct.

You rock!!

 

[timeoclock]

Thats awesome! Do you know if we can start entering any other data into our ptcas profiles? Or literally nothing until july 1st? Because I know for other medical programs you can.

 

[Kuhdaytee]

Nope, you can't make a new application until July 1st, or edit it if you're reapplying. It sucks haha I want to start entering in my information already!

They answer questions really quickly on their facebook page, if you have any other questions. 🙂

 

[666666]

Hey guys! I am a first year in PT school and there are some things about the essays I wish I had known when applying so I thought I'd speak up.

It's great that you guys are starting your application early and the essay CAN be a big part of you application however keep in mind there might also be supplemental essays for the schools you are applying to. There are some schools that put a lot of weight on the PTCAS essay but a lot of them breeze over it an put much more weight on the supplementals because those are questions that they get to choose and tell them what they specifically want to know about you (especially schools that don't hold interviews). It is best to make all of the essays the best you can but there are so many supplementals (I wrote over 15 when I applied) that you will need to spend a substantial amount of time on those so be ready!

P.S You wont be able to see the supplementals until you choose the schools you are applying to in july, but make sure you choose the schools as soon as you can, leaving it for the last step could make you blindsided without a ton of supplementals days before the applications are due. Last year a lot of them had to do with community service if that give you any idea on the types of questions they ask.

Hope this helps!

-K

 

[Kuhdaytee]

Thanks for the advice! The programs that have supplemental essays have essays posted on the PTCAS website. Are those current essays, or did you have to wait for every school to post them when apps opened (just in case they changed them)?

 

[kelly91]

Thank You!

 

[666666]

Thanks for the advice! The programs that have supplemental essays have essays posted on the PTCAS website. Are those current essays, or did you have to wait for every school to post them when apps opened (just in case they changed them)?

Those should be the prompts but some schools don't post until the application opens (if I remember correctly). If they put their prompts on their main ptcas page the real prompt will either be that exactly or something similar. Also, you will notice that a lot of the prompts from different schools are very similar so you might be able to write one essay for multiple prompts even if the prompts aren't exactly alike.

 

[Dragon416]

That was kind of a buzz kill for me. I already had the personal statement written out like a month ago because I thought it was going to stay the same and the new personal statement had asked a whole different question from last years which was something along the lines of "why PT over other health professions". I had to go back and somehow connect my old essay with the new one to fit the new question but all in all, it came out pretty well. Good luck to everyone!

 

[runner618]

@Dragon416 any advice on connecting the old essay with the new? I also prepared the old essay, only to find out it had been changed. Thanks!

 

[Dragon416]

@Dragon416 any advice on connecting the old essay with the new? I also prepared the old essay, only to find out it had been changed. Thanks![/QUO

Hello runner618, since my prior essay was somewhat similar, I decided to bind the old with the new thought. I wrote about my personal experience within the US and overseas where I have assisted in PT and similar areas of the health profession. Also, how the profession transformed society by movement to enhance the human experience. I know this might not be helpful, but if you have an essay already written done, find a way to connect the old with new or if your old essay has anything to do with transforming society.

 

[Dragon416]

@Dragon416 any advice on connecting the old essay with the new? I also prepared the old essay, only to find out it had been changed. Thanks!

Hello runner618, since my prior essay was somewhat similar, I decided to bind the old with the new thought. I wrote about my personal experience within the US and overseas where I have assisted in PT and similar areas of the health profession. Also, how the profession transformed society by movement to enhance the human experience. I know this might not be helpful, but if you have an essay already written done, find a way to connect the old with new or if your old essay has anything to do with transforming society.