Get more hours or Apply early?

[rammerjammer]

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By the end of July I will have a little over 100 observation hours (30 SNF, 20 pediatric outpatient, 60 sports outpatient). Should I apply at the end of July when I finish up these hours? Or should I accumulate more hours in different settings (like a hospital, etc) and then apply at the end of august or september? I know it is important to apply early but I also want to have as many hours as I can. It seems like a lot of people on this forum have wayyy more than 100 hours.

Sorry if this is a trivial question, I just want to maximize my chances! 🙂 I appreciate any advice.

Also, here are my other stats:
Overall gpa - 3.6
Pre-req gpa - 3.5
Gre - 164V, 163Q, 5.0 writing

 

[DesertPT]

I would go for the apply at the end of August and get more hours in option. End of August/1st of September is plenty of time for you stuff to get in by the deadlines in Nov./Dec. I wouldn't wait a lot longer than that though.

 

[bpdpt]

I think it depends on which schools you apply to. If they only recommend like 20 hours of observation and you do 100, they'll be happy with that. Your gpa is good and your gre is very good so I think you'll be fine either way

 

[NewTestament]

In general, the sooner you submit your application the better. Submit it at the end of July, and then update it as soon as you obtain observation hours in various clinics.

Kevin

 

[schnell8]

In general, the sooner you submit your application the better. Submit it at the end of July, and then update it as soon as you obtain observation hours in various clinics.

Kvin

Exactly what I was going to say. You can edit your application after you have submitted it. It is extremely important to get the meat and potatoes of your application out of the way (i.e.,entering in your coursework, your essays, getting your LoR submitted). Get your current hours in and then add as you go. There is also an area to designate "Planned future hours" for later for if you plan on adding a certain amount after you submit your application.

 

[rammerjammer]

Thanks for the advice! I didn't realize I could update my hours after I submit.

 

[schnell8]

Thanks for the advice! I didn't realize I could update my hours after I submit.

No prob! Worst case scenario, contact PTCAS to be sure! Good luck!