So I am from the new york area and did not get into any DPT programs my first time around. I am considering getting a masters in exercise science and nutrition before applying to dpt schools again. Im wondering if that is a good idea because I've heard it not only looks good on your application but at some schools having a masters could waive some requirements for dpt programs. Any one in the same boat or have thoughts on this? any input is greatly appreciated thanks
Getting a Masters in Exercise Science before DPT
- Thread starter Jaug15
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No, I would not recommend getting a Master's in Exercise science. I would recommend working on strengthening your application and finding out why you didn't get accepted to any schools. For example, if you got a C in any of your science classes, I would retake it at a community college. If your GRE score was low, retake it. You can also spend this year getting more PT experience and work a full time job that would help pay for your tuition for PT school.
I'm saying this because I just got my Master's in Kinesiology. At the time, I was unsure what I wanted to do after I finished my undergrad. I applied last fall and got into several schools. I don't think I got in because I was pursuing a Master's Degree, but I got more PT experience, work experience, and I retook one of my science courses to raise my pre-req and science GPA. That grade for that one science course really killed my science GPA, so retaking it made a huge difference. I never heard of any schools that waive requirements if you got a Master's Degree. I also thought to myself that if I didn't get accepted to any PT schools, that I would have my Master's Degree as a backup....except even with a Master's Degree in Kinesiology, there are very few jobs out there, unless you wanted to do research and get a Phd. That's my 2 cents.
I'm saying this because I just got my Master's in Kinesiology. At the time, I was unsure what I wanted to do after I finished my undergrad. I applied last fall and got into several schools. I don't think I got in because I was pursuing a Master's Degree, but I got more PT experience, work experience, and I retook one of my science courses to raise my pre-req and science GPA. That grade for that one science course really killed my science GPA, so retaking it made a huge difference. I never heard of any schools that waive requirements if you got a Master's Degree. I also thought to myself that if I didn't get accepted to any PT schools, that I would have my Master's Degree as a backup....except even with a Master's Degree in Kinesiology, there are very few jobs out there, unless you wanted to do research and get a Phd. That's my 2 cents.
I agree 100% with karma... Working on improving your app will look way better (and cheaper) than getting a Masters in ES. Re-take classes/GRE, get a job as a PT aide/tech (which will also help with LOR's), volunteer in your community, improve on your essay, etc. Those things will speak volumes on a re-application b/c it SHOWS the admissions staff just how dedicated and motivated you are to become a PT.
thanks karma and yohan i appreciate your responses...ive been working as a pt aide for a few years now and have experience in multiple settings. as a result of this my LOR are very strong. ive also volunteered in my community and with a clinic for the disabled population. I believe i didnt get in because of my gre score. I did not meet the minimum for the verbal section of the exam for most schools and ive taken the exam a couple of times. How did you guys get your verbal scores up? and with the new test coming out in august, it completely changes my pattern of studying for this exam. Do you believe the revised exam will be alittle easier? since there is no antonyms or analogies
This is a direct quote from Columbia's DPT website:
"Should I Repeat Courses in the Science Prerequisites to Achieve Higher Grades?
Applicants who repeat courses will have the initial grade for the course and the repeat grade averaged to obtain a final course grade. To enhance the science grade point it is recommend that applicants continue to take additional courses, preferably in the biological sciences, which is evaluated favorably by the Admissions Committee."
It tend to agree that you should not take the same course over again, but move on to a higher level course to really get a strong grasp of the concepts. Basic science concepts come up again and again, after being exposed to them and not really understanding them the first time you should retain a trace of the concept and be able to really assemble a full picture of it the second time - especially if you need to apply it to something else in a more advanced class.
"Should I Repeat Courses in the Science Prerequisites to Achieve Higher Grades?
Applicants who repeat courses will have the initial grade for the course and the repeat grade averaged to obtain a final course grade. To enhance the science grade point it is recommend that applicants continue to take additional courses, preferably in the biological sciences, which is evaluated favorably by the Admissions Committee."
It tend to agree that you should not take the same course over again, but move on to a higher level course to really get a strong grasp of the concepts. Basic science concepts come up again and again, after being exposed to them and not really understanding them the first time you should retain a trace of the concept and be able to really assemble a full picture of it the second time - especially if you need to apply it to something else in a more advanced class.
Jaug15.... Here is my two cents. I was probably in the same boat you were. I applied after undergrad and did not get into any schools in California. I had a lot of experience as a P.T. aide and I figured that it was my undergrad GPA that was affecting my application. So instead of going through a post bac program I decided to get my masters in Exercise Science to improve my application profile, get research experience and prove to the DPT schools that I could excel in a graduate program. This year I applied to schools in California again and got some rejections, got waitlisted at USC and have an interview at St. Augustine. So for my situation it seems to have helped and crossing my fingers I will be starting PT school soon. I figured if I was going to retake classes I may as well earn a Masters which will strengthen my resume for future jobs. Plus I worked in a spinal cord injury laboratory for the past two years and had a great time with clients and research. All I'm saying is that it can't hurt your application it can only strengthen it. Also, some schools waive your GRE score because you have a Masters 👍
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
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If you have a less than stellar undergrad GPA, a 1 year, 30 credit Master's program may boost your Overall GPA. You'd have to check with the school to see if they calculate grad GPA into the overall GPA used for admissions, though, because some only use the undergrad.
On the other hand, they do also use the science GPA for admissions, so if you did not do well in those particular courses, it may be worth while just to re-take one or two.
On the other hand, they do also use the science GPA for admissions, so if you did not do well in those particular courses, it may be worth while just to re-take one or two.