Getting into a competitive program with straight B's

[Daniel M. Pitta]

I am finishing my prereqs and taking the GRE this year, with the hopes of getting into either UMB (Maryland-Baltimore) or UMES (Maryland- Eastern Shore) DPT for Fall '17. My undergraduate GPA from Loyola was mediocre (2.9), but I was a non-traditional student as a Journalism/Criminal Justice double major, so I didn't take any science courses until I decided to pursue PT. I have been taking all of my prereqs at Montgomery College, however even though I'm putting a lot of time and effort into my studies, I have been getting mostly B's in my classes, with the occasional A. When my mom and I visited UMB campus for a tour, we were told that I would basically need to ace every class from here on out, so I fear that my app won't be competitive for UMB, with straight B's on my transcript.

It's incredibly frustrating to prepare so much for an exam, feel like you know the material cold, and even feel confident walking out of the exam, only to get your grade back and have it be an 80%. I got a B in both A&P'S, Psychology, and signs are pointing towards a B in both Chem I and Physics I, both of which I am taking this semester.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[rehab10]

Hey Daniel,
As this is my third time applying, I feel as though I have a pretty good grasp on the application process. To be honest, I'm not sure of the competitiveness of UMB or UMES but if they are competitive programs then I don't think that those grades will cut it. I would recommend applying to less competitive schools and even then, those grades may not be enough. I have a 3.4 overall, 3.2 prereq and have not gotten into any schools the past 2 cycles. I have a ton of community volunteer service, extracurriculars, and have worked as a tech in Rehab the last year. Sadly, I do not believe experience has much of an impact for many schools. It's all about GPA. I'm not saying you shouldn't apply to those places. By all means give it a try you never know what could happen. But you should have plenty of backups in mind. Best of luck.

 

[Daniel M. Pitta]

Hey Daniel,
As this is my third time applying, I feel as though I have a pretty good grasp on the application process. To be honest, I'm not sure of the competitiveness of UMB or UMES but if they are competitive programs then I don't think that those grades will cut it. I would recommend applying to less competitive schools and even then, those grades may not be enough. I have a 3.4 overall, 3.2 prereq and have not gotten into any schools the past 2 cycles. I have a ton of community volunteer service, extracurriculars, and have worked as a tech in Rehab the last year. Sadly, I do not believe experience has much of an impact for many schools. It's all about GPA. I'm not saying you shouldn't apply to those places. By all means give it a try you never know what could happen. But you should have plenty of backups in mind. Best of luck.

Thanks for the feedback. It's incredible that someone with a solid GPA such as yourself would have to wait so long to get into a program. The fact that not getting an A in subjects such as chemistry and physics (which have little use in the daily responsibilities of a PT) would hold someone back from pursuing their dream career is wild to me. What are your back-up plans? I have considered nursing and PA, but have no experience in either, so pursuing either would be like pressing the reset button on figuring out my career.

 

[Kuhdaytee]

I attend UMES right now. Most of my classmates had to retake some classes, so if you continue getting B's and don't raise your GPA, you'll need to retake classes. I think UMES still takes the highest grade that you get in a class. Retake them at a community college. Submit your application as early as you can, so you can try to get an early interview and early acceptance. The seats fill up pretty quickly, and a lot of my classmates were in the beginning of the interview process and not many were on the waitlist, as far as I know.

 

[Daniel M. Pitta]

I attend UMES right now. Most of my classmates had to retake some classes, so if you continue getting B's and don't raise your GPA, you'll need to retake classes. I think UMES still takes the highest grade that you get in a class. Retake them at a community college. Submit your application as early as you can, so you can try to get an early interview and early acceptance. The seats fill up pretty quickly, and a lot of my classmates were in the beginning of the interview process and not many were on the waitlist, as far as I know.

Thanks. I can't justify spending the time and money to re-take a class that I got a B in. Especially because there is not guarantee that you will get an A the second time around. Imagine retaking anatomy or chemistry, only to receive another B at the end of the semester. You would've just wasted 4 months plus the money it cost to register for the class. I can't convince myself to do that. How is UMES btw?

 

[steveyk]

Thanks for the feedback. It's incredible that someone with a solid GPA such as yourself would have to wait so long to get into a program. The fact that not getting an A in subjects such as chemistry and physics (which have little use in the daily responsibilities of a PT) would hold someone back from pursuing their dream career is wild to me. What are your back-up plans? I have considered nursing and PA, but have no experience in either, so pursuing either would be like pressing the reset button on figuring out my career.

I would look into programs that take a last 60 credit hour or even last 45 or 40 credit hour gpa. GRU, Angelo State, U St. Aug, and so many more. And in regards to chemistry and physics, all of kinesiology is physics of the human body and chemistry pretty much lays a foundation to all health sciences, so I have to politely disagree.

and in regards to applying you really have to be strategic in where you apply and cognizant of how your profile appears to programs. my overall is actually lower than yours and i have two interviews this cycle. God knows if I'll get accepted anywhere, but if you're application is very strong in other aspects and have a good grade trend, you can have a good shot at getting in. good luck!

 

[starrsgirl]

Been in your shoes....yes, you need to retake the classes to get some strategic As on board (at least both A&Ps and maybe physics). It will make the difference in getting in so that makes the retakes worth it. If it seems unfair consider that you have to pass science classes with at many PT schools a B- or above....and the classes are 2+ times harder than undergrad classes. You can understand why schools are so bent on GPA. If you really want this, retake the classes. Tackle and improve your study skills and grades will come.

 

[ptdude66]

I had a 2.7 in undergrad, but raised it to a 3.1 and will be attending PT school next fall. I think most ppl here have said it...but getting A's in those prereqs will be gold. If there was one class to Ace for me it would be the A&Ps. Take your time with it and really learn it. I made sure to find the best professors at the CCs that I went to to make sure I could learn the material and have success in the class. If possible I would take some more classes on the side to raise that GPA. I was taking 24 units at one point to raise my poor GPA. I did get Bs in a ton of prereqs such as Chem and Physics so it's possible, but really try to Ace everything from now on. Even if it takes a little bit more time, it's worth it in the long run.

 

[Kuhdaytee]

You should retake classes if you don't raise your GPA though. I know it sucks and it costs money, but it shouldn't be THAT much money at a community college, and getting an A will really help your chances of getting into schools if your GPA isn't competitive enough. It sure as hell beats applying and not getting into any schools the first time around, which is a bigger waste of money than retaking classes.

I've been writing about my first semester at UMES in my blog if you want to read details! I love it so far, and it's definitely a fast pace but it's manageable and I love my professors and classmates.

 

[steveyk]

I had a 2.7 in undergrad, but raised it to a 3.1 and will be attending PT school next fall. I think most ppl here have said it...but getting A's in those prereqs will be gold. If there was one class to Ace for me it would be the A&Ps. Take your time with it and really learn it. I made sure to find the best professors at the CCs that I went to to make sure I could learn the material and have success in the class. If possible I would take some more classes on the side to raise that GPA. I was taking 24 units at one point to raise my poor GPA. I did get Bs in a ton of prereqs such as Chem and Physics so it's possible, but really try to Ace everything from now on. Even if it takes a little bit more time, it's worth it in the long run.

I have to agree. I think if you're grades are on the low side, you have to take some drastic measures to even have a small shot at getting in. This will be my 8th year out of HS and it took me this long to make up my poor grades in the earlier years of my UG. for me, I graduated, starting working, and decided to go back to school while working. And one of those semesters included this past summer. I took 15 credit hours (chem 1, chem 2, A&P II, soci - going to class from 8am to 9pm everyday) and it was a hard earned 4.0. like ptdude66 said, you HAVE to ace however many classes you have left - that's really the only way you'll get some interviews! if you have the time and/or the resources, why not just take the courses again and get those A's.

And Daniel, if you arent confident in getting an A from retaking a course you made a B in, how do you plan on succeeding academically in PT school? Just the first thought I had when reading your comments.

 

[Bossman88]

Hey man! I'm in the same boat as you and I just got my bachelors degree in May 2015 and currently taking some prerequisite classes at Montgomery college as well. I'm taking Physics I now (Currently having an A) and will take physics II and Pre-Cal and also, Abnormal Psychology by spring 2016. However, I had a C in Anatomy & physiology I and Chemistry II which I'll retake in the summer to boost up my prerequisite and overall GPA. That being said, if I have all A's in the classes listed above I'll have a prereq /science GPA of about 3.5 flat without the repeats factored in. And this will also boost my cummulative GPA. I did apply for this cycle though and my prereq GPA was 2.8, science GPA 2.6 and overall 2.8 according to PTCAS. Im not sure I'll get in anywhere this cycle with such stats but I tried applying to schools that take highest grade and also low GPA requirements like Shenandoah but I have already deviced a plan B to take all classes remaining and retake the two classes I had C's to boost up my GPA and make me a stronger applicant for the next cycle. So you should do the same! I know it sucks retaking classes you had B's which to me is pointless. What you should do is try taking other classes which may substitute some of the classes you got B's in and try to get A's in them like Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry I, Microbiology etc this will really help boost up ur GPA. If you do all this you will be a stronger applicant next cycle. I plan on applying to UMES and Shenandoah as well next cycle if I don't get in anywhere this cycle.

All the best!