Have a meeting with Head of the DPT admission TIPS!?

[phenom828]

So I haven't applied to schools yet as I still have some pre reqs to do but I have been looking at schools and have been in contact with some people at those schools. At one school the admission counselor set me up a meeting with the Chair of the DPT admission for a 1 on 1 to show me the campus. So obviously would be in my best interest to make a good first impression any tips? Do I take anything? I don't think I will be a stong applicant grade wise so I feel if I can make a good impression when it is time to send my apps in to that school hopefully it will help

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Watson27]

There are many threads about questions to ask at open houses and interviews. Glance at them.

Basics: Dress nicely, ask questions, be very enthusiastic about attending their program, and send a thank you note! Especially since it is a one-on-one.

 

[phenom828]

so what kind of questions are good to ask?

 

[Watson27]

You can use the search feature to find specific threads about this topic. Though I suppose since I am pretty much done with the application process, I can reveal some of my secrets... 😉

Some basic ones I have asked (even though most of the answers can be found on a programs website or in their handbook):

Admissions process - how many applications received, interviews given, acceptances offered, matriculation rate?
How are applicants ranked - what are the most important factors? (some schools weight GRE, cGPA, pre-reqs, math & science, LORs, etc)
How can I be a successful applicant? **Key question for you**
Student:faculty ratio, pass rate, graduation rate? If not 100%, why?
Gross anatomy - how many students per cadaver, only PT students?
What happens if a student is struggling? Resources available, when does faculty step in, worst case scenario?
Clinicals - Timing, length, how are they assigned? Where are they - regional, national, international?
Scholarship opportunities?/Assistanships?
Do students have time for jobs?
Research opportunities/requirements for students?
National conferences/meetings - are students encouraged to attend, any financial support if presenting research, if they need to miss class?
Are there any upcoming changes to the program? Class size, curriculum changes?
Service opportunities?
Any interaction between class years (First-Second-Third year mingling?)
Can you put me in touch with a current student?
What makes your program unique? Some programs will have a concentration on manual therapy, sports, neuro, research, etc.

Some people are afraid of asking too many questions and seeming pushy, which I think is dumb. This is your chance to see if the program is a good fit for you. As long as you are respectful in how you ask the questions, it is more likely that they will be impressed with you.

For some questions, their specific answer is not what I care about. I like to see how they react and if they are transparent in their answer, or if they are guarded or uncomfortable. If they ever say, "I can't answer that," or "That's not information we give to applicants," I would be seriously worried.

If you are going to ask this many questions, it is a good idea to bring a note pad and pen.

Another interesting thing I noticed while going to interviews and open houses: Applicants at East Coast schools asked more questions and did a better job of interviewing the program, while applicants at Midwest schools were timid and afraid of seeming rude. It was seriously weird. And there was always a lot more interaction/chatting among the East-Coasters, while you could hear crickets at Midwest open houses. Has anyone else noticed this?

 

[truthseeker]

I like the question list that Watson27 gave. After you ask about what they look at for applicants i.e. how they rank applicants, I would suggest being candid about your GPA shortfalls, have reasonable reasons why your grades are a little lower and ask how you can make your application stand out. Relax and actually meet the chair and be someone that they would like to be around. PTs need to have academic talent, but it is arguable that the ability to communicate is more important. Treat them like one of your parents' friends. Be respectful but don't be my dog who rolls over and pees on herself whenever she is stressed out.

 

[phenom828]

so actually mention my gpa problems? It was basically first two years of school I didnt know how to study and stuff and got bad grades in the process but have done better since then

 

[jblil]

OP - you have been given good suggestions for questions. However, those have been, and will be, asked a zillion times and I bet the Head of Admissions can regurgitate the answers in his/her sleep. If you want to make an impression, ask questions such as:
- What do you think of the proliferation of DPT programs today? What is going to be the impact on future PTs?
- Do you think that CAPTE should tighten up accreditation standards for DPT programs?
- If the person is a PT himself/herself, ask about the differences between say, 10 years ago, and now.

Show that you are genuinely interested in your interlocutor's opinion on those matters (instead of asking questions mechanically) and the Head of Admissions won't forget you.

 

[DesertPT]

Another interesting thing I noticed while going to interviews and open houses: Applicants at East Coast schools asked more questions and did a better job of interviewing the program, while applicants at Midwest schools were timid and afraid of seeming rude. It was seriously weird. And there was always a lot more interaction/chatting among the East-Coasters, while you could hear crickets at Midwest open houses. Has anyone else noticed this?

That's weird. I don't know about the midwest or east coast, but the west coast interview groups I have been in have been exceedingly chatty and question-asking.

 

[DesertPT]

so what kind of questions are good to ask?

Ones you actually want to know the answer to. And ones that can't be easily answered with a quick look on the school's website.

 

[truthseeker]

so actually mention my gpa problems? It was basically first two years of school I didnt know how to study and stuff and got bad grades in the process but have done better since then

If you bring it up then they will know that you are aware that it is lower than it could be. You could then spin a little the reaoning behind the lower GPA.

 

[phenom828]

so dress nice, ask some different questions, is there anything else? Can i ask what would help me get accepted? would they be allowed to tell me that?

 

[jblil]

what would help me get accepted?

A seven-figure donation to the school would probably secure you a spot.

 

[DesertPT]

Can i ask what would help me get accepted? would they be allowed to tell me that?

Yes you can ask. I would phrase it along the lines of "when evaluating applicants what parts of the application do you often see weaknesses in?" or "what is your process for evaluating applications and deciding who the strongest candidate?" or something like this. You could just straight up ask how to get accepted to, I guess you'll have to judge if that will come off as uncouth or not.

 

[SwampPT]

Research that particular program thoroughly and ask questions or make remarks about details that obviously show you that you did your research. SDN can be helpful as well. Read posts from the last five years relating to that program. You'll be surprised what you may learn. I also met with the Director at the school I was accepted at. I dressed in a suit. I told her what my long term plans were as a PT and showed enthusiasm. I told her I was REALLY wanting to specialize in "Muscle Energy". A lot of applicants have no clue what Muscle Energy is. The Director will absolutely ask you why you want to be a PT and why their school in particular. Be prepared with good answers.

 

[jesspt]

Research that particular program thoroughly and ask questions or make remarks about details that obviously show you that you did your research. SDN can be helpful as well. Read posts from the last five years relating to that program. You'll be surprised what you may learn. I also met with the Director at the school I was accepted at. I dressed in a suit. I told her what my long term plans were as a PT and showed enthusiasm. I told her I was REALLY wanting to specialize in "Muscle Energy". A lot of applicants have no clue what Muscle Energy is. The Director will absolutely ask you why you want to be a PT and why their school in particular. Be prepared with good answers.

Yes, by all means, express interest in an assessment and treatment technique (Muscle Energy Technqiue) that has not held up well to scietific scrutiny.

 

[SwampPT]

Yes, by all means, express interest in an assessment and treatment technique (Muscle Energy Technqiue) that has not held up well to scietific scrutiny.

I have had a PT do the technique on me and it works wonders. That particular PT is pretty much famous in my area. My back gave out and I literally couldn't stand. Five minutes of treatment later and I was fine. I even shadowed him and saw all the people he worked wonders on. No one can tell me it doesn't work when I've seen hundreds of people helped by this technique including myself. I will concede that there probably are people it doesn't work on. There are also people that don't benefit from Stim. I'm one of them. At any rate, I was accepted so I received a positive result🙂

 

[mv85dpthopeful]

Be gracious with them for sharing their time with you. Ask your questions, but keep it to an appropriate number or you risk being remembered for being obnoxious. I've been to some open house events where students ask question after question after question after question, and were oblivious to the fact that it was visibly annoying the faculty members. The sincere desire to present your best self and seem curious and engaged is normal, but remember that it's a conversation, and definitely remember to say thank you! Good luck!

 

[Watson27]

Ask your questions, but keep it to an appropriate number or you risk being remembered for being obnoxious. I've been to some open house events where students ask question after question after question after question, and were oblivious to the fact that it was visibly annoying the faculty members.

If this was the response of the faculty, I would definitely rethink my decision to attend. I think it is wildly inappropriate for the faculty to become visibly annoyed. The entire point of an open house or interview day is for you to gather information, get your questions answered, and "interview" them. As long as you are asking poignant questions with answers that cannot be found on the program website, I think it is appropriate to ask away. If you feel that you are wasting the group's time, you can approach a faculty member after the Q&A session to finish asking. I went to an open house/interview where my fellow attendees acted like they were in a coma and I was the only one that asked any questions. I asked 2 or three straightforward questions that benefitted the group, then saved questions about their PhD program for after the session was over. In addition to this terrible Q&A session, I was actually offended by how poorly we were treated the rest of the day, and instantly made my decision to not attend.

 

[mv85dpthopeful]

If this was the response of the faculty, I would definitely rethink my decision to attend. I think it is wildly inappropriate for the faculty to become visibly annoyed. The entire point of an open house or interview day is for you to gather information, get your questions answered, and "interview" them. As long as you are asking poignant questions with answers that cannot be found on the program website, I think it is appropriate to ask away. If you feel that you are wasting the group's time, you can approach a faculty member after the Q&A session to finish asking. I went to an open house/interview where my fellow attendees acted like they were in a coma and I was the only one that asked any questions. I asked 2 or three straightforward questions that benefitted the group, then saved questions about their PhD program for after the session was over. In addition to this terrible Q&A session, I was actually offended by how poorly we were treated the rest of the day, and instantly made my decision to not attend.

I was once at an open house where at the end they invited us to approach with any final questions. One person asked so many questions that there was a line of other students waiting to ask questions, that he completely ignored. When the faculty member said with a laugh, "ok, I can't answer anymore from you!" he kept right on going. This is not the only time I've seen something like this, and it absolutely is appropriate for faculty to become annoyed with this. Just keep it appropriate, with pointed (not poignant, which means bittersweet) questions and it will go well.

 

[SwampPT]

I forgot to add that you should absolutely send a thank you card to the Director after you have had your meeting. Write a short personal message thanking the Director for taking the time to answer your questions.