How did you guys narrow down your final schools? I need advice!

[ptlover]

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Hello all! I am in the process of narrowing down what schools I want to apply to. My list is 15 schools! Its so hard to pick some over the other. What were some things you used to help you decide which schools to apply to and which ones not to?

 

[FuturePT1]

Theres many things you can consider when looking at PT schools. In the end it's whats most important to you. I factored in how close it was to me or if I'd have to move, cost of tuition, npte pass rate, what type of anatomy they have ( some have it computerized, and some use cadavers) I also tried to look at reviews from students or facebook pages to see if I'd fit in. I also asked my advisor from undergrad where people were happiest with there education. Just think what matters to you the most. Maybe go take tours of some of the schools if possible. That helped as well. Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[NewTestament]

You need to consider many factors when deciding where to school. I wouldn't apply to more than 10, as easy as it is on PTCAS.

What to consider

-Cost (this might be the most important)
-Geographical location (where do you want to live?)
-Academic emphasis (neuro, research, manual therapy, etc.)
-Pass rate
-Class size
-Are cadavers on campus?
-Curriculum
-Feedback online
-Quality of facilities
-Quality of faculty

I'm sure I could think of others, but again, don't apply to more than 10.

Kevin

 

[okramango]

Hello all! I am in the process of narrowing down what schools I want to apply to. My list is 15 schools! Its so hard to pick some over the other. What were some things you used to help you decide which schools to apply to and which ones not to?

Last year I had a list of around fifteen schools that I narrowed down to only three that I actually applied to. That wasn't easy! In the end, I made cost my number one consideration. I considered tuition, school fees, and cost of living in the area, and also applied to schools that offer scholarships. After looking at cost, I considered pass rates and graduation rates, curriculum, clinical experiences, average stats of accepted students, and looked at faculty specialties that I was interested in. I also spoke with current students to get a feel for certain programs. I learned a lot about some specific programs by reading the threads here on SDN. In the end, I didn't even apply to what felt like my "dream program" because the cost was too high, and I'm super happy about the program that I'll be attending this fall, with scholarships and a grant. I realized that my so-called "dream program" was not worth that many more years of paying off loans once the program was over.

 

[ptlover]

Thank you for the wonderful suggestions! I currently have it narrowed down to about 10 schools as Kevin suggested. I am a reapplicant so I want to apply to several institutions. Can I ask what school you attend now okramango?

 

[okramango]

Can I ask what school you attend now okramango?

I'll be attending Texas Woman's University in Dallas starting in August. And I had never even been to Texas before I applied there (I live in Northern CA), so it will definitely be an adventure!

Good luck with your applications!

 

[Outdoors]

also consider if they interview or not


Some say that interviewers intrinsically tend to select candidates that are most like themselves and can lead to a class with less diversity and a more uniform approach to the field. Whereas a school that selects its class based on application/experience/essays may have a more diverse class

 

[obeshy]

I consider the following things when I look at PT schools, and these factors really narrow it down for me big time.

I look at places that are near indian reservations b/c my wife works for IHS, and then I look at places that I feel like I can live for 3 years. That usually takes it down a lot! After that, I look at class size- I prefer smaller classes over larger ones, then I look at what hospitals the programs involve in clinical rotations if that sort of information is available. Also programs that offer some sort of out of country experience (ie. traveling to latin america) is always a plus. If the school gets pass all those guys, then I cut them down based on their teaching methods and emphasis, etc. and bam, I have around 10 or so. Good things.