How many schools is too many?

[DPTJO13]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi all!

I'm brand spankin' new to this site, but so many of you have already unknowingly impacted the application process for me in a huge way with all of your informative posts! I will definitely start contributing to the community as well, but first I have a question:

Long story short, I'd like to know a good ballpark number of programs I should apply to.

Long story long, here are my stats:

University: Johns Hopkins University
Major: BA in Psychology and BA in Natural Sciences
GPA: 3.34
pGPA: 3.21
GRE: 158V 155Q 5.0W
Extra-curriculars: captain of the Hopkins dance team, co-founded an organization that runs a summer camp for cancer-affected kids, work study all four years
Hours: ~355 outpatient, 60 inpatient, 16 spine, 6 neuromuscular disorders (FSHD, Duchenne's, etc.).
Plus I have some research experience in vestibular rehabilitation, clinical trials for neuromuscular disorders, and geriatric physical examinations.

I will be applying this upcoming cycle (2015-2016). I know my GPA is rather low, but it was primarily my freshman and sophomore years that brought it down (before I changed my major from Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering). Although I raised it a decent amount during my final two years, I am still kind of terrified it will keep me from being accepted to programs since many schools flat out say that GPA is a huge huge factor due to the competitiveness and sheer volume of applicants.

Right now, I am thinking of applying to 30 schools. I have spent countless hours looking at the PTCAS directory and program websites and have my list narrowed down to 50 schools at the moment. My question is, do you think 30 would still be too much? I don't mind putting in the time and effort of applying to a large number of programs, but my wallet feels differently...

Any and all advice would be appreciated 🙂

 

[brooklynyc]

30 is a ridiculous amount imo. I applied to 15 and I think THAT was way too much. I would personally keep it to under 10 to be safe and 4-8 if I really know what I want.

 

[starrsgirl]

Agree with above. I would say 8 MAX. This isn't med school apps. PT schools seem to vary more on requirements between schools. So target those where you will have the best chance. Do 2 reach schools, a group of regular and 1 school that you are pretty sure you can get in (private schools, newly accredited, non traditional or what not)

 

[DesertPT]

30 is indeed a ridiculous amount. There are significantly diminishing returns as far as your chances go once you get into the double digits. Spend the time it takes researching and calling the admissions offices of schools to boil your list down to the 7 or 8 schools at which your application will be the most competitive. Skillful school selection can allow an applicant with a sub par gpa to be quite successful in the application process. This and other topics related to low gpa applying have been discussed repeatedly here in these forums, so keep searching and reading as much as you can. Spending the time it takes to select an ideal list of 7 or 8 schools will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars and will net you an acceptance. Maybe 10 schools if it makes you feel better. The spray and pray method will probably leave you with an acceptance as well, but unlike the targeted method it will also leave you with a very empty bank account.

 

[ktachiba]

I applied to 22 which was too many but I think 10-15 would be acceptable

 

[SwampPT]

Your stats are better than mine and I applied to 11 schools, which was still too many. If you apply to 30 you'll be spending far too much money and time. Not only do you have to fill out all those supplemental applications and pay all those fees, you will be jet setting all over the place for interviews. The only bright side is the uptick in frequent flyer miles. What you need to do is research your schools much more thoroughly. Make sure they are a good fit for you and vice versa. Be honest with yourself about your chances at each. Definitely throw in a safety school or two also.

 

[tweaze]

Agreeing with the others - 30 is too many! Given how much the requirements for schools can vary, and the additional number of essays you would have to write, I think it would be very difficult to submit a high quality, tailored application to each of those thirty schools. I'd say no more than 10, but I think between 6 and 8 is more reasonable number if you choose your schools carefully.

 

[ptlover]

7-10 is recommended 🙂

 

[A Homeless Guy]

Your stats were similar to mine even though your gpa/cgpa is average I think your GREs are really good and I personally would apply to no more than 15, anything more is a little much. (I applied to 10)