How to be confident for myself again?

[Jn7771992]

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Hey guys,

I want to be a PT ever since my sophomore year of college. I applied to 5 PT schools this year and I've gotten four rejection letters because my GPA and GRE was too low. I plan on retaking classes that I got C's in, retake the GRE and continue working as a Rehab Tech at an outpatient orthopedic PT clinic since that was suggested by my family and coworkers. Lately, I've been very sad about my chances of getting into PT schools since I'm only 25 years old and all of my friends already have successful careers and in grad schools made me feel like I'm a failure and not capable to succeed. I have so much self-doubt, anxiety and worry to the point where I feel like I lost hope and myself. I don't know how to believe in myself anymore and I need some advice how to get through this rough patch. I want to feel like myself again as a happy girl. I'm trying to be as positive as I can but it's very hard for me right now due to this situation. Feel free to message me if you want.

Thank you!

 

[Snovella]

You are still pretty young. If it makes you feel better I’ll be 31 next year. I had to go back to community college to take 9 pre-requisites and it took me 2 years to complete those. This is the first time I am applying to Grad/PT programs. I applied to 9 schools (kind of late) and I’ve only gotten a response from 4 of them. I’ve been rejected from one school and two others put me on a waitlist.
I graduated with a BS in Nutrition. After I graduated I found out my program wasn’t certified and I couldn’t take the test to become a certified nutritionist. That’s the reason why I decided to become a PT. I love helping people and I have passion for healthcare. In the meantime I’ve been working as a personal trainer which has helped me learn more about the human body, good posture, and how avoid injuries when working out.
I know it is upsetting when things don’t go as planned, but I won’t give up and neither should you. If I don’t get accepted to PT school this cycle I will try the next one. If I have to take more classes to strengthen my application then I will , but I am not going to give up just because things don’t work out the first time around.
Trust me, you’re not alone. Keep chasing your dreams.

 

[PTstudent8]

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[Ralfski]

Hey guys,

I want to be a PT ever since my sophomore year of college. I applied to 5 PT schools this year and I've gotten four rejection letters because my GPA and GRE was too low. I plan on retaking classes that I got C's in, retake the GRE and continue working as a Rehab Tech at an outpatient orthopedic PT clinic since that was suggested by my family and coworkers. Lately, I've been very sad about my chances of getting into PT schools since I'm only 25 years old and all of my friends already have successful careers and in grad schools made me feel like I'm a failure and not capable to succeed. I have so much self-doubt, anxiety and worry to the point where I feel like I lost hope and myself. I don't know how to believe in myself anymore and I need some advice how to get through this rough patch. I want to feel like myself again as a happy girl. I'm trying to be as positive as I can but it's very hard for me right now due to this situation. Feel free to message me if you want.

Thank you!

I'm actually in the same boat. Still waiting to hear back but judging by everyone's stats and quick responses from schools, it's going to be tough and competitive. Keep moving forward do what you need to and out happen

 

[DPTlover1]

Hey guys,

I want to be a PT ever since my sophomore year of college. I applied to 5 PT schools this year and I've gotten four rejection letters because my GPA and GRE was too low. I plan on retaking classes that I got C's in, retake the GRE and continue working as a Rehab Tech at an outpatient orthopedic PT clinic since that was suggested by my family and coworkers. Lately, I've been very sad about my chances of getting into PT schools since I'm only 25 years old and all of my friends already have successful careers and in grad schools made me feel like I'm a failure and not capable to succeed. I have so much self-doubt, anxiety and worry to the point where I feel like I lost hope and myself. I don't know how to believe in myself anymore and I need some advice how to get through this rough patch. I want to feel like myself again as a happy girl. I'm trying to be as positive as I can but it's very hard for me right now due to this situation. Feel free to message me if you want.

Thank you!

I completely understand your frustration. I would like to emphasize that unfortunately, physical therapy is a robust, challenging, and extraordinarily competitive field. I think retaking your classes will show initiative, as will retaking the GRE. When you are studying for the GRE, I recommend reviewing the Princeton Review "Hit Parade" and do both the quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning booklets, both directly from ETS itself. Doing so boosted my score 5 points in each section (besides writing, where I have been at a steady 5.5), whereas I had simply studied Kaplan's review book before that and had not done as well.

Do not lose hope within yourself or your potential for success in this field. I have received rejections too, but do not let that discourage you. Next time you apply, I recommend applying to more than 5 PT schools. Unfortunately, applying to PT school is similar to applying to med school only there are about half the seats - so it is very challenging. I don't know what kind of personality you are, but it seems like in order to best handle the situation, be proactive like you are implying that you will be. Work at those two jobs, get all of the experiences and hours you can, and make connections with those outside of your work. You will be a happy girl again, but only when you choose to be happy. Choose it now. An acceptance from a school will definitely make you happy, but so will letting go of what happened in the past and focusing on your future potential for success! Right now, just focus on acing those GREs and maybe retaking a couple of prerequisites. If PT is what you want to do, nothing in the entire world will stop you. I believe you can do it and I am sure that others do as well! Do not be discouraged. This is just a little bit of a bump in the road.

 

[jt128]

I'm in the same boat as you are. I'm 24, and I work as a PT aide for outpatient, and inpatient. This is technically the second time I have applied to PT programs, but the first time doesn't really count since I only applied to one school last minute, and I don't think I actually got everything in that I needed. I applied to 8 schools this time, about half of them do interviews. I've had 1 interview, and I'm pretty sure its going to be a rejection (I saw someone posting that they got their acceptance letter a couple days ago...). I have another interview in January, and waitlisted on another school. I haven't heard from one school at all, and the rest were no's.

I am not feeling very confident and it is extremely disappointing, but it really is just another detour. I've talked to, or other people have told me about others who have applied to PT schools multiple times before they were admitted. I would say pretty much what everyone else has already posted.

Keep on working as a PT aide, make sure you get inpatient observation hours too though if you don't already, start retaking classes that you got the lowest grades in, and study up for the GRE. I heard getting Kaplan's books for the verbal and quantitative reasoning was helpful. This is probably what I will be doing if I get all rejections. But, there is still hope, and its not the end of the world if you/we don't get in this first time around. It happens. Just try to stay positive and keep on working on improving your application! If it's something you truly want, don't let this stop you!!! PT schools are extremely competitive, they only have so many spots.

 

[DrivenDPT]

I hear you. I'm having a tough time, as well. I will be proactive, and do whatever it takes. But, I'm still human, and getting rejected stings.
I'm 35, this is my second, and my dream, career, and I busted my tail to create the strongest application that I could.
Gre: Q 160 V 160 AW 5.0
GPA 3.94
Obsv hrs 200ish (Acute care, Ortho, Neuro, school based, Pelvic floor, pedi)
After all of that, I got waitlisted (pretty far down the list). I was super nervous in my interview and didn't feel like I did a great job of selling myself. I'm all for trying again next cycle, but am at a bit of a loss on how to strengthen my application. After the holidays, I will reach out to see if I can get any feedback, and go from there.

But, for now, I'm gonna be a little bummed, and that's ok. I'll pick myself back up.

 

[Snovella]

I hear you. I'm having a tough time, as well. I will be proactive, and do whatever it takes. But, I'm still human, and getting rejected stings.
I'm 35, this is my second, and my dream, career, and I busted my tail to create the strongest application that I could.
Gre: Q 160 V 160 AW 5.0
GPA 3.94
Obsv hrs 200ish (Acute care, Ortho, Neuro, school based, Pelvic floor, pedi)
After all of that, I got waitlisted (pretty far down the list). I was super nervous in my interview and didn't feel like I did a great job of selling myself. I'm all for trying again next cycle, but am at a bit of a loss on how to strengthen my application. After the holidays, I will reach out to see if I can get any feedback, and go from there.

But, for now, I'm gonna be a little bummed, and that's ok. I'll pick myself back up.

What? How’s your application weak? Your GPA and GRE scores are not bad at all!

 

[ab75]

Hey guys,

I want to be a PT ever since my sophomore year of college. I applied to 5 PT schools this year and I've gotten four rejection letters because my GPA and GRE was too low. I plan on retaking classes that I got C's in, retake the GRE and continue working as a Rehab Tech at an outpatient orthopedic PT clinic since that was suggested by my family and coworkers. Lately, I've been very sad about my chances of getting into PT schools since I'm only 25 years old and all of my friends already have successful careers and in grad schools made me feel like I'm a failure and not capable to succeed. I have so much self-doubt, anxiety and worry to the point where I feel like I lost hope and myself. I don't know how to believe in myself anymore and I need some advice how to get through this rough patch. I want to feel like myself again as a happy girl. I'm trying to be as positive as I can but it's very hard for me right now due to this situation. Feel free to message me if you want.

Thank you!

I'm over 40 and just refreshed my pre-reqs. I've gotten A's where I had low B or Cs in undergrad. I spent years in another career (not one I found satisfaction in) but I've had plenty of time to learn what is important to me and what I'm willing to do (or NOT do again) to get the grades/scores I need. So from a much removed perspective... find something right now that you feel good about doing. ie. You feel satisfied at day's end or like you make a difference or whatever.
The comparisons aren't helpful and are really dragging you down. Everyone else is not living the dream it just feels like it because you are not yet in a place where you feel accomplished.
If it would work for you I'd say take a break from schooling for 6mo, 12mo, whatever will help you recuperate but set a definite timeline for when you will either take more classes or seek a career counselor etc. I don't advise a 15+ yr break.
I have had many ups and downs in the past 18mo of working, parenting, schooling, GRE and application prep. Its a drain so despite the nice scores I didn't have stable self-confidence. I paid for a Kaplan course to help prep for GRE (made a big difference in a short time) and a writing coach to help with essays because it was overwhelming. I have 3 interviews scheduled.
SO take some "you" time, talk to counselor/therapist, find happy and make a plan. Its not too late to get on the road to your desired career. If PT is still where its at then get some hours across the wide spectrum of specialties. There are some schools that require in-patient hours and some that will only take hospital hours. Good Luck!

 

[ab75]

I hear you. I'm having a tough time, as well. I will be proactive, and do whatever it takes. But, I'm still human, and getting rejected stings.
I'm 35, this is my second, and my dream, career, and I busted my tail to create the strongest application that I could.
Gre: Q 160 V 160 AW 5.0
GPA 3.94
Obsv hrs 200ish (Acute care, Ortho, Neuro, school based, Pelvic floor, pedi)
After all of that, I got waitlisted (pretty far down the list). I was super nervous in my interview and didn't feel like I did a great job of selling myself. I'm all for trying again next cycle, but am at a bit of a loss on how to strengthen my application. After the holidays, I will reach out to see if I can get any feedback, and go from there.

But, for now, I'm gonna be a little bummed, and that's ok. I'll pick myself back up.

Wow, okay those are some helluva stats! I'm super impressed/humbled and willing myself not to compare scores.
So other "possible" areas (if you end up even needing to strengthen anything) references and essays. Obviously I have no critique of any of yours but both of these areas are the non-score sections and give them a sense of who you are and why do they want you. There is no doubt they can see you are capable intelligence-wise but they will want to see that you can express yourself and that others can vouch for your capability as a future practitioner in a "hands on profession" which values interpersonal skills. Good luck achieving the dream!

 

[PT_Student_123]

Second time applying, I’m 26. You ask how do you get confidence? Retake prerequisites that you got B’s and C’s I’m, but here is the trick. Retake the easier first and get A’s! This will boast your confidence. Small victories first!

Here are my stats:

Update!

Majors: B.S. General Biology, University of California: San Diego

Prereq, Overall GPA, and Last 60 Units: pGPA: ~3.7-3.8, cGPA: 2.96, last 60 units: 3.8 GRE: 159Q, 149V, 5.0AW

Observation: 695 Outpatient Hours, 250 Inpatient Hours

Submitted to PTCAS: 8/1/17

Applying: Shenandoah University, AT Still University, CSU Northridge, East Tennessee State University, Emory & Henry College, Governors State University, MGHIHP, Regis University, Bellarmine University, South College, Tennessee State University, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, University of Mary, High Point University, William Carey University, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, University of Saint Augustine San Marcos

Acceptance: AT Still University (10/9), MGH IHP (12/20)

Interview Invites: South College (Waitlisted 9/4), University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Waitlisted 10/5), AT Still University (Accepted 10/6), Emory and Henry College (received invite on 10/23 for 11/18 interview - Declined), MGH IHP Open House Invitation (received invite on 11/1 for 12/2 - Attending [live stream]), University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (received invite on 11/20 for 12/1 interview - Declined,) Shenandoah University (received invite on 11/21 for 12/15 interview - Declined), Bellarmine University (Received Invite to Interview on 12/14 for 2/9/18 - Declined)

Rejection: Governors State University (11/17), Regis University (12/15)