Hey everyone! I'm in need of some advice for the upcoming application cycle. My application process has unfortunately ended for the second straight year, and I'm trying to regroup and go again for a third time. My GPA is definitely the central issue so my main focus right now is retaking some pre reqs. I have been working full time as a PT Aide in an outpatient orthopedic clinic for almost a year and will continue working there, so my only option is to take classes online. I've heard horror stories about online classes and how you can get screwed if you're not careful. So my first question would be does anyone know of any schools or online programs that you have had good experiences with? I have a great relationship with the PTs I work with so my recommendation letters I feel will only improve as I continue to work there. I am concerned that the further away I am removed from undergrad, the harder it will be to get my academic recommendations. Also, should I be contacting and networking with the schools I'm applying for (I've read on here that many have done that)? After putting so much into applying the past two years the disappointing news have left me feeling lost, and this time I want to do everything in my power to better my chances. I would really appreciate your advice, I believe this is the best place to go for it. Thanks!
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I need advice!
- Thread starter BoSox27
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Hey everyone! I'm in need of some advice for the upcoming application cycle. My application process has unfortunately ended for the second straight year, and I'm trying to regroup and go again for a third time. My GPA is definitely the central issue so my main focus right now is retaking some pre reqs. I have been working full time as a PT Aide in an outpatient orthopedic clinic for almost a year and will continue working there, so my only option is to take classes online. I've heard horror stories about online classes and how you can get screwed if you're not careful. So my first question would be does anyone know of any schools or online programs that you have had good experiences with? I have a great relationship with the PTs I work with so my recommendation letters I feel will only improve as I continue to work there. I am concerned that the further away I am removed from undergrad, the harder it will be to get my academic recommendations. Also, should I be contacting and networking with the schools I'm applying for (I've read on here that many have done that)? After putting so much into applying the past two years the disappointing news have left me feeling lost, and this time I want to do everything in my power to better my chances. I would really appreciate your advice, I believe this is the best place to go for it. Thanks!
I commend you on applying again. I cannot understand the struggles and stress you are going through but one thing that does show that you want this bad. I believe many schools will see that. I have taken a couple classes at UCLA extension. They were great at communicating and the test were very fair. I would say if you can spread your observation hours in different settings, it will help you. Do you mind sharing your stats and where you want to apply? That might shed us some light on your stats and how competitive you maybe in the upcoming application. Also, people been great on this forum by reading personal statements. You should ask people here to read over your PS. Keep us updated! You will get in!!
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Hey everyone! I'm in need of some advice for the upcoming application cycle. My application process has unfortunately ended for the second straight year, and I'm trying to regroup and go again for a third time. My GPA is definitely the central issue so my main focus right now is retaking some pre reqs. I have been working full time as a PT Aide in an outpatient orthopedic clinic for almost a year and will continue working there, so my only option is to take classes online. I've heard horror stories about online classes and how you can get screwed if you're not careful. So my first question would be does anyone know of any schools or online programs that you have had good experiences with? I have a great relationship with the PTs I work with so my recommendation letters I feel will only improve as I continue to work there. I am concerned that the further away I am removed from undergrad, the harder it will be to get my academic recommendations. Also, should I be contacting and networking with the schools I'm applying for (I've read on here that many have done that)? After putting so much into applying the past two years the disappointing news have left me feeling lost, and this time I want to do everything in my power to better my chances. I would really appreciate your advice, I believe this is the best place to go for it. Thanks!
You're a fighter. Many of us probably would've quit after two application cycles. Applying for a third time shows you really want this.
When you apply this time, call the schools and talk to them about your application. If they tell you your GPA is too low, don't even apply. You need to be strategic. Do your research. Only apply to five or six schools where you have a chance. You don't need to network. You can't sweet talk/glad hand your way into PT school.
Is there any way you can retake a class or two at your local CC while you work? It's always best to take pre-reqs at a CC than online.
Kevin
I commend you on applying again. I cannot understand the struggles and stress you are going through but one thing that does show that you want this bad. I believe many schools will see that. I have taken a couple classes at UCLA extension. They were great at communicating and the test were very fair. I would say if you can spread your observation hours in different settings, it will help you. Do you mind sharing your stats and where you want to apply? That might shed us some light on your stats and how competitive you maybe in the upcoming application. Also, people been great on this forum by reading personal statements. You should ask people here to read over your PS. Keep us updated! You will get in!!
You're a fighter. Many of us probably would've quit after two application cycles. Applying for a third time shows you really want this.
When you apply this time, call the schools and talk to them about your application. If they tell you your GPA is too low, don't even apply. You need to be strategic. Do your research. Only apply to five or six schools where you have a chance. You don't need to network. You can't sweet talk/glad hand your way into PT school.
Is there any way you can retake a class or two at your local CC while you work? It's always best to take pre-reqs at a CC than online.
Kevin
Thank you guys for the encouragement I really appreciate it! And its true I want this BAD, and would do anything to be PT. So my overall and prereq GPA is 3.00. Chemistry and the first part of Physics killed me so I will be looking to retake those three classes. I have taken the GRE twice so my best is 145, 145, 3.0. I'm reluctant to take it for a third time because I am awful at standardized test, but I will if I have too. I first would like to improve in other areas before I do that like my GPA, personal statement, and expanding my observation like you suggested. I also looked into CC classes and I think I might be able to fit it in with my job. I'm not sure where I want to apply yet because like you suggested Kevin, I want to be strategic this time around. Thank you guys again for the advice and encouragement!
ASU Online is quite good from what I hear...I go on campus but I've heard the fully online programs are quite good...or you can take what the call "icourses", which are just online classes for campus-based students, so pretty much same thing...tuition in $5k a semester though so that may affect your decision over a community college...and if you are taking classes that require labs, I would personally find trying to come up with an online version ill advisable...not sure if ASU even offers things like Physics and Chemistry online...maybe...
ASU Online is quite good from what I hear...I go on campus but I've heard the fully online programs are quite good...or you can take what the call "icourses", which are just online classes for campus-based students, so pretty much same thing...tuition in $5k a semester though so that may affect your decision over a community college...and if you are taking classes that require labs, I would personally find trying to come up with an online version ill advisable...not sure if ASU even offers things like Physics and Chemistry online...maybe...
they do offer physics online. I took second semester online, but you do have to take the lab in person. However, I had a friend who was able to take both online and he had to buy a kit for the lab. Most pt schools don't allow online labs though. You really need to make the gre one of your main focuses. Yea you can get observation hours, but honestly with a gre like that a lot of schools won't look at your application further. Get them both to 150 minimum and the writing to 4.0 minimum.
I have a friend taking her chem+lab online through oregon state (i think) and is convinced that it is accepted at most schools.
I am skeptical though and would defiantly take the lab in person at a CC, but heh i could be wrong
I am skeptical though and would defiantly take the lab in person at a CC, but heh i could be wrong
they do offer physics online. I took second semester online, but you do have to take the lab in person. However, I had a friend who was able to take both online and he had to buy a kit for the lab. Most pt schools don't allow online labs though.
Huh...now I know... 🙂
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Hey everyone! I'm in need of some advice for the upcoming application cycle. My application process has unfortunately ended for the second straight year, and I'm trying to regroup and go again for a third time. My GPA is definitely the central issue so my main focus right now is retaking some pre reqs. I have been working full time as a PT Aide in an outpatient orthopedic clinic for almost a year and will continue working there, so my only option is to take classes online. I've heard horror stories about online classes and how you can get screwed if you're not careful. So my first question would be does anyone know of any schools or online programs that you have had good experiences with? I have a great relationship with the PTs I work with so my recommendation letters I feel will only improve as I continue to work there. I am concerned that the further away I am removed from undergrad, the harder it will be to get my academic recommendations. Also, should I be contacting and networking with the schools I'm applying for (I've read on here that many have done that)? After putting so much into applying the past two years the disappointing news have left me feeling lost, and this time I want to do everything in my power to better my chances. I would really appreciate your advice, I believe this is the best place to go for it. Thanks!
My first question to you would be where are you located? Do you have any restrictions on where you could go to PT School? Where did you apply the past two times? Are you willing to go to any school regardless of price or has that been a limiting factor for where you have applied? I myself am a Non Traditional student who is 31 (I'm starting in june) I am also married and have two children. So for me I was looking for a school that was close to Family to help out my wife with our children. For me that was my top priority so I looked at 6 schools that meet that requirement (they were all out of my state). I went and visited all them for Two Reasons: 1. to see if that was a program that I liked and 2. To network with some decision makers at those schools. I thought it important that they knew me from seeing me and talking to me one on one (kinda like an interview, but I was asking the questions) and not by looking at some numbers on a piece of paper only. I think it be wise for you to decide where you are willing to go. Then go visit the ones you can and make contact. I think it helps set you apart.
You say your working full-time and can only take online classes? What hours are you working? Is your employer willing to help move your schedule around so you can possibly take some night classes? I had an undergrad in Communication Studies and only had a 3.0 from that. I had to take all the pre req classes at night at a couple local community colleges. I worked full time and usually took two a semester and did the whole Dad thing so it should be doable if your job is flexible with your hours. I would also HIGHLY suggest getting some other observation hours in different settings. I know it can be tough but it looks really good to schools. You should look at shadowing at a hospital (for sure), Pediatric clinic, home health, schools, nursing home, etc. You need diversity for your application.
I know you don't want to take the GRE again, I feel you but you need to get those scores up to help improve the application especially since your overall and pre req GPA's are both 3.0. I think doing well in physics again would help with your GRE score as well as Statistics if you need that. Vocab, Vocab gotta read. Practice writing and Time yourself.
Those are my general thoughts to help anyone. If you want it bad enough you'll find a way to make it happen. Also when looking at schools look at some of the newer schools that are in a transitional period and aren't accredited yet. They will be most likely become accredited so that shouldn't worry you a lot. They will probably be easier to get into since they are newer and don't have a tract record or they might not be. I went to 6 schools like I said and ended up only applying to one. I got in. It was Lynchburg College (They just got fully accredited last week as well) I went and visited and thought before hand it would be my least favorite just because it was a smaller school and newer but they ended up having the nicest facilities out of all the schools I went and everyone was great. It is a private school so more expensive than an in state but for me like I said before it was my best option with family help. I'd encourage you to maybe look places you wouldn't normally look you might be surprised, like I was.
