In Need of Advice

[AltheaAmburn]

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Hi!
I just recently graduated in May with a B.S in Kinesiology. The plan is that I will eventually want to go to PT school, but I really just want to take a year off and just work and live for a bit. I also plan to improve my GPA by re-taking some science classes in the Fall. I am working at a PT clinic with great people there, so I am hoping they are willing to write me a good recommendation letter. Lastly, I am going to start studying to take the GRE. So, basically I am just trying to get all the admission requirement ready and make it competitive. The thing is, my parents want me to go to PT school as soon as possible. But I know in my heart that I am not ready for PT school right now and I know that the deadline for applications is fastly approaching.
My question is: if I don't apply this year, when will the next cycle be for most PT school? When is the soonest I can attend PT school if I don't apply this year? My parents really want me to start school next year...
Btw, I'm considering on going to TWU or UNT, really any PT school in Texas that would accept me to be honest with you.

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Kuhdaytee]

I haven't been pressured by my parents in regards of when to apply, so I don't have any great advice in that case. Honestly, if you know you won't be ready to start PT school next summer/next fall, then please wait to apply. You might bum your parents out, but I think you will be more relaxed for when you actually do start.

The next cycle for PTCAS schools is next July, unfortunately. So, if you wait to apply until July of 2015, then you won't attend PT school until 2016.

 

[AltheaAmburn]

I haven't been pressured by my parents in regards of when to apply, so I don't have any great advice in that case. Honestly, if you know you won't be ready to start PT school next summer/next fall, then please wait to apply. You might bum your parents out, but I think you will be more relaxed for when you actually do start.

The next cycle for PTCAS schools is next July, unfortunately. So, if you wait to apply until July of 2015, then you won't attend PT school until 2016.

How about non-participating PTCAS schools? Because most of the schools I will be applying to don't participate in PTCAS program. Is it possible for me to attend PT school in 2015?

 

[okramango]

How about non-participating PTCAS schools? Because most of the schools I will be applying to don't participate in PTCAS program. Is it possible for me to attend PT school in 2015?

I attend PT school in TX, and most of the schools here follow the same pattern of applying in the summer or early fall to begin PT school the following year in summer or fall. The only exception I've seen is U of St. Augustine, which recently opened a campus in Austin. They have three start times per year (I think in spring, summer, and fall). In general, the only way to attend PT school in 2015 is to apply during the current application cycle. Look at each school's PT program website, and you'll see their information about the timing of their application cycles.

 

[ishon]

I completely understand how you feel. I'm currently an undergrad at a public university in Texas. Earlier this past academic year, I thought I was gonna apply for this upcoming cycle but I made the decision to wait a year to apply because of mistakes I made relating to prerequisites. I knew that my parents wanted me to go on ahead and apply for this cycle. But they completely understood that I wasn't ready. To be honest, I'm actually very happy that I'm waiting a year because it gives me time to make things right and relax about applying. I know disappointing your parents can be rough but it's better to apply when you're ready instead of applying when you're not and striking out. I'm hopeful of attending PT school in Texas as well but if I don't, then I don't. Don't rush the whole process because PT school will still be there.

 

[Komagh]

Hi-I am new to this forum and I would really appreciate some honest advice. I'm a recent grad in psychology from UCSD. My undergrad gpa is 2.7 and haven't taken anatomy/physiology with lab. I have taken the general bio/chem/ochem/physics since I was premed. I work full-time for a nonprofit, with youth. I have been looking into grad programs. I'm really interested in DPT but I don't have some of prereq classes, gpa, nor experience. Do you think this is best fit for me to pursue as a career? If so, what should I do to increase my chance of getting admitted? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[ishon]

Hi-I am new to this forum and I would really appreciate some honest advice. I'm a recent grad in psychology from UCSD. My undergrad gpa is 2.7 and haven't taken anatomy/physiology with lab. I have taken the general bio/chem/ochem/physics since I was premed. I work full-time for a nonprofit, with youth. I have been looking into grad programs. I'm really interested in DPT but I don't have some of prereq classes, gpa, nor experience. Do you think this is best fit for me to pursue as a career? If so, what should I do to increase my chance of getting admitted? Thanks in advance for your help!

I personally think the best way to figure out if this career is to be exposed by obtaining shadowing hours if you can because you might like OT more or you might like PT more. I know pre-reqs usually include General bio/chem/physics, anatomy and physiology, 2 courses of psychology, and statistics. There are slight variations from school to school but those are the main pre-reqs for PT school. As far as increasing your chances, I would suggest retaking classes if your pre-req grades aren't mostly A's. I hope my advice helps!

 

[VapidSlug]

If you need a year then take a year. Giving into another's pressure and beginning the program before you are ready is ill-advised.

 

[jballa4]

I was put in the same spot light with my parents. My parents wanted me to go straight into school when i know that more than half of my class didnt just graduate a couple of months ago like i did. But i also dont feel as ready as i could be but who can really prepare themselves for DPT school? One of my friends just started 2 weeks ago at her school and she said it was like being thrown in the deep end of a pool without floatys and you cant swim. I recently got accepted into UNT DPT program and will be attending their program which starts late July. My advice is to apply this year if possible. Like Kuhdaytee said if you apply next years cycle then you wont start school until 2016 and then youd be sitting out 2 years instead of just 1 year. And have in your head that each year the bar is raised for applicants so when you do apply your best now might be the worst then. Ive been out of school for almost 2 months now and i didnt pick up a job and i am already getting bored with my life! Idk how i could do this for a whole year! Most schools deadlines arnt till december or january so youll have time to take the GRE(more than once if need be) and write up essays! Plus if you dont get in this go around then you can always email the schools on what to improve on and then improve your application for the following year!