In need of advice

[Forney14]

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I am in need of some advice. This year I have applied to six Texas DPT programs, and was rejected by all. I did received an interview at one school, but did not get an acceptance letter. I am a senior and will be graduating in May. I currently have a 3.387 overall GPA with a 3.1 in pre-req courses. I scored a 150 Q and 152 V as well as a 3.5 AW on the GRE. I know I need to retake the GRE and try to up my score, especially the writing portion. I have two pre-req classes that I had a C in, and I plan on re-taking both classes over the summer. I am trying to make sure I am giving myself the best shot at re-applying to PT school. Should I re-take other pre-req classes that I received a B in, work as a PT tech, and get hours and save up money for PT, and work on my interview skills? Or my other option is starting a master's program in Athletic training? I had the school that I interviewed at send me an email about coming to their Athletic training program. I did not know much about a masters in Athletic training, and what I have researched so far is very interesting to me. That being said my first choice is to get into PT school. Would I be better off just re-doing classes, or starting the Master's program and getting my GPA up that way and hopefully get in to DPT the next cycle, and if not at least I would have a master's in Athletic training within two years. Sorry for such a long story, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[nicolej5]

I am in need of some advice. This year I have applied to six Texas DPT programs, and was rejected by all. I did received an interview at one school, but did not get an acceptance letter. I am a senior and will be graduating in May. I currently have a 3.387 overall GPA with a 3.1 in pre-req courses. I scored a 150 Q and 152 V as well as a 3.5 AW on the GRE. I know I need to retake the GRE and try to up my score, especially the writing portion. I have two pre-req classes that I had a C in, and I plan on re-taking both classes over the summer. I am trying to make sure I am giving myself the best shot at re-applying to PT school. Should I re-take other pre-req classes that I received a B in, work as a PT tech, and get hours and save up money for PT, and work on my interview skills? Or my other option is starting a master's program in Athletic training? I had the school that I interviewed at send me an email about coming to their Athletic training program. I did not know much about a masters in Athletic training, and what I have researched so far is very interesting to me. That being said my first choice is to get into PT school. Would I be better off just re-doing classes, or starting the Master's program and getting my GPA up that way and hopefully get in to DPT the next cycle, and if not at least I would have a master's in Athletic training within two years. Sorry for such a long story, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Don't waste your time retaking classes that you got b's in. Only retake the c's. Be careful if you decide to work as a pt tech because you really need to get varied hours in at least three different settings. Usually with pt aides you see them get 1,000+ hours in outpatient but not much else. No bueno. If the Master's was only a year I'd say go for it, because you can get good recommendations and show a commitment to learning, etc. But because it's two years, I say forget it. You are just delaying the career path you want to go towards. That is also another year lost of salary.

 

[jdaniels360]

Retake your GRE and pre-reqs you got C's in. Get a variety of hours in at least 4 settings and make sure your LOR's are outstanding. You have to find a way to stand out, applying consecutive years after being rejected shows your desire and dedication to become a PT. Make sure admissions boards realize this when you interview.

 

[NewTestament]

Would I be better off just re-doing classes, or starting the Master's program and getting my GPA up that way and hopefully get in to DPT the next cycle, and if not at least I would have a master's in Athletic training within two years. Sorry for such a long story, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Don't waste your time with the Athletic Training degree. It's a degree that doesn't pay well. Either you commit 100% to physical therapy or you don't apply at all. Retake those classes, diversify your experience, and apply to private and in-state schools. Everyone wants that cheap tuition so your competition is fierce.

Kevin

 

[Forney14]

Thank you all for the input. I was thinking the same about the graduate program. I am just not sure what I need to do if I only have two C's. Should I try and take some upper level bio courses to try and raise my GPA? What about taking some management courses to boost my GPA? Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[pubicsymphysis]

Thank you all for the input. I was thinking the same about the graduate program. I am just not sure what I need to do if I only have two C's. Should I try and take some upper level bio courses to try and raise my GPA? What about taking some management courses to boost my GPA? Any thoughts?

Thanks

I took some upper division courses that pertains to PT. I took an Applied Anatomy/Biomechanics class. Super fun and interesting. Just make sure if you want to take an upper division course.. you do well haha. You can also look into exercise physiology.

 

[adh28]

I agree on not re-taking B grades, just a waste of time when you could focus on the C grades. Diversify hours, experiences in and out of PT, and take "related" classes instead of taking more chem or bio classes! Getting more experiences will also help you interview better which will be needed!

 

[lovepixie]

Before taking upper division courses I suggest speaking with the specific schools and asking them. I did this and they suggested not to take anymore upper division classes. My major did however consist of physiology, kinesiology, and other movement science related classes. I was told to retake my pre reqs with Cs, strengthen my Gre, diversify my hours, and volunteer in my community.

 

[ewozob]

I agree with everyone that you definitely should retake your pre-req classes in which you earned a C, but I also may offer a different view point. After finishing undergrad I decided to do my master's in athletic training because I knew I needed a little help on my resume. Given that I was going to wait a year anyway to apply to PT school spending 2 years doing a master's (that cost me relatively nothing because tuition was so low) only put me a year behind my original schedule. I learned so much during those 2 years (and much of which translates over to PT school, I'm hoping!) and it really gave me a good start on learning how to work effectively with others (classmates, patients, doctors, etc.). It's a highly personal decision regarding what path you'd like to take. If you have any questions about entry-level master's programs feel free to private message me!