International Student - Where should I apply?

[Camuck]

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Hi guys,

I've been following a lot of your posts and they have been really helpful! I'm really glad I found this forum.

Anyways, here's my situation. I recently graduated from my BSc program at UBC in Canada, and am wanting to apply for PT. It's always been a goal of mine, but due to ridiculously high competitive GPAs up here in Canada, chances seem slim for me.

I have always thought of applying in the States for school, and thought I could find some advice as to which schools I should narrow it down to. It would be nice to hear some experiences of people who are in the same situation as me, or even just some advice on where I should look into studying. I know most programs in the States are DPT (~3 years) but I don't mind as long as I can get my accreditation afterwards.

Also, I notice that I might (or am required) to take GRE. Can someone confirm this? I have also noticed that some schools say that I need to take TOEFL if I'm international. I'm guessing even if my study was in Canada where the primary language of instruction is English, I'll still need to take this? I'm beginning to set up my PTCAS profile now, so any feedback would be most welcomed!

Here are my "stats":

cGPA = ~3.3
prereq GPA = ~3.3 (have gotten relatively high marks in anatomy and physiology though)
observation hours: 400+ in helping/working with people with disabilities. I am now volunteering in a Physio office so building up my PT observation hours.

Thanks for all replies guys!

Cam

 

[Outdoors]

Cam,

Im new here but saw you were from UBC and thought I would give you some help.

I recently graduated from the Kinesiology program at UBC (walked in May, but class of '11), and am applying to a DPT program in the states. Few things to note right off the board.... If you go to school in the states you will still have to take the Canadian board exams. Yes, students from the states typically fair well on these exams but its a small pool of students that cross the boarder and the curriculums are quite different. Second, like Americans applying to Canadian schools, your application will be considered last after instate and out of state applicants. Hence why I'm not applying to UBC MPT (I'm from the states) and even though I have a Canadian Degree, I would still be considered an international student. Another point is the Canadian academic system is not equivalent to the states....I assume you have CHEM 121 and CHEM 123...they are not equivalent to Chem I and Chem II in the states. In fact they are harder, this might play to your advantage or against you. (I will let you know haha)

The canadian system is still on the MPT...this will change in the next few years with the increasing salary of the PTA position, you can research this elsewhere. But know there is a change coming, thus either be grandfathered in or go right for the DPT, it will be worth it in the long run.

You don't need to take the toefl since your native language is english for most schools. You must take the GRE, being from UBC I'm sure you will do fine.

I'm sure others will disagree with me on this site...but your hours should be "under the direct supervision of a licensed PT" this does not account as being a secretary PT aide in an office building.

Send me a private message and I will give you my email if you have any other questions.

Josh