Large Class Sizes in DPT

Started by ScarletGray
Tags Tags
class size dpt experience large large program physical therapy
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

Browse articles Compare schools My application plan Read Interview Feedback
Practice for interviews Ask an Advisor
ScarletGray

ScarletGray

Full Member
5+ Year Member
2+ Year Member
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
I was recently accepted to a program that has 72 students. I also know that there are some programs with even more seats. I was wondering if anyone knew of how a large class size affects the DPT experience, positively or negatively.

I have heard that sometimes connections are more difficult to form with larger class sizes, and can be very clique-prone. But I also heard that if there are more classmates, it is easier to succeed as there are many more people to help you.

Thanks!
 
ScarletGray said:
I was recently accepted to a program that has 72 students. I also know that there are some programs with even more seats. I was wondering if anyone knew of how a large class size affects the DPT experience, positively or negatively.

I have heard that sometimes connections are more difficult to form with larger class sizes, and can be very clique-prone. But I also heard that if there are more classmates, it is easier to succeed as there are many more people to help you.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I have not heard of programs that large. What school were you accepted to?
 
ScarletGray said:
I was recently accepted to a program that has 72 students. I also know that there are some programs with even more seats. I was wondering if anyone knew of how a large class size affects the DPT experience, positively or negatively.

I have heard that sometimes connections are more difficult to form with larger class sizes, and can be very clique-prone. But I also heard that if there are more classmates, it is easier to succeed as there are many more people to help you.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

A school nearby just recently expanded from 50 to 65. When asked, the program director said that "you are all a big blob of 65 students who move from one classroom to the next."

Likely, you'll be meeting a lot of different people. Getting to be hands on with various body types. I see it as a positive. But negative in that you might not have any 1 on 1 time with professors, but I don't think it'll be too difficult for your professors to incorporate some time. Especially if you show you truly need clarification on something.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
ScarletGray said:
I was recently accepted to a program that has 72 students. I also know that there are some programs with even more seats. I was wondering if anyone knew of how a large class size affects the DPT experience, positively or negatively.

I have heard that sometimes connections are more difficult to form with larger class sizes, and can be very clique-prone. But I also heard that if there are more classmates, it is easier to succeed as there are many more people to help you.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hey! I attend a program that has around ~70 students... Losing count. People have formed their "cliques" but that's only natural. I think it is what you make of it, and if friendly and nice to all, you will know everyone. I probably know a majority of my class besides maybe 2 on a personal level. I think it is great to have a large class size, more personalities and people to bounce ideas off of. Our professors have office hours, so it hasn't been a challenge to get help... Also, our professors know our names.. They make it a point to. SO I wouldn't worry too much about class size 🙂
 
future47 said:
A school nearby just recently expanded from 50 to 65. When asked, the program director said that "you are all a big blob of 65 students who move from one classroom to the next."

Likely, you'll be meeting a lot of different people. Getting to be hands on with various body types. I see it as a positive. But negative in that you might not have any 1 on 1 time with professors, but I don't think it'll be too difficult for your professors to incorporate some time. Especially if you show you truly need clarification on something.
Click to expand...

I like your point on how I can experience many different body types. I actually went to a HUGE school as an undergrad, so I am already used to fighting for professors time. I hope that in PT school it would be a little easier to approach them with more students in the program! haha. the program seemed like it still maintained a lower student faculty ratio though.
 
PTpursuit said:
Hey! I attend a program that has around ~70 students... Losing count. People have formed their "cliques" but that's only natural. I think it is what you make of it, and if friendly and nice to all, you will know everyone. I probably know a majority of my class besides maybe 2 on a personal level. I think it is great to have a large class size, more personalities and people to bounce ideas off of. Our professors have office hours, so it hasn't been a challenge to get help... Also, our professors know our names.. They make it a point to. SO I wouldn't worry too much about class size 🙂
Click to expand...

That's great to hear. I hope to get to know that many of my fellow classmates.. I am a little introverted but hey, time to try something new!
 
MGH IHP has about 68 people. You are right people do form clique as you progress through the doctorate but that's a given. However our class has a huge sharing culture so everybody knows each other. We have no shortage of friendly people so connecting is very easy. Plus after a while it doesn't feel like it's a huge class. I like it that way especially because our curriculum has a team-based learning approach. We always sit in group of 4-5 people and we are forced to challenge each other's judgement. That's how the real world works and they try to drill this into us early. I also learn better that way so it works in my favor.
 
ScarletGray said:
That's great to hear. I hope to get to know that many of my fellow classmates.. I am a little introverted but hey, time to try something new!
Click to expand...
I interviewed at Bellarmine on December 2nd of this year and I was really impressed by their program! I think the large class size would be a good thing. Many different body types to practice on and you aren't seeing the same 30 faces every day. I have not heard back from them yet but I am really hoping I get accepted. When did you interview? and how long after your interview did they contact you about your acceptance?
 
DPTapplicant2016/17 said:
I interviewed at Bellarmine on December 2nd of this year and I was really impressed by their program! I think the large class size would be a good thing. Many different body types to practice on and you aren't seeing the same 30 faces every day. I have not heard back from them yet but I am really hoping I get accepted. When did you interview? and how long after your interview did they contact you about your acceptance?
Click to expand...

I interviewed on 11/18 and heard back on 11/21 by email! Good luck!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

wjdwldus
USC DPT experience
Replies
0
Views
1K
wjdwldus
wjdwldus
D
Duke DPT 2026-2027
Replies
2
Views
292
DPT_student
D
I
Northwestern DPT
Replies
1
Views
2K
An_june_a
A
A
UW DPT Waitlist 2026
Replies
0
Views
2K
alliecole11
A
C
Army Baylor DPT 2026-2027
Replies
1
Views
324
nickstick
N