Need help and advice with getting accepted into DPT Program! Applying January.

[audimus prime]

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This is kinda early, but I wanna get started on my stuff before Feb. I'm applying into my DPT (Doctor Of Physical Therapy) Program at my College. Currently a sophomore in the Biology:Life Sciences Program right now and I need an essay to write, but I need help on what main points to focus on. I want it to revolve around how i'm more focused, and why I transferred to this college for the DPT program.

Can anyone recommend anything to help me write a better essay? Possibly even things that stand out to the person whose reading it? I want them to know that I need/want this more than anything, and this is the career i've always wanted since 16. Or if you were the person @ Admissions reading it, what would you wanna read? Please help... I want to have an above average essay that will possibly help my chances of getting into the program.

Also, Will being certified for First Aid & CPR help my chances of being accepted into the program too? Especially upon currently working as an "Aide" in a Physical Therapy Clinic?

My GPA is ~2.7 right now (Sad to admit) so I am trying my best to have anything to set me apart, or to make me more competitive to be able to be accepted into the DPT program. This has been my dream career since I was 16, and I am 19 now. Any suggestions, advice & help would be GREATLY appreciated... Thanks for anything.

 

[callmecrazy]

CPR/First Aid is actually required by some programs, so it may not do much to set you apart. Working as an aide though is a benefit, particularly if you've put in an exceptional amount of time or in a wide variety of settings. Were you given any requirements for your essay? You could use that experience as the focus of your essay if there is something profound about it in your opinion.

These are the questions that PTCAS provides for the essay portion:

• What personal characteristics do you have that make you suitable for the profession of physical therapy?
• What is your motivation for pursuing a career in physical therapy?
• How has your background and experience prepared you to interact effectively with individuals who are different from you in their social, cultural, or economic perspectives?
• What types of patients have you observed with the greatest frequency, and what have you learned from them?
• If you were to be accepted to two or more physical therapy education programs, what would help you make the decision regarding which program you should select?
• For repeat applicants only: If you have applied to a physical therapy program in the past five years, what have you done to improve upon, or enhance, your application for this current admissions cycle?

 

[audimus prime]

Working as an aide though is a benefit, particularly if you've put in an exceptional amount of time or in a wide variety of settings. Were you given any requirements for your essay? You could use that experience as the focus of your essay if there is something profound about it in your opinion.

Thanks for the reply.

There's No requirements for essay, so it's a pretty broad area. If I were to write about my personal characteristics, which characterisitics "in general" would they be looking for? I know I have many, plenty and strong characteristics...but If i were to write about them, which would be the one to really focus on?

And as far as being an Aide, would doing volunteer work at a local Hospital do me any good, or help my chances of being accepted into this program? I'm looking for more outside things to benefit me.

These questions are for anyone to answer. Please feel free to give me ANY advice, suggestions AND help on how to "stand apart" and get accepted into this program. Thanks.

BUMP

 

[callmecrazy]

I'm just now in the application process as well, so I'm not sure what characteristics in particular the admissions committees are looking for (I wish I knew!), but I'd focus on specifics instead making general statements. Specifics will tell a lot more about you than things like "I really love helping people" or "I really want to be a physical therapist."

Volunteering in a hospital will definitely help. Most programs stress that they want to see much and varied experience in the field. It shows your commitment.

Good luck!

 

[PTapp]

Thanks for the reply.

There's No requirements for essay, so it's a pretty broad area. If I were to write about my personal characteristics, which characterisitics "in general" would they be looking for? I know I have many, plenty and strong characteristics...but If i were to write about them, which would be the one to really focus on?

And as far as being an Aide, would doing volunteer work at a local Hospital do me any good, or help my chances of being accepted into this program? I'm looking for more outside things to benefit me.

These questions are for anyone to answer. Please feel free to give me ANY advice, suggestions AND help on how to "stand apart" and get accepted into this program. Thanks.

BUMP

Are they then asking for a personal statement? In my personal statement, I have talked about a couple of bad grades that I have received, related work experiences, what I learned from them, volunteer activities, why I wanted to become a PT etc... Sorry to break it down to you, but only you know why you want to be a PT so I don't think anyone can help you with that. You have obviously exposed yourself to the profession by working as an aide and that would be a great tool for you when talking about why you want to be a Physical Therapist in your essay. When you start writing, and if you really like the profession, believe me you will write an excellent essay. Good luck.