Need some advice.. and am I worrying too much?(another "will i get in" thread)

[debesq]

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I'm currently a junior with a 3.57 GPA(2.9 bio/phys/chem GPA, expected 3.0 after I finish Bio 2 this semester) and a 4.0 in Exercise Science classes(should graduate with all A's in core classes). I had a real dip in GPA my sophomore year(3.84 freshman GPA, 2.9 soph GPA, so far a 4.0 junior GPA) and much of that can be contributed to the fact that I was working 35-50 hours a week at a restaurant during that year. Hopefully I can explain that in an interview

I have yet to take the GRE, but I bought one of the Barron books and am planning on taking it this summer. Math and Vocab have always been two of my best subjects(and I made a 30 on the ACT in HS) so I expect to do decent there(I will still attempt to study my tail off, though).

I have not started any volunteer hours, but I plan to knock much of that out this summer, and will be doing a practicum and/or internship in a related field my senior year. Any suggestions there? Ideally I want to do a practicum with an athletic trainer for a local HS football team, then doing an internship with my college's Strength and Conditioning staff. Both seem good ideas for an Exercise Science degree(both are experiences I'd like to have, and wouldnt mind as a "second profession"), but neither are in a PT setting, which is what I assume most PT schools would like.

I am from Mississippi, and UMC in Jackson, MS will be the only school I apply to(with the exception of maybe Baylor). The only thing I'm really worried about is my science GPA. My only A has been in Physics I, while I had C's in Chemistry I and Physics II, with B's in Biology I, Chemistry I, and will probably end up with a B in Biology II.

Right now, I'm planning on finishing up with my core classes next fall, then doing an internship next spring before I graduate. I am strongly considering retaking Chemistry I(and perhaps Physics II) to help my GPA. Does anyone think it would be more beneficial to retake those classes and only do a practicum(3 credit hours) instead of an internship? Or will a 3.0 science GPA with a practicum AND an internship look better?

 

[johncronejr]

I would encourage you to check with the school/s you wish to apply to to make sure they of their requirements on the science class grades. I know that my school does say "minimum 3.0" for science GPA, but that requirement includes making a minimum grade of a "B" in each science class, meaning that no C's are allowed in any science class. Once you confirm that with your school, then you will have a better idea of wha you need to do.

As far as the practicum/internship, I would do what you want to do. Most schools require observation hours in PT clinics and as long as you meet those requirements you are good to go.

Best of luck!

 

[bhatiaa1]

I agree with the last response by checking with the DPT program you plan on applying to. For most part, all of the DPT programs I have contacted have been helpful and resourceful. Some programs will average out your GPA for any courses you retaken.... so I think it's important to check on that.

In regards of your sophomore year, I don't know if I would bring it up in an interview unless I was asked the question. IMO, if you bring it up and let them know you were working 40+ hours which resulted in your poor results in your sophomore year.... just sounds like an excuse. You didn't get enough time to learn all of the material in those courses because of work; just don't sound good.

Low G.P.A... then focus on the other things that will set you apart (ex. High GRE score, volunteer and extracurricular activities, etc). If you know the DPT program requirement for observations hours... try to double or triple it. If work is getting in the way... cut your hours or stop and take out a loan. I guarantee the amount of money you are making now is not worth the price of jeopardizing your chances getting into grad school.

I know it's not easy, but try not to worry. Worrying doesn't get you anywhere unless you know how the channel that negativity into something positive. I would try your best to finish your last 2 years strong.... I think DPT programs will weigh your last 40-60 hrs more than your first 60 hours. I truly believe if you put in your best effort, you'll have no regrets and things will all work out (AND it Will).

 

[karma1031]

I would retake all the courses that you received a C in. Even if some programs don't average out your GPA with your retake course grade, it'll still look better than seeing that "C" on your transcript. I applied to a PT school that didn't accept retake grades (They only accepted the "C" that I got in a science course, even though I retook it a couple years later and got an A) but I got an interview to that program.

I agree with the other comments that your PT experience hours are very important. You should get as many hours in at least 2 settings before applying to PT school. Good luck!