NON-PTCAS Schools

[bnwj89]

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Did anyone apply to non-ptcas schools? If so, do you think that they were/are less competitive?

With PTCAS, it's so easy to apply to multiple schools. It would make sense that the non-ptcas schools would have a lot less applicants and be therefore less competitive.

What do you think?

 

[jlfath]

Being from Texas, I applied to Texas schools (Non-PTCAS schools) and a few PTCAS schools. I actually used to wonder this question myself, but considering out of state tuition is so cheap in Texas, a lot of people actually do take the time to fill out the school specific paperwork required for Texas schools. In many instances, I have seen higher application numbers for the Texas schools compared to the PTCAS schools I applied to and I feel the lower tuition costs for non-residents is the primary reason.

 

[monkeykat]

I applied to a non-PTCAS out-of-state state school. I was wait listed, with the email stating, "we put priority on in-state applicants, and this year we have filled our class earlier than usual." The school receives between 200-300 applications each year, according to past statistics. That's def much less than one PTCAS school I applied to which said they received over 1000 applications this year.

It did take some extra work, since you have to send separate transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. The biggest annoyance for me was that I couldn't submit my application until all my recommendations had been uploaded, and one of my recommenders was having "technical difficulties" that delayed my application 3 weeks from when I was ready to submit!

 

[Axesmasher]

There are only two PT programs in the state of SC which both do not use PTCAS so it was no issue for me. Both USC and MUSC are really competitive programs. I applied to one school that used to PTCAS, but it was the only one I did. Not everyone is going to apply to a school just because PTCAS makes it easy. I was not going to apply to a school that I did not really consider going to just to get accepted there or say I applied there.

You should also consider that fact that if it is so easy to apply using PTCAS the applicant pool is going to be water downed because it is so easy to apply. Someone may apply to a lot of programs because the relative ease of doing so because they may not get in to a lot of places. If you really want to go to a school I would think you'd put in the effort no matter if they use PTCAS or not.

 

[okramango]

I believe state programs in general are pretty competitive whether or not they use PTCAS, because of the lower tuition. Perhaps there are private schools that do not use PTCAS that may have a smaller applicant pool (just a theory).

I applied to a non-PTCAS state school in Texas because of the exceptionally low tuition (in addition to being a great program). However, despite not using PTCAS, the program was competitive, and the average stats of accepted students was pretty high (This cycle's averages: Last 60 GPA 3.84, Math&Sci 3.76)

 

[NewTestament]

USA gets between 500-1000 applicants for each trimester and it's not PTCAS. The paperwork obviously doesn't deter applicants, but imagine how much worse it will be when USA does go to PTCAS in the next few years.

I think schools can figure out who's just clicking extra schools for $25 or $35 (whatever the fee is this year) just to increase their chances. Schools know how to weed out those who are both qualified and eager to attend a program.

Kevin

 

[rockstudy]

USA gets between 500-1000 applicants for each trimester and it's not PTCAS. The paperwork obviously doesn't deter applicants, but imagine how much worse it will be when USA does go to PTCAS in the next few years.

I think schools can figure out who's just clicking extra schools for $25 or $35 (whatever the fee is this year) just to increase their chances. Schools know how to weed out those who are both qualified and eager to attend a program.

Kevin

According to PTCAS FAQs a school cannot see if you've applied to other schools until the admissions cycle is completed. With acceptance getting more and more competitive, it makes sense for some to apply to several backup schools along with a few top choice programs. Especially if you're an average applicant and cannot wait for the next cycle. This is not to say that you should randomly apply to a bunch of schools. You need to take the time neccessary to choose the programs you would attend.

 

[Axesmasher]

According to PTCAS FAQs a school cannot see if you've applied to other schools until the admissions cycle is completed. With acceptance getting more and more competitive, it makes sense for some to apply to several backup schools along with a few top choice programs. Especially if you're an average applicant and cannot wait for the next cycle. This is not to say that you should randomly apply to a bunch of schools. You need to take the time neccessary to choose the programs you would attend.

He didn't claim schools can see what other schools people apply to. He meant they can assume you applied to a lot of schools based on ones profile. It would be safe to assume in most circumstances if you are not as competitive as others you will apply to many schools to increase chances of getting accepted.

 

[rockstudy]

He didn't claim schools can see what other schools people apply to. He meant they can assume you applied to a lot of schools based on ones profile. It would be safe to assume in most circumstances if you are not as competitive as others you will apply to many schools to increase chances of getting accepted.

Yes...ok I see that now. Sorry New Testament. No harm intended.