PA Schools / Am I a good candidate?

[markelmarcel]

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I am applying for the 2011 school year to the University of Pittsburgh, Chatham University and Duquesne University.

Has anyone applied to these programs?

I, like everyone else, want to know if I am a good candidate.

A quick rundown-

3.892 Overall GPA
Undergrad degree GPA 3.92
Prerequisite GPA (45 credits) 3.91

A in: Developmental Psych, Chem I, Chem II, Physics I, Physics II, Anatomy, Stats, Biology II.
B in: Gen Psychology, Biology I and Physiology

1st GRE Score: 1040
(420V, 640Q 4.5A -- I pysched myself out after the math and blew the verbal portion--- My practice tests were hitting between 1120-1180 so I plan to retake next weekend)

I also am a certified Spinning Instructor and a Les Mills BodyPump instructor.

I am a slightly older student (25 now, will be 26 when I start school, if I get accepted into a program) that originally had my bachelor's degree in early childhood and elementary education. I went back to school to get all of my prerequisites this past school year.


All of my references are very positive. I think I present myself as a good student, someone who is slightly older and ready to take on the intense course work.

I don't want to over-apply or under-apply. Should I consider applying anywhere else?

Some of the prerequisites are different for schools and I did not take an exercise physiology course and that seems to limit me with applying to some schools...

 

[callmecrazy]

I am applying for the 2011 school year to the University of Pittsburgh, Chatham University and Duquesne University.

Has anyone applied to these programs?

I, like everyone else, want to know if I am a good candidate.

I applied and was accepted at both Pitt and Chatham, though chose not to apply at Duq for various reasons. One reason was that they do have a 3+3 program, leaving less room for new students in the DPT program. I'm in my second year now at Pitt. I also didn't take exercise phys, have a background in education, and started PT school a few years "late", so I'm familiar with where you are coming from. Your stats are strong, and your GPAs are above Pitt's average for acceptance which was 3.7 for my class, and probably Chatham's as well. You didn't mention your clinical experience, but that would be the only thing I would be concerned about. In my personal opinion, I think you'll have no problem getting accepted to at a minimum of one of those schools. That being said, schools can make decisions however they please, and you never know how they'll choose.

What I would suggest though, if you haven't already, is to visit each school and familiarize yourself with the programs a bit more. Pitt and Chatham's curriculum, teaching styles, and clinical education vary greatly. Not to mention, the physical atmospheres are vastly different. If you have a strong interest in Chatham though, I would suggest considering their early decision option; you should then have an answer from them by the end of the year. The downside of that is that they may expect your deposit before you've even heard from the other schools (I did an paid it, as I know a lot of others did). Getting your apps in to Duq and Pitt ASAP may help avoid that; I know that Pitt at least sends acceptance letters at least as early as December.

Good luck, and I know there are some Chatham students around these boards that may have some good input as well.

 

[appisin]

Not the PA forums...

 

[DancerFutureDPT]

Do you mean PT school? If not you're in the wrong thread and I will close it and move it over there. Otherwise, I can change the title of your post. Let me know.

 

[callmecrazy]

Do you mean PT school? If not you're in the wrong thread and I will close it and move it over there. Otherwise, I can change the title of your post. Let me know.

I had assumed the OP meant PA, as in the abbreviation for Pennsylvania. All of those schools are in Pittsburgh, PA. Though all of those schools do have both PT and PA programs... hah.

 

[DancerFutureDPT]

OOOO okay then. That makes sense. All is well! carry on in the discussion.

 

[markelmarcel]

Callmecrazy--

Thank you for your response. I guess I didn't mention that, but I have experience in a lot of different areas... Pediatrics, Acute Care, Misc. In-Patient, Orthopedics, Misc. Out-Patient, Home Care, etc. About 150+ hours...

Pitt is my first choice, and I have visited there. Chatham and Duquesne are second & third respectively. I did debate on whether or not to apply to Duq since they offer the 3+3, but I figured I may as well give it a go. I am waiting for ONE rec to make its way back through the PTCAS system so that my applications may be sent out... Don't know if I'll make Chatham's early decision deadline or not.

But thank you for the info! Very helpful!!




Oh, and yes... I meant PA as in Pennsylvania, my apologies for the confusion!