Pre-Physical Therapy question

[Jimmy Chui]

Hey Everyone,

I recently found this thread this afternoon in class. I am currently a undergrad student at Cal Poly Pomona Senior. I am 26 years old and I came to a realization of what kind of career that I wanted to pursue and its Physical Therapy. I was one of those kids in college who didn't know what to do and wasn't motivated to do anything and partied a lot. 3 years ago I tore my ACL and had it reconstructed and went to PT. My experience with the Physical therapist was awesome. At the time I wanted pursue it but I was discouraged because of my grades in college. I just told myself recently that I should do it and try really hard to pursue something I really want to do in life. Now My GPA isn't as a strong as I like it to be. I started to take pre-req classes and I've been A's and B's in my Pre-req classes. what are the chances of me getting into PT school with a GPA below a 3.0. I want to know what are my options and what I can do? I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on this. I also want to stay in state I live in CA I was looking at CSULB, CSUN, USC, APU,

-Jimmy Chui

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[DesertPT]

If you search the forum you will find many threads discussing "What are my chances with 'x' GPA?". There is even a stick about it at the top of the forum. You will find that most schools require a minimum of a 3.0 for consideration and have an average around 3.4-3.7 for accepted students. There are exceptions though, and you can easily look up the admissions requirements for the schools you are interested in.

 

[atcdpt]

IF you are very interested in determining your chances of gaining admission to those specific schools, I would highly recommend that you email each of those schools, post your stats and ask for their feedback on your chances.

 

[Jimmy Chui]

I just want to know if anyone has gone through something similar like my situation. I am putting everything into my studies and trying to finish strong. I just hope one of these schools can give me a chance. I am determined to achieve this. Thank you Atcdpt I will do that.

 

[DesertPT]

As I said, hundreds of people who have posted on this board have had similar situations/questions as you. There is a lot of information already out there.

 

[Azimuthal]

Hmmm...<3.0's have matriculated but they usually struggle with admissions. It's common to see applicants applying 2-3 cycles before being accepted or giving up.

What is your major? Can you add a minor you're interested in? One that you will do good in to boost your GPA?

 

[Jimmy Chui]

My Major is History. I asked my advisor if I could add a minor but I couldn't. I basically have 2 quarters left and then are trying to get me out. Is there anything else that I can do? like score pretty high on my GRE or volunteer endless amount of hours or Just try to get A's on my Pre-Reqs.

 

[Azimuthal]

My Major is History. I asked my advisor if I could add a minor but I couldn't. I basically have 2 quarters left and then are trying to get me out. Is there anything else that I can do? like score pretty high on my GRE or volunteer endless amount of hours or Just try to get A's on my Pre-Reqs.

Getting A's (no more B's to maximize what you have left) and scoring high on the GRE's are self explanatory. Keep trying your best and rock those. I find that hours matter less than grades so long as you hit the minimums and volunteer at different settings.

How many prereq's do you have left? Are you taking a summer term? Will you be taking any at CC's?

 

[Jimmy Chui]

I Just started taking Prereq's I have General Psych right and taking Anat for the summer. So I need higher lvl psych, Chem 1 and 2 physics 1 and 2 Bio 1 and 2 Stats and physio. so basically 9 more classes. I'll be taking these classes at a CC. I am also looking at PT aide jobs on craigslist. Do you think it's a good idea to do that and observe and receive hours for them? I found a listing saying that it is great for pre pt students and great for observation

 

[tweaze]

Are you applying this fall (for 2015 admission) or next fall? If you are going to be applying this fall, that is a significant amount of coursework still outstanding and probably won't do much to mitigate your undergrad GPA. However, if you're applying a year out, completing your prerequisites with high grades and doing well on the GRE should help.

 

[Jimmy Chui]

Are you applying this fall (for 2015 admission) or next fall? If you are going to be applying this fall, that is a significant amount of coursework still outstanding and probably won't do much to mitigate your undergrad GPA. However, if you're applying a year out, completing your prerequisites with high grades and doing well on the GRE should help.

I was trying to get it done by 2015, but realistically I will have to apply for 2016

 

[Azimuthal]

I Just started taking Prereq's I have General Psych right and taking Anat for the summer. So I need higher lvl psych, Chem 1 and 2 physics 1 and 2 Bio 1 and 2 Stats and physio. so basically 9 more classes. I'll be taking these classes at a CC. I am also looking at PT aide jobs on craigslist. Do you think it's a good idea to do that and observe and receive hours for them? I found a listing saying that it is great for pre pt students and great for observation

Sounds like you already have a plan. Look forward, not back. Do not settle for Anything below a B+, preferably nothing under an A-. Good luck.

 

[DPTRVTCCRP]

My situation was similar - I started with < 2.7 GPA and ended with 3.74 for my last 60 hours. I got in, struggled in some classes, neuro to be specific, but made it through and graduated. It can be done, I worked 2 jobs and went to class full time. The hardest part for me was staying focused throughout the program.

Good Luck.

 

[Jimmy Chui]

My situation was similar - I started with < 2.7 GPA and ended with 3.74 for my last 60 hours. I got in, struggled in some classes, neuro to be specific, but made it through and graduated. It can be done, I worked 2 jobs and went to class full time. The hardest part for me was staying focused throughout the program.

Good Luck.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I've never been this focus before. It's strange when you find something that you want to do and just put all your energy in it.