Questions about applying! Need some advice

[KingGerard]

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Hey guys,
I have a bunch of questions and I'd like to hear your thoughts. I really wanted to get into Northwestern this year but it probably won't happen because my gre is pretty bad. But I feel my GPA and everything else is fairly competitive.

So question #1 is should I even apply to NU this year or just save my money? Question #2, Let's say I did apply and they rejected me (b/c of my gre most likely), would it be looked down upon if I applied again next year with a better gre score? (I'm planning on retaking it anyway). Last question, does anyone believe it's better if I simply took this year off and tried to get a better GRE score while also gaining more experience in the PT field? I have around 100 hours of observation so that can definitely be improved. Thanks in advance

 

[jdaniels360]

What are your stats?

 

[KingGerard]

3.4 gpa- Exercise Science major, just finished undergrad in June
3.2-3.3 prereq gpa (not sure yet ptcas is slow but def above 3.2)
gre 147 on both verbal and quant. (I know it sucks) not sure on writing portion since I just took it
50 hrs outpatient, 50 hrs home health observations
interned at a PT clinic my last term of school, prehealth club, ex sci club, volunteer at homeless shelter, not sure if being able to speak another language helps much (spanish) but I can do that.

Thoughts anyone??

 

[jdaniels360]

If anything it will be your GPA and GRE scores that will hinder your application. Getting some hours in another setting would also be beneficial; whether it be inpatient acute/peds or whatever. As you probably know NU is extremely competitive, like most PT schools, and you should take into consideration your stats vs the average incoming classes. However, as I mentioned, there are always things you can do to better your application, re-taking the GRE and applying again doesn't sound like a bad idea and definitely wouldn't be frowned upon like you asked. A year off as you suggested might be what you're looking at.

Joe

 

[KingGerard]

Yeah, a year off might be my best bet. Anyone else have any input? Should I not even waste my money then this year on applying to NU?

 

[Azimuthal]

When is NU's deadline? What are the minimum GRE requirements? Why not study and retake the GRE this summer, then apply? Are you taking summer classes? If so, what is your course load?

A year is a long time to prep for the GREs IMHO. I would only take a year off if you are planning to retake classes or additional classes to up your GPA. Also, the way I see it, you still have ample time to add in another observation setting. Start one in a SNF or something and put it as pending in PTCAS. You can update when you're done.

I know NU is your preferred choice, but don't make it the only choice. I'm sure it's not but any school that will grant you the degree and help you pass the exam is all you need. Choose the top 6-8 of your choice and apply. If you do not get accepted this year, at least you know you tried and that a year wasn't wasted. Good luck.