Really need some advice for my situation, thanks!

[FutureDPT11]

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Hi

I am a post-bac returning to school to finish up prereqs that PT school required. After submit my application to PTCAS in Sep, I found that I got pregnant.

My husband and family are very excited about this. However, we are concerned that if I am showing during interviews, it may hurt my chances even though legally they are not allowed to discriminate.

My due date is around the end of May 2012. The PT school I applied also starts at the end of May. should I tell the admission committee I was pregnant during the interview? Are there any other women out there who were showing during their interviews and still got accepted?

Thanks

 

[johncronejr]

I would let the school know. You have to be able to fulfill the essential functions of your classes. The amount of material covered in the first semester is extremely large. I don't see how anyone could miss even a week of school and catch back up.

 

[riseboi]

As alluded to above, an important question you first may want to answer is whether you feel you can truly take on the rigors of PT school so soon after birth.

 

[FutureDPT11]

Thanks for the reply.

This is definitely a big problem for me. Life will be very difficult if I start my PT school next year. There are heavy load of classes in the first semester and I have to spend a lot of time taking care of my newborn baby.

However, I have prepared for the PT school application for almost two years. I tried to make decent grades in all my pre-req, took the GRE for several times, volunteered in PT center for hundreds of hours. For every requirement, I just worked so hard to do my best.

I was so frustrated If I have to give up this year.


Are there any other good suggestions for my situation? I really need some words. Thanks

 

[jlconner2]

First and for most, CONGRATULATIONS!! That is such an exciting thing in your life and I know that it is causing some confusion for the future with PT but it will all work out!! Secondly, have you thought about looking at programs that start in August or even some programs that start in January. I am applying to a few that start in January and a good bit that start in August. Definitely think about that. Adding a few additional schools to your list would be an option. This way you can spend the time with your newborn and still hopefully go to a PT program!! Best of luck!

 

[riseboi]

A couple years ago I remember speaking with a pregnant female during interviews for the class of 2013. She was showing at the time, so the question of deciding whether to advise admissions of her pregnancy was irrelevant. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, she was not accepted. Not too long after that I met her again as she was teaching a Pilates class I was taking. We had a conversation and she told me, despite not being accepted, she was not going to give up. Sure enough, she re-applied and ended up being accepted to the Class of 2014.

I wont comment on whether I think you should or shouldn't advise admissions of your pregnancy. To me, that's a personal choice you have to make. What I will say is if you are truly set on PT, even if you are not accepted for the right or wrong reasons, it shouldn't stop you from re-applying next year. That female didn't give up. If you are set on PT, you shouldn't give up either.

I can only imagine how frustrating this situation this is on you, but if you are not accepted, I wouldn't think of it as having to give it up this year. Take it as an opportunity to really enjoy your newborn child. And if you are accepted, simply understand that beginning PT school and caring for a new born will be quite an endeavor.

Good luck.

 

[Yoginis]

After you have your baby, you may not WANT to start PT school right away! Having a baby, especially if this is your first, has a way of making you not want to do anything other than be a mom, at least for a little while. You can't ever get that time back with your child. I would personally be more than supportive of any woman who has a newborn and chooses to pursue PT school right away, but I am just speaking from personal experience. If you get accepted this cycle and then after the baby is born you decide you aren't quite ready, you could always try to defer a year. I wasn't pregnant, but I did let all of my interviewers know that I had a toddler simply because she is so much a part of me. I couldn't imagine anyone getting to know the real me, even in a grad school interview, without knowing I'm a mom. Honestly, I don't know if I would tell them. If you don't and end up getting accepted, I certainly would let them know before the start of the program, however. They clearly can't retract their offer but they may have really good advice for you as to what to expect.

 

[Litlwarrior08]

First and for most, CONGRATULATIONS!! That is such an exciting thing in your life and I know that it is causing some confusion for the future with PT but it will all work out!! Secondly, have you thought about looking at programs that start in August or even some programs that start in January. I am applying to a few that start in January and a good bit that start in August. Definitely think about that. Adding a few additional schools to your list would be an option. This way you can spend the time with your newborn and still hopefully go to a PT program!! Best of luck!

2nd to the CONGRATS!!!! Remember "life" happens. IMO-First concern should always be family. They are who are there w/ us through all our struggles and ultimately in the end..... That being said. PT school could take a back burner for a year. Agree w/ Jlconner....look into the later start schools...St Augustine in FL and CA have several entry dates, many are Aug entry. But then you might be looking to stay close to home. Your passion for PT will not deminish. Good Luck in whatever you decide.

 

[johncronejr]

I am not sure why anyone thinks that the school cannot deny an offer or retract an offer based on pregnancy. I apparently am in the dark regarding this matter. As far as I know, pregnancy is not covered as a "civil right" or as an "employment" type right.

Can someone post who/what agency guarantees no "discrimination" on grad school based on pregnancy?