Should I even try to apply for DPT this cycle

[tp216]

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I am super stressed out that I won't get into any DPT programs. I am feeling discouraged to apply this cycle because my stats are not that great.

major gpa: 3.3
overall gpa: 3.48
pre-req: 3.28 (anatomy 2 and chem 2 really hurt me)

Now here is the thing. I work as a rehab aide (2 years) and also work for the men's basketball team at my university (3rd season). I work about 15-20 a week at a PT clinic and an additional 15-20 hours a week with the basketball team. All while I am full time in school. I feel like this had an effect on my academic performance. Also, the only PT experience I have is only working as an aide.

Seeing that my grades are not at competitive level (due to working 2 jobs pretty much full time) and having no PT experience outside of work, should I even bother with applying this cycle?

 

[somo47]

Yes, absolutely.

If you have the funds to apply this cycle, and the programs you're looking at aren't rolling admissions, do it. I was in the same situation last year - relatively similar stats as well - but I decided to apply at the last minute and I'm now halfway through my first semester in my DPT program.

If you don't get in anywhere this year, it will still be a good learning opportunity for you to fix possible problem areas, retake classes to up your GPA, etc., for the next cycle. The best advice I can give is research, research, research. See which schools in your state give in state preference, find out of state schools that accept a large # of out of state applicants and look at their average acceptance GPA. Do they take the last 60 credit hours? Do they replace grades for retaken classes? All good things to check when applying if you don't have the greatest GPA. Best of luck!

 

[starrsgirl]

I would at least try this cycle as well. Make sure you meet every admission criteria of the schools you apply to (i.e. You have the minimum grades in each class, minimum GRE score...). I agree with the above to target regular admissions schools and not rolling at this point.

Make a plan for reapplying next year too. Plan to retake anatomy 2 and Chem 2 ASAP.

 

[GoDux1016]

I couldn't agree more with the previous two posters. Go for it. Worst case scenario: you're not accepted ( same situation you'd be in if you didn't apply). Best case: you get in and you're on your way to becoming a PT!

Obviously it's not that simple, as there are monetary and psychological factors that come in to play if you don't get in. Still, going through the application process is an ordeal and the experience will benefit you next year in the event you don't get in.

Have you taken the GRE? Do you have your letters of rec? There are many pieces to the application, and while GPAs are the most important, theyre still just a part of an application that includes essays, GRE scores, letters of rec, extra curriculars, PT observation experience and shadowing, and other factors.

 

[steveyk]

your grades look fine to me. if your GRE scores are in the mid 150s on both sections, 4.0+ on writing, then I think you're good numbers-wise. And most schools don't mind you using work experience as hours (imo, working as an aide/tech is the BEST way to learn!). In all honesty, your grades aren't the issue right now. It's the timing. Even if you e-submit today, your app wont be verified until approx November. I would research schools that aren't on a rolling basis with deadlines in december or early next year. If you want to apply to a school by november, i think you can still do it as long as you submit.... NOW.

Nonetheless, if the rest of your application looks good, I'd say you have a good shot of getting an interview somewhere. I'm not sure if I'll get in anywhere this cycle, but I have received two interviews and my GPA is a lot lower than yours. Good luck.