should I go for a second bachelors?

[vinganca]

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I know that any undergrad major is acceptable for PT school...but I'm concerned with being competitive.

Bio/psych/kinesio/AT majors are definitely the majority in any PT program, followed by other science majors (physics, chem, etc).

I was a music major.

On one hand 2/3 of the schools I'm applying to are private, and private schools tend to favor diversity and a liberal-arts background, moreso than public universities.

On the other hand, I'm going up against people with strong science/kinesio related backgrounds who have had loads more relevant experience than me.

I have read through the related topics on this board, as well as doing research elsewhere, and like I said, I am aware that any undergrad major is acceptable. But in your opinion, would it help me to be more competitive if I went back and did a second bachelors in kinesiology?

There is the expense to consider...4 semesters @ ~$4k per semester, so $16k altogether. And the time. If I ditched the second bachelors idea and just finished the science prereqs, I'd be applying in Fall 2010 and would graduate at age 30.

If I took the kinesio degree, I'd be setting all that back a year. Then again, if I get edged out in favor of science graduates and don't get in anywhere...that would also set me back at least a year! 😕

In your opinion, would it be beneficial to get the second, health-science-related degree, or just focus on doing the best I can with my prereqs and other requirements for the PT program?

 

[MinnDasota]

I would do the latter. You don't need a health science degree. Just do well on the prereqs and the GRE. Save the money on a second bachelors for PT school tuition, especially if you go private.

There are many people that get into PT school that were not health science majors and many that didn't get in that were. You shouldn't get favored out due to degree concentration. If anything, being a music major may put you at an advantage as it makes you unique. My guess: it depends more on how you do on prereqs, GRE, LORs, and how you present yourself on essays/interviews.

 

[johncronejr]

I wouldn't go through getting a second bachelors. Just take the prereqs and GRE.

 

[Akiramay]

MinnDasota said it all perfectly. I wouldn't go for the 2nd bachelors either.

There's a girl in my class who was an animal science major, so with her major she wasn't even dealing with people!

 

[PTtoBe]

I definitely agree with the above on saving in unnecessary expenses and just really focusing on the GRE and the prereqs. You'll be thanking yourself later after you get accepted.

The fact of the matter is that you could spend all that time and expense on another major, but then if you don't do well enough on the prereqs and the GRE then it was all for naught. From what I've seen, the DPT schools really do just zero in on specifically the prereqs.

I was a history major, and years later when I turned my focus to PT, I zeroed in on the prereqs and the GRE, and getting the necessary experience. I was accepted to one school and waitlisted (and eventually accepted) to the other.

 

[vinganca]

^^ congrats, PTtoBe!

If the prereqs are the most important thing, I'm likely good--I've got a 4.0 so far. (And a 3.75 undergrad GPA...but like I said that was in music. IMHO it's hard NOT to get A's in music/dance/theater classes!)

Suppose I should forget the kinesio degree, and focus instead on getting a variety of observation hours, keeping my grades up and prepping for the GRE.

Just trying to do everything I can to give myself advantages. Thanks for the input, it is invaluable and much appreciated! 🙂

 

[JPSKYS]

I agree with focusing on the prereqs and the GRE. I am in the same shoes as you (with a PoliSci degree) and from everything that I keep hearing ... that seems like the way to go, but does it matter where you take your prereqs as long as you do well in them?

 

[PharmDan2]

some of the students in my PT class had degrees in communication, education, and even psychology. I think you're ok.

 

[IGotsTheFever]

You're like me! My B.S. was in Accounting/Finance/and Info System (so that's a triple threat😉) I'm hoping to apply next year.

I know what you're going through. I would just focus on the essay(s), pre-reqs, GRE, interview(s) and obs/volunteering. Really make your application packet rock! There's no point accruing more debt; that's what the DPT program is for😛

I would check with your schools to see if taking classes @ a CC is allowed. The PT schools I checked with said CC is perfectly fine but they expect A's across the board.

I spoke with people (PTs & PT students) that have business, dance, and interior design degrees.

If anything, it makes you standout. Just be sure to give a good reason on why you chose your BS degree in the 1st place!

Best of luck!👍

 

[physicaltherapy]

Hello music major! I have a dance degree. No need to get another Bachelor's. Just get a 4.0 on your prereqs and good letters of rec and you will be good to go. 🙂