Strong Applicant Currently?

[Achilles0990]

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Hey Guys!

I am planning on applying to Physical Therapy Schools for the Fall of 2017 (so right around the corner). However, I am mostly shooting for Sacramento State for personal reasons. I am anxious about applying because I am nervous I won't be able to get into my top school with my current grades, GRE, etc.. Here are my current stats before applying for PT schools this summer:

Overall GPA: 3.5
Pre Req GPA: 3.4-3.5 (Two still in progress by the time I apply)
GRE: 143 for Math, 141 for English, 2.5 for Writing
Observational Hours: 500+ in 9 different clinics (Mix of Orthopedic, SNF, Peds, Geriatric, and hospital work)
Extracurriculars: Volunteered with Kids with Special needs, Summer Camps, and an Adaptive PE Facility
Work Experience: Swim Instructor, Lifeguard, Rehab Aide for both a Hospital and Outpatient Clinics

I am applying to mostly state schools (IE: Sacramento and Fresno State) but I am planning on improving my GRE and Pre Req GPA before then. If you guys can give me your thoughts on how my chances are currently and if there is anything I can do to improve my position. I know this is super competitive so any advice helps. Thanks and wish me luck!!!

 

[futuredpt2017]

You mean you are applying in fall of 2017 for the 2018 term correct? I would definitely suggest retaking the GRE. Its pretty hard to bump up your GPA so I would focus more on improving on the GRE. The good part is you have a lot of experience, which school like. I myself did not have a very high GPA, but I think my hours are what set me apart and ultimately got me into a program. Also I would suggest applying to as many programs as you can afford. I know it is expensive, but if you are only looking into state schools than I would shoot for a high number. State schools are the hardest to get into as they are cheaper and more people apply to them. In my experience, I applied to a variety of private and state schools. I was waitlisted, interview, and/or accepted to almost every private school I applied to, but straight out denied from all the state schools, I was not even offered an interview or waitlist so they are definitely more competitive. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[Skyris]

You currently don't meet the minimum requirements to apply to Sacramento State. For the GRE they require at least a 3.5 Writing and 29th percentile Math to even read your application. So I wouldn't even apply to Sac State unless you can get those scores because your app won't be processed. Their average gpa for admitted students is approaching 4.0 so there's also that. Both Sac and Fresno are very very competitive.

I would retake the GRE and try to get those scores above 150/3.5, and look into applying to some private schools.

 

[Achilles0990]

You currently don't meet the minimum requirements to apply to Sacramento State. For the GRE they require at least a 3.5 Writing and 29th percentile Math to even read your application. So I wouldn't even apply to Sac State unless you can get those scores because your app won't be processed. Their average gpa for admitted students is approaching 4.0 so there's also that. Both Sac and Fresno are very very competitive.

I would retake the GRE and try to get those scores above 150/3.5, and look into applying to some private schools.

I am aware I am not meeting their GRE requirements but that is why I am taking it in June. I also plan on retaking a pre req class before i submit my application so i can get the GPA boost. Thank you for replying though! I appreciate the feedback. Is there any other advice you think would be helpful?

 

[Achilles0990]

You mean you are applying in fall of 2017 for the 2018 term correct? I would definitely suggest retaking the GRE. Its pretty hard to bump up your GPA so I would focus more on improving on the GRE. The good part is you have a lot of experience, which school like. I myself did not have a very high GPA, but I think my hours are what set me apart and ultimately got me into a program. Also I would suggest applying to as many programs as you can afford. I know it is expensive, but if you are only looking into state schools than I would shoot for a high number. State schools are the hardest to get into as they are cheaper and more people apply to them. In my experience, I applied to a variety of private and state schools. I was waitlisted, interview, and/or accepted to almost every private school I applied to, but straight out denied from all the state schools, I was not even offered an interview or waitlist so they are definitely more competitive. Just something to keep in mind.

Yea meant to say applying this fall for fall 2018! The state schools are definately more harder to get into. That's why i have a few more places in mind such as St. Augustine. I still plan on shooting for them but what other programs would you recommend?

 

[Dinked]

Get those GRE's way up, only way to make you competitive at the moment because unless you spend a couple semesters taking courses your GPA is not moving too much.

 

[Achilles0990]

Get those GRE's way up, only way to make you competitive at the moment because unless you spend a couple semesters taking courses your GPA is not moving too much.

That's the plan! Im shooting for a 150 in both categories and a 4 in my writing

 

[vike56]

If your heart is set on that school, I would recommend applying early decision if they offer it. I know with somewhat lower stats (aka not a 4.0) you have somewhat of a better chance getting in if you're an ED applicant

 

[Achilles0990]

If your heart is set on that school, I would recommend applying early decision if they offer it. I know with somewhat lower stats (aka not a 4.0) you have somewhat of a better chance getting in if you're an ED applicant

I don't know if they have that at Sacramento state.....but if they do, how do I apply for it?

 

[CaliSPT]

You seem to know that bumping GRE will be priority number one, so that's a great start! If you want other things to think about, maybe start deciding who you want to ask to write your letters of recommendation. When they submit their LOR through PTCAS, they are asked to sort of rate you on a numerical scale. Choose people you don't mind having an honest conversation with. Let them know that anything less than full marks will hurt your chances. If they honestly won't feel comfortable giving your full marks across the board, it would behoove you to find someone else that would. Applicants tend to under-estimate how much those letters of rec. can matter, so don't make that mistake!

 

[Tito204]

Also keep in mind that PTCAS is going to recalculate your GPA for your application. Some schools calculate their own GPAs but still do look at the PTCAS calculated GPA. I would advise you look at the directory of schools for GPA/GRE lower and upper ranges but also use the link to the program at the top of the page to go to their DPT requirements page because you will get additional GPA information there as well, such as if they calculate only last the 60 hours, any additional courses required not mentioned on PTCAS like medical terminology. Bottom line you have to review both sites to get the complete requirements picture. I would recommend Magoosh for GRE prep and shoot for mid 150s on both sections and at least a 4 on writing section. I applied to 11 programs which costs around $565. That price will likely go up for your cycle. Oh and you may want to learn Zen meditation to help cope with all of the anxious waiting you are going to have to do . I must say I'm glad I am in now and it's all over except the 20 hour study days

 

[CaliSPT]

I don't know if they have that at Sacramento state.....but if they do, how do I apply for it?

There's no ED for Sac State. http://www.ptcas.org/ptcas/public/Listing.aspx?seqn=2628

 

[Want2BePT]

Hi there! I applied and got accepted to sac state this year. They have a supplemental application that calculates your pre-req GPA a little differently than PTCAS. They have more pre-reqs than most schools (ie kinesiology and exercise physiology) so the grades in those classes might boost your pGPA for sac state. Sac State primarily focuses on pre-req GPA and not Cum GPA. As many have already said, improve your GRE scores over 150. My scores were just barely over the 150 mark.

Also, I attended Sac State's information sessions and had an academic advisement session with one of the faculty members. I don't know if this helped my acceptance but it did show that I was interested in the school. So if you are nearby try to take advantage of those opportunities.

 

[NJ DPT HOPEFUL]

With how low your gre is o would recommend retaking it more than once. You need a massive jump so more times taking it could help your score. Instead of just June I'd try something like April and June so that you aren't stuck in June

Because it's nice to say you're shooting for a 150 150 and 4, but with your last scores it might be unrealistic without proper preparation and as many cracks at it as possible

 

[astarblaze]

With how low your gre is o would recommend retaking it more than once. You need a massive jump so more times taking it could help your score. Instead of just June I'd try something like April and June so that you aren't stuck in June

Because it's nice to say you're shooting for a 150 150 and 4, but with your last scores it might be unrealistic without proper preparation and as many cracks at it as possible

I want to second this. Most people only improve by 1-5 points or so on each section, even after studying. You need to improve by double that just to get to 150/150, which means you'll need to do some serious work and probably take it more than just one more time. Start studying now. Especially with the verbal section, improvements are most likely after a long period of time of reading college-level material (Atlantic, New Yorker, Arts & Letters Daily, Economist, etc). Vocabulary and reading comprehension improvements don't happen over night- same goes for math.

 

[SoCalDPT2020]

Hey Guys!

I am planning on applying to Physical Therapy Schools for the Fall of 2017 (so right around the corner). However, I am mostly shooting for Sacramento State for personal reasons. I am anxious about applying because I am nervous I won't be able to get into my top school with my current grades, GRE, etc.. Here are my current stats before applying for PT schools this summer:

Overall GPA: 3.5
Pre Req GPA: 3.4-3.5 (Two still in progress by the time I apply)
GRE: 143 for Math, 141 for English, 2.5 for Writing
Observational Hours: 500+ in 9 different clinics (Mix of Orthopedic, SNF, Peds, Geriatric, and hospital work)
Extracurriculars: Volunteered with Kids with Special needs, Summer Camps, and an Adaptive PE Facility
Work Experience: Swim Instructor, Lifeguard, Rehab Aide for both a Hospital and Outpatient Clinics

I am applying to mostly state schools (IE: Sacramento and Fresno State) but I am planning on improving my GRE and Pre Req GPA before then. If you guys can give me your thoughts on how my chances are currently and if there is anything I can do to improve my position. I know this is super competitive so any advice helps. Thanks and wish me luck!!!

I agree that getting those GRE scores up will make a huge difference! I highly recommend taking a GRE course, if you can (the Kaplan course was pretty good). As a convenience, they offer live online courses. They can be pricey, but definitely worth looking into as an option.

Good Luck!