What areas do i need to improve on my application?

[gotapples123]

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Ill be applying to PT school this year. all in all im having second thoughts about applying based on my stats.
GRE Quantitive: 156 Verbal: 148 Analytical 3
CumGPA: 3.35
pGPA 3.08
Ive only worked in only one outpatient pt clinic for over a year. I volunteered at an inpatient hospital but it had nothing with do physical therapy. I've volunteered at a couple of marathons, (but i feel that doesnt count as anything) ive volunteered as an assistant coach at my high school. and currently im trying to start a running club in my area.
i just want some advice. anything will help. Thank you

 

[Kuhdaytee]

Well, what schools are you interested in, and how do you compare with the average stats for each school? You might have a chance at schools with lower average accepted stats, but it's going to be really difficult to get into a school with your low pre-req GPA. Is it possible for you to retake classes to improve your GPA?
You could also get observation hours in more than one setting, but your focus should really be on improving your GPA.

Search through the site to find what others have done with similar statistics to yours. Frequently Asked Questions has a lot of similar threads already.

 

[gotapples123]

what i was thinking of doing was applying to 5 schools with low pre req-gpas and hope for the best. if all else fails ill start retaking courses, improve my extracurricular activities and reapply next year

 

[Azimuthal]

Retake some prerequisites.

Ratake the GRE's. You want >150 in each section and 4.0 on the writing.

Get some inpatient observation hours in.

 

[DesertPT]

That 3.0 on the writing will get you rejected at 90% of the schools that require the GRE, which is the vast majority of them. And schools that have minimums for the GRE will almost always require a 3.5 or 4.0 anyway. Your verbal score is sub-par too. Sorry to lay it on you, but you need to plan on a retake.

 

[gotapples123]

yeah i figured. main problem i had with the gre was the essay since im not the best typer. i ran out of time.

 

[camiosyz]

You could always risk it and apply this year, but applying isn't cheap, and it would suck to waste a ton of money. I think it's a wiser choice to retake a few low-grade classes, focus on your GRE (and improve your typing if that's such an issue), and get some diversified observation hours before trying next year. It's not impossible for you to get in, but the odds aren't really in your favor . If money isn't an issue, by all means go for it and see what happens.

 

[Romazicon]

Another tip not relating to PT would be to maybe get used to using proper punctuation, capitalization and sentence structure. Although people in forums like this one may not care too much, this is great practice for the rest of your life. People may pay more attention to what you have to say too. Just my two cents.

 

[starrsgirl]

Depending on your situation, I also recommend delaying a year, retaking pre req classes and the GRE and applying next year. I think you will be able to fit more classes and hours in if you don't waste time applying this year. I fear there are too many "weaknesses" this time around. (believe me, sometimes it's better to take the year and come back with a strong application versus waste time, money and heart ache)

 

[tweaze]

Retaking the GRE (if you can get 150+ on the Verbal and up to a 4 on AW), and diversifying your observation hours could improve your application quickly, depending on where you apply. However, retaking some classes and delaying a year may be your best bet. If you struggle with typing, I would suggest looking around online and finding a program to download or buy where you can practice various drills to improve your speed/accuracy. I haven't done one in a while, but you can see pretty rapid improvement with some effort. Not only will it help you with your AW score, but it's a skill that will help you for the rest of your life.