What if...

[meliffy18]

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Unfortunately, I got my first rejection email which got me wondering what if I don't get accepted anywhere? I hate to be pessimistic, but at the same time I think the issue needs to be addressed in case it turns out to be the case. I quit my FT job in lieu of pursuing my dream to become a PT. Has anyone been rejected by all their choices? If so, what did you do and how did you go about applying the next year?

I was entertaining the idea of possibly becoming a PTA if I don't get into a DPT program for FA'12, but from what I understand these credits do not count towards a DPT so I'm wondering if it would be a waste of time? I know eventually I would want to get my DPT...

UGH my head is spinning!!😕

 

[NeophyteParkour]

Unfortunately, I got my first rejection email which got me wondering what if I don't get accepted anywhere? I hate to be pessimistic, but at the same time I think the issue needs to be addressed in case it turns out to be the case. I quit my FT job in lieu of pursuing my dream to become a PT. Has anyone been rejected by all their choices? If so, what did you do and how did you go about applying the next year?

I was entertaining the idea of possibly becoming a PTA if I don't get into a DPT program for FA'12, but from what I understand these credits do not count towards a DPT so I'm wondering if it would be a waste of time? I know eventually I would want to get my DPT...

UGH my head is spinning!!😕

I worry about getting accepted too, as I haven't heard much from schools yet (but I do have one interview!! 😀). Assuming I don't get in anywhere, my backup plan at the moment is to be certified as a HFS. I would also build up more volunteer experience and make sure my application is out as soon as PTCAS opens for the next cycle. I already applied to 9 schools, so I don't think I would apply to more schools than that, just maybe some different ones.

 

[djb051]

If being a DPT is your dream, keep at it. If you do not get accepted into any of the schools you applied to this cycle, try again next year. If this is the case, you will be able to save up more money before starting as well as improve your stats. I have read on numerous school websites, that second time applicants are actually stronger applicants than the first time they applied because they were able to improve their stats. And schools will see your dedication and know that you are truly interested if you do not give up on getting in.

So if you do not get accepted into any, I would retake one or more classes that you had a lower grade in (if any) to boost your overall and prerequisite GPA. Also, you will be able to retake GRE and improve your score (if needed). You can also increase your amt. of volunteer hours. I plan on applying in the next cycle for the first time, and if I do not get into any of them, I plan on taking another year to improve stats and then reapply. In that time, I am thinking of getting a job as a pt tech or aide and also continue volunteering.
Good luck!

 

[meliffy18]

If being a DPT is your dream, keep at it. If you do not get accepted into any of the schools you applied to this cycle, try again next year. If this is the case, you will be able to save up more money before starting as well as improve your stats. I have read on numerous school websites, that second time applicants are actually stronger applicants than the first time they applied because they were able to improve their stats. And schools will see your dedication and know that you are truly interested if you do not give up on getting in.

So if you do not get accepted into any, I would retake one or more classes that you had a lower grade in (if any) to boost your overall and prerequisite GPA. Also, you will be able to retake GRE and improve your score (if needed). You can also increase your amt. of volunteer hours. I plan on applying in the next cycle for the first time, and if I do not get into any of them, I plan on taking another year to improve stats and then reapply. In that time, I am thinking of getting a job as a pt tech or aide and also continue volunteering.
Good luck!

I was thinking about looking into being a tech/aide too. I have a 4.0 prereq average so I won't need to retake those courses but retaking the GRE is a good idea. I did well on it, 80th percentile in all 3 areas, but it can't hurt to retry. I'm just not crazy about getting set back another year, you know? Oh well, I guess it's better late than never. I think applying later rather than as early as possible really hurt my chances, but then again I probably wouldn't have gotten called for many interviews being that I just finished up all but 2 of my prereqs as of last semester.

 

[Ngozi Onyema]

Wow 80th percentile in all GRE areas and 4.0 prerequisite GPA. That's really good stats. I'll be surprised if you do not get accepted to a DPT school for 2012 with the high GRE score and prerequisite GPA you have. I was planning and expecting to start PT school in 2012 but I did not get accepted anywhere. I really wanted to start in 2012, so much so that I did in total 63 credits worth of schooling in the year of 2011. The acceptance in to PT school would make my undergraduate graduation mean more because my undergraduate major is just Communications, nothing I'm really proud of accomplishing. Also I'll be turning 30 this summer and I thought that starting PT school in 2012 would be a really great 30th birthday gift. More than that I think the reason I was in such a rush to get in to DPT school was because I thought that people actually cared about me and my schooling but every time I talk to people about my schooling they seem lost about it, in one ear and out the other. I then realized that I'm the only one who really cares about my schooling plans. My GRE score is very poor and I like to think that that's the only reason why I was not contacted by any school. My plan is now for DPT school in 2013. I'm using the extra time to graduate with my bachelors in May 2012, finish up 2 remaining prerequisites (gen bio 1 and gen bio 2), study for a better GRE score and work some to make more money. Luckily I'm already a Licensed PTA so I'm in the field. I feel I will be more than ready for any school in 2013.

 

[djb051]

your stats are really good! Don't let one rejection discourage you from following your dream. I know what you mean about not wanting to wait another year if you do not get accepted into any of the schools you applied to. However, if you do not get into any this cycle, and you apply again next cycle and you get accepted...I think in the end you will be happy that you decided to wait another year to apply for DPT school rather than applying for PTA.
I would not stress about this now though until you hear back from all the other schools you applied to! After all, your stats sound good to me!

 

[meliffy18]

Thanks everyone!! You really made me feel better and helped me realize I'm not alone in this. I just hate not knowing what's gonna happen, but I think that's everyone. Ngozi, I just turned 30 too so this is another reason why I'm freaking out because as it is, if I get accepted in the 2012 class, I won't be able to work in the field until I'm 34. But djb, you're right and it does make more sense for me to reapply for the DPT rather than jump into the PTA.

Good luck to both of you!!
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/member.php?u=437057

 

[rangardrum]

Unfortunately, I got my first rejection email which got me wondering what if I don't get accepted anywhere? I hate to be pessimistic, but at the same time I think the issue needs to be addressed in case it turns out to be the case. I quit my FT job in lieu of pursuing my dream to become a PT. Has anyone been rejected by all their choices? If so, what did you do and how did you go about applying the next year?

I was entertaining the idea of possibly becoming a PTA if I don't get into a DPT program for FA'12, but from what I understand these credits do not count towards a DPT so I'm wondering if it would be a waste of time? I know eventually I would want to get my DPT...

UGH my head is spinning!!😕

If you don't mind me asking, how many programs did you apply to for 2012? I agree with the others saying to keep your head high and focused on your dream. Your stats sound very competitive, and that won't keep you from getting accepted, whether it's this year or next year.

I received a rejection letter today from Northwestern, and my stats are quite high. One thing I've learned is that some schools must be extremely picky when determining whether a prerequisite course fits their particular requirement. Some schools, I personally think, have some downright bizarre prereqs.

The worst case scenario is that you'll have to apply again next year. In the meantime you can ensure that the reason you were rejected wasn't due to a less than ideal pairing of a class you took and a particular school's prerequisite.

 

[Badgerpt03]

Unfortunately, I got my first rejection email which got me wondering what if I don't get accepted anywhere? I hate to be pessimistic, but at the same time I think the issue needs to be addressed in case it turns out to be the case. I quit my FT job in lieu of pursuing my dream to become a PT. Has anyone been rejected by all their choices? If so, what did you do and how did you go about applying the next year?

I was entertaining the idea of possibly becoming a PTA if I don't get into a DPT program for FA'12, but from what I understand these credits do not count towards a DPT so I'm wondering if it would be a waste of time? I know eventually I would want to get my DPT...

UGH my head is spinning!!😕

I know exactly how you feel; your first rejection letter can be very discouraging. I only applied to two schools last year and did not make it into either. I recovered quickly and got a full-time job as an aide at an outpatient clinic, as well as a job on the weekends as an inpatient rehab tech. It felt awful at the time, but upon reflection, I have learned so much from the past year that I wouldn't have if I had been accepted. It was definitely a blessing in disguise.

I was still pretty nervous going into this application cycle, but I have been either accepted or offered an interview at every school that I applied to. Don't give up on your dream! If you truly want to be a PT, you will make it into school, especially with your excellent stats. I definitely don't think your GRE or GPA will be the shortcomings on your application. If by some chance you don't make it in this year, I would recommend diversifying and strengthening your shadowing/working experience in the field.

As everyone else has described, I wouldn't recommend the PTA route if you ultimately want to get your DPT. If you don't get in this year, I would definitely recommend the aide/tech route; you gain a lot of useful practical experience, and it looks great on an application.

 

[Maya2015]

Thank y'all so much for sharing. I got my second rejection letter this week and was feeling awful. It helps to know that I'm not the only one struggling and feeling bummed.

I know exactly how you feel; your first rejection letter can be very discouraging. I only applied to two schools last year and did not make it into either. I recovered quickly and got a full-time job as an aide at an outpatient clinic, as well as a job on the weekends as an inpatient rehab tech. It felt awful at the time, but upon reflection, I have learned so much from the past year that I wouldn't have if I had been accepted. It was definitely a blessing in disguise.

I was still pretty nervous going into this application cycle, but I have been either accepted or offered an interview at every school that I applied to. Don't give up on your dream! If you truly want to be a PT, you will make it into school, especially with your excellent stats. I definitely don't think your GRE or GPA will be the shortcomings on your application. If by some chance you don't make it in this year, I would recommend diversifying and strengthening your shadowing/working experience in the field.

As everyone else has described, I wouldn't recommend the PTA route if you ultimately want to get your DPT. If you don't get in this year, I would definitely recommend the aide/tech route; you gain a lot of useful practical experience, and it looks great on an application.

 

[adh28]

For those who got rejected and re-applied another cycle, did any of the schools inform you of the reason for you not being accepted? Also, what did you do to improve your application, was it often necessary to re-take classes? It seems so different from school to school on what they are looking for when accepting students!

 

[Ngozi Onyema]

By the way Mellify18 what school rejected you? and also like the person before me asked, is there a reason for the rejection in the rejection letter? I find it crazy that you got rejected with your GPA and GRE percentile.

 

[greco13]

I am going with the no plan B option. Increased desperation = increased motivation = increased success?

 

[Kepania]

If being a DPT is your dream, keep at it. If you do not get accepted into any of the schools you applied to this cycle, try again next year. If this is the case, you will be able to save up more money before starting as well as improve your stats. I have read on numerous school websites, that second time applicants are actually stronger applicants than the first time they applied because they were able to improve their stats. And schools will see your dedication and know that you are truly interested if you do not give up on getting in.

So if you do not get accepted into any, I would retake one or more classes that you had a lower grade in (if any) to boost your overall and prerequisite GPA. Also, you will be able to retake GRE and improve your score (if needed). You can also increase your amt. of volunteer hours. I plan on applying in the next cycle for the first time, and if I do not get into any of them, I plan on taking another year to improve stats and then reapply. In that time, I am thinking of getting a job as a pt tech or aide and also continue volunteering.
Good luck!

This is great advice. Your stats are very good, so you may be needlessly worrying, but if you don't get in, use the time to improve whatever needs improving and get more volunteer hours. Your GRE is good, I doubt you even need to bother retaking it. And definitely take the time to work and save some money so you don't have nightly anxiety attacks about your future debt, like me.

And hey, this might make you feel better, if I get in this year, I'll be 42 when I graduate. Yikes. And like greco13, I have no plan B. I put all my eggs into the PT basket so it better darn well work out!

Good luck!

 

[dimsim]

Keep at it! I was rejected to all my colleges last year. As a re-applicant, I applied super early and started working full-time as a PT-Tech. I hope you get in but if this is what you really want to do then go for it!!

 

[Seatown87]

I applied to 4 schools last year and was rejected from each. I asked the schools how I could best improve my application for the following cycle and they were happy to let me know (each school looks for different things and this helped me find what each school was looking for).

This past year I retook some classes to get higher grades and diversified my volunteer experiences.

This cycle so far I have been accepted to one of the school that rejected me last year and have had 3 interviews at other schools. Yes a few rejections but it is much better this time around.

I think it is very common for applicants to not be accepted their first try.

If your problem isn't stats work for more volunteer hours. Or possibly try for a great life experience. There are a number of organizations that you can basically volunteer for full time (live there and everything). These kind of things are valued by schools as well. They are looking for mature and well rounded applicants that have experiences that can be used to relate to patients.

Be patient and work at your dream.

 

[ActionJaxsun25]

I'm doing Chiropractics as a plan B.

 

[BuckeyePat22]

My best advice would be to learn from your experience this year. Where do you see your application being weak? It doesn't appear to be in your numbers. Do you need to develop some really solid relationships with letter writers? Do you need to work on your writing skills or better formulate your thoughts for your essays?

If PT is your goal DO NOT look elsewhere. Do something you enjoy for the next year and work with people in a fitness setting (fitness instructor, PT Tech, Personal Trainer, Swim Instructor, etc.)

Remember you still have some options out there, and if they don't work out use this year off to turn your application into one that they can't say no to! Good luck!

 

[A Burly Man]

Hey meliffy,
Congratulations on your acceptance to Stonybrook. I guess the What if...? thread you posted no longer serves a plan!

 

[meliffy18]

By the way Mellify18 what school rejected you? and also like the person before me asked, is there a reason for the rejection in the rejection letter? I find it crazy that you got rejected with your GPA and GRE percentile.

Hunter rejected me. Apparently it's a really tough school to get into, especially if you don't apply early. I was talking to a girl at another interview and she got rejected from Hunter too but was accepted into Columbia! Also, on one of my interviews, the director of the DPT program asked me if I got any rejection notices and when I told him Hunter, he said that school is ridiculously hard to get into, most likely because the tuition is so insanely low compared to other programs so they can afford to be picky. They never gave me a reason in the rejection email which was even more infuriating 😡

 

[meliffy18]

Hey meliffy,
Congratulations on your acceptance to Stonybrook. I guess the What if...? thread you posted no longer serves a plan!

Haha thank you! I am so relieved. I'm glad I asked the question though because it made me feel a lot better and it may help other applicants too 😉