- Joined
- May 6, 2011
- Messages
- 419
- Reaction score
- 174
Hey everyone!
There are a lot of repeat posts and common questions and I know that sometimes searching isn't the most helpful way of finding information. There are a lot of helpful threads that I never would have thought of searching for, and considering there are 100 pages of threads, it can feel overwhelming.
I compiled a list of posts that I think are the most helpful, from the Pre-PT and PT forums (I apparently have too much free time). They have >10 posts per thread, so I don't have every helpful thread ever created, so make sure to use the search function as well! I also included posts from other websites that I found to be helpful, and a list of blogs at the bottom.
If anyone has any additions to this list, please comment below and I'll edit the post! I'm starting school August of 2015 so I may not be able to update much more after then. This post was also made on my blog, My Road to PT, if anyone is curious.
Make sure to check the dates of each individual post - some threads are years old, so the advice may be a little outdated, or you may not get many replies if you make a comment. Always double check any information with PTCAS or with the school itself, rather than relying only on the info within the threads.
General Information
How to Apply to Physical Therapy School - 2015 - New Grad Physical Therapy, written by DPT Know
How to Apply to Physical Therapy School - 2016 - My Road to PT
PTCAS Programs
Non-Participating PTCAS Programs
PTCAS Program Prerequisites
PTCAS Application Instructions
PTCAS Frequently Asked Questions
PTCAS Facebook Page
GPA's, GRE's, XTRA's, ACCEPTANCES
Ask a DPT Admissions Director - 2014
The Physical Therapy Admissions Process - Part 1 - 2011
The Physical Therapy Admissions Process - Part 2 - 2011
High School/Undergrad/Prereqs
A "C" in Chemistry - 2016
Undergrad research - 2015
Prereqs more than 10 yrs old? - 2015
Advice for undergrad freshmen - 2015
Is it better to get a WU or F? - 2015
Online classes - 2015
Year Off Jobs - 2015
PT Aide - Thoughts? - 2014
I am doing well in classes but I am not truly learning the content. Is this a big problem? - 2014
Experiences re-taking prerequisites at community college? - 2014
What is your undergraduate degree? - 2014
HS student needs help to make a pathway to become a PT! - 2014
How did you do in physics? - 2014
PTA vs exercise science as a terminal degree, career options? - 2014
What if I didn't enjoy some of my undergrad science courses? - 2013
Suggested Classes - 2013
Bachelor's Degree: PT related vs unrelated? - 2013
Recent high school graduate, solid plan for physical therapy? - 2012
Physics advice - 2012
What's More Important: Overall GPA or Pre-Req GPA - 2012
How'd you do in chem, physics? - 2011
Prerequisite set-up - 2011
Community college courses and PT school - 2011
C vs. W grade - 2011
Question on Exercise Science Major - 2011
B- in anatomy & lab. Am I in trouble? - 2011
Applying
Application Status/GPA Verification - 2015
Question about E-submission and school specific questions - 2015
Early decision timing - 2015
Answering if academic record reflects capabilities - 2015
Just a thought for all of you applying this cycle - 2015
What was the hardest part of the DPT application process for you? - 2015
Is worrying about getting into PT school more or less stressful than actual PT school? - 2015
Apply this summer or take a year off? - 2015
Getting organized - 2015
What are the most important sections on the application? - 2015
Be kind and inform your declined schools - 2015
How many schools did you apply to? - 2014
My Experiences in the Application Process - 2014
PTCAS Questions - 2014
Why the ridiculous number of unqualified applicants? - 2014
Is it better to apply earlier? - 2013
Have your academic update transcripts arrived at PTCAS? - 2013
PTCAS confusion? 2013-2014? Waiting for application to be released - 2013
When to Apply - 2013
Cold Feet - 2013
What percent of applications do colleges deny on average? - 2013
Getting a transcript for PTCAS application and supplemental apps - 2013
Processing Status & GRE Status (PTCAS) - 2012
What do you think is an appropriate # of schools to apply to? - 2012
Can PT schools see to which other PT schools you apply to? If so, is it bad? - 2012
PTCAS processing - 2012
Can someone explain the application process please - 2012
E-submitting before 2nd summer session ends - 2012
Early Decision affecting Regular Decision - 2011
How important are extra curriculars? - 2011
Observation Hours
Observation hours for non-trad - 2015
Question about observation hours - 2015
Contacting DPTs for Observation Hours - 2015
Unique Shadowing Advice - 2015
Guide to Observation Hours - 2015 - My Road to PT
What to expect on first day - 2014
Hours as patient as observation hours? - 2014
Observation hours/setting help - 2014
Observation hours overkill - 2014
Volunteer/Observation Hours on nights or weekends - 2012
How important is volunteering in an acute/inpatient setting? - 2012
Is it hard to get volunteer hours? - 2011
Best way to get observational hours - 2011
Frustrating, Unsettling Day of Volunteering - 2010
How to know you are observing a "good" physical therapist - 2010
GRE
GRE Question - 2016
How long did you take to prepare for the GRE? - 2016
Low GRE score and DPT admissions, help! - 2015
Good GRE Score - 2015
GRE Verbal Score - 2015
What is the best way to prepare for the GRE? - 2015
GREs - 2015
How to Prepare for the GRE - 2015 - My Road to PT
GRE prep advice - 2014
Applying to PT, not yet taken GRE. - 2014
GRE score question- 2014
How are my chances? I'm so nervous (low GRE) - 2014
Test Taking Tips: How I Got Into the 90th Percentile - 2014 - Beyond the Khaki Pants
GRE Study Timeline - 2013
Does GRE weight heavy on admissions? - 2013
GRE Vocabulary - 2013
Would you retake the GRE? - 2013
GRE prep - 2012
How did you guys prepare for the GRE? - 2012
Letters of Recommendation
Ever been refused a Letter of Recommendation? - 2015
Appropriate way of asking for a letter of recommendation? - 2012
My A & P teacher wants to write me a LOR but... - 2011
How do you get letters of recommendation? - 2011
Essays
How to Write Your Application Essays - 2016 - My Road to PT
Supplemental Essays character limit - 2015
PTCAS Essay question for 2015-2016 application cycle! - 2015
Tackle the Reapplicant Essay - 2015 - DPT Know
Tips For This Year's PTCAS Essay Prompt - 2015 - DPT Know
Essay - 2015
This year's personal statement prompt? - 2014
Should I or should I not write about this in my essay? - 2014
Re-applicant essay - 2013
Does your personal statement have to be 4500 characters? - 2011
Interviews
Congratulations, You Have an Interview! Here is a Guide to Help You Prepare. - 2016 - My Road to PT
Post-Interview Thank You Note - 2015
PT School Interview Problem- Interviews on same day - 2015
Interview - 2015
Questions to Ask During an Interview - 2015 - DPT Know
50 Interview Questions to Prep With - 2015 - DPT Know
Interview Questions - 2014
Interview tips - 2014
Interview: guys, what to wear? - 2014
How to become a PT/OT. Interview Advice Video - 2014
What to wear to interview? - 2013
How to Survive the PT School Interview - 2013 - The PT Student
What to wear on a DPT school interview? - 2012
Choosing PT Schools
Prestige of DPT Programs - 2016
Out of State Schools - 2016
Foreign PT Degree vs DPT - 2015
Why rankings don't matter? - 2015
Private vs Public - 2015
How much does the school matter? - 2015
Didactic vs Clinical Emphasis in PT School - 2015
Does your program's ranking affect the job search? - 2015
DPT in under 3 years? - 2015
Good schools emphasizing manual therapy - 2015
Does your school rank affect your starting salary? - 2015
How important is a school's NPTE pass rate? - 2015
Two year Doctor of Physical Therapy program? - 2014
Which schools use the last 60 credit hours or take highest grade? - 2013
Question - cheaper to go to out of state or private schools? - 2013
Virtual Anatomy - 2013
Schools Without Interviews? - 2013
Accepting a school: Back up plan? - 2013
Programs with no gross anatomy? - 2013
Anyone have any opinions on the DPT programs that are only 2.5 years long? - 2012
Need a little advice on choosing schools - 2012
Big Name Schools vs. No Name Schools - 2012
Which physical therapy programs have a strong emphasis on manual therapy? - 2012
Can you accept two schools at once? - 2012
Cheapest DPT Programs? - 2011
Did you apply to in-state or out-of-state schools? - 2011
Any schools that don't require interviews? - 2011
How to choose the right school - 2010
Low GPA
Should I retake these courses? - 2015
Post grad options - 2015
Getting into DPT school with low undergrad GPA - 2015
Low science GPA, decent overall GPA - 2015
Newbie here, need insight on DPT applications - 2015
What are my chances and is PT school still a good financial investment? - 2015
At a complete crossroads..help please? - 2014
Had super low gpa for first bachelors...going for second to get in pt? - 2014
Kicked out of PT School, reapplying with low gpa. Chances? - 2014
Pre-Physical Therapy with 2.56 GPA? - 2013
What are my PT school chances? - 2012
What are my chances? - 2012
Low GPA from highly difficult school? - 2012
I need some serious help! - 2012
Making application more competitive? - 2012
Oh...Discouragement - 2011
Low GPA? Me too. (2.9) Here's where to apply - 2010
Rejections/Reapplying (Also a lot of low GPA advice)
Advice on not being accepted - 2015
PTCAS reapplicant question - 2015
Need help/advice about reapplying to DPT programs - 2015
Waitlisted and/or rejected - 2015
What to do when you don't get accepted? - 2015
Over worked and under rewarded. Need helpful suggestions for getting into PT school! Please! - 2015
I need help keeping faith about pt here is my story - 2014
Anyone applying for the 2nd time? discuss your experience and what you have done to improve? - 2014
Didn't get in but had decent stats - 2013
Plan B Advice with Intention of Reapplying - 2013
Re-applicant essay - 2013
My story (never give up) - 2013
A Lesson in Perseverance - 2013
Acceptances = 0 - 2012
"I'm sorry but your application wasn't good enough" - 2012
What are options if I don't get into PT school? - 2012
No acceptances, applying again next year! - 2011
There are a lot of repeat posts and common questions and I know that sometimes searching isn't the most helpful way of finding information. There are a lot of helpful threads that I never would have thought of searching for, and considering there are 100 pages of threads, it can feel overwhelming.
I compiled a list of posts that I think are the most helpful, from the Pre-PT and PT forums (I apparently have too much free time). They have >10 posts per thread, so I don't have every helpful thread ever created, so make sure to use the search function as well! I also included posts from other websites that I found to be helpful, and a list of blogs at the bottom.
If anyone has any additions to this list, please comment below and I'll edit the post! I'm starting school August of 2015 so I may not be able to update much more after then. This post was also made on my blog, My Road to PT, if anyone is curious.
Make sure to check the dates of each individual post - some threads are years old, so the advice may be a little outdated, or you may not get many replies if you make a comment. Always double check any information with PTCAS or with the school itself, rather than relying only on the info within the threads.
General Information
How to Apply to Physical Therapy School - 2015 - New Grad Physical Therapy, written by DPT Know
How to Apply to Physical Therapy School - 2016 - My Road to PT
PTCAS Programs
Non-Participating PTCAS Programs
PTCAS Program Prerequisites
PTCAS Application Instructions
PTCAS Frequently Asked Questions
PTCAS Facebook Page
GPA's, GRE's, XTRA's, ACCEPTANCES
Ask a DPT Admissions Director - 2014
The Physical Therapy Admissions Process - Part 1 - 2011
The Physical Therapy Admissions Process - Part 2 - 2011
High School/Undergrad/Prereqs
A "C" in Chemistry - 2016
Undergrad research - 2015
Prereqs more than 10 yrs old? - 2015
Advice for undergrad freshmen - 2015
Is it better to get a WU or F? - 2015
Online classes - 2015
Year Off Jobs - 2015
PT Aide - Thoughts? - 2014
I am doing well in classes but I am not truly learning the content. Is this a big problem? - 2014
Experiences re-taking prerequisites at community college? - 2014
What is your undergraduate degree? - 2014
HS student needs help to make a pathway to become a PT! - 2014
How did you do in physics? - 2014
PTA vs exercise science as a terminal degree, career options? - 2014
What if I didn't enjoy some of my undergrad science courses? - 2013
Suggested Classes - 2013
Bachelor's Degree: PT related vs unrelated? - 2013
Recent high school graduate, solid plan for physical therapy? - 2012
Physics advice - 2012
What's More Important: Overall GPA or Pre-Req GPA - 2012
How'd you do in chem, physics? - 2011
Prerequisite set-up - 2011
Community college courses and PT school - 2011
C vs. W grade - 2011
Question on Exercise Science Major - 2011
B- in anatomy & lab. Am I in trouble? - 2011
Applying
Application Status/GPA Verification - 2015
Question about E-submission and school specific questions - 2015
Early decision timing - 2015
Answering if academic record reflects capabilities - 2015
Just a thought for all of you applying this cycle - 2015
What was the hardest part of the DPT application process for you? - 2015
Is worrying about getting into PT school more or less stressful than actual PT school? - 2015
Apply this summer or take a year off? - 2015
Getting organized - 2015
What are the most important sections on the application? - 2015
Be kind and inform your declined schools - 2015
How many schools did you apply to? - 2014
My Experiences in the Application Process - 2014
PTCAS Questions - 2014
Why the ridiculous number of unqualified applicants? - 2014
Is it better to apply earlier? - 2013
Have your academic update transcripts arrived at PTCAS? - 2013
PTCAS confusion? 2013-2014? Waiting for application to be released - 2013
When to Apply - 2013
Cold Feet - 2013
What percent of applications do colleges deny on average? - 2013
Getting a transcript for PTCAS application and supplemental apps - 2013
Processing Status & GRE Status (PTCAS) - 2012
What do you think is an appropriate # of schools to apply to? - 2012
Can PT schools see to which other PT schools you apply to? If so, is it bad? - 2012
PTCAS processing - 2012
Can someone explain the application process please - 2012
E-submitting before 2nd summer session ends - 2012
Early Decision affecting Regular Decision - 2011
How important are extra curriculars? - 2011
Observation Hours
Observation hours for non-trad - 2015
Question about observation hours - 2015
Contacting DPTs for Observation Hours - 2015
Unique Shadowing Advice - 2015
Guide to Observation Hours - 2015 - My Road to PT
What to expect on first day - 2014
Hours as patient as observation hours? - 2014
Observation hours/setting help - 2014
Observation hours overkill - 2014
Volunteer/Observation Hours on nights or weekends - 2012
How important is volunteering in an acute/inpatient setting? - 2012
Is it hard to get volunteer hours? - 2011
Best way to get observational hours - 2011
Frustrating, Unsettling Day of Volunteering - 2010
How to know you are observing a "good" physical therapist - 2010
GRE
GRE Question - 2016
How long did you take to prepare for the GRE? - 2016
Low GRE score and DPT admissions, help! - 2015
Good GRE Score - 2015
GRE Verbal Score - 2015
What is the best way to prepare for the GRE? - 2015
GREs - 2015
How to Prepare for the GRE - 2015 - My Road to PT
GRE prep advice - 2014
Applying to PT, not yet taken GRE. - 2014
GRE score question- 2014
How are my chances? I'm so nervous (low GRE) - 2014
Test Taking Tips: How I Got Into the 90th Percentile - 2014 - Beyond the Khaki Pants
GRE Study Timeline - 2013
Does GRE weight heavy on admissions? - 2013
GRE Vocabulary - 2013
Would you retake the GRE? - 2013
GRE prep - 2012
How did you guys prepare for the GRE? - 2012
Letters of Recommendation
Ever been refused a Letter of Recommendation? - 2015
Appropriate way of asking for a letter of recommendation? - 2012
My A & P teacher wants to write me a LOR but... - 2011
How do you get letters of recommendation? - 2011
Essays
How to Write Your Application Essays - 2016 - My Road to PT
Supplemental Essays character limit - 2015
PTCAS Essay question for 2015-2016 application cycle! - 2015
Tackle the Reapplicant Essay - 2015 - DPT Know
Tips For This Year's PTCAS Essay Prompt - 2015 - DPT Know
Essay - 2015
This year's personal statement prompt? - 2014
Should I or should I not write about this in my essay? - 2014
Re-applicant essay - 2013
Does your personal statement have to be 4500 characters? - 2011
Interviews
Congratulations, You Have an Interview! Here is a Guide to Help You Prepare. - 2016 - My Road to PT
Post-Interview Thank You Note - 2015
PT School Interview Problem- Interviews on same day - 2015
Interview - 2015
Questions to Ask During an Interview - 2015 - DPT Know
50 Interview Questions to Prep With - 2015 - DPT Know
Interview Questions - 2014
Interview tips - 2014
Interview: guys, what to wear? - 2014
How to become a PT/OT. Interview Advice Video - 2014
What to wear to interview? - 2013
How to Survive the PT School Interview - 2013 - The PT Student
What to wear on a DPT school interview? - 2012
Choosing PT Schools
Prestige of DPT Programs - 2016
Out of State Schools - 2016
Foreign PT Degree vs DPT - 2015
Why rankings don't matter? - 2015
Private vs Public - 2015
How much does the school matter? - 2015
Didactic vs Clinical Emphasis in PT School - 2015
Does your program's ranking affect the job search? - 2015
DPT in under 3 years? - 2015
Good schools emphasizing manual therapy - 2015
Does your school rank affect your starting salary? - 2015
How important is a school's NPTE pass rate? - 2015
Two year Doctor of Physical Therapy program? - 2014
Which schools use the last 60 credit hours or take highest grade? - 2013
Question - cheaper to go to out of state or private schools? - 2013
Virtual Anatomy - 2013
Schools Without Interviews? - 2013
Accepting a school: Back up plan? - 2013
Programs with no gross anatomy? - 2013
Anyone have any opinions on the DPT programs that are only 2.5 years long? - 2012
Need a little advice on choosing schools - 2012
Big Name Schools vs. No Name Schools - 2012
Which physical therapy programs have a strong emphasis on manual therapy? - 2012
Can you accept two schools at once? - 2012
Cheapest DPT Programs? - 2011
Did you apply to in-state or out-of-state schools? - 2011
Any schools that don't require interviews? - 2011
How to choose the right school - 2010
Low GPA
Should I retake these courses? - 2015
Post grad options - 2015
Getting into DPT school with low undergrad GPA - 2015
Low science GPA, decent overall GPA - 2015
Newbie here, need insight on DPT applications - 2015
What are my chances and is PT school still a good financial investment? - 2015
At a complete crossroads..help please? - 2014
Had super low gpa for first bachelors...going for second to get in pt? - 2014
Kicked out of PT School, reapplying with low gpa. Chances? - 2014
Pre-Physical Therapy with 2.56 GPA? - 2013
What are my PT school chances? - 2012
What are my chances? - 2012
Low GPA from highly difficult school? - 2012
I need some serious help! - 2012
Making application more competitive? - 2012
Oh...Discouragement - 2011
Low GPA? Me too. (2.9) Here's where to apply - 2010
Rejections/Reapplying (Also a lot of low GPA advice)
Advice on not being accepted - 2015
PTCAS reapplicant question - 2015
Need help/advice about reapplying to DPT programs - 2015
Waitlisted and/or rejected - 2015
What to do when you don't get accepted? - 2015
Over worked and under rewarded. Need helpful suggestions for getting into PT school! Please! - 2015
I need help keeping faith about pt here is my story - 2014
Anyone applying for the 2nd time? discuss your experience and what you have done to improve? - 2014
Didn't get in but had decent stats - 2013
Plan B Advice with Intention of Reapplying - 2013
Re-applicant essay - 2013
My story (never give up) - 2013
A Lesson in Perseverance - 2013
Acceptances = 0 - 2012
"I'm sorry but your application wasn't good enough" - 2012
What are options if I don't get into PT school? - 2012
No acceptances, applying again next year! - 2011
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