I sat in on a class the other day at Temple, just to try to help my decision making... As far as the dropping goes, this is what I heard from the students: The class is about 9 or 10 smaller than when it started. 1 dropped because they changed their minds about becoming a PT, the others were dropped because they had 3 grades below B-. Apparently, they can petition their way back in but not all make it back - like 3 or 4 do I was told.
I dunno about all this... I mean, sure - you are going to have a student here or there that just isn't cutting it but everybody stumbles sometimes. I mean, clearly you have to work hard and help yourself but once you are in one of these programs, is it really necessary to feel like you are still being weeded out? I don't want to be paranoid my entire first year - I don't anticipate failing out of grad school but who knows - maybe it's 10x harder than I think. I'm only human. Should I find that I'm having trouble, I want to feel like I can get all the help I need and not have to worry about losing my slot. If I catch up - good for me, if I don't, well, then perhaps it's time to quit. A blanket policy like this intimidates me - do they count on this type of attrition? All in all though - this isn't a major concern or deal breaker for me - I can't think like that.
I do think that Temple is an excellent program and all the students were happy to be there. The curriculum for the next class has been rearranged according to some feedback from the previous class, that is a good sign. They are starting earlier and spreading things out a bit.
However - Temple doesn't have a PT clinic on campus - they have the PT dept at the hospital across the street, but I personally feel this is a large negative for them. At Delaware, they have multiple clinics right there and all students are in those clinics a few hours a week right from the start and are supervised by clinical specialists. This is important to me since I have not been a PT aide for 2 years nor am I an ex sci/kines undergrad - I am a career changer. I think that exposure is something that I personally need. Perhaps not everyone holds this value.
I am leaning towards DE, but it is not a clear or easy choice. I also think DE has more opportunity for TA and GA jobs that will help with the cost - this is a major major factor - cost!
