A GUIDE FOR APPLYING TO DPT SCHOOL / PTCAS APPLICATION / INTERVIEWS
I know how stressful applying to DPT schools can be, especially if you’re a couple years out of undergrad. We all know this process is extremely competitive, so I hope you find this helpful!
MY JOURNEY
I have a BS in Nutritional Sciences, with a concentration in physiology and metabolism from University of California, Berkeley. During this time, I was also on the Track & Field team and managed to graduate in exactly 4 years and had planned on applying to DPT school during my senior year. Despite knowing that the deadline was approaching quickly and I wasn’t near ready to apply, I chose to apply to a few programs anyway to get a taste of the process. After I graduated, I started working as a PT Aide at an outpatient clinic to continue gathering hours, study to re-take the GRE, took a couple more classes I needed, and made sure I was checking off all the prerequisites. Additionally, I started working as a personal trainer while still working as a PT Aide and took this opportunity to attend con-ed courses.
I gave myself at least 3 months to prep for the GRE and did better than the first time around (though the timing of my 1st take fell after I had ACL surgery and the last week of studying I was on meds…) We all know we are not a fan of standardized testing like the SAT and GRE, because when will we really use any of those words we “learned”? Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get the score you had hoped for - if you have a high GPA, schools do consider this as well - make sure you get amazing letters of rec, hours, or stand out in a unique way.
Personally, I applied to 15 schools to keep my options open and applied to schools in cities that I would consider moving to (and other reasons of course). This time around, I went through a total of 3 flights (counting each way)- one qualified students’ open house, and one interview. However, I was waitlisted for 3 schools and ultimately, rejected from all.
Heartbroken, I decided I would apply again and took a couple more classes, attended more con-ed courses, and added my Strength and Conditioning Coach Intern experience at UC Berkeley under my belt. This time, I applied to 20 schools, hoping to increase my chances yet again on receiving one acceptance. This time around, I went through a total of 7 flights, 3 interviews, and finally - I was accepted into 3 schools and waitlisted for one.
I was overjoyed the moment I received my first acceptance email in December and everything began to fall slowly into place.
DPT APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Fulfilled prerequisites
GRE (most programs)
Transcript(s)
PT observation hours
Personal Statement
Letters of Recommendation
Supplemental materials (program dependent)
PTCAS APPLICATION
The PTCAS Application Instructions has everything you need to know about the application so read this carefully. One recommendation I have is to make a list of the schools you want to apply to (research each of them!) so you know each program’s deadline and materials required.
INTERVIEWS
A few weeks prior to my interview, I started to brush up on my interviewing skills and practiced aloud with friends, family, and other professionals. These are some of the questions I prepared:
Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to be a physical therapist?
What kind of experience do you have in the field?
What do you think is the most challenging aspect of becoming a physical therapist and why?
How do you see physical therapy evolving in the future?
Why did you select our program and why would you like to attend it?
What strengths and skills do you possess to become a successful physical therapist?
What are some of your weaknesses?
What would you consider to be your biggest failure in life?
How will you handle conflicts in the clinical setting?
What steps would you take to address poor professionalism in a clinical setting?
What motivates you to do your best? How do you motivate others around you?
What do you think is the most pressing issue in this field today and how will it be overcome?
Can you explain what the APTA is and how it has shaped this field?
Can you describe direct access?
How do you manage stress/heavy course loads?
Can you describe your study habits and how they will help you be successful?
Do you think short term goals or long term goals are more important? Why?
What career would you pursue if you weren't doing PT?
If you saw a classmate cheating off you during an exam, what would you do?
My interview was about four hours long, which included a tour of the facility, an orientation with information about the program, my actual interview, and a period of time where refreshments were served and applicants had the opportunity to connect with current students in the program. Seize this opportunity and ask questions about what it is really like to be a DPT student. Engage yourself as much as possible!!
Do your research beforehand and make sure you know all of the important information about the programs you are applying to. Have questions prepared for the faculty and current students. It is very useful to know about the class size, the faculty and their interests, current students, community and global initiatives, spectrum of specialties covered, NPTE stats and passing rates, and a little bit about the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) prior to your interview day. This information can be discussed and used during your interview to make relatable conversation with your interviewer and show that you have not only prepared well for your interview, but have already invested yourself in learning about the program.
My most important tip is to just BE YOURSELF! It's natural to be nervous - I mean the interview has the potential to make or break you, but try to keep calm and be yourself. Don’t forget that the interview is also for the admissions committee to learn more about you and why you would make a great addition to their program. Your goal should be to set yourself apart from all of the other applicants. Most of the students coming in look very similar on paper and have all done well scholastically with impressive GPAs and GRE scores. So, the interview is where you MUST stand apart from the masses. Most interviewers want to see that you have the ability to hold a conversation and show genuine interest and passion in becoming a DPT.
Do answer the question asked but also let your personality shine. The interview is the program's first indication of your people skills and how well you will be able to communicate with future patients (don’t forget to smile).
COSTS…
Applying to DPT school will cost you (depending on how many programs you apply to).
GRE exam: $205.00
GRE study materials (Magoosh): $150.00
Sending GRE exam scores to schools: the more schools, the more money
PTCAS fee to send application: the more schools, the more money
Supplemental application fees: varies by program
Sending transcripts to PTCAS: $25.00
Non-refundable program deposit: $500.00
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) membership: $90.00
Estimated tuition for a 3-year private institution: check your program
WHAT IF I DON’T GET ACCEPTED?
I know it’s heartbreaking, but try not to get discouraged. Many qualified applicants get denied each year; this is a very competitive field. If you choose to reapply, especially to programs you have previously applied to, take initiative to reach out to those programs. It will show persistence and perhaps they can discuss with you on how to improve your application.
Some recommendations based on my own experience:
Retake GRE to obtain a higher score
Retake classes that you received a C or below
Obtain more observation hours or volunteer in your community
Obtain new certifications (CSCS, CPT, etc.)
Things don’t always work out the way we want them to, but sometimes these are blessings in disguise. I am beyond happy to be where I am currently.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Happy Thoughts!
-C