5 PT School Application Mistakes that RISKS REJECTION | Why students get denied from PT school

Summary

In this video, Dr. Justin Lee, a physical therapist and PT admissions expert, outlines the top five mistakes students make when applying to physical therapy school. He emphasizes the importance of early application, meeting minimum requirements, taking prerequisite courses at the correct level, requesting recommendation letters well in advance, and not taking the GRE simultaneously with the application process. His advice aims to help students avoid these pitfalls and increase their chances of admission to their desired PT programs.

Takeaways

• 📅 Don't wait until the last minute to apply; aim to submit your application by August to take advantage of rolling admissions.
• 🔍 Check the minimum requirements for your top PT school choices to ensure you meet the GPA, GRE, recommendation letter, and observation hour standards.
• 🎓 Ensure you're taking the correct prerequisite courses at the appropriate level, especially for biochemistry, physics, and biology.
• 🕒 Ask for letters of recommendation well in advance, ideally two months before the application period, to avoid delays.
• 📝 Do not take the GRE at the same time as applying to PT school; plan to take it in the spring or summer before the application period opens.
• 🚫 Avoid common mistakes to increase your chances of acceptance into PT school, especially if you're aiming for competitive public school programs.
• 📝 The importance of refining your essay cannot be overstated; it takes time to create the best possible version.
• 📉 Understand that applying late can put you at a disadvantage, as many programs have a rolling admission process.
• 📚 Be aware of the difference between general education requirement courses and higher-level courses required for PT school prerequisites.
• 🔢 Pay attention to credit conversions if you're in a quarter system, making sure your credits align with semester-based systems used by most programs.
• 🤔 Reflect on which of the top five mistakes resonates with you and consider how to avoid them in your application process.
• 🌟 Consider joining a coaching program like the PT Application Boot Camp to learn secrets and strategies for a successful PT school application.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to discuss the five most common mistakes made by students when applying to physical therapy (PT) school and to provide advice on how to avoid them.

What is the first mistake mentioned in the video regarding PT school applications?

The first mistake is waiting to apply right before the deadline, which is not advisable due to the rolling admissions process where applying earlier increases the chances of acceptance.

Why is it recommended to apply by August for PT school?

Applying by August is recommended to take advantage of rolling admissions and to ensure that all application materials, including essays and prerequisite courses, are completed and submitted well before the deadline.

What is the second mistake discussed in the video?

The second mistake is not meeting the minimum requirements for the PT program, such as GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and observation hours.

Why is it important to check the minimum requirements for a PT program?

Checking the minimum requirements is crucial to ensure that the applicant is qualified for the program and to avoid wasting time and resources on an application that will not be considered.

What is the third mistake related to prerequisite courses?

The third mistake is not meeting the prerequisite level course requirements, such as taking the incorrect level of biology, chemistry, or physics courses needed for PT school admission.

Why should students take the higher level courses for prerequisites if they are not majoring in a related science field?

Students should take the higher level courses because these courses are typically required by PT schools to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the subject matter, which is essential for a career in physical therapy.

What is the fourth mistake mentioned in the script?

The fourth mistake is asking for a letter of recommendation too late, which can delay the application process and put the applicant at a disadvantage.

How far in advance should students ask for letters of recommendation according to the video?

Students should ask for letters of recommendation at least two months in advance to give the recommenders ample time to write a thoughtful and strong letter.

What is the fifth and final mistake discussed in the video?

The fifth mistake is taking the GRE at the same time as applying to PT school, which can分散 attention from other important aspects of the application.

When does the speaker recommend taking the GRE for PT school applicants?

The speaker recommends taking the GRE in the spring or summer before the application period opens, ideally between January and May, to ensure that results are available when applications are submitted.

What is the PT Application Boot Camp mentioned in the video?

The PT Application Boot Camp is an online group coaching program led by Dr. Justin Lee, aimed at teaching students the secrets of the application process to increase their chances of getting accepted into PT school.

How can students benefit from joining the PT Application Boot Camp?

Students can benefit from the PT Application Boot Camp by learning how to avoid common mistakes, capitalize on strengths, and gain insights to improve their application, ultimately increasing their chances of acceptance into PT school.