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.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Importance of Early Planning in PT School Application

The first paragraph discusses a student's experience who was advised to delay his application due to multiple shortcomings, such as not meeting the minimum GPA requirement, not having taken the GRE, lacking a refined essay, and missing the early application deadline. The coach emphasizes the importance of planning ahead to avoid these mistakes. Dr. Justin Lee introduces himself as a PT admission expert and outlines the purpose of the video: to educate viewers on the top five common mistakes made by students applying to physical therapy school.

05:01

🚫 Common Mistake: Applying Late and Not Meeting Minimum Requirements

The second paragraph highlights the first two common mistakes: applying right before the deadline and not meeting the minimum requirements for admission. Dr. Lee stresses the significance of applying early to physical therapy programs, as they often operate on a rolling admission basis, and the importance of checking and meeting minimum standards such as GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and observation hours in relevant clinical settings.

10:01

🔍 Ensuring Prerequisite Courses are at the Correct Level

The third paragraph addresses the mistake of not taking prerequisite courses at the appropriate level, particularly in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics. Dr. Lee explains the difference between general education courses and those offered by the respective departments that are required for PT school applications. He also advises on ensuring that credit conversions are accurate for students in quarter or semester systems.

Keywords

💡Assessment

Assessment in this context refers to the evaluation of a student's qualifications, strengths, and weaknesses in relation to their goals. In the video, the coach conducts an initial consultation and assessment to determine the student's readiness for application to a program, highlighting the importance of understanding one's preparedness before proceeding.

💡Delay

Delay, as used in the script, means to postpone or put off an action to a later time. The coach suggests delaying the student's application by a year or two to increase their chances of acceptance, indicating the student's current unprepared state and the need for a strategic approach to application timing.

💡Minimum GPA Requirement

Minimum GPA Requirement is the lowest grade point average a student must have to be considered for admission to a program. The script emphasizes the importance of meeting this requirement, as it's a fundamental criterion for application eligibility, and the student in the example had not met it.

💡GRE

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examinations, is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate programs. The coach points out that the student in the example had not yet taken the GRE, which is a critical step in the application process that should not be rushed or overlooked.

💡Essay

An essay, in this context, refers to a written statement that students submit as part of their application to express their goals, experiences, and reasons for applying to a program. The script mentions that refining an essay takes time, and the student had not yet started working on it, which is a common mistake that can delay the application process.

💡Rolling Admissions

Rolling Admissions is a process where applications are reviewed as they are received, and decisions are made on an ongoing basis until all spots are filled. The coach advises applying early in this system to maximize the chance of acceptance, as spots may fill up quickly.

💡Prerequisite Course

A prerequisite course is a class that a student must complete before taking more advanced courses or applying to certain programs. The script discusses the importance of taking the correct level of prerequisite courses, such as biology, chemistry, and physics, to meet the specific requirements for PT school admission.

💡Letter of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation is a document written by someone who can speak to the student's abilities and character, typically requested as part of an application. The coach stresses the importance of asking for these letters well in advance to avoid last-minute delays in the application process.

💡PT Application Boot Camp

PT Application Boot Camp is an online group coaching program mentioned in the script, designed to help students navigate the application process for physical therapy schools. It represents a resource for students to learn strategies and secrets to increase their chances of acceptance.

💡Procrastination

Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks or actions to a later time. In the script, the coach warns against procrastinating tasks such as taking the GRE, which can lead to unnecessary stress and reduced chances of acceptance if not completed in a timely manner.

💡Competitive Programs

Competitive programs are those with a high demand and limited spots, making them difficult to get into. The coach mentions that public school education programs are often the most competitive, and thus, require the utmost preparation and strategic application to stand out.

Highlights

Coach advises delaying application if chances of acceptance are low.

Student's application issues included not meeting minimum GPA, no GRE, and unprepared essay.

Essay preparation time is crucial and should not be rushed.

Applying early is recommended to take advantage of rolling admissions.

Students should apply by August to maximize chances of acceptance.

Checking minimum requirements for top programs is essential.

Minimum standards include GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and observation hours.

Prerequisite courses must be at the appropriate level for PT school admission.

Students often mistake general education courses for prerequisite courses.

Credit conversion is crucial for students in quarter systems.

Asking for letters of recommendation too late can delay applications.

Recommendation is to ask for letters two months in advance.

Taking the GRE at the same time as applying can be detrimental.

GRE should be taken in advance, ideally in the spring or summer before application season.

PT application boot camp offers coaching to avoid common mistakes.

Coaching program helps maximize chances of acceptance into PT school.

Public school education is often more competitive and requires a strong application.

Transcripts

student that I coached a couple years

ago where he made a lot of mistakes and

as I was going through an assessment

with him in our initial consultation

I took a big sign and said hey buddy

I think that we are going to have to

delay you a year or two maybe to give

you a better chance because there is

just very little chances that you're

going to get accepted this year and he

was kind of taken aback and kind of

almost pissed off and agitated it's like

why like I've been working really hard

the last year to get all my classes in

and everything why would you recommend

this and

it turns out that that this guy number

one was trying to apply to a program

where one he did not even meet the

minimum GPA requirement two has not

taken the GRE yet three has not worked

on the essay and is trying to rush

everything when the essay takes a long

time to refine and make the best

possible and four he's already kind of

past that applying early rolling and

Mission time and his trajectory was

pretty much trying to hit right at the

deadline

so there were a lot of mistakes here

that could have been avoided had he

planned a little bit earlier so in this

video we're going to talk about the five

most common mistakes that we can learn

and this is just a student one example

but I encounter a lot of students who

make these mistakes whether that's all

five or some of them and I'm sure that

as you're watching this video we can

help avoid those mistakes too so let's

get into it Lego what's up everyone my

name is Dr Justin Lee physical therapist

I'm the PT admission expert and I help

students get accepted into physical

therapy school the first time so here

are the five most common mistakes that I

see when students are applying to PT

school

[Music]

number one

students are waiting to apply right

before the deadline

I talked about this so many times if a

school's deadline is let's say October

15th do not wait right before to apply

and send everything in this is going to

be really important because most

programs are rolling Admissions and the

earlier you apply the better I've talked

about this many many many many times I

recommend students applied by August

latest to really have their best chance

to take advantage of that Rolex and

Mission Part all right we're going to go

through numbers two through five here in

a little bit but make sure you wait till

you hear about number four and five

because these things you can definitely

control right now and if you don't take

advantage of that control right now then

later on when you are ready to apply

your hands are in a cuff and you have no

control over what to do so please watch

this video and hear number four and five

for that information

thank you

number two you did not meet the minimum

requirements so you have your list of

top programs but you haven't really

checked out the requirements what's the

minimum GPA both overall prerequisite or

science GPA what's the minimum GRE what

is the minimum letters of recommendation

what is the minimum observation hours

and for which setting clinical setting

see these minimum requirements are there

on purpose and there are a lot of

students who apply and they are not

qualified because they do not hit these

minimum level standards so please double

check your top list and make sure you're

hitting these minimum standards

[Music]

okay number three is that you are not

meeting the prerequisite level course

meaning if you have a biochem or physics

these are generally the most common

mistake classes there are two level

courses there is the fundamental class

which is what's mostly offered to

fulfill the general education

requirement and then there is the high

science class right and these are the

classes that are offered by the

department so biology instead of taking

fundamental biology or just intro to

biology you should be taking General

biology that is given by the biology

Department same thing with chemistry and

physics most programs will have two

level classes let's say you're a

communication major there is no reason

that you should be taking this high

level biology course you just need a

regular biology course just to fulfill

that science general education right but

that communication student is not trying

to get into PT school so this makes most

sense for that person but for you who's

trying to get into BT School you need

this higher level course I had so many

many students who show me their

prerequisites and their application and

they show me the classes that they're

taking and unfortunately the biology

chemistry and physics class is not at

the level that it should be so that is a

no-go and that means they have to wait

several years to take the appropriate

class now in addition to this if you are

a quarter or a semester system you

better make sure your credits match up

too most programs will do a semester

based system or a full year right a full

year of semester-based credit is eight

credits a full year of quarter-based

credits is 12 credits so make sure you

have that conversion if you're going

from quarter to semester so you're

fulfilling that prerequisite

requirements

thank you

number four number four and five are the

things that I told you that you should

have control over now number four is

making the mistake of asking for a

letter of recommendation too late

oh this frustrates me so much when I'm

working with students and they're

getting ready to apply like okay I got

my essay done I got all the stuff in

great I'm ready to apply and I asked

them how about your letter of

recommendation oh

I didn't ask yet okay well if you ask

them do you think they're going to be

done in a week

no your physical therapist or your

professor has so many other things to do

you have to give them ample time to

write your letter of recommendation I

recommend two months in advance so

pretty much as soon as ptcast opens ask

your professor your physical therapist

whoever you need to for that letter of

recommendation the last thing that you

want is to be ready to apply and now

you're waiting for your letter of

recommendation that you have absolutely

no control over and something where you

should have applied you would have

applied by August now you are waiting

till September or October to submit a

completed application

I would hate myself and I'd be so

frustrated if that was me in that

situation so please let's avoid this

common mistake and ask for your letter

of recommendation early

[Music]

okay number five is going to be taking

the GRE

at the same time that you are applying

to PT school

ah man

when you're watching if you're watching

this video chances are it's probably not

during the application process chances

are it's probably application has passed

or you're preparing to apply

you can take the GRE anytime

take it now do not take the GRE at the

same time that you are applying there is

so many more other things that you

should be focused on like writing a

really really good essay putting all of

your energy on finishing up your

prerequisite classes or submitting your

application those are the things they

should be focused on not the GRE you can

totally take this years in advance but I

don't know why students procrastinate

this

please take the GRE what I recommend is

in the spring or the summer right before

PT cast opens in June so take it

anywhere from January February March

April or May and then get your results

and then when applications open up in

June you can get those results and

submit it with your application this is

also important because let's just say

you don't get the score that you want

and there's always time to retake that g

r e

these are the top five most common

mistakes I'm curious which one resonated

with you which one did you not know of

I'd love to hear in the comments below

now when you are ready to apply to PT

school what I'd recommend is to join my

online group coaching program PT

application boot camp in this group

coaching program I'm going to teach you

all the secrets of the application I'm

going to teach you these things to avoid

and things to capitalize on so that you

can have your best

vacation ever so that you can

highest chances to get accepted to PT

school the students that were in this

program got into multiple PT programs

and I'm confident that I can help you

out too I've done this for many years

and I'm coaching students through this

process because there is not a resource

out there that helps students do this so

if you're looking to give yourself the

best shot to get into PT school

especially your Top Choice which is

hopefully a public school education

where their tuition is less I talked

about this before in one of my other

videos

those are the most competitive programs

so you need to have your best shot

possible

I'm the PT admission expert I can help

you

feel free to comment any questions that

you have below I'll see in the next

video have a great one you guys