3 answers
Lalita
Student
Fort Wayne, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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What actions, as a college freshman, would be useful to increase your chances of being accepted into a graduate program?
I am going to be pursing a bachelor's degree in athletic training. Afterwards I will go on to pursue a doctorate's degree in physical therapy. I would like to dedicate myself, early in my college career, to actions I can take to ensure I will be a top candidate for the graduate PT school of my choosing. #college-admissions #physical-therapist #athletic-training
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3 answers
Dr. Kelly Desso
Protective Services
256
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Dr. Kelly’s Answer
Hi Lalita,
I would tell incoming undergraduates to be okay with criticism and reflect on their foundations. The most important classes at this level (I found) that helped me progress to the doctoral level were statistics and the required composition courses that they make you do. While the formatting and writing may seem "boring," the technical aspects will follow you throughout master's and doctoral programs. A lot of times, undergraduates can pick math electives, which is where the statistics courses come into play. When you are forced to do 4 or 5 levels of it in upper degrees, having this foundation helped. Some universities also have a capstone option for those in year 4, which will help you create proposals later.
I would tell incoming undergraduates to be okay with criticism and reflect on their foundations. The most important classes at this level (I found) that helped me progress to the doctoral level were statistics and the required composition courses that they make you do. While the formatting and writing may seem "boring," the technical aspects will follow you throughout master's and doctoral programs. A lot of times, undergraduates can pick math electives, which is where the statistics courses come into play. When you are forced to do 4 or 5 levels of it in upper degrees, having this foundation helped. Some universities also have a capstone option for those in year 4, which will help you create proposals later.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7219
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Lalita!
Actions to Increase Chances of Graduate Program Acceptance in Physical Therapy
1. Maintain a Strong Academic Record
Focus on achieving a high GPA, particularly in prerequisite courses for physical therapy programs. Most graduate schools require a minimum GPA (often around 3.0 or higher), but competitive programs may expect GPAs closer to 3.5 or above.
Take challenging courses that are relevant to physical therapy, such as anatomy, physiology, biology, and kinesiology. Excelling in these subjects will demonstrate your preparedness for advanced study.
2. Gain Relevant Experience
Engage in volunteer work or internships related to athletic training or physical therapy. This could include working in clinics, rehabilitation centers, or with sports teams.
Shadow licensed physical therapists to gain insights into the profession and understand the daily responsibilities and challenges they face.
3. Develop Strong Relationships with Faculty
Build relationships with professors and academic advisors who can provide guidance and mentorship throughout your undergraduate studies.
Seek opportunities for research projects or independent studies under faculty supervision; this can lead to strong letters of recommendation later.
4. Prepare for Standardized Tests
Familiarize yourself with the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) if required by your chosen graduate programs. Consider taking preparatory courses or using study materials to improve your scores.
Schedule your GRE test early enough so that you have time to retake it if necessary before application deadlines.
5. Participate in Extracurricular Activities
Join clubs or organizations related to health sciences, athletics, or community service. Leadership roles within these groups can enhance your resume and show commitment to the field.
Consider participating in research-related activities that align with physical therapy topics; this demonstrates initiative and interest beyond classroom learning.
6. Network Professionally
Attend workshops, conferences, and seminars related to athletic training and physical therapy. Networking with professionals can provide valuable insights and potential opportunities for internships or jobs.
Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the field of physical therapy.
7. Prepare a Strong Application Package
When it comes time to apply, ensure that your personal statement clearly articulates your passion for physical therapy and outlines your experiences that have prepared you for graduate study.
Obtain strong letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or professionals who know you well and can speak positively about your skills and character.
8. Stay Informed About Graduate Programs
Research various graduate programs thoroughly to understand their specific requirements and preferences regarding applicants.
Attend information sessions hosted by prospective schools when possible; this shows interest and allows you to ask questions directly from admissions staff.
By following these steps diligently throughout your undergraduate career, you will significantly enhance your chances of being accepted into a competitive graduate program in physical therapy.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
The APTA provides comprehensive resources on educational pathways for aspiring physical therapists including admission requirements for various programs across the United States.
2. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Official Website
This source offers detailed information about the GRE test structure, preparation resources, scoring guidelines, and how it factors into graduate school admissions processes.
3. National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)
NATA provides insights into athletic training education standards, professional development opportunities, and resources that help students prepare for careers in allied health fields like physical therapy.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|=============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Actions to Increase Chances of Graduate Program Acceptance in Physical Therapy
1. Maintain a Strong Academic Record
Focus on achieving a high GPA, particularly in prerequisite courses for physical therapy programs. Most graduate schools require a minimum GPA (often around 3.0 or higher), but competitive programs may expect GPAs closer to 3.5 or above.
Take challenging courses that are relevant to physical therapy, such as anatomy, physiology, biology, and kinesiology. Excelling in these subjects will demonstrate your preparedness for advanced study.
2. Gain Relevant Experience
Engage in volunteer work or internships related to athletic training or physical therapy. This could include working in clinics, rehabilitation centers, or with sports teams.
Shadow licensed physical therapists to gain insights into the profession and understand the daily responsibilities and challenges they face.
3. Develop Strong Relationships with Faculty
Build relationships with professors and academic advisors who can provide guidance and mentorship throughout your undergraduate studies.
Seek opportunities for research projects or independent studies under faculty supervision; this can lead to strong letters of recommendation later.
4. Prepare for Standardized Tests
Familiarize yourself with the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) if required by your chosen graduate programs. Consider taking preparatory courses or using study materials to improve your scores.
Schedule your GRE test early enough so that you have time to retake it if necessary before application deadlines.
5. Participate in Extracurricular Activities
Join clubs or organizations related to health sciences, athletics, or community service. Leadership roles within these groups can enhance your resume and show commitment to the field.
Consider participating in research-related activities that align with physical therapy topics; this demonstrates initiative and interest beyond classroom learning.
6. Network Professionally
Attend workshops, conferences, and seminars related to athletic training and physical therapy. Networking with professionals can provide valuable insights and potential opportunities for internships or jobs.
Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the field of physical therapy.
7. Prepare a Strong Application Package
When it comes time to apply, ensure that your personal statement clearly articulates your passion for physical therapy and outlines your experiences that have prepared you for graduate study.
Obtain strong letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or professionals who know you well and can speak positively about your skills and character.
8. Stay Informed About Graduate Programs
Research various graduate programs thoroughly to understand their specific requirements and preferences regarding applicants.
Attend information sessions hosted by prospective schools when possible; this shows interest and allows you to ask questions directly from admissions staff.
By following these steps diligently throughout your undergraduate career, you will significantly enhance your chances of being accepted into a competitive graduate program in physical therapy.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
The APTA provides comprehensive resources on educational pathways for aspiring physical therapists including admission requirements for various programs across the United States.
2. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Official Website
This source offers detailed information about the GRE test structure, preparation resources, scoring guidelines, and how it factors into graduate school admissions processes.
3. National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)
NATA provides insights into athletic training education standards, professional development opportunities, and resources that help students prepare for careers in allied health fields like physical therapy.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|=============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Matthew Armes, MS, NCC, NCSC, LPC
High School Counselor
33
Answers
Leesburg, Virginia
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Lalita, thanks for the question. There are several things you can do to improve your chances of receiving an offer for a physical therapy program in graduate school. First and foremost, during your freshman year of college, you would greatly benefit by doing well in all of your classes, but especially those within the math and science fields (biology, chemistry, anatomy, etc.) It's hard to say what specific science courses you'll have during your first year; that will depend on the conversations you have with your academic advisor. If you did well in high school with your science and math courses, you'll be well-prepared for these challenges in college. In addition to doing well in your coursework, it's also a good idea to find specific ways you can enhance your resume through related activities, such as professional organizations you can join and/or obtain field hours (i.e., working with various athletic teams, local athletic facilities, etc.)
Best of luck!