DPT  Know

My DPT journey was not an easy one. It took 3 times of applying to finally get accepted. But honestly, I learned so much about the application process and about myself. Initially, I thought I was ready to start school, but little did I know I really wasn’t. This doesn’t go to say that others who start DPT school right after graduating undergrad are not ready, just myself. I wasn’t ready in the sense that  as an individual I needed to grow more, and little did I know more opportunities in the Physical Therapy field were waiting for me.

The first year I applied to 2 schools A and B. I had taken the GRE and not done so well. I had also underestimated the importance of it and how to study for it.  I did not get accepted in to Aand by the end of March school B had not mentioned anything and I needed to make decisions about school. So, I withdrew my application and decided to delay my graduation from May to December. From May to December I did many things to improve my application.

From May-August I retook classes for higher grades. I then reapplied to DPT school during this summer. I thought I would be strategic and apply to schools that did not require the GRE. This was not the best idea because I limited my school choice greatly.

In August I sought out a job as a Rehab Aide (This job did not work out, I lasted six weeks. But for good reason, I wasn't happy!) I then found a job at a school for children with Autism and absolutely loved it! I was also still living at school for the fall semester, so what I did was worked with one of the DPT professors from my University. From this experience I began to learn what my passion was in the PT field. I knew I wanted to work with children, but I also learned that I wanted to help my community gain access to Physical Therapy. This really helped me in my essay writing and realizing how much of a life mission this is for me.

 I then graduated in December. Come January I had received one interview invite and rejections from the other schools I applied to. I went to the interview then got waitlisted - not because I wasn’t competitive but because I had applied too late compared to the other applicants and their class was full. They encouraged me to apply again the next year.

After this I felt so down and like I would never be a Physical Therapist. I then applied to a different grad program for a masters degree. I was accepted with a grad assistantship and a tuition waiver. I declined admission because something didn’t feel right I wasn’t happy. I knew where my heart was-with Physical Therapy. I then decided that summer that I would reapply. 

I left my job working at the school, and found my current job. I was hired at a  Clinic as an aide. I absolutely love my job! Anyways, I worked all summer to gain more hours at my job, I also developed a strong relationship with both the physical therapists I work with. This really helped my application. 

I had already retaken classes, gained more observation hours, so the only thing left was to retake the GRE.. I studied for two months and greatly improved my score (although my quantitative didn’t budge- I’m terrible at math lol). So I began the application process. I started my essay in June (PTCAS knows that the essay will be as early as June, so I bugged them for it on their Facebook page.). I received amazing letters of recommendation because I took the time to build strong relationships. I work at a place I love, that doesn’t feel like work.  I turned my application in at the end of July. I was finally ready to hopefully start PT school. 

Fast forward,8 months later: I received 3 DPT school acceptances, 4 waitlists, 5 interviews total, and 2 rejections.  But honestly to even have come this far and FINALLY be in Physical Therapy School is something I never thought would happen…..BUT IT DID!! I knew what I wanted and fought for it, I am so glad I did because I will be pursuing my dreams. I am so grateful. I will now be attending a great school that I am extremely excited to start at!

 

If you ever have any questions about my journey, the application process, your journey so far please do not hesitate to send me an

Email: dptknow@gmail.com or on

Student Doctor Network :username : ptlover