So you want to go to PT school...
You have already completed a couple steps that will help you to fulfill your career goal of becoming a PT! You have worked hard in high school to get into a great school; you have found an organization on campus that is full of great resources for you and full of great people willing to help you; and you have already started thinking about why medicine is right for you at an early time. Do not be afraid to ask questions of the people in this club who are just like you, who have been through a lot of this process before, and know exactly what you are going through. Use us as a support system!
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
GPA
Most PT schools have a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2023, the average GPA for students who matriculated into PT school was about a 3.6. However, this is not a “make or break” factor for PT schools. Many other factors are considered by PT schools, but obviously, the higher your GPA, the more likely you are to get into PT school. Along with the overall GPA, PT schools also look at science GPAs, which is the GPA derived from just your science-based courses. PT schools understand that science classes may be more difficult than non-science courses, so they may expect students’ science GPAs to be lower than non-science GPAs, but only by maybe a tenth of a point. So, do not slack off and work hard in every class!
Coursework
Different PT schools vary in their required prerequisite coursework, so visit that school’s website to figure out specific prerequisites. However, the required prerequisite coursework for in-state schools is listed below. (Last updated July 20, 2023). Remember to double-check these requirements on your own.
GPA
Most PT schools have a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2023, the average GPA for students who matriculated into PT school was about a 3.6. However, this is not a “make or break” factor for PT schools. Many other factors are considered by PT schools, but obviously, the higher your GPA, the more likely you are to get into PT school. Along with the overall GPA, PT schools also look at science GPAs, which is the GPA derived from just your science-based courses. PT schools understand that science classes may be more difficult than non-science courses, so they may expect students’ science GPAs to be lower than non-science GPAs, but only by maybe a tenth of a point. So, do not slack off and work hard in every class!
Coursework
Different PT schools vary in their required prerequisite coursework, so visit that school’s website to figure out specific prerequisites. However, the required prerequisite coursework for in-state schools is listed below. (Last updated July 20, 2023). Remember to double-check these requirements on your own.
NON-ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
Being involved in extracurricular activities, and still performing well in classes, tells the PT schools that you are serious as a student, but academics is not the only thing that you are passionate about. The key with the non-academic activities is not how many extracurricular activities you are involved with, but the degree with which you are involved with them. For example, being involved with like two or three clubs or organizations, but actively participating in those clubs or organizations as an officer or in a leadership position is better than being involved with ten different organizations, but only barely participating with that organization. The types of clubs and organizations that you are involved with will tell the PT schools a little more about who you are, and what you did with your free time. Ideally, your extracurricular activities should align with your intentions of becoming a PT. For example, get involved with a Pre-Professional Health program or organization (like AED or a Pre-PT Club!)
Volunteer Hours and Health Related Experience
PT schools require that their prospective students gain some health-related experience before applying. This experience is called PT Observation Hours. Most schools require a certain number of hours, and usually they should be paid. For specific numbers, research the number you will need for your specific school(s) that you are applying to. The general rule of thumb is to rack up as many PT Observation Hours as you can before applying, and make sure they are all documented and signed. These hours will help you determine if becoming a PT is right for you. Also, obtaining these hours will show PT schools that you are serious about being a PT; it will show them that you are motivated enough to go out and test your future career. Finally, it will help you in your interviews for PT school. When they ask you certain questions, you will have personal experiences and examples to help you answer certain questions.
If you want to learn more about the PT career, or want to connect and network, then look out for emails from AED, or the two Allied Health Co-Directors about upcoming events and meetings.
Being involved in extracurricular activities, and still performing well in classes, tells the PT schools that you are serious as a student, but academics is not the only thing that you are passionate about. The key with the non-academic activities is not how many extracurricular activities you are involved with, but the degree with which you are involved with them. For example, being involved with like two or three clubs or organizations, but actively participating in those clubs or organizations as an officer or in a leadership position is better than being involved with ten different organizations, but only barely participating with that organization. The types of clubs and organizations that you are involved with will tell the PT schools a little more about who you are, and what you did with your free time. Ideally, your extracurricular activities should align with your intentions of becoming a PT. For example, get involved with a Pre-Professional Health program or organization (like AED or a Pre-PT Club!)
Volunteer Hours and Health Related Experience
PT schools require that their prospective students gain some health-related experience before applying. This experience is called PT Observation Hours. Most schools require a certain number of hours, and usually they should be paid. For specific numbers, research the number you will need for your specific school(s) that you are applying to. The general rule of thumb is to rack up as many PT Observation Hours as you can before applying, and make sure they are all documented and signed. These hours will help you determine if becoming a PT is right for you. Also, obtaining these hours will show PT schools that you are serious about being a PT; it will show them that you are motivated enough to go out and test your future career. Finally, it will help you in your interviews for PT school. When they ask you certain questions, you will have personal experiences and examples to help you answer certain questions.
If you want to learn more about the PT career, or want to connect and network, then look out for emails from AED, or the two Allied Health Co-Directors about upcoming events and meetings.
GRE
Nearly every PT school in the USA requires the GRE, Graduate Record Examinations, standardized test to be taken by all of their prospective students. Studies have shown that GRE scores are good predictors of how successful a PT student is. The GRE is a 3 hour and 45 minute test that can be taken on paper or on a computer. Each test has six sections: two analytical writing sections, two verbal reasoning sections, and two quantitative reasoning sections. This test determines how well prospective students can apply knowledge and think critically. Click below to learn more.
Nearly every PT school in the USA requires the GRE, Graduate Record Examinations, standardized test to be taken by all of their prospective students. Studies have shown that GRE scores are good predictors of how successful a PT student is. The GRE is a 3 hour and 45 minute test that can be taken on paper or on a computer. Each test has six sections: two analytical writing sections, two verbal reasoning sections, and two quantitative reasoning sections. This test determines how well prospective students can apply knowledge and think critically. Click below to learn more.
APPLY
You will want to begin to think about the application process in your junior year. If you're ready for that step and want some more information or tips on the process, click the link below to get started.
You will want to begin to think about the application process in your junior year. If you're ready for that step and want some more information or tips on the process, click the link below to get started.
