Could I receive admission into a high-level college?

aquapt
Fri, 13 Dec 2019 09:38:39 +0000

How sure are you about pursuing PT?

If this is something you’re really set on, you’ll need to very seriously weigh the appeal of “dream schools” vs. that of direct-entry physical therapy opportunities. Getting into PT grad programs is quite difficult - not really any easier than getting into med school. You’ll need to be very GPA-focused, do well on the GRE, accumulate volunteer/shadowing hours… there will be pressure throughout your undergrad years to make the cut when it comes time to apply.

On the other hand, if you are accepted to a direct-entry program (most likely at a somewhat less “elite” school), you will just need to maintain the specified level of academic performance to continue in the program. Once you graduate and pass your boards, nobody will care whether you went to Chapel Hill or Slippery Rock or Shenandoah or Marquette.

There are some schools with top-tier reputations overall, that also have direct-entry PT programs. (Northeastern and BU, for example.) But wherever you apply, getting a direct-entry offer will be more competitive than general admission to the same school would be. Also, most direct-entry schools are private, so there’s also the question of your financial profile and which kind of schools will be affordable for you.

Here’s just one example of a direct-entry, six-year PT program, at Ithaca College. https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/school-health-sciences-and-human-performance/physical-therapy/six-year-clinical-doctorate

Are you hoping to pursue any of your sports in college? That’s another factor to take into account.

Try to log some volunteer/observation time at a PT practice this year - you will need that if you do apply to direct-entry programs, and it’s never a bad idea to get some exposure to your field of interest.