How to Strategically Tackle Prerequisites for a Strong Application

When considering a career in physical therapy, preparing a standout application for PT school is crucial. One of the most critical components? The prerequisites. Excelling in these courses not only demonstrates your academic capabilities but also significantly enhances your chances of admission.

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Understanding the Weight of Prerequisites

Prerequisites aren't just boxes to check off on your way to PT school; they're a key determinant in your application's success. In fact, they hold the most weight of your entire application. Ideally, if you have have a prerequisite GPA of 3.5 or higher, you should feel safe about your GPA being competitive enough. PT schools look for a high prerequisite (or science GPA) because these high standards highlights your readiness for the rigorous doctoral coursework that a PT program entails and sets you apart from other candidates.

If you don't have a prerequisite GPA of 3.5 or highly, I would highly recommend that you start retaking any courses that your received a C in. (side note: DPT programs will not consider courses with a C- or lower; meaning you HAVE TO retake these classes). I would recommend that you prioritize retaking the following courses: Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry series, Physics series.

The Flexibility of Course Selection

A major advantage for PT school applicants is the ability to fulfill prerequisites at various institutions, meaning taking them at community college. This flexibility means you can select courses from different colleges, tailoring your learning environment and schedule to your needs. Plus it saves you money.

If you plan to take prerequisites at your university, that is 100% fine! But know that DPT schools will accept the same course if you took it at a community college or at another university. When you fill out the PTCAS application, all you need to do is submit your transcripts and verify that you fulfilled the prerequisites. BIG

THINGS TO PAY ATTENTION TO:

• Ensure that the credits are compatible, particularly between semester and quarter systems. It's essential to confirm that the credits you earn will seamlessly transfer to meet the PT school criteria.
• If labs are required, then you must take the course + lab in person The level of the course matters (ex: introductory bio vs general bio). Often times universities will auto enroll you in an introductory course simply to checkoff the science general education requirement, BUT you need to ensure that you take the course offered by the actual department. Only department level courses are accepted.
  • Here is an example from Duke University's website: Biology courses should be taken within the Biology department. Courses should be General Biology level or higher (introductory courses will not be accepted).
• Covered topics: classes like physics, psychology, statistics require specific topics to be covered. For example, statistics could be offered via "calculus based statistics" or "psychology based statistics." Different PT schools require different topics to be covered. Double check that the course you are taking covers these topics.

Strategic Application Timing

While the bulk of your prerequisites should be completed before applying, it's possible to have one or two (sometimes even three) courses pending/planned at the time of your application submission. This strategy can be beneficial, especially if you don't want to take a gap year. This is how current seniors who still have a whole year before they graduate are able to still apply to PT school.

For example: an incoming senior still has 1 year before they graduate. They still need to take chemistry 2, physiology in the fall and statistics in the spring. They are (likely) still eligible to apply to DPT school.

Here is the caveat: every DPT program will allow (or not allow) a certain number or courses to be pending/planned. Some programs require you to have all your courses completed by the time you apply. Some programs require up to [#] to be pending/planned. Some programs don't care, as long as you complete them by the time you start DPT school. You have to pay attention to how many classes and when is the deadline.

Here are some examples:

• Azusa Pacific University DPT: "All prerequisites must be completed by the end of the fall term before the program starts."
• Duke University DPT: "Prospective students may apply before all prerequisite courses are completed. However, our Admissions Committee recommends that as many basic science courses be completed as possible at the time of application, especially anatomy and physiology. Prior to matriculation all official transcripts showing that all prerequisite courses have been completed and admissions requirements have been met must be received and verified before classes begin in August."
• Boston University DPT: "We ask that you not have more than two outstanding prerequisite courses during the spring semester of the year you intend to enroll. You may have courses still in progress during the application process, but all prerequisites must be completed by the start of the program."

Expired Courses

Did you know that prerequisites expire? If you are changing your career, or started to work right after undergrad and finally decided to go back to school -- pay attention. Most programs will accept prerequisite courses taken in the last 5-10 years (yes thats a big range so you MUST double check this). Meaning as you are planning out the next several years before you apply to DPT school, please consider the expiration date. You don't want to get to application time and realize that you need to retake an expired course.

FAQ

• Can I still get into PT school with a low prerequisite GPA?
  • This is very possible, but also challenging. I have helped students with as low as a 2.7 GPA get into PT school. BUT this means that you must have the other parts of your application stand out (like experiences and personal statement).
  • I don't meet the minimum GPA requirement. What do I do?
    • First off, most DPT programs will replace and take the higher grade when they calculate your prerequisite GPA (note: overall GPA is calculated with all grades on your transcript). So when you self calculate your prerequisite GPA, make sure you only count the higher grade. Here is how PTCAS will calculate your GPA.
    • Second, I would recommend searching for schools that have NO MINIMUM REQUIREMENT. That way you will be eligible to apply. Keep in mind that there are only a few programs like this so you will have to spend time researching every PT program AND also be open to different schools that might not be where you initially planned to attend.
  • How do I know if I should retake a class or not?
    • I always recommend students to retake classes if their prerequisite GPA is 3.2 or lower (this is after your have taken ALL your classes). DPT programs emphasize anatomy and physiology grades so that's where I would start if you got a C+ or C. Then I would prioritize retaking Chemistry and Physics.
  • I got a B. Should I retake the class?
    • If you got all Bs, your GPA would be a 3.5. So you would still be considered a strong applicant. Of course it can always help you, but I think you time and money is better spent improving the other parts of your application (like hiring a PT mentor to guide you -- lol shameless plug)

Action Steps to Optimize Your PT School Application

Check Your Credits

Before applying, verify whether your completed prerequisites are on a quarter or semester system. This verification is crucial as it affects how they align with your target PT schools' requirements, ensuring no surprises during the application review process.

Top School Requirements

List your top 10 preferred PT schools and meticulously compare their prerequisite requirements. Identifying common courses across these schools can save you both time and money, allowing you to focus your efforts where they count the most.

Bypassing Pre-Prerequisites

Some PT programs may require prerequisites for the prerequisites, like needing algebra before taking chemistry. Inquiring about the possibility of bypassing these foundational courses can expedite your preparation process and potentially accelerate your application timeline. Ask your schools counselor if you can use AP credits or high school honor classes to bypass this.

Take Prerequisites at a Community College

Save your money. Take this route. Also consider taking online classes that don't require a lab -- like medical terminology, english, statistics, psychology, etc.

Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help:

1. PT Application Bootcamp: Receive guidance how to fill out your PTCAS DPT school application, personal statement PT school essay help, and my top strategies to ace your interview. This program is only for students who are ready to apply for the upcoming application cycle.
2. Personal Statement Essay Coaching: Get you an edge in the competitive field of physical therapy school admissions by having your personal statement stand out. This one-on-one coaching program has helped even the lowest of GPA students get accepted into multiple DPT programs.
3. Total Application and Essay Coaching: This is my most premier one-on-one coaching program, meticulously designed to guide you through the intricate process of your PTCAS application, covering how to step-by-step fill out the application with a strategy, completing a personal statement essay that stands out, and up to 7 supplemental question essays.