Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy:

• Pick a major:  While there are specific courses required to apply to most physical therapy schools, you can major in anything; pick something you are passionate about.  By taking courses you love, you will earn better grades and be more competitive in your applications. Select several physical therapy schools that interest you, review the admission requirements and be sure to complete the prerequisites in addition to your major and general education courses. Click here to see the recommended courses for physical therapy school.
  

• Earn good grades:  Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher in your science classes and overall; the higher your GPA, the more competitive your application will be.

• Get health-related experience:  Learn what it is like to be a physical therapist through activities like shadowing and volunteering.  Physical therapy schools want to see that you have experience interacting with both physical therapists and patients.

•  Identify people to write recommendations:  You will need several recommendations for your application.  Start trying to identify professors, physical therapists and others who will be able to write good recommendations for you that emphasize your strengths.

• Prepare for your interviews:  A strong application will earn you interviews.  Prepare for these well in advance.  Google “physical therapy interview questions” and start thinking about answers to the questions you find. 

• Prepare for the GRE:  Physical therapy schools require you to take a standardized exam called the GRE.  Most students take this exam in late spring of their junior year.  Consider taking a GRE preparation course or study on your own. 

• Apply to physical therapy schools:  Most students submit their applications in the summer or fall following their junior year.  The earlier they receive your application, the better your chances of getting in.