Well, not much has happened since I last posted. I'm still waiting for PTCAS to send my application to Drexel. However, Shenandoah has received my application. To tell you the truth, I'm not sure where I left off explaining my process for choosing a PT school. I'll pick that up next time, I hope.
However, on a separate note, I found a charity I am going to try and raise money for. The organization is called Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up. The foundation is located in Harrisburg, PA. After I raise/donate money, I'm going to complete a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This is all to support the fight against childhood AIDS in Africa. The goal is to raise $8,000 for this organization. I'm not sure how I'm going to raise the money, but my goal is to do it before I start PT school next year. (I know, lots of big plans between now and then!). If anyone reading this blog would like to support me, let me know, and I can post the link when I get set up. Right now, I'm in the process of trying to figure out how much support I may be able to get. If I feel like I will get enough support, I"m definitely going to do it!
I'll hopefully update my progress on both of these soon. Don't forget, let me know if you're interested in supporting me with this.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Long Time
I know it has been a long time since I last posted. I've been really busy. I'm taking two classes, working full time, and trying to get applications in on time. I've successfully applied to two schools so far, Shenandoah, and Drexel. I know I wanted to stay away from big cities, but I'm kinda seeing the benefits of being about 3 hours away from my parents. It is nice to have them come down and visit once and a while, or know it isn't a 5 hour drive home for a holiday.
Not much is going on right now for me other than class and work. It would be nice if my teachers wouldn't schedule tests on the same day. It isn't awful, but having a test at 9am and then 10:15am is a little challenging. I guess I should get used to it though. PT school is not going to be easy, no matter where I end up going.
Hopefully I'll be hearing back sometime about an interview. I'm going to try and update this more often. We will see how it goes. Next time I plan on continuing the explanation of the process I've been going through with PT school. This is not only for myself, but for anyone else who may be looking to go to school.
Not much is going on right now for me other than class and work. It would be nice if my teachers wouldn't schedule tests on the same day. It isn't awful, but having a test at 9am and then 10:15am is a little challenging. I guess I should get used to it though. PT school is not going to be easy, no matter where I end up going.
Hopefully I'll be hearing back sometime about an interview. I'm going to try and update this more often. We will see how it goes. Next time I plan on continuing the explanation of the process I've been going through with PT school. This is not only for myself, but for anyone else who may be looking to go to school.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
PTCAS Application
OK. Time to talk about the Application. Most PT schools participate in the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System (PTCAS). While some of the stuff they ask you to fill out is kind of a pain, I'd hate to have to fill something like this out for multiple schools. The application is divided into 3 sections; Applicant Information, Academic History, and Additional Information.
The first section, Applicant Information is fairly easy to complete. It consists of filling in your contact information (e.g. where you live and how you can' be reached by schools), personal information (where you were born, country of citizenship etc.) and background information (basically asks legal (potentially disqualifying) questions, like have you had your license revoked, does your transcript accurately reflect your capabilities, any academic or conduct violations, etc.). I guess if I was to give advice on this one, just be honest with yourself and the school. If you lie, they will find out. That will be worse than just telling the truth and letting them make a decision with all the facts.
The second section is Academic History. This section was a pain for me. In this section, you enter in where you went to school (could be multiple locations), and all your grades and test scores. Yes, I said all your grades, and they have to be entered manually. TAKE YOUR TIME. Start early. It doesn't take forever, but try not to rush it. It will make the reviewer's job easier. I'd suggest getting a copy of your transcript sent to you so you will see exactly the same thing as the PTCAS reviewer.
A friendly suggestion for those of you still in school, take 300 and 400 level classes. During my undergrad, we only had one 400 level class we could take. I figured 200 levels were upper level classes. They weren't intro classes, and the classes required you to have taken an intro class, so I figured they were appropriate to take junior and senior year as well. My school didn't care. I fulfilled all my graduation requirements. Unfortunately, during this process I found out the majority of my classes were "lower level" (freshman/sophomore) classes. Oh well, there isn't anything I can do about it now. I will be taking an upper level Biology class in the spring to help bolster my application.
The last section is Additional Information. This is were you enter your observation hours, extra curricular activities, work history, honors, and your licenses if you have any. Some schools will require over 100 hours of observation, so start early!!
I guess this is another section. After all this information is entered, you can enter information for your References, write your Essay, and designate your programs. There is also a section for certifying and declaring who you are and everything you entered was correct.
A fast note on your essay. The topic hasn't changed in the last 2 years. I signed up last year, just because I was impatient and wanted to see what the application looked like. The essay for the last two years is:
Which personal characteristics and motivating factors have led you to pursue the profession of Physical Therapy?
I am still working on my essay. For me it is the hardest part. Good luck to anyone who is working on it as well.
Hope this helps!
G
The first section, Applicant Information is fairly easy to complete. It consists of filling in your contact information (e.g. where you live and how you can' be reached by schools), personal information (where you were born, country of citizenship etc.) and background information (basically asks legal (potentially disqualifying) questions, like have you had your license revoked, does your transcript accurately reflect your capabilities, any academic or conduct violations, etc.). I guess if I was to give advice on this one, just be honest with yourself and the school. If you lie, they will find out. That will be worse than just telling the truth and letting them make a decision with all the facts.
The second section is Academic History. This section was a pain for me. In this section, you enter in where you went to school (could be multiple locations), and all your grades and test scores. Yes, I said all your grades, and they have to be entered manually. TAKE YOUR TIME. Start early. It doesn't take forever, but try not to rush it. It will make the reviewer's job easier. I'd suggest getting a copy of your transcript sent to you so you will see exactly the same thing as the PTCAS reviewer.
A friendly suggestion for those of you still in school, take 300 and 400 level classes. During my undergrad, we only had one 400 level class we could take. I figured 200 levels were upper level classes. They weren't intro classes, and the classes required you to have taken an intro class, so I figured they were appropriate to take junior and senior year as well. My school didn't care. I fulfilled all my graduation requirements. Unfortunately, during this process I found out the majority of my classes were "lower level" (freshman/sophomore) classes. Oh well, there isn't anything I can do about it now. I will be taking an upper level Biology class in the spring to help bolster my application.
The last section is Additional Information. This is were you enter your observation hours, extra curricular activities, work history, honors, and your licenses if you have any. Some schools will require over 100 hours of observation, so start early!!
I guess this is another section. After all this information is entered, you can enter information for your References, write your Essay, and designate your programs. There is also a section for certifying and declaring who you are and everything you entered was correct.
A fast note on your essay. The topic hasn't changed in the last 2 years. I signed up last year, just because I was impatient and wanted to see what the application looked like. The essay for the last two years is:
Which personal characteristics and motivating factors have led you to pursue the profession of Physical Therapy?
I am still working on my essay. For me it is the hardest part. Good luck to anyone who is working on it as well.
Hope this helps!
G
Sunday, July 31, 2011
What you need for PT School
OK, well here is the start of the PT application process. Hopefully I'm going to go over what is needed for your application into a PT program.
It may sound silly, but the most important thing you need is an education. In general, it doesn't matter what major you are or where you go to school. Most PT Programs accept any major. That being said, of course those people who choose a major like Biology, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science will probably have the prerequisites fulfilled when they make their decision. But, any major will do. Personally, I majored in Psychology, and minored in Philosophy.
Now the pre-requisites... For the most part, programs want you to have some scientific coursework. These include, 2 semesters of; Chemistry, Physics, and Anatomy and Physiology. Also, many programs want a Statistics course, and 1-2 Psychology courses. Each program varies with their requirements, but taking these courses isn't a bad idea before you even start looking at programs. However, when you start looking at schools, make sure you've taken the required courses, so you don't disqualify yourself for something silly. You are required to get a C in each of the prerequisite courses.
Standardized Tests: For this, a general rule of thumb is to take the GRE's. I know they can be a pain, but if you take them, and your school doesn't require them, that's OK. The GRE's do cost money, but in my experience, it's worth it to take the test first, and then go from there. If English is not your first language, you will probably be required to take the TOEFL Exam. This test is designed to make sure you can handle the work of a graduate course taught in English (that is the extent of my knowledge about that test).
I don't think I'm missing anything from this list. My advice to students is to start taking the prerequisite courses when you're thinking about PT school. That way you can take them at your leisure, and don't have to fit them in your last two semesters. Also, the Anatomy & Physiology courses will help you determine if the subject matter interests you. I may add to this list later, if I remember something I've forgotten.
(I know I'm leaving out the application, but that will be next time)
G
It may sound silly, but the most important thing you need is an education. In general, it doesn't matter what major you are or where you go to school. Most PT Programs accept any major. That being said, of course those people who choose a major like Biology, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science will probably have the prerequisites fulfilled when they make their decision. But, any major will do. Personally, I majored in Psychology, and minored in Philosophy.
Now the pre-requisites... For the most part, programs want you to have some scientific coursework. These include, 2 semesters of; Chemistry, Physics, and Anatomy and Physiology. Also, many programs want a Statistics course, and 1-2 Psychology courses. Each program varies with their requirements, but taking these courses isn't a bad idea before you even start looking at programs. However, when you start looking at schools, make sure you've taken the required courses, so you don't disqualify yourself for something silly. You are required to get a C in each of the prerequisite courses.
Standardized Tests: For this, a general rule of thumb is to take the GRE's. I know they can be a pain, but if you take them, and your school doesn't require them, that's OK. The GRE's do cost money, but in my experience, it's worth it to take the test first, and then go from there. If English is not your first language, you will probably be required to take the TOEFL Exam. This test is designed to make sure you can handle the work of a graduate course taught in English (that is the extent of my knowledge about that test).
I don't think I'm missing anything from this list. My advice to students is to start taking the prerequisite courses when you're thinking about PT school. That way you can take them at your leisure, and don't have to fit them in your last two semesters. Also, the Anatomy & Physiology courses will help you determine if the subject matter interests you. I may add to this list later, if I remember something I've forgotten.
(I know I'm leaving out the application, but that will be next time)
G
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Skip around (Visited a school)
Well, I know at the end of my last post I said I'd start to write about my decision process, and what I've gone through to get here, but that's going to change. This is fresh in my head, and I don't want to forget about it. Yesterday, while driving home from Roanoke, I visited Shenandoah University.
I was fairly nervous before the meeting. It was the first time I had stepped onto a campus as a prospective DPT student. I had been exchanging emails with one of the faculty members, and I figured it would be worth my time to stop in for a visit.
First of all, the location. It was not a metropolis in any sense of the word. Winchester is about an hour and a half west of Washington D.C., in northern Virginia. There was a walking mall, with numerous outdoor cafe's and shops. The neighborhoods seemed cozy. There was an interesting mix of people around. There were some odd middle aged men who were people watching on the stoop of a vacant shop, as well as young parents and elderly people walking the streets. The faculty members I talked to said that Winchester was one of the safest places for a family (but then again people who are trying to sell something will paint it with rose colored glasses).
One thing I really liked about the location/program, was that people were active. Multiple faculty members commented on how a lot of the people in the program would go on hiking/camping trips. Also, some of the faculty members will join the activities, like softball or basketball. That seems great. I know that if this is going to be as hard as I think it is, I"m going to need to blow off some energy somehow, and what better way than a pickup basketball game with people in the program.
Now for the actual program. The program is structured around your cohort. The cohort is together the entire time. Class size is about 40. One negative thing I ran into was it seemed like a small space. There is one classroom for the first years, and then the second and third years share another classroom. They weren't huge, but I guess everyone must be comfortable in the rooms together. However, I'm not sure spending all day in one of those classes would be the greatest (and by one day I mean 8ish-5ish). But from what I've gathered, its normal to be in class all day long.
I'm not really sure what else to say about the program. I think it helped me to get a better idea of what it is going to be like as a DPT student, but being my first visit, I have nothing to compare it to yet. Hopefully as time goes on, I'll have more comparisons, and be able to get a better feel for where I fit in and where I don't.
Next time, I'll hopefully write some about my beginning struggles, and the other challenges I've faced so far.
G
I was fairly nervous before the meeting. It was the first time I had stepped onto a campus as a prospective DPT student. I had been exchanging emails with one of the faculty members, and I figured it would be worth my time to stop in for a visit.
First of all, the location. It was not a metropolis in any sense of the word. Winchester is about an hour and a half west of Washington D.C., in northern Virginia. There was a walking mall, with numerous outdoor cafe's and shops. The neighborhoods seemed cozy. There was an interesting mix of people around. There were some odd middle aged men who were people watching on the stoop of a vacant shop, as well as young parents and elderly people walking the streets. The faculty members I talked to said that Winchester was one of the safest places for a family (but then again people who are trying to sell something will paint it with rose colored glasses).
One thing I really liked about the location/program, was that people were active. Multiple faculty members commented on how a lot of the people in the program would go on hiking/camping trips. Also, some of the faculty members will join the activities, like softball or basketball. That seems great. I know that if this is going to be as hard as I think it is, I"m going to need to blow off some energy somehow, and what better way than a pickup basketball game with people in the program.
Now for the actual program. The program is structured around your cohort. The cohort is together the entire time. Class size is about 40. One negative thing I ran into was it seemed like a small space. There is one classroom for the first years, and then the second and third years share another classroom. They weren't huge, but I guess everyone must be comfortable in the rooms together. However, I'm not sure spending all day in one of those classes would be the greatest (and by one day I mean 8ish-5ish). But from what I've gathered, its normal to be in class all day long.
I'm not really sure what else to say about the program. I think it helped me to get a better idea of what it is going to be like as a DPT student, but being my first visit, I have nothing to compare it to yet. Hopefully as time goes on, I'll have more comparisons, and be able to get a better feel for where I fit in and where I don't.
Next time, I'll hopefully write some about my beginning struggles, and the other challenges I've faced so far.
G
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
PT Decision
Well let's see. I left off yesterday after coming back from Italy...
When we got back to the US, it was time for me to find a job. I had postponed this decision as long as I could. Before my senior year of college, I had thought that I wanted to become a Sports Psychologist. After doing and independent study, and some research, I realized that it wasn't going to be for me. It just didn't interest me enough.
I eventually got a job in Lancaster as Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS) for children with mental disabilities. It was a great job for me. I was working with kids, providing emotional, physical, and social support. I felt like I was "doing good" with my life. I was in an inner-city school making a difference in a child's life. Unfortunately, the pay wasn't guaranteed. When the students were off from school, I didn't get paid. I don't like to think that the reason I left the job was because of money, but the truth is, it was. I had student loans that were coming due soon, and I needed to pay them. At this point, I was also living with my girlfriend at her parents' house. It was great opportunity to save money, but it wasn't home for me. It didn't matter how long I stayed there, I still felt like a guest in their house.
After about 2 months working as a TSS, I switched to my current job. I work nights and weekends as a Library Assistant at a college library. At various times, I had been flirting with the idea of becoming a Physical Therapist. Previously, I always had excuses why not to be a PT; didn't want to touch unclean people (HS), didn't think I had enough time for the education necessary, didn't think I was good enough or smart enough to get in to school.... etc. etc.. Cara, my girlfriend, and her parents, were huge in helping me talk though this decision. At this point, I wasn't completely sure that PT was for me, but I decided to take a class, and see how it went.
One of the benefits of my job is free undergraduate classes. I figured I'd enroll in a class, and see how it went. I only had to pay for the books, so it wasn't much of a financial burden. By this time, Cara and I had moved out on our own, and I felt better about my living situation.
The class I took that first semester, I took Anatomy & Physiology II. Throughout the semester, I realized that for the first time, I was really interested in the information presented in class. It wasn't difficult for me to study, and I enjoyed going to class. It was during this semester, that I decided to push forward with PT school. Unfortunately, I would have to wait and apply for Fall 2012 entry.
That's all I have time for now, but next time, I'll actually get into the meat of the PT process, and what I've done so far.
G
When we got back to the US, it was time for me to find a job. I had postponed this decision as long as I could. Before my senior year of college, I had thought that I wanted to become a Sports Psychologist. After doing and independent study, and some research, I realized that it wasn't going to be for me. It just didn't interest me enough.
I eventually got a job in Lancaster as Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS) for children with mental disabilities. It was a great job for me. I was working with kids, providing emotional, physical, and social support. I felt like I was "doing good" with my life. I was in an inner-city school making a difference in a child's life. Unfortunately, the pay wasn't guaranteed. When the students were off from school, I didn't get paid. I don't like to think that the reason I left the job was because of money, but the truth is, it was. I had student loans that were coming due soon, and I needed to pay them. At this point, I was also living with my girlfriend at her parents' house. It was great opportunity to save money, but it wasn't home for me. It didn't matter how long I stayed there, I still felt like a guest in their house.
After about 2 months working as a TSS, I switched to my current job. I work nights and weekends as a Library Assistant at a college library. At various times, I had been flirting with the idea of becoming a Physical Therapist. Previously, I always had excuses why not to be a PT; didn't want to touch unclean people (HS), didn't think I had enough time for the education necessary, didn't think I was good enough or smart enough to get in to school.... etc. etc.. Cara, my girlfriend, and her parents, were huge in helping me talk though this decision. At this point, I wasn't completely sure that PT was for me, but I decided to take a class, and see how it went.
One of the benefits of my job is free undergraduate classes. I figured I'd enroll in a class, and see how it went. I only had to pay for the books, so it wasn't much of a financial burden. By this time, Cara and I had moved out on our own, and I felt better about my living situation.
The class I took that first semester, I took Anatomy & Physiology II. Throughout the semester, I realized that for the first time, I was really interested in the information presented in class. It wasn't difficult for me to study, and I enjoyed going to class. It was during this semester, that I decided to push forward with PT school. Unfortunately, I would have to wait and apply for Fall 2012 entry.
That's all I have time for now, but next time, I'll actually get into the meat of the PT process, and what I've done so far.
G
Monday, July 25, 2011
About Me- Pre-PT Decision
Hey everyone,
This is my first blog. I am in the process of applying to various physical therapy programs. Throughout my search, I have come across may questions that I cannot find answers to. My goal for this blog is to allow other people who are going through the same thing to be able to get answers from my experience. I am by no means an expert, or the solution to all problems. This is a way for me to write my experience, and hopefully have others share their experience, or get some answers to their questions.
I spent my undergraduate career, studying Psychology and Philosophy while at Bucknell University. Bucknell was a great experience for me. My senior year of high school, I was recruited by the Track & Field team at Bucknell. When I stepped on campus for the first time, I knew it was the place I wanted to go. However, my first semester wasn't what I thought it was going to be. Originally, I wanted to major in Mathematics, but after almost failing Calculus II, I decided that wasn't the answer for me. I spent the next couple of semesters taking introductory courses, finally deciding on Psychology and Philosophy. I didn't do well in Psych 100, but I found some professors who I felt I connected with, which was one of the main reasons why I chose Psychology. I had wanted to double major in Philosophy, but with Track and working, I didn't feel that I would be able to double major, so I minored in Philosophy.
A side note on my athletic career, I was a member of the Bucknell Track & Field team all four years. My senior year, I was elected a captain, and the Men's Team won the Patriot League Championships for the first time since Army and Navy entered the League. That was one of my athletic goals, from the moment I started competing for the Bison.
I graduated from Bucknell in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and no idea what I was going to do for work. I was able to postpone this decision for a couple of months, since I had decided to take a trip to Italy with my girlfriend. We spent 6 weeks exploring Italy! It was one of the best experiences of my life. While in Italy, I realized something important about myself; I am not a city person. While in big cities, I wasn't comfortable. I was a little on edge. This was really obvious when I we returned from spending 10 days in this mountains outside of Florence on a Raspberry farm. We spent the next couple of weeks in Florence and Bologna. While I enjoyed our time in Bologna, I was really off in Florence. There were a couple of reasons for this, one of them I believe was because I'm not a city person. The two cities are completely different, and I had very different experiences in each of them. My uneasiness in large cities is one of the reasons why my search will primarily stay away from big metropolitan areas.
Unfortunately, I have to go. I'll continue my journey in my next post, hopefully soon!
Greg
This is my first blog. I am in the process of applying to various physical therapy programs. Throughout my search, I have come across may questions that I cannot find answers to. My goal for this blog is to allow other people who are going through the same thing to be able to get answers from my experience. I am by no means an expert, or the solution to all problems. This is a way for me to write my experience, and hopefully have others share their experience, or get some answers to their questions.
I spent my undergraduate career, studying Psychology and Philosophy while at Bucknell University. Bucknell was a great experience for me. My senior year of high school, I was recruited by the Track & Field team at Bucknell. When I stepped on campus for the first time, I knew it was the place I wanted to go. However, my first semester wasn't what I thought it was going to be. Originally, I wanted to major in Mathematics, but after almost failing Calculus II, I decided that wasn't the answer for me. I spent the next couple of semesters taking introductory courses, finally deciding on Psychology and Philosophy. I didn't do well in Psych 100, but I found some professors who I felt I connected with, which was one of the main reasons why I chose Psychology. I had wanted to double major in Philosophy, but with Track and working, I didn't feel that I would be able to double major, so I minored in Philosophy.
A side note on my athletic career, I was a member of the Bucknell Track & Field team all four years. My senior year, I was elected a captain, and the Men's Team won the Patriot League Championships for the first time since Army and Navy entered the League. That was one of my athletic goals, from the moment I started competing for the Bison.
I graduated from Bucknell in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and no idea what I was going to do for work. I was able to postpone this decision for a couple of months, since I had decided to take a trip to Italy with my girlfriend. We spent 6 weeks exploring Italy! It was one of the best experiences of my life. While in Italy, I realized something important about myself; I am not a city person. While in big cities, I wasn't comfortable. I was a little on edge. This was really obvious when I we returned from spending 10 days in this mountains outside of Florence on a Raspberry farm. We spent the next couple of weeks in Florence and Bologna. While I enjoyed our time in Bologna, I was really off in Florence. There were a couple of reasons for this, one of them I believe was because I'm not a city person. The two cities are completely different, and I had very different experiences in each of them. My uneasiness in large cities is one of the reasons why my search will primarily stay away from big metropolitan areas.
Unfortunately, I have to go. I'll continue my journey in my next post, hopefully soon!
Greg
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