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
