DPT students with Professor Kim Nixon-Cave
We often receive the question: "What are some tips for completing a strong application for the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program?”
With the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Services, or PTCAS, opening in mid-June, we decided to share these key tips when preparing your application to our DPT program, now with residential and hybrid options. First and foremost, read the application directions carefully, give yourself plenty of time to gather pertinent information and keep the following in mind:
1. Letters of Recommendation (LOR): The Pitt DPT program requires a total of three LOR’s. One letter of recommendation must be from a professor/instructor who taught a PT prerequisite course or a course associated with your undergraduate major. The two additional letters can be from an individual of your choosing. Check out our admission page for additional guidance.
All letters should be provided by individuals who know you well and can speak of your personal characteristics and traits that align with those of a successful graduate student or health care professional. It is important that the letters specifically highlight why you are a good candidate for the graduate-level program.
2. Personal Statement and Program-specific (PTCAS) short answer question: These areas are another opportunity for our admissions committee to learn more about you! Be sure to fully answer each prompt and tell us something that cannot be found on your resume or transcripts. Be sure to share the unique qualities that you hope to bring to the profession and that are critical to becoming an exemplar physical therapist.
3. Extra-curricular, Service and Work Activities: Were you a college athlete? Did you start your own club? Did you have a job throughout college, or were you a caretaker for a family member? Tell us more about your work, extracurricular activities, volunteer and leadership activities! This can also include any military work or ROTC experience. We recognize that each applicant has a unique journey to DPT school, and we want to learn about yours. We want to know what makes you stand out and what skills you have developed along the way, outside of the classroom.
4. Observation Hours: A minimum of 40 observation hours are required for application submission. These hours must be completed under the supervision of a licensed PT and can be volunteer hours or paid hours through a rehab aid/tech position. We want to see your commitment to learning about the profession in a variety of settings. You should consider both long-term and short-term experiences that span a variety of clinical settings.
5. Self-reflection on Academic Performance: This portion of the application is where you can share why your GPA may not reflect your academic capabilities. Provide further context and tell us how you overcame challenges! You can find this specific prompt within the PTCAS application – so be sure to use the prompt to share important context related to your specific academic journey.
6. Civic Awareness & Responsibility: The physical therapy profession is intimately engaged in all facets of rehabilitation, health, wellness and prevention for a broad range of individuals with unique lived experiences. We want to partner with individuals who share a similar drive for engaging with communities and populations with unmet needs. Be sure to share your civic awareness and sense of responsibility through your personal statement, Pitt-specific essay, or extracurricular activities and service.
We hope you find these quick tips beneficial. If you desire more information, review our DPT website or attend an upcoming information session with our Admissions team.
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Written by:
Grace Hariharan
Student Services Administrator
David Wert
Vice Chair of Doctor of Physical Therapy Education and Associate Professor
Updated May 21, 2024