Advancing Diversity in Physical Therapy (ADaPT)

Advancing Diversity in Physical Therapy, or ADaPT@Pitt, is a program designed to engage, recruit and advance diverse students into graduate physical therapy education. ADaPT@Pitt provides structured opportunities for students to explore the profession of physical therapy and receive pre-admission support through the application process.

Activities include panel discussions with physical therapists and DPT students, professional and peer social events and informational sessions for completing your graduate school application.

Click here to join our mailing list and be the first to learn about our events! Students who are interested in an immersive experience are encouraged to apply to our Summer Scholar Experience.

Activities include panel discussions with physical therapists and DPT students, professional and peer social events and informational sessions for completing your graduate school application.

Click here to join our mailing list and be the first to learn about our events! Students who are interested in an immersive experience are encouraged to apply to our Summer Scholar Experience.

Interactive Information Session: Unlock Your Potential!

Join leaders from the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program for an engaging and interactive session: Unlock Your Potential: DPT Application Hacks You Need to Know. Discover the unwritten rules of the application process and equip yourself with the tools to succeed!"

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

Master the PTCAS application system like a pro.
Strategize to manage deadlines, prerequisites, and observation hours.
Create a personal statement that highlights your unique journey and passions.
Secure strong, impactful letters of recommendation
Optimize observation hours to boost your application.

This session is designed for you if you want to:

Demystify the DPT application process.
Understand how to leverage your strengths and experiences.
Access resources and strategies that empower your success.

Date: Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Time: 6:30p - 8:00p EST

Location: Virtual

Register Here

Summer Scholar Experience

This week-long immersive event will provide 10 scholars with an opportunity to stay on campus and participate in hands-on workshops. This experience funds meals and room and board and will include activities like clinical observation, crafting a personal statement, tips on completing a quality application, and social events with both peer and professional mentors. Students will get to interact with faculty from the #1-ranked Physical Therapy program in the country and increase the competitiveness of their future application to any DPT program.

Summer Scholar Experience Dates

Sunday, May 18, 2025 - Friday, May 23, 2025

Applications will open on Sunday, January 12, 2025!

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More Information:

Application Process

Participants best suited for this experience are rising sophomores, juniors and seniors from:

underrepresented racial and ethnic populations

individuals from geographically underrepresented areas

first generation students

All students are required to complete the online application and submit a brief personal statement.

The personal statement should indicate how you will benefit from the Summer Scholar Experience. The submission should be less than 500 words and limited to a 1 page, single-paced word document.

The application deadline is Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST.

*Note: You cannot save the application. The submission must be completed when you submit, otherwise you will be required to start over. Click here to see the items listed on the application.