Have a Low GPA?

Hello! I wanted to touch on a few things that applicants can do if they have a low GPA.   Of course, what constitutes a "low" GPA will vary from person to person.

The average GPA of students accepted into physical therapy school is seems to be somewhere around 3.4-3.6. It will vary depending on the school but if you have a GPA around there or higher, raising your GPA should not be that high on your list. However, if you are worried that your GPA is too low, here are a few things that you could do to help your application. Keep in mind every school accepts students below the “average GPA”.

I know the obvious thing to do with a low GPA is to bring it up. One of the best thing to do is to get both your science and cumulative GPA above a 3.0 before you apply. This is important because many schools will not look at your application if your GPA is below a certain number. If you have graduated from undergrad or nearing your undergraduate career and your GPA is below a 3.0, you could consider a post-bacc or masters program. If you are not that far above a 3.0, there are a few things you can do to strengthen your application. I would also suggest re-taking a few courses that you did not do as well in. To admissions committees, a low GPA often means misplaced priorities, lack of discipline, or poor study habits. Thus, you will need to go above and beyond to balance out a lower GPA.

Keep in mind that the application process for physical therapy school is very subjective and there are no hard and fast rules on how to get in. These are only a few suggestions from what I’ve learned during the application process since I went through the process twice. Remember that every other element of your application becomes that much more important and needs to be taken more seriously with a low GPA. You want to make sure that all the components of your application complement and flow well together. Admissions committees want to see an application that is complete and uniform.

Here are a few tips for the other parts of your application:

1. GPA

With a low GPA, admissions committees will want to see an upward trend. It is very important that your pre-requisite GPA is high. Try to stay away from “fluff” courses to pad your GPA since admissions look at your science GPA almost as much as your cumulative GPA. The schools will be able to see if there is a big discrepancy between the two GPAs. Pick classes that show you to be a well-rounded student as well as a student who will be able to handle a heavy course load. Having high grades with a rigorous course load in undergrad for more than one year is important. Schools will be looking at the difficulty/amount of courses that you took in undergrad to see if you will be able to handle PT school. (I am in my second semester of PT school and I have classes scheduled on an average of 35-40 hours a week).

2. Extracurriculars/Work/Volunteer/Research

Volunteer hours or physical therapy aide hours are very very important. Many schools require a certain amount of hours in a different settings so be sure to look on the schools website to find out what is required – I would suggest that you DO NOT rely on PTCAS and the information they have on their website. Increasing volunteer/observation hours is one of the most important things you can do to offset a low GPA.

Extracurriculars show that you are active in your community. But it is also important to maintain high grades while being apart of various extracurriculars. These activities don’t have to be health-related but it is good to have a few that are. Also, you want to show dedication, so stick with organizations that you are passionate about and move up into leadership positions.

How important research experience is will depend on the school that you are applying to. Most schools do like some research experience but may not consider it as highly as other schools. Schools that are very research based (such as UCSF) will like that you have research experience.

3. Personal Statement
This also needs to be exceptionally strong. This is your chance to stand out from all other applicants, especially if you have a lower GPA. Have people who are good editors and writers read your personal statement and have them be as harsh as possible. Read and re-read your personal statement and check for spelling and grammar mistakes!! Turning in statements with grammar or spelling mistakes show that you are sloppy or that you did not care. You want the admissions committees to read your statement and say “This is a solid applicant, I want him/her here” or “This is one of the strongest personal statements I have ever read”.

4. Letters of Recommendation

These are important, too. Ask professors in classes that you have done well in so they can vouch for your academic ability and strength. I would suggest that you do not ask a letter of recommendation from professors in classes that are not considered “rigorous” but this is up to your discretion! If you get letters from professors of rigorous courses that you did well in it shows that you have good work ethic. Also, if your professors can explain your academic missteps it could help (such as if you took a course as a sophomore in a class with seniors, they could emphasize that you were at a disadvantage because you had less preparation but were able to overcome that and still do well in the course).

5. GRE Scores
For schools that require GREs it is important that you meet their minimum requirement for each GRE section. There are a few schools that do not require GREs so if you are not a good test-taker, try to apply to schools that don’t require GREs.

6. Apply Early!

This is important for the schools that do rolling applications. Check each school’s website to see if they have rolling applications. If they do, your best bet is to apply early since they will be interviewing and sending out acceptances as the applications come in. If they do not have rolling applications, then it is not as important to send in your application early so don’t rush it and make sure you turn in an application that is well-written and complete.

7. Schools to apply to

I highly suggest for you to apply to schools that have interviews. With a low GPA, an interview will allow you the opportunity to meet the faculty and show who you are and to explain any academic missteps in your application.

Feel free to contact me with any questions (christina.ptblog@gmail.com) Good luck!!!