HI I thoroughly enjoy the helpfulness of your blog. I’m currently an incoming undergrad junior this Fall ’12 and plan to apply to DPT programs in Fall ’13. Do you know what’s the earliest I can start the application? Whether it expires in a certain amount of time? Also, I just started my volunteer/observation hours. For the programs that require verification from a PT, am I able to get that done early on the PTCAS application and also not expire? Any insight would be appreciated, thanks!

Hi, I just looked through your blog, and it looks great! I’m glad you find my blog helpful. For most schools, you’ll be applying through PTCAS. PTCAS becomes available in the first week of July, but it erases each year, so if you’re not applying until Fall 2013, don’t start PTCAS until July 2013 at the earliest. 

For PT verification, you’ll have to ask for that in July 2013 or whenever you begin completing PTCAS. Since you can’t start PTCAS yet, keep in touch with the PT until you’re ready to ask for them to verify your hours (and possibly write you a recommendation, since most programs require at least one from a PT). 

Let me know if you have any other questions.