When you apply to PT school, you’re applying with hundreds or thousands of other applicants who are similar to you. Every other applicant – or at the least the ones who will be considered – has similar grades, took the same prerequisite courses, had comparable physical therapy experiences, and has matching letters of recommendations.
No doubt there is something that sets you apart from the crowd, but what is it? Maybe it is something that will show up as an extracurricular or another item in your resume. Or maybe it’s something that won’t be apparent from your application at all.
Maybe you’ve changed majors or even changed careers before discovering physical therapy. Maybe you’re the first in your family to go to college. Something about you can set you apart from all the other applicants.
The essay is one of your only chances to do so.
Furthermore, the essay should highlight aspects of yourself that show what a great DPT student and physical therapist you will be. This is the chance to show how hardworking you are, how empathetic you can be, how you can overcome difficult situations, and work well with others. These traits are hard to convey in a list of activities, so the things you do in your essay should convey these or other positive characteristics.
The essay is especially important if there are parts of your application you’re less than proud of. Maybe your freshman year grades don’t show your full potential, or your GRE scores are hovering near the minimum threshold. Perhaps you weren’t able to get observation hours beyond those required.
If you’re worried that your stats or resume don’t paint the full picture of what a stellar applicant you are, the essay becomes even more important. It is your chance to shine.
PTCAS gives you 4500 characters. Make them count!
PS If you need extra preparation, take a look at my PT school essay course!