Note: This was post written for a previous application cycle. As of June 15, 2023, there is a new PTCAS essay prompt.
This cycle I’m reading a lot of essay drafts from applicants whose personal statements don’t quite answer the PTCAS question – one potential way to get your application thrown out. When I ask why the writer hasn’t mentioned what got them interested in physical therapy, they acknowledge being hesitant to mention their first encounter with PT in the essay.
This is because of how the question is phrased: “Every person has a story that has led them to a career. Since there are a variety of health professions that “help” others, please go beyond your initial interaction or experience with physical therapy, and share the deeper story that has confirmed your decision to specifically pursue physical therapy as your career.”
My interpretation of the 2021 essay question is that it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t share your first experience with PT. It means to go beyond this. Most people’s first experience with PT is being in PT for an injury. Using myself as an example, I was introduced to PT when I sprained my ankle in high school. My essay wouldn’t go deep enough if I only said I wanted to be a physical therapist because I had a positive experience in PT.
What else happened to me along the way that confirmed my decision to enter the field?
I became a PT aide. I reflected on the things I loved about my first career in journalism and realized those things were still applicable to becoming a PT. I also did a lot of research, found other PT opportunities, and finished my prerequisite courses.
All of these experiences confirmed that PT was for me on a deeper level than just saying I had been in PT.
I would include most of that in my essay if I were applying to PT school today. If I left out the ankle sprain, though, the story would be incomplete. Why did I wake up one day and suddenly become a PT aide? If I left out the ankle sprain, it would be like I wrote a book, but deleted the first few chapters. The rest of the book wouldn’t make sense without them.
So, don’t be afraid to mention your first encounter with PT, but make sure you go beyond it when answering the prompt in your essay!
PS If you need extra preparation, take a look at my PT school essay course!