As predicted, PTCAS opened June 15, 2021. But unexpectedly, it was the hard open — not thesoft open as predicted. This means completed applications can already be submitted, although it’s doubtful anyone can start and finish a great application in a day.
Also as expected, the personal statement prompt has remained the same for 2021-2022 as it was the 2020-2021 cycle. The 4500-character essay question is:
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.
Here is a previous post I wrote about what the prompt means.
Also, the optional COVID question is once again on the application. (Although some programs make it mandatory). That question is:
If you feel as though your pathway to a physical therapist education program was educationally, personally, or professionally impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic, please describe for your programs the impact you experienced. Some impacts you may want to consider when responding include:
- Educational: Did your institution move to requiring online or distance coursework? Were you able to effectively interact with your program faculty and professional staff and receive the support needed to succeed? Were you required to move to a Pass/Fail grading system? Did your GRE testing date get canceled or delayed?
- Personal: Did you unexpectedly have to change your living situation? Did you need to care for yourself or a loved one who was directly impacted? Did you seek out new volunteer opportunities that arose from the crisis?
- Professional: Did you have a change in employment status, a change in available shadowing experiences, or other professional or financial changes?
Here is my interpretation of this prompt. Not everyone should write it.
Good luck getting started!
PS If you need extra preparation, take a look at my PT school essay course!