PTCAS changes the personal statement essay prompt every 2-3 years. On April 24, 2024, APTA confirmed that the prompt for the 2024-25 cycle will be: Every applicant is unique in their own way, possessing individual qualities, abilities, and backgrounds. What unique traits will you bring to the physical therapy profession that will help you to be successful?
This is a slight rewording of the 2023 prompt: “Every person has a background, an identity, interests, or talents which they feel their application would be incomplete without having mentioned. Describe the traits or experiences that make you unique and explain how they will help you be a successful physical therapist.”
Here are some of the past prompts I could find. PTCAS has only been around since 2008, so there aren’t any before this. I applied in 2011, so the prompt I personally answered is the last one, and I’ve been editing essays since 2017, so I’ve edited through several prompts.
2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23: “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.”
2018-19 and 2019-20: “Describe a meaningful experience in your life. Reflect on how that experience influenced your personal growth, such as your attitudes or perceptions.”
2016-17 and 2017-18: “What is professionalism in the context of being a student in a doctor of physical therapy program?”
2014-15 and 2015-16: “APTA’s vision for physical therapy is “transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience.” How will you embody this vision as a future physical therapist?”
2012-13 and 2013-14: “Autonomous practice is a goal of the American Physical Therapy Association. What does autonomous physical therapy practice mean to you and what characteristics do you display that would allow you to contribute to this practice goal?”
2010-11 and 2011-12: “Which personal characteristics and motivating factors have led you to pursue the profession of physical therapy?”
Hope you enjoyed reading these as much as I enjoyed finding them!