Update 4/26/23: The prompt has changed for 2023-24.
Update 6/15/22: For the first time in PTCAS history, the prompt has stayed the same for the third year in a row.
It is still: “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.”
For all of you getting ready to apply to PT school next round this summer and fall, here is what we know from PTCAS about the 2022-2023 cycle!
First, PTCAS will open on June 15, 2022. This is when you can officially start your application and the new personal statement prompt will be confirmed. Some years the essay question is leaked earlier though, so stay tuned for that! There is no released date for when you can submit the application, but this typically occurs on or around July 1.
PTCAS resets every summer, but if you really want to get started on your DPT school application before June 15, there are a few things you can do that will save and carry over. You can enter your coursework, schools attended, transcripts, test scores, activities, honors, and experiences. However, your essays, letters of reference/recommendation, observation hours, program specific information, and payments will not carry over, so do not start these yet.
Besides the soon-to-be-released essay prompt, there are a few additional changes to PTCAS for the 2022-23 application cycle. Here are some:
- The reference letter section will be moving locations within the application
- “Sex” will change to “legal sex”
- There is a new line about PTCAS not asking applicants about their criminal backgrounds
- In accordance with the “Ban the Box” movement, PTCAS will no longer ask whether you’ve ever been convicted of a felony
- The phrases for deadlines will change from “Soft Deadline” to “Priority Deadline,” and “Firm Deadline” to “Final Deadline”
- A new cost comparison report will be added in the “Program Prerequisites” (soon to be renamed “Program Requirements” section) called “Total Cost of Education Comparison”
- Deposit deadlines can be listed as optional
Overall, I want to stress that there is still a lot of time before PTCAS opens, so try to relax and enjoy the spring before admissions season officially starts!