Note: This was post written for a previous application cycle. As of June 15, 2023, there is a new PTCAS essay prompt.
One of the biggest mistakes I see when editing PTCAS application essays are applicants not answering the prompt well. And believe me, I’ve worked with plenty of reapplicants who got feedback after being rejected the first time that their personal statement didn’t answer the prompt adequately the first time.
Sometimes, I read an entire PTCAS essay draft and still could not tell you what confirmed PT for the applicant. The personal statement is a chance to tell a story, and usually that means you have room for one story, not a recitation of your entire resume. As I previously mentioned, you can (and should) briefly write about getting hurt in high school, or whatever first got you interested in PT.
But then go beyond.
Don’t make the mistake of only telling the story of what first got you interested in PT. You’ve probably briefly considered several other careers in your lifetime. PT is unique because something made you actually decide to pursue it after you first got intrigued by it.
What confirmed PT for you? In other words, how do you know the career is right for you? Why are you willing to spend the next three years and hundreds of thousands of dollars to become a physical therapist when there are countless other ways to help people? Most likely, you know the answer to this question because of something that happened while you were working as a PT aide or volunteering in a PT setting.
Is that cliché? No!
Yes, everyone has completed observation hours. But what happened to you during your shadowing experiences is unique. Rather than just saying that observing helped you know PT was right for you, tell a story that explains this to us!
Remember your high school English teacher who used to say, “Show, don’t tell?” Now’s your chance to do this.
Tell us something interesting that occurred when you were observing your future profession. Just remember – you are the main character in your story. The PT you shadowed or the patient you treated aren’t the ones applying to PT school. No matter how awesome they are, make sure to highlight yourself and your best qualities that will show the admissions committee why you will be a great future PT student and physical therapist. Keep the focus on you and what you did, not on what you saw.
Tell a story where you are doing something helpful or meaningful. We know you weren’t treating patients during your hours (and if you were, that’s probably illegal … But that’s a topic for a whole different post). You likely interacted or spoke with patients. Tell us about this. That not only answers the question, but does so in an interesting way.
And as always, If you’d like to work with me to edit your essay once it’s written, reach out, and if you need extra preparation, take a look at my PT school essay course! Good luck!