Acceptance "Letter" from UPS

Getting Into PT School

First off, welcome to my blog. The purpose for this initial post is to acquaint my readers of my academic journey thus far, while emphasizing my pursuit of the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Throughout the next three years of my academic journey I will try my best to post frequently regarding what I feel to be important events while in PT school, not only academically, but also personal events.

My quest for the DPT began when I was 19 years old. I was in college at EWU and had no idea what I wanted to do in life. My first thought was business, but the idea of sitting in an office all day made me cringe. So I spoke with my adviser at the beginning of my 2nd year, it was quite the experience. We talked about my interests, motivations, and goals. Truthfully, she wasn’t much help (like most college advisers). I went back to my house and searched through the course catalog, I then came across Physical Therapy. At the time I was enrolled in anatomy & physiology, which sparked my infatuation with the human body, increasing my desire to pursue physical therapy as a career. Later that quarter I met with my adviser once again. After I told her that my choice was Physical Therapy I saw the doubt in her eyes. Subsequently she mentioned to me that getting into PT school is really competitive, and that my current grades weren’t nearly good enough (appx 3.0 at the time). My heart sank, but I knew that becoming a PT is what I wanted, so I kept on. The lack of confidence from my adviser was a blessing. Since that day I have learned diligence and persistence, and that anything is possible with hard work and determination. The next three years at EWU were difficult. While working as an A&P lab instructor I managed to make the Dean’s List nine consecutive quarters, converting that nasty 3.0 GPA to a 3.78 by graduation.

My senior year was quickly approaching at EWU, which meant that PT school applications were available soon. I couldn’t believe the stress associated with applying to PT school, ordering transcripts, getting recommendation letters, taking the GRE (twice), attaining observation hours, and writing numerous essays caused me to break out and shed some of my hair! Fall quarter of my senior year I submitted my application to seven different PT programs on the west side of the US. I’ll tell you this much, Washington is home to some of the best PT programs, in my opinion. It was February of my senior year when I received my first response. It was a rejection letter from Mayo. Man was it hard on me. Later on I received an e-mail from the admissions dept at NAU, same story. My confidence was at an all-time low, especially when I was notified by EWU that I wasn’t even wait-listed into their program. How can my own school not want me? But then something astonishing happened to me. I was sitting in my literature class reminiscing what it would be like to be a-bored a whaling ship with Capt. Ahab and Ishmael, hunting the great Moby Dick, when my iPhone lit up with a notification. I briefly saw the subject line read “UPS” and my heart dropped to my shoes. I knew this e-mail was my last chance at getting into a respectable DPT program. I opened the e-mail with sweaty fingertips and a red face. It simply read “Congratulations”. My eyes teared up with joy and relief, I was so happy that all of my hard work finally paid off. Once class was out I RAN home to inform Kelsey. Without her none of this would have ever been possible. Once I arrived to my apartment I called everyone who helped and encouraged me to stay strong, my parents were the first to be called. The entire experience was eye-opening. I remember when I was contemplating on going to college or working as a side-sewer repairer, good thing I decided to attend EWU. 

Now that I have been accepted into a great college, The University of Puget Sound, a new journey awaits. Classes begin August 27th, and orientation is just before.  

Here’s my “take-home message”, anything is possible with perseverence and the desire to succeed.