Applying
to PT school = stress + research + essay writing + paperwork + pay money. Then
repeat. It's expensive, it’s scary, it’s exhilarating. At the end of my under-grad I
studied PTCAS constantly. I looked endlessly at programs, dates, requirements,
matriculation rates. I calculated, hypothesized, theorized, wrote, studied,
worried. The deadline arrived and I submitted loads of paperwork, essays, and
application fees. And then I waited. Forever. And finally, I got invited to
interview, all the way across the country at the University of New England. Unbelievable!
Surely, an interview meant I would get accepted. Arriving in Portland, Maine
with a crisp new haircut, and dry cleaned suit I felt cool and confident. When
I arrived, I noticed everyone else also had a fresh haircut and dapper attire. But
I had one thing nobody else did – a really great personality! As I started to
chat with the other interviewees I soon realized they too seemed to be really
good people persons. What was I going to do to stand out? I reassured myself that I am a really good
people person and I will knock this interview right out of the park. Only
problem was my homerun hit felt more like a pop fly to center. From the start
of the interview, I struggled. My answers
were choppy, cliché and full of um’s and ah’s. Nothing I said made me stand out
from anybody else. Having looked over their website and reviewing the pros of
their school I thought I was ready to go, but I wasn’t nearly enough prepared.
At the
end, I had a doubtful feeling but tried to remain optimistic. Perhaps I did not
do as poorly as I thought. In anticipation, I checked the mail daily and then
it came, an envelope from UNE. I ripped the envelope open to read a letter.
WAITLIST! Remaining optimistic I just knew I would get in. As time went on I
ultimately ended up waitlisted at 3 schools and eventually, I was not accepted
to any of them.
Obviously,
I needed to improve as an applicant. So I took physics I again and got an A. I
took more time researching programs that were a better fit for my stats.
Lastly, I knew I needed to address my poor interviewing skills. Just being a
people person didn’t equal a quality interview. I hired an interviewing coach.
At our first meeting his first words were “I hate your shirt, there is not a
chance I would accept you into my grad program.” Boom, it just got real, but
that is exactly what I needed.
If you
are trying to get into PT school I would love to help you! Find me via:
Email:
dalinhansen@gmail.com
Twitter: @DPT_USA
Facebook: Dalin
Hansen
Also
check out some of my other posts about my interview experience and
advice.
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