Division of Physical Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to the DPT program at WVU?

Beginning with the 2008-2009 admissions cycle, all applicants to the DPT program at WVU must apply through the PTCAS system.

What is PTCAS

PTCAS is the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service. This service streamlines the admissions process for students, and allows students to apply to multiple programs using a single application. More information can be found on the PTCAS website (www.ptcas.org).

How does the application process work?

You must go to the PTCAS website (www.ptcas.org), create a user account, review the application instructions and checklists carefully, and complete the online application. After your application is complete, it will be forwarded to the school(s) you've designated.

Once WVU receives your application, the admissions committee will review your application to make sure you meet all of the admissions requirements. Those students who meet the requirements will be contacted via email and will be invited to submit a supplemental application. Those who submit this brief supplemental application will be considered for a seat in the class.

When is the application deadline?

We will use a rolling admissions process again for the 2009-2010 admissions cycle. The first application deadline is December 1. Qualified applicants who meet this deadline will be considered first. The second round deadline is January 15. Students who meet this deadline will be considered for seats in the class remaining after the first round.

After I submit my application to PTCAS, how long will it take to find out if I am accepted?

After you submit your PTCAS application, PTCAS staff works to verify your coursework and other application details. This means we don’t receive your application for 2-4 weeks after you submit it to PTCAS.

Once we receive your application, our staff reviews it to make sure you meet our minimum admissions criteria. If you do not meet our minimum admissions criteria, you will notified by mail or email. If you meet our minimum admissions criteria, you receive an email with an invitation and instructions to submit a supplemental application to WVU.

The admissions committee will meet in late December/early January to consider applicants who meet the December 1 PTCAS deadline and submit a supplemental application. The admissions committee will meet in mid to late February to consider applicants who meet the January 15 deadline and submit a supplemental application.

What are the costs to apply?

PTCAS charges application fees based on the number of schools to which you apply. Please refer to the PTCAS website (http://www.ptcas.org/Fees.html) for more information on these fees. 

In addition, WVU charges a $50 application fee. You pay this fee at the time you submit your supplemental application form to WVU (see "How does the application process work?" above).

I go to a college or university other than WVU. How can I find out if the classes I am taking will count for the prerequisites?

First review our list of prerequisite courses. We have also posted a list of courses we will accept from other colleges and universities in WV and surrounding areas. If your school is not listed, compare the course descriptions listed with those of the courses you are taking. If you have questions, please contact the Professional Programs Office of Student Services (304-293-1690).

What is the minimum required GRE score?

We don't require a specific minimum GRE score. Your scores from each section of the GRE (verbal, quantitative, analytic/writing) will be considered along with your overall GPA, prerequisite science GPA, recommendation letters, and other admissions materials. To be competitive, we recommend at least 1000 combined verbal/quantitative and at least 4.0 on the analytic/writing.

When should I take the GRE?

 You should plan to take the GRE at least 6 weeks prior to the application deadline date. 

How do I report my GRE scores?

You will need to self-report your scores on the PTCAS application. You must also have an official GRE score report sent to WVU (The institution code for reporting scores to WVU is 5904).

If I take the GRE and don't do as well as I'd like, should I retake it?

This is a decision you'll need to make, considering your other qualifications and the costs of the GRE exam. If you do retake the examination, we use the scores from the best overall attempt.

I've heard it's difficult to get in to your program. What are my chances of being admitted?

Last year, we had approximately two qualified applications for each available seat in the class. A qualified applicant is someone who has successfully met all the listed admissions requirements and submitted his/her materials before the posted deadline.

I am not a WV resident. How will that impact my chances of being accepted?

Preference for admission is given to WV residents. If two students are ranked similarly by the admissions committee, and one of the two students is a non-resident, the resident will be given preference over the non-resident.

My overall GPA is below a 3.0. Can I still apply?

We require a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, as well as a prerequisite course GPA of 3.0. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be invited to submit a supplemental application.

I have not yet completed all the prerequisites. Can I still apply?

Yes, as long as you will meet all admissions requirements by May of the year of entry. Your overall and prerequisite GPAs will be calculated without grades from the classes you have not yet taken.

I am a high school student who is considering WVU. How do I find out more about the WVU DPT program?

Contact us at 293-1690. We can send you an electronic brochure on CD-ROM. When doing campus visits, we recommend meeting with representatives from your potential undergraduate major.

How do I submit verification of PT observation hours?

Verification of PT observation hours is an application requirement for out DPT program. All hours verifications are to be submitted via PTCAS. Please review the PTCAS application and application instructions at www.ptcas.org