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What are some things you put on your resume/graduate school application that you think really elevated your chances of getting in?

I'm. current freshman at the University of South Carolina and want to know what I should want to do to make myself stand out as an applicant to PT school. Any tips would be appreciated!

healthcare graduate-school resume physical-therapy college-applications
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Samuel’s Answer

Hi Layla,
Honestly, what really makes you stand out for PT school isn’t just good grades (though they matter), it’s showing that you genuinely understand and are committed to the field, so things like showing desire to shadow physical therapists in different settings, volunteering in clinics or hospitals, and getting hands-on experience with patients go a long way.
Being involved in research, leadership roles (like clubs or student organizations), and even community service also helps because it shows initiative and people skills.
I’d also say don’t underestimate a strong personal statement and good relationships with professors or clinicians for recommendation letters!! They can really set you apart.
So from now, focus on building real experiences, not just ticking boxes, and you’ll naturally become a stronger applicant.
I hope this helps🦾💐
Well done💯
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Troy’s Answer

The answer to this question honestly depends on the programs to which you apply. I would identify the programs you are interested in early and then talk to them in person about what they look for in a candidate. I have been a PT for 29 years and was a PTA Program Director and PT Instructor for 8 years. When I was in education, we looked for a number of things - 1) strong reading comprehension skills - critical for passing a written licensure examination to become a PT / PTA and for comprehending physical therapy books in college which are usually written at a 16th grade level or higher. 2) Strong academic skills and grades, especially in the pre-requisite courses required by the program. 3) A degree that is closely related to physical therapy (Kinesiology / Athletic Training) can be helpful. Physical therapy programs that don't graduate students and have them pass the national licensure exam don't stay in business, so 1 and 2 are critical for them. After that, programs are looking for students who know what they are getting into when the pursue a career in physical therapy. Observation hours or employment in physical therapy is a good way to do this. Strong written / oral communication skills, stress management techniques, and conflict resolution skills are important in everyday physical therapy practice. Interestingly enough, the most important course I ever took in my academic career that affects my everyday practice was a typing class (due to the sheer amount of documentation required on a daily basis in the clinic). A speech class can be very helpful as well since the ability to speak in front of others is a regular requirement for PTs. Other skills that are important are the ability to work with others as a team (sports, for example). In my personal opinion, being an officer in a club / organization is not overly impressive, as most people seldom seek offices anyway so competition is usually not that great. Personal physical fitness serves as a good example to your patients and indicates that you have good self-discipline. Regular exercise is also a good stress management tool. And have a good answer for the following question: "Why do you want to be a physical therapist?"
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Karima’s Answer

Hello Layla,

Here are some great ways to make your resume or graduate school application stand out, based on what successful applicants have done:

Get hands-on experience: Try internships, volunteering, shadowing professionals, or part-time work in your field.

Focus on academics: Aim for good grades, especially in important courses.

Show leadership and initiative: Take on meaningful roles in clubs, projects, research, or community service.

Be clear about your motivation: Write a strong personal statement about why you want this path.

Get solid recommendations: Ask professors or supervisors who know your work and character well.

Highlight relevant skills: Showcase your communication, teamwork, research, problem-solving, and time management abilities.

The key is to show real commitment and understanding of your field—not just list activities. You've got this!
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Yashoda’s Answer

I completely concur with Samuel's response. The best thing you can do is have a clear understanding of the requirements for the specific PT school or program you want to get into. Then make a plan to take those courses and get the relevant experiences. You will need some shadowing, clinical, and leadership experience. In addition, you need to demonstrate professional skills such as the core competencies for medical school - https://students-residents.aamc.org/real-stories-demonstrating-premed-competencies/premed-competencies-entering-medical-students. These are highly valuable for anyone aiming to work with patients. Many programs/schools have specific requirements; make sure you check the requirements for the schools you are interested in applying.
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