Question 1: How many applications do you receive, interviews do you grant, and applicants do you accept in an average year? 
We typically receive approximately 230 applications and seat a class of 40-44 students. On-campus interviews are required and we strongly encourage you to attend a DPT Information Session. You are also invited to make an appointment with the Physical Therapy Department at any time to informally meet with faculty, speak with students and tour our facilities. Call (909) 469-5294 or e-mail Linda Cook to schedule your appointment today!

Question 2: Do you have an early decision process?
No. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program does not have an early decision process.

Question 3: How many hours of work experience are required prior to application?
A minimum of 100 hours of volunteer or paid work experience in two or more physical therapy facilities and/or clinical settings (minimum of 40 hours per setting) is required. In-patient hours are highly recommended. In-patient settings may include: in-patient hospital (acute, sub-acute/transitional care or rehab), skilled nursing facilities (SNF), extended care facilities (EFC) and residential facilities (geriatric/pediatric).

Question 4: Do you give preference to California residents?
No. Although a significant portion of our student body is from California, this is merely a reflection of our overall applicant pool.

Question 5: Do you accept international students?
Yes. International students and any other applicants who are not U.S. citizens should be prepared to provide proof of legal U.S. residency at the time of application. Proof of legal U.S. residency is required prior to any offer of acceptance.  Visit the international student website for more information.

Question 6: Can I transfer into your DPT program from another MPT or DPT program?
No. We do not accept transfers at this time.

Question 7: Does it matter that I'm older than your average applicant?
No. We encourage applications from qualified candidates regardless of age.

Question 8: Do the recommendation letters have to be turned in with the application packet?
No, Letters of recommendations are a part of the PTCAS application. Three are required: one (1) from a supervising physical therapist, one (1) from a college instructor, and one (1) from either a licensed physical therapist or a college instructor.

Question 9: May I turn in more than the required number of recommendation letters?
Yes. However, it is advisable to limit the number to one or two extra since a total of three-four well-chosen recommendations will usually paint a clear picture of the candidate, and additional recommendations will only add to the committee members' reading time.

Question 10: How does the committee decide which applicants will be offered seats?
After the committee has interviewed all eligible candidates they will be assigned a status: admit, alternate, or non-accept. Applicants will be notified by mail of their status within two weeks of the committee's decision. There is no need to call, as applicants will be notified immediately if there is a change in their status.

Question 11: When are acceptance letters and final notifications mailed?
Most final decision letters are mailed February through March.

Question 12: I am a re-applicant. How can I improve my application or my chances of being admitted?
Take a critical review of the information that you mailed the admissions office and see if there are any obvious voids. For example, maybe you had one or two low grades that lowered your overall and/or prerequisite GPA, or maybe you weren't involved in community service, or merely forgot to include it on your application. You would be surprised at how much you can learn about the strengths and weaknesses of your application simply by looking at it from an admissions perspective. If you had a low grade, especially in a prerequisite course, you should consider retaking that class, since we will recalculate your GPA with the new higher grade when we receive the new transcript. It's important to realize that sometimes there isn't one obvious thing that you can change to be admitted. Every case is different and every year the competition is different. Above all else, it is important to realize that we receive applications from many highly qualified applicants each year and are only able to offer acceptances to 40-44. If this is the path you are committed to, then keep trying!

Question 1: Can I have prerequisite courses in progress at the time of application? How many?
You may have one science and one non-science prerequisite course in progress after fall term prior to matriculation (i.e. December 31, 2009 for Fall 2010 entering class). All prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the Spring semester/quarter prior to matriculation. Summer courses may be approved if special circumstances apply, but must be completed before orientation begins. View requirements for details.

Question 2: Can I substitute any courses for your prerequisites?
No. Other courses may not be substituted for the required prerequisites.

Question 3: Do you accept advanced placement (A/P) credit, or Pass/No Pass courses?
Only one prerequisite course may be taken on an advanced-placement or pass/no pass basis. While it will satisfy the prerequisite, it will not affect your GPA.

Question 4: Do I need to have a bachelor’s degree to apply?
Yes. This is a doctoral degree program and thus requires a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite. The degree must be conferred prior to orientation if offered a seat in the class.

Question 5: Do you require any standardized tests prior to application?
Yes, we require the General Graduate Record Examination (GRE). No minimum score is required at this time.

Question 6: Do you require a minimum GPA to apply?
You are required to have a minimum overall and prerequisite GPA of 2.8 or higher. View requirements for details.

Question 7: Can I talk to a counselor about my coursework?
If you’d like to find out whether the courses you’ve taken or plan to take will satisfy WesternU’s DPT-Entry prerequisites you can:

1. search the prerequisite database by institution.
2. if your courses aren’t listed in the database and you have a few courses in question, you may submit a prerequisite verification form.
3. if your courses aren't listed in the database and you have numerous courses in question, or simply wish to lay out your coursework, you may instead print and submit an academic worksheet.

By laying out your coursework in relation to our prerequisites, you will be able to determine the courses you may still need to complete. In addition, you will be able to assess your academic performance in the courses (prerequisites) our admissions committee believes are of greatest importance. If the course name does not match the prerequisite title, be sure to include a course description for reference.

Once you receive our assessment, feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. 

Question 1: What is the board passing rate for your physical therapy students?
The success of WesternU’s DPT-Entry curriculum is evident in the fact that 93% of WesternU’s 2007 DPT graduates passed their national licensure exam!

Question 2: Is tuition the same for in-state and out-of-state residents?
Yes. We are a private institution so we charge one tuition rate for everyone. Learn more about tuition and how to finance your education.

Question 3: Is there an opportunity to do research while attending Western University?
If you are interested in pursuing research while a student here, you will have an option to receive credit for assisting faculty with their research activities. Learn about research at WesternU.

Question 4: Is it advisable to work while I take classes?
No. This is a full-time commitment and we discourage you from working, even part time.

Question 5: How can I learn more about the financial aid available to me?
For more information regarding tuition, financial aid and scholarships, please visit the financing my education page.