Admission Requirements

Prospective students are evaluated holistically based on the elements outlined below. Meeting all minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

1. Bachelor's Degree

The DPT program requires a completed baccalaureate degree in any major from an accredited college or university, with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (3.0) awarded prior to commencing the program in late May.

Prospective students should consider pursuing a background in the natural sciences, specifically exercise physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, or athletic training.

Frequently Asked Questions

• All labs MUST be completed in person. Online lectures are acceptable, but not preferred.
  • COVID-19 Exception: Online courses, including labs, taken from Spring 2020 to Spring 2023 are accepted.
• An “upper-level” course is more advanced than the general course, and will typically require the completion of the general course as a prerequisite.
• When available, students should choose general science courses intended for health science majors.
• AP credit that was accepted by your institution to fulfill a general course requirement is acceptable.
• Community college coursework is acceptable.
• Still stumped? Contact us at [email protected].

3. GRE

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required as an early indicator of your performance on the NPTE licensing exam. These scores are recommended minimums.

• Combined Verbal and quantitative score of 300+
• Analytical Writing score of 4.0 or above
• Scores must be from within the last 5 years
• Testing should be completed at least one month prior to the PTCAS deadline to allow for processing

4. Observation Hours

100+ observation hours, paid or volunteer, under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist should be completed at the time of application. Applicants are encouraged to experience two or more physical therapy settings (e.g. pediatric and orthopedic).

5. CV

A resume or CV no longer than 2 pages is required and may include high school activities.

Please include any PT Aide jobs, but do not describe the duties--we know what they are! Focus on describing your other work experience, volunteer activities, leadership opportunities, and other expertise.

6. Essay & Short Answer Questions

One essays with a maximum of 4500 characters is built into PTCAS.  We require two additional short-answer questions with a maximum of 2000 characters each. Prompts will be available in PTCAS during the application cycle.

The CSU system supports the use of AI as a collaborative tool, but your writing should convey your authentic voice, specific experiences, and original ideas. Plagiarism and/or misrepresentation are grounds for disqualification.

7. Video Introduction

In lieu of an in-person interview, we require a 3 minute YouTube video that introduces applicants to the admissions committee and addresses a prompt provided in PTCAS during the application cycle.

8. Letters of Recommendation

Three confidential letters of recommendation will be submitted via PTCAS. Recommendations should come from professionals who can attest to the ability, scholarship, and aptitude of the candidate for a rigorous full-time DPT program:

• One from a licensed physical therapist with whom the applicant has had a professional association and who can thereby appropriately evaluate the applicant’s potential as a DPT student
• One from a professor from whom the applicant has completed a course and can speak to the candidate’s academic abilities and aptitudes
• One additional reference from one of the categories above or from another individual with whom the applicant has closely worked, volunteered, trained, or collaborated with regularly in a professional environment or setting

9. Technical Requirements

Qualified applicants must also be able to meet the physical requirements of the program’s technical standards for admission.

• Review the SDSU DPT Program Technical Standards for Admission (pdf) which applicants are expected to meet in order to participate in the DPT program and in professional practice.
• Clinical Education Requirements also include complying with the SDSU Immunization requirements.

How to Stand Out

We are looking for well-rounded, compassionate, like-minded individuals who can represent us both academically and professionally with success. Our program is competitive, but we are looking for grit, not perfection. Applicants who may fall short in one area may shine in another. In general, the most competitive applicants will:

• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Have all prerequisites completed with grades available at the time of application
• Have no C grades and mostly A grades on their prerequisite courses, especially in Anatomy & Physiology
• Have observation hours in two or more PT settings
• Demonstrate a commitment to community service
• Have leadership experience in academics, student organizations, community organizations, sports, work, or other endeavors
• Write cohesive, well-structured responses to the essay and short answer questions, free from errors, that each speak to the prompt and tell a unique story
• Record an engaging video that showcases professional interpersonal skills
• Request recommendations from professionals who know them well and can comment knowledgeably on their performance and aptitudes
• Clearly express their individuality and passion throughout their application materials