Congratulations. You’ve decided to embark on probably one of the most expensive, time-consuming journeys of your life. The GRE, the personal statement, supporting materials, the supplemental essays, and the Interview add together to what can often be a headache. Despite this, somehow, over 17,000 people enroll in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs every year. This guide offers resources and approaches to help you maximize your chances that you’re one of the 17,000.

The Essay is the main opportunity to tie activities and experiences together and connect with the people who read your application. Ultimately, you want to write an essay that makes the reader want to become your future professor or colleague. The PTCAS application requires one 4500-character, or about 550-word, essay. While this length can sometimes seem long, it’s an incredibly limited amount of space to convince the admissions committee that you’re someone they want to have as future colleagues or students.