Pre-PT advising and physical therapy admissions.
Guidance from practicing physical therapists, side by side with our physicians, from your first observation hours to your DPT acceptance.
Pathways / Pre-PT
How PT school admissions works.
The application
Most Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs use PTCAS, which opens each summer. Many programs review on a rolling basis.
Observation hours
Many programs want observation hours with licensed physical therapists, often in more than one setting, such as outpatient and inpatient care.
Tests
Many DPT programs have dropped the GRE, but some still require it. We map what each program on your list needs.
Interviews
Formats include one-on-one, group, and MMI interviews.
Requirements, tests, and dates vary by program and change from cycle to cycle. We confirm current requirements for every program on your list.
Everything we help with.
Academics
- Prerequisite planning, including anatomy, physiology, and physics
- GPA strategy and grade repair
- Tutoring for any course
- Study systems and time management
Observation hours
- Hours in outpatient, inpatient, pediatric, and other settings
- Finding PTs to observe
- Tracking hours the way PTCAS asks
Tests
- Which programs need the GRE
- Study plans and tutoring
Your story
- Why physical therapy
- Personal statement coaching
- Experience descriptions
- Letters of recommendation, including from PTs
Applications
- Program list strategy
- PTCAS application
- Program supplementals
- Timelines and rolling admissions
Interviews & decisions
- Mock interviews with a PT
- Group interview practice
- Waitlist strategy
- Comparing offers and cost
Need something that isn't listed? Ask. If we don't do it ourselves, we'll help you find someone who does.
Led by people who do this work.
Your Pre-PT plan is led by practicing physical therapists who know PTCAS, observation hours, and DPT interviews firsthand, working side by side with our physicians. You get one lead advisor who knows your whole file and a team that checks in, celebrates the wins, and steps in fast when something goes sideways.
We work with you online everywhere in the U.S., and in person in Utah and Idaho. Programs in our region include the University of Utah, Rocky Mountain University in Provo, and Idaho State University. We'll help you weigh them against programs nationwide.
Specialist profiles coming soon.
Pre-PT packages at a glance.
Basecamp
$1,950
or $488/mo × 4, interest‑free
Strategy, program list, your PTCAS application, personal statement, and one mock interview.
Ridge
$3,450
or $863/mo × 4, interest‑free
Adds supplementals for up to 8 programs, 3 mock interviews, group interview prep, and waitlist strategy.
Summit
$4,950
or $1,238/mo × 4, interest‑free
Unlimited supplementals and mock interviews, weekly check-ins, and 10 hours of GRE or academic tutoring.
Packages, side by side.
Each level builds on the one before it.
Swipe sideways to compare all three packages.
| Basecamp$1,950or $488/mo × 4one application cycle | Ridge$3,450or $863/mo × 4one application cycle | Summit$4,950or $1,238/mo × 4one application cycle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free strategy session and in-depth diagnostic | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Program list strategy | Up to 10 programs | Up to 20 programs | Unlimited |
| PTCAS application | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Personal statement coaching, in your own words | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PT observation hours across settings | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Letters of recommendation strategy | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Program supplementals and essays | — | Up to 8 programs | Unlimited |
| Mock interviews with a physical therapist | 1 | 3 | Unlimited |
| Interview format prep (one-on-one, group, and MMI) | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| GRE tutoring, if your programs require it | — | Study plan | 10 hours |
| Update letters, waitlist, and offer strategy | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Check-ins, in person or by video | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Weekly |
| Message channel and Ascent Rewards | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ priority |
| Get started | Get started | Get started |
Monthly amounts are 4 interest-free payments, rounded to the nearest dollar; your total always equals the package price. "Unlimited" means as many as you need during your application cycle. Save 5% when you pay in full; longer monthly plans are available through PayPal Pay Later, subject to PayPal's approval.
Programs & memberships.
- The Ascent JourneyYear-round Pre-PT membership before you apply: roadmap, course reviews, experience planning, and regular check-ins$1,450/yr or $135/mo
- Strategy ResetFor reapplicants: full review of your past application, a rebuilt plan, and full support for your next cycle$2,950
Single services.
Pay only for what you need. Anything you spend on single services counts toward a package if you upgrade within 60 days.
See all 14 single services and prices
- Free strategy session20 minutes, in person or by video$0
- In-depth diagnosticFull review, 90-minute session, written strategy$350
- One-on-one advising sessionFor questions outside a package$175/hr
- Mock interview with a physical therapistWith written feedback$175 · 3 for $475
- Personal statement coachingFrom first idea to final draft, with unlimited revisions through submission (one cycle)$750
- Experience section reviewPT observation hours across settings$495
- Supplemental essay coaching$200 per program · 5 for $850
- Program list strategy$350
- Experience plan and outreachA personal experience plan, plus help reaching out and applying$295
- Update letter or letter of intent$250
- Reapplicant review$450
- GRE or academic tutoringOne-on-one$110/hr · 10 hrs $995
- Academic tutoringAny course, science or non-science, in person or online$75/hr
- Advanced science tutoringOrganic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and upper-level sciences$95/hr
Special situations are our specialty.
- Former athletes and kinesiology majors
- Students who need hours in new settings
- Reapplicants
- Low GPA or prerequisite gaps
- Career changers
Can't afford this? Apply for a scholarship.
Need-based Ascent Access Scholarships apply to every pathway, from partial discounts to fully covered packages. Learn about financial aid
Pre-PT questions.
How many observation hours do I need for PT school?
It varies. Some programs set a minimum, others don't, and many value variety across settings. We build your plan around the programs you're aiming for.
Do DPT programs still require the GRE?
Many have dropped it, but some still require it. We check every program on your list.
When does PTCAS open?
PTCAS opens each summer, and many programs review on a rolling basis, so we help you submit early.
Will you write my personal statement?
No. Every word you submit is your own. We coach, question, structure, and edit, and we never write your essays. Application services ask you to certify that your essays are your own work, and we take that seriously.
Do you guarantee admission?
No. No one can ethically guarantee admission. What we guarantee is a real plan, honest advice, and our full effort.
What if I switch paths?
You stay with us and your plan adapts. Many students move between medicine and other health professions, and we guide every pathway.
What is your refund policy?
For application packages, programs, and memberships, you can request a refund within 14 days of enrolling. We refund what you've paid, minus the value of services already delivered at our single-service prices, and your free strategy session never counts against you. Single services are fully refundable before work begins. Monthly memberships can be canceled anytime before the next billing date. After 14 days, payments are non-refundable, but we'll always work with you to pause or adjust your plan.
More answers in our FAQ. Other pathways: Pre-Med Pre-PA Pre-Dental Pre-Vet Pre-OT Pre-Pharmacy Nursing Pre-Optometry
Start with a free strategy session.
In 20 minutes, you'll leave with a clearer picture of your path, whether or not you work with us.
Book your free strategy session