The Marshall University Doctor of Physical Therapy Early Assurance Program allows high school seniors to apply for conditional acceptance to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Successful applicants will have a guaranteed seat pending maintenance of all undergraduate requirements and earning a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University.
- Open for Applications: Monday, June 26, 2023
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, November 1, 2023
- Letters of Recommendation/Official Transcript/ACT or SAT Score Report Deadline: Friday, December 15, 2023
- Interviews for the DPT Early Assurance Program (required): January 2024 (exact dates TBD)
Admission Requirements
This program is designed for highly motivated high school students (in-state or out-of-state) who have achieved the following criteria during their high school careers:
- Minimum composite ACT of 25 or SAT composite score of 1200.
- Cumulative High School GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Two letters of reference/recommendation from high school teachers in STEM-related courses.
- On-campus interview in January with the Doctor of Physical Therapy Admissions Committee.
Continuing Requirements
- Students must declare an undergraduate major (e.g., Exercise Science, Biomechanics, Health Sciences, Biology, etc.). There is no preference given based on undergraduate major; however, students must complete all required prerequisite courses (see below).
- Complete their undergraduate degree within four years.
- Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA each semester (students may fall below a 3.0 GPA for a maximum of one semester during their undergraduate degree), achieve an overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA in all prerequisite courses (BSC 120 and BSC 121 or higher; BSC 227 and BSC 228; CHM 211, 212, 217, and 218 or higher; PHY 201, 202, 203, and 204 or higher; STA 225 or PSY 223 or MGT 218; PSY 201 and PSY 311).
- Students must successfully complete at least 60 hours of valid clinical observation in physical therapy before the start of the fall of the senior year.
- Students will apply through PTCAS in the fall of the senior year to ensure that all criteria are met. Students may have a maximum of two prerequisite courses outstanding in the fall of the senior year.
Application Process
- Students must apply and be accepted into the undergraduate program and declare a major at Marshall University prior to applying to the DPT Early Assurance Program.
- Students must complete the Early Assurance Program application online no later than the dates listed above. An incomplete application package could negatively impact the selection process.
- Application package must include:
- Application form including personal statement/essay
- Two letters of reference/recommendation which must be from high school teachers who have had the applicant in class and are familiar with the applicant’s academic performance.
- Applications will be reviewed by the Marshall University SOPT Admissions Committee, and all applicants will be sent notification in writing whether they have been selected for an interview.
- Finalists will be required to participate in on-campus interviews.
- The Marshall University SOPT Admissions Committee by final vote will select the applicants who will be accepted into the program.
Advantages of the DPT Early Assurance Program
- Students will be assured a seat in the DPT program upon admission to Marshall University, provided they have met all admission and continuing requirements.
- Students who are part of the early assurance program and meet all of the continuing requirements will not have to take the GRE and CASPer examinations.
- Students will be able to establish a close and continuous connection with Marshall University DPT program.
Questions? Please contact us at physicaltherapy@marshall.edu.
