The Admissions Decision

We evaluate applications based on a set of criteria that’s predictive of ability to succeed in our program and become a licensed physical therapist. Claims of extenuating circumstances, as noted in the PTCAS application, and efforts since your last application (if you are a re-applicant) are also considered.

We use the following equation to weigh admissions criteria when we review applicants:

• GRE Verbal and Quantitative sections (15%) based on the sum of the scores of these two sections.
• GRE Analytic Writing section (5%) based on the score of the GRE Writing Assessment
• Cumulative GPA (15%) based on the last 60 credit hours, whether at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Prerequisite GPA (25%) is computed by averaging grades earned in all courses within the subject areas of UIC’s math/science prerequisites. It doesn’t MATTER WHERE OR WHEN these courses were taken to be included. So, both an original score and a retake score are averaged together in the prerequisite GPA.
• Academic preparation (15%) based on:
  • School attended (competitive vs. non-competitive)
  • Course load taken/factors affecting course load (e.g. full time work)
  • Number of credit hours per term
  • Whether more than one science/math was taken per term
  • Additional science courses taken; caliber, type, grade, relevance, lab
  • Recentness of prerequisite science courses; update of old prerequisite science courses; work experience refreshing old sciences
  • Type and amount of prerequisites left to complete and plan for completion
  • Graduate coursework taken and grades
• Additional factors (25%) based upon:
  • Mitigating circumstances issue
  • Efforts since last application to program: additional course work, additional work/volunteer experience
  • Specific facts presented in personal statement and letters of recommendation
  • Work/volunteer experience
  • Diverse experiences
  • Other language fluency
  • Generic abilities

This equation may change in future admission cycles.

We notify applicants of their acceptance status via email as soon as decisions are made. There is no rolling admission. The target date for notification is December 19. Later notification is possible.

Congratulations! You can expect an acceptance email through PTCAS. You’ll be invited to an Open House in January before you make your decision.

Let’s face it, when roughly 1000 talented applicants apply, we end up with a larger pool of candidates than we can accept. If you’re waitlisted, that means you aren’t admitted, but you’ve come closer than many applicants do. We don’t disclose where you are on the waitlist, but we almost always end up admitting students from this list.

If second round offers are made, they’re typically made between February and August. You can set up a visit or contact Mollie Rose at mhrose@uic.edu for advice on how to increase the competitiveness of your application.

Don’t give up! Admission to our program is highly competitive, and applicants now face more rigorous standards than ever before. Don’t be afraid to work on your application and reapply. Many students who aren’t accepted the first time they apply take additional courses (preferably science courses) to show that they can perform successfully in the physical therapy program.

You can contact Mollie Rose at mhrose@uic.edu for advice on how to increase the competitiveness of your application.

Admission deferral can be requested once for up to one academic year. Notify us as soon as possible that you’d like to submit a request to defer admission.

If you are admitted, you may petition the faculty for consideration to have courses in the program waived. These petitions will only be considered if you took similar coursework beyond the undergraduate level, such as from another physical therapy program or health professions program.

We only consider courses with grades of B or better. You can only waive a maximum of 16 semester hours. If you have courses waived, you’ll need to complete the rest of the curriculum courses and requirements (other than waived courses) for graduation.