<p>OP this is my first post but I couldn’t let another student approach this path of study without saying this, please do some more research. I believe that most if not all states now require you to have a DPT before you can become fully licensed to practice. </p>
<p>Also as Pizzagirl said many PT programs are not auto admit. Moreover, they are often just as (if not more) competitive to enter as med school. This is due to the smaller number of schools offering DPT and the small size of these programs. </p>
<p>My wife is a PT and most of the PT Techs at her hospital are people who have completed their undergrad studies, but simply can’t find a slot in a DPT program. The majority of these people have very good GPA’s, most from high quality schools.</p>
<p>If becoming a PT is your ultimate goal, please consider applying to at least one direct entry program - U of Evansville comes to mind as an example- because the non-automatic slots are few and far between and are getting more competitive every year. </p>
<p>It would be far better to have to have an auto admit in your pocket, and you could still apply to other DPT schools if you wish to move on after Undergrad</p>
<p>Good luck with your search and applications.</p>
<p>Oh, I just noticed your post about having to borrow 5-10K per year. Keep in mind that the DPT programs are graduate programs and they are not cheap, particularly OOS. </p>
<p>Consider applying to some lower tiered schools that would give you good merit aid so you wouldn’t have to take on UG debt and can save your money for grad school. In most cases, while reasonably compensated, PT’s do not make what I would consider to be a huge salary.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if this helps, but I’ve heard that Oakland University also has an excellent physical therapy program in Michigan, and it’s probably still at a drivable distance for you. They also have good scholarships, too. With a 4.0 and a 31 on the ACT, you can get 9k or so a year for tuition, and they are very generous with financial aid. They have a lot of need-based and also need and academic based grants. </p>
<p>As for your goal at Northwestern, I don’t think there’s any harm in applying for now. The REAL challenge is deciding, which comes later. </p>
<p>Tell her where you want to apply and why, do some research together, take some tours and then tell her were you’re leaning come February. This will also give you some time to weigh your options and gather your thoughts. </p>