Application Deadline
Application deadline is February 1. Only applications received by that date will be considered in the initial review of applications. Applications received after February 1 will be considered only if the class is not filled from the initial applicant pool.
Application Requirements
All applicants to graduate studies at WCU are required to complete a self-managed application packet prior to admission. Applications must include:
- Official college/university transcripts from all previous coursework
- An official copy of scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations submitted by the Educational Testing Service. The Institutional Code for WCU is 5897. Average GRE scores for students accepted into the physical therapy program: 450-517 (Verbal) and 557-595 (Quantitative).
- Three letters of recommendation submitted by the applicant. At least one letter is required from a physical therapist and another from an individual who can comment on the applicant’s aptitude for graduate study.
- An essay written on a topic specified each year by the Admissions Committee
- Demonstration by the applicant that s/he has chosen a career in physical therapy with thoughtful consideration and with a realistic understanding of the scope of physical therapy practice. Volunteer or paid experience with a physical therapist in at least two different clinical settings is strongly recommended.
- Prerequisite courses
Information for International Applicants
Citizens of other countries, whose degrees are not from U.S. institutions, must have their transcripts and full course descriptions translated into English and evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service such as World Education Services.
International applicants from countries where English is not the primary language must submit a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (Internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and provide a statement of financial responsibility.
What We Expect from Applicants
To give you a clear idea of what we expect from our applicants, please read about our application review process (PDF) and our summary of applicant qualifications (PDF).
Please find the appropriate application forms here:
- Application for Enrollment (online)
- Prerequisites, Experience and Essay Form (PDF)
- Recommendation Forms for Graduate Study (PDF)
If you’d prefer, you may use the following contact information to receive these forms by mail:
Research and Graduate Studies
109 Outreach Center
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723-9022
Telephone: 828-227-7398 or 1-800-369-9854 (within the USA only)
Be sure to indicate that you are applying to the Master of Physical Therapy Program so they know to include program-specific forms.