The Early Assurance, direct freshman entry program is a 3 + 3 model, available to a limited number of graduating high school seniors who will enroll in Walsh University’s Division of Mathematics and Sciences Biology Pre-PT Early Assurance program/curriculum. The students in this program will complete 3 years of undergraduate curriculum at Walsh University and finalize their undergraduate degree during their first year of graduate school (as part of the 3 year professional DPT program). The Early Assurance direct freshman entry program is competitive and allows for automatic acceptance into the DPT program upon completion of specified milestones during one’s matriculation as an undergraduate student within the university. The following criteria must be met prior to submitting an application to the early assurance program.

Prior to Attending Walsh University:

  • High school GPA of 3.75 or higher
  • Minimum ACT score of 28 or SAT score of 1310 (critical reading and math, not including writing)
  • Complete a standardized interview with faculty members of the Physical Therapy Program.

Once at Walsh University:

  • Must be enrolled in the Biology Pre-Physical Therapy major
  • Complete pre-requisites for the program with a 3.5 GPA or higher
  • Must complete a minimum of 3 academic years of undergraduate education at Walsh University
  • Must maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher during their undergraduate curriculum
  • Must achieve a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of 304 (total) or higher
  • Must meet the requirements of DPT admissions (with the exception PTCAS application) as follows:
     • A letter of recommendation from an undergraduate PT advisor
     • A letter of recommendation from a licensed Physical Therapist
     • A letter of recommendation from an undergraduate faculty member familiar with the student’s academic performance
  • While observation hours in a variety of physical therapy settings (inpatient and outpatient), are recommended, they are not required. The applicant will complete an essay as part of their application. An essay outlining the applicant’s exposure to PT. Examples of exposure to the profession may include employment/internship/observation/volunteer hours, being a patient, witnessing a family member receiving PT, interviewing PTs and/or independent research.
  • Successfully complete an interview with a member of the Physical Therapy Admissions Committee prior to matriculation into the graduate program.

Please contact the undergraduate admission office regarding Early Assurance and any other questions about the admissions process at 1-800-362-9846.