Education     Physical therapists attain their prerequisite skills through extensive academic and clinical education. As college students interested in this field, two important measures must be taken as soon as freshman year.     First, the student should contact physical therapy schools to learn what prerequisites are necessary for admission. This information can be located at www.apta.org. Scroll to the accredited schools which best suit your personal needs (location, tuition, duration of program, etc.) and call the schools and request an information packet and application. Most schools have a list of prerequisite courses that MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE applying to their program your senior year. With this list in hand early in your ND academic career, you will easily be able to fulfill all of the "random" elective courses that are required by these PT schools and not necessarily required by your ND major. For example, some PT schools require Exercise Physiology and/or Embryology. By knowing this information beforehand, arrangements can be made to take this class during the summer at a different academic institution.     Secondly, students interested in physical therapy should begin volunteer work within the profession to gain as much experience as possible. It is recommended that students observe in multiple areas of physical therapy including acute therapy, pediatrics, outpatient, and sports medicine. Spending time talking with patients and physical therapists will benefit students in helping them to decide if PT is the right field for them to pursue. Documented volunteer hours range anywhere from 25-100 hours depending on the particular PT school. Almost all PT schools require a letter of recommendation from a therapist whom the student spent most of his/her time.     Underclassmen should plan a schedule of courses with their advisor to ensure the completion of all prerequisite classes. Make sure not to leave more than two required courses for your last semester. Some recommended majors for students at Notre Dame are Biology, Science Pre-Professional, Arts and Letters Pre-Professional. Although any major is possible as long as all prerequisites are met.     Juniors should begin to narrow down the list of PT schools that interest them. Write, call, or e-mail schools for current information and to get on their mailing list. Also plan on taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) sometime in the spring semester of the junior year, the summer between junior and senior year, or at the latest early fall semester of senior year. The GRE is much like the SAT in that it tests verbal and math skills. There is also a third section testing analytical (problem solving) skills. This test must be completed by October of the year one is applying. Kaplan offers a class to prepare students for the GRE if the student needs to brush up on vocabulary, algebra, and geometry. Most schools only require the general GRE test for admission. GRE subject tests are available but are not necessary. A score of at least 500 out of 800 is ideal in each section. Information booklets are available in the Arts and Letters Department in 103 O'Shaughnessy.      Seniors should begin the application process. During late August through September, write to the PT schools that you are applying to for applications. Generally, an application requires information forms, recommendations from faculty, employers, and physical therapists, GRE scores, school transcripts, personal statement, and a processing fee of $30-65. Most applications are due between December 1 and February 1 of the year of graduation from Notre Dame.     Admission into Physical Therapy schools is very competitive. Average GPA scores range from 3.4-4.0. Schools accept 10-80 students per year. Stay informed, ask questions, study hard, and most of all don't get discouraged.