So you are ready to start thinking about your PTCAS application. Congratulations! This means you have completed all of your prerequisite courses and you are ready to take the next steps in your journey to physical therapy. If you are confused about how to navigate and use PTCAS effectively, check out our post: Navigating PTCAS and Becoming the Best Applicant.
One important part of your application is your reference letters. Today, we are going to go through exactly what you should include when asking someone to write you a reference letter.
Although PTCAS does not open until the summer of 2023 for the 2023-2024 application cycle, you should already be thinking about who you want to write your references. This process is one that takes a good amount of time and consideration.
If you are having trouble determining who you want to write your reference letters, head over to our blog post: Everything You Need to Know About PTCAS Reference Letters. Most schools want at least one letter of reference from a practicing PT and a former or present faculty member or professor. The rest of the references are up to you. Common people that students often ask are coaches, advisors, employers, church/volunteer leaders, and more.
So let’s break it down…
Reference Who You Are
This is important when requesting a reference from an advisor or professor who teaches different classes with large class sizes. Don’t assume that they automatically know exactly who you are. It is always a good idea to give them some context as to who you are.
This is also important if you are applying to PT school after taking a gap year (or several).
Mention what year you are, what class/classes that professor might have had you in class, even what semester you were in that class.
Tell Them What You Are Doing
Why are you reaching out? Specify that you are in the process of applying to physical therapy school. This helps convey to your recommender the importance of what you are doing. Professors and academic advisors understand what it means to apply to graduate school, and they should understand that this is a big undertaking.
Why Do You Want Them to Write Your PTCAS Letter?
Was their class especially meaningful to you? Do you feel that they were especially approachable during your time working with them? Is this person a director of your program or do they have a specific area of expertise that you are interested in? Have they served as a mentor? Do you feel you have a meaningful professional relationship with them? Do you just look up to this person?
No matter the reason, make sure that you make it clear WHY you are asking this person specifically. This goes a long way and emphasizes how important this person has been in your success. They may be more likely to say yes if you are able to establish a meaningful connection to them in your professional development.
Recognize They May Be Busy and Ask
Like I said earlier, these recommenders may have been asked to write several other references for other students, past and present. Regardless, recognize this fact, and emphasize why you think they are the best person to recommend you. Ask them if they would be willing to write you a positive reference letter for PT school.
Give Them a Timeline
I can guarantee you that one of the first questions they are going to ask is “when do you need me to have this done by?”. Be prepared to answer this question. When are you hoping to submit your application? Do you want to have their reference letter before your anticipated submission date?
Regardless, give them a deadline of at least two weeks out. Oftentimes, PTs, Advisors, and faculty are asked for many reference letters from several students planning to apply to graduate programs. The more time you can give them to complete the reference, the more likely they will be to say yes.
Be Prepared to Share a Resume or Brag Sheet
Even if you think that they know you well enough, this is a great resource to offer. This ensures your recommender knows what you want highlighted in you letter. A list of your accomplishments makes sure that they have talking points to go off of. It may even reveal some accomplishments to your recommender that they may not have been aware of.
Don’t know where to start on your brag sheet? Here is the one I used when asking for my letters of referenc! Feel free to use it as a guide.
Tell Them What Schools You Are Planning To Apply To on PTCAS
Your recommenders probably want to know where you want to go. If you have a list of schools you want to apply to, share that list with your references. That person may have connections to schools you are applying to. This may make them more motivated to write a letter to help you get in to that school.
What If They Say No?
Then they say no. It is better that they say no, than to write you a vague, half baked, generic reference. These references should be personal and meaningful. Consider other people who may be willing to write you a letter of recommendation.
This is another reason why it is important to begin thinking about this aspect of your application as early as possible.
SAMPLE Reference Letter Request Templates
Professor
Dear [Insert Name of Professor with Proper Title],
My name is [Your Name], and I am/was a student in your [Class name] class. Currently, I am in the process of applying to physical therapy school and am working on compiling materials for my PTCAS application. The reason I am reaching out to you today, is to ask if you would be willing to write me a positive reference letter conveying why I am a qualified candidate for school. I felt that you were the best person to shed light on my character and vouch for my academic expertise and potential.
My time in your class, [insert the class name again], was really enjoyable for me. Specifically because [insert specific reasons or moments in class that you felt a connection with the material of the class or the professor, why that was important to you, and how it contributed to your academic success].
I understand that you are a busy person and I am sure you have many other responsibilities to attend to. If it would be helpful, I would be happy to pass along some addition talking points, accomplishments, and information regarding my professional qualifications to make writing this letter of reference a bit easier.
As of now, I plan to apply to [insert schools here]. My goal is to submit my PTCAS application by [insert date here] and would therefore need your letter of reference by [insert date here].
Thank you so much for your time and consideration. It would mean a lot to me if you are will to write a letter of this nature for me. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you for being invested in my academic success thus far and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Sincerely,
[insert your name here]
Physical Therapist
Dear [insert PT name with appropriate title],
My name is [insert name here] and I am currently a student at [insert university name here]. [Insert how you know them. Observation, employer, etc.]. Currently, I am in the process of applying to physical therapy school and am working on compiling materials for my PTCAS application. The reason I am reaching out to you today, is to ask if you would be willing to write me a positive reference letter conveying why I am a qualified candidate for school. I felt that you were the best person to shed light on my character and vouch for my potential as a physical therapist.
I have really enjoyed my time [insert how you know them and how many hours you have with them if documented]. Specifically, [insert specific experiences or reasons why you chose them to write you this recommendation]. I have learned [insert what you learned and how it has contributed to your academic success].
I understand that you are a busy person and I am sure you have many other responsibilities to attend to. If it would be helpful, I would be happy to pass along some addition talking points, accomplishments, and information regarding my professional qualifications to make writing this letter of reference a bit easier.
Currently I plan to apply to [insert schools here]. My goal is to submit my PTCAS application by [insert date here] and would therefore need your letter of reference by [insert date here].
Thank you so much for your time and consideration. It would mean a lot to me if you are will to write a letter of this nature for me. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you for being invested in my academic success thus far and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Sincerely,
[insert your name here]
Following Up…
After you submit your application, regardless of if you get accepted to a program, take the time to update your recommenders. Updating your recommenders further emphasizes your appreciation of them and their time. Maintaining professional relationships is so important and this is an easy way to do it.
Questions? Email us! Dysfunctionalanatomypt@gmail.com
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