Applying
Ready to apply?
Don’t worry, we’ll make this easy.
Before you start, check out our admission criteria on the Before You Apply page to make sure you meet all the requirements.
Deadline Heading link
Applications open the first weekday in July, and are due the first weekday in October, by 10:59 pm CDT. Applicants are encouraged to apply early!
Checklist Heading link
- UIC application
- PTCAS application
- Transcripts
- GRE General Test scores
- Letters of recommendation
Official UIC application
Submit your UIC application online via the UIC website—just follow the instructions listed there. There is a non-refundable application fee for all applicants.
PTCAS Application
Submit your PTCAS application online via the PTCAS website. The application opens in July and closes the first weekday of October.
Don’t wait for the last minute to submit your application! Applicants are often contacted by PTCAS to take some corrective action, so it’s recommended to provide a buffer of time for that possibility. Additionally, students are encouraged to submit their applications early to be considered for rolling admissions.
Transcripts
Arrange for PTCAS to receive an official transcript from every U.S. college and university you have attended. Refer to instructions on the PTCAS website.
Prerequisite courses must have a grade of C or better to be considered.
GRE
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores are required for all applicants.
There are several UIC departments, so be careful to send your GRE results to the right one. Scores should be sent directly from Education Testing Service to Code 7784.
Be sure to TAKE (or re-take) your GRE before the Oct deadline, and SUBMIT your application before the Oct deadline. Then, there is time for scores to come in and for your application to reach VERIFIED status before the Nov deadline. Plan ahead! We always encourage applicants to apply early.
The GRE must be taken within 5 years of the application due date — request that scores be sent from ETS to Code 7784.
Letters of recommendation
Submit at least two and no more than five letters of recommendation on PTCAS. Do not send any as supplemental materials. Only letters submitted through PTCAS will be accepted.
A letter of recommendation should attest to the character, personal qualities or life experiences that make you suitable for a career in physical therapy. Letters from fellow students or family members are not accepted. Letters from physical therapists and from persons with knowledge of the applicant’s academic and interpersonal capabilities are particularly desirable.
International students Heading link
If English is not your native language, you might need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the exam of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the PTE-Academic. Check out the International Requirements to see if this applies to you. Our program has the same minimum score requirements as the Graduate College.
TOEFL scores must be submitted to UIC directly from ETS using the institutional code 1851. This test score can’t be more than two years old.
Declaration and Certification of Finances
The Declaration and Certification of Finances form must be signed by both you and your sponsor.
Academic translations
College-level coursework completed outside of the U.S. must be documented with the following:
- A subject analysis evaluation from World Education Services (WES) for advising and application evaluation purposes. The evaluation should be submitted to PTCAS.
- An original transcript in the native language AND a translated copy in English. A verbatim, literal translation, NOT an evaluation of equivalencies, is required. A translation agency (such as ATA) may provide a referral to a certified translator if the institution doesn’t provide an English translation. UIC requires a verbatim, literal translation, NOT an evaluation of equivalencies, even if a WES evaluation is included.
The original transcript and English translation should be sent to:
DPT Admissions
Department of Physical Therapy
University of Illinois at Chicago
1919 W Taylor St (MC 898)
Chicago, Illinois 60612
Course work completed outside the United States as part of a study abroad program and that appears on the transcript of a U.S.-based college does not require the evaluation described above.
Questions? Heading link
Questions?
You can email Erin Fagan, program coordinator.
You can contact Erin at:
Email efagan@uic.edu
Phone 312.996.1501
Address 1919 W. Taylor St.
450 AHSB, MC 898
Chicago, IL 60612