Current Students
Current DPT students come from a wide range of personal, professional and academic backgrounds, as our DPT student profiles show. While the most common undergraduate major is kinesiology/exercise science, many students have majored in foreign languages, natural and physical sciences, social sciences or the humanities.
Some begin the program right after graduating from college. Others return for their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree five, ten or fifteen years after completing their bachelor’s degrees. A wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences create a strong, vibrant class of future therapists.
We value different viewpoints, leadership experiences, volunteer commitments, work history, interests, proficiency in more than one language, re-applicants, and studying/living abroad. Many students have served with various community organizations and have other extracurricular experiences, not necessarily related to health care.
Academic Performance
- Average cumulative GPA is 3.75 (range: 3.31–4.0) and average science GPA is 3.55 (range: 3.01–4.0)
- Average Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are:
- Quantitative: 153 (range: 144–166)
- Verbal: 153 (range 144–167)
- Analytical writing: 4.0 (range: 3.5–5.5)
PT Observation Hours
The number of PT observation hours for students ranges from 40–3332; and most students had experience in two settings (range: 1–6).
Acceptance and Matriculation Rates
On average, we offer admission to 25–40% of qualified applicants each year, and roughly 50–65% of accepted applicants enroll in our program. We maintain a waiting pool from which five applicants are typically offered admission. Our wait pool is not ranked; when positions in the class become available, candidates’ unique strengths, along with the composition of the class, are considered before admission offers are made.
Student Profiles
Isabelle West
Hometown: Northbrook, IL
I chose physical therapy because of my positive experiences as a patient with gymnastics-related injuries. I want to provide that kind of patient-centered care. As physical therapists, we get to spend a lot of time with our patients as we help them reach their goals, which is something I really value. I am looking forward to helping patients get back to doing the things they love.
Advice for New Students: Stay open-minded to the area of PT you would like to pursue, because there are so many amazing things to learn. It is a challenging but rewarding journey.
Highlights of the Program: It truly feels like a family! The cohort size allows you to get to know all of your classmates, and the faculty and staff are so supportive and create such a welcoming environment. I am so grateful to be a DPT student here at UW–Madison.
Brady Estervig
Hometown: Stoughton, WI
Growing up, I always knew I wanted a career helping people and the idea of healing through movement was intriguing. During an observation experience, I discovered that physical therapists don’t just possess an expansive skill set; they also get to spend meaningful, quality time with their patients, allowing them to truly optimize care.
Advice for new students: Look beyond the classroom to expand your skill set. Helping with the Badger Honor Flight sharpened my patient transfer skills in tight spaces — like an airplane aisle! Volunteering with the Miracle League gave me hands-on experience guiding kids through sports and movement. Consistent participation in what you are passionate about serves as a great study break and will reward you as a future PT.
Highlights of the program: Everyone —peers and faculty –brings unique interests and backgrounds. The faculty possess a wealth of experience across diverse clinical settings, and their open-door, “pop-in” office hours are incredibly helpful.
Deanna Hebbring
Hometown: Menomonee Falls, WI
I have always admired the role physical therapists play in giving autonomy back to patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. Being able to build meaningful relationships with patients while helping them work toward goals that matter to them is what drew me to the profession.
Advice for new students: Give yourself grace and take care of yourself. Remember that your classmates, professors and program staff are all on your side and want you to succeed. Ask for help when you need it.
Highlights: The opportunities for service, professional development, and relationship building stand out. Whether it’s through community programs, leadership opportunities, or bonding with classmates, the relationships you build within the UW DPT family make this program a really special place to be.
Osha Waterdu
Hometown: Rio, WI
As a nontraditional DPT student with a background in education, I chose physical therapy because it combines my passion for teaching with my interest in human anatomy. Through my own experience of injury and PT, I remember the lightbulb moment of understanding how I could play an active role in my own recovery. I look forward to giving my future patients the tools to feel empowered to reach their goals.
Advice for new students: It’s a marathon, not a sprint! Be sure to prioritize your own well-being and rely on your cohort friends for group study sessions and much-needed laughs. Ask questions and stay curious. If a certain topic starts tugging at your interest, follow the thread and figure out a way to get involved.
Highlights of the program: The faculty in this program are truly experts in their field and have a lot of knowledge to share. There are many opportunities to engage in extracurriculars, research, and scholarly projects.
Sam Oskoui
Hometown: Appleton, WI
I chose physical therapy after seeing PTs help restore mobility, functionality, and overall improvement in quality of life for individuals with various disabilities. I saw the connections physical therapists made with their clients and how they were there for them throughout their journeys.
Advice for new students: Take one day at a time. There will be some days when you feel like you are falling behind, and other days when you feel like you’re on top of the world. Be kind to yourself and understand that although this journey isn’t easy, it is attainable.
Highlights of the program: Highlights are the faculty and the opportunities and support they provide for students. Whether you are struggling with a concept, need to talk, or want to get involved in many of the student organizations and volunteer opportunities, faculty help you grow and feel at home within the program.
Alex Gruber
Hometown: Gainesville, FL
I wanted the opportunity to develop strong relationships with patients and give them the tools necessary to take control of their rehabilitation journey and achieve their physical health goals.
Advice for new students: Take full advantage of being a part of a cohort of talented individuals that are just as eager to learn as you are. Being able to collaborate and discuss complex concepts learned in class makes the information much more digestible.
Highlights of the program: Before I had even started classes, I already felt like part of UW’s PT family. The second- and third-year students go above and beyond in helping new students acclimate to the program. I feel a spirit of cohesiveness, especially through my involvement with the DPT student organization and the mentoring provided by my DPT-2 PT Pal [the PT Pal program matches first year DPT students with second year students who offer guidance throughout the new student’s first year].