Apply Early! PTCAS
processing may take up to 4 to 5 weeks, once all required materials are
received. Submit your PTCAS application and arrange for materials to arrive
at PTCAS by the program's deadline. The deadline indicates when materials must
arrive at PTCAS (and not the program). Programs may have multiple deadline
dates or operate on a rolling admissions basis. Visit the PTCAS Directory for
details.
Submit your PTCAS application and arrange for materials to arrive at PTCAS by the program's deadline. The deadline indicates when materials must arrive at PTCAS (and NOT the program).
Early Decision
The early decision program is a binding option for applicants who have decided that a particular PT program is their first choice and they will enroll if accepted. As an Early Decision applicant, you can apply to only 1 program that participates in Early Decision. If accepted as an Early Decision applicant, you must accept the offer and will not be permitted to apply to any additional programs in PTCAS during the application cycle. All programs participating in the Early Decision process have the discretion to grant a release to an accepted applicant, however, the applicant will be required to wait until the next application cycle to apply to additional PTCAS programs. View the early decision instructions and list of programs in the early decision process.
Firm and Soft Deadlines
Each PTCAS program has selected a firm or soft deadline. Programs may move from a soft to a firm deadline at any point during the cycle.
- Firm Deadline - You cannot apply to the program after the deadline has passed.
- Soft Deadline - You can still apply to the program after the deadline has passed, but the program may give less or no consideration to your file if you apply after the deadline.
Application Close Time
All PTCAS deadlines expire at 11:59 pm ET. Review the time zones to determine when the application will close in your area:
- 11:59 PM (ET)
- 10:59 PM (CT)
- 9:59 PM (MT)
- 8:59 PM (PT)
- 7:59 PM (AKT)
- 6:59 PM (HT)
Late Materials and Missed Deadlines
A program may deny your application if your transcripts or
other materials arrive late. If you submit your application by the program's
deadline, PTCAS will release your application to your selected programs, even
if your materials arrive after the deadline. PTCAS is not responsible for any
materials lost in the mail or for delays caused by the registrar's office.
Express or certified mail does not guarantee expedient processing, nor does
sending transcripts express or certified mail guarantee receipt by PTCAS.
Deadline Extensions
Contact the program directly to request a deadline
extension. Programs are not obligated to grant deadline extensions or give
consideration to applicants who submit late application materials.