Admission FAQs

Do I need to have all of the prerequisites complete in order to apply?
No, you may have prerequisite courses still in process. They must however be completed prior to matriculation if accepted into the graduate program. You will be able to indicate on the application which courses you still need to complete and the terms in which you plan to complete them.

May I take prerequisite courses at a community college?
Yes, you may take outstanding prerequisites at a community college or any other accredited school. Online courses are also permitted for courses that do not have a lab component. (If you are unsure whether courses meets our criteria and have a course description you may email it to Maureen Stokan, Graduate Admissions Advisor

If I have retaken a class does Chatham look at the new grade or the average of both?
Chatham takes the newer or better grade for your prerequisite coursework.

Do I need to have volunteer and/or PT observation hours completed by the application deadline?
It is not mandatory. Some students have not completed their volunteer or PT observation experience at this point. You may indicate on your application what you have so far or plan to do in the future. We do recommend that you try to complete both prior to the mandatory group interview.

What are the group interviews and when are they conducted?
Interviews are conducted on a Saturday morning for a half a day. The morning includes an introduction, overview of the program, campus tour and lunch. Students must complete an oral interview and a written portion which includes 2-3 essay questions. There are 2 group interview sessions. They are invitation only. The early decision interview takes place on November 15, 2008. The application deadline for this interview is October 1, 2008. The regular decision interview is held on January 24, 2009. The application deadline for this interview date is December 1, 2008.

What is the difference between the early and regular decision deadlines and interviews?
For students who meet our minimum overall and prereq GPA criteria and have designated Chatham as their top choice early decision is recommended.

Will I be bound to Chatham if I am accepted for early decision?
There is a financial commitment of a non-refundable deposit of $600 to secure a seat.

Can I make an appointment to learn more about the program and see the campus?
Yes, individual appointments are scheduled on a continuous basis. However we recommend making an appointment to come and meet with faculty and have a campus tour all at once. We have dates available for you to choose your visit. Please contact Emily Ballinger, Assistant to the Vice President of Admissions, 412-365-1289 or eballinger@chatham.edu.

Can I send you my transcript to review and advise me on which courses I still need to fulfill?
Yes, you may fax or email them to Maureen Stokan, Graduate Admissions Advisor, 412-365-2988 or mstokan@chatham.edu.

Do I have to take the GRE? How heavily is the test weighted in the admissions process?
Yes, all prospective students must take the GRE. Please keep in mind that we do evaluate the student as a whole. So for example, if you have a low score on your GRE but a high GPA, excellent letters of recommendation and solid PT experience this could overcome your low GRE score.

How many applicants does Chatham have for this program and how many seats are available?
We had close to 140 applicants last year for 30 seats per incoming class.

What can I do to make myself a competitive candidate for program at Chatham?

• Meet our overall and prerequisite GPA minimum requirements.
• Shadow, volunteer or work in a PT setting.
• Volunteer outside of a PT setting to demonstrate civic engagement.
• Understand the role of a PT and be able to articulate your understanding as related to your personal academic and professional strengths and goals.
• Brush up on your writing skills. Be able to answer questions in a clear and concise manner within an allotted timeframe.