Many DPT programs interview the applicants they are seriously considering, and the format depends on the program: a one-on-one with faculty, a group interview, an MMI, often with an essay written on the spot. Here is what the APTA and named PT programs say about their interviews, what they rate, and how to prepare.
From the APTA and programs’ own admissions pages2026-27 cycleChecked October 28, 2026
Practice with a mock interviewOne-on-one on Zoom with Julie Cunningham, MA, CCC-SLP.
Jump to:What the APTA saysFormats by programTimingQuestions to practiceHow to prepareFAQ
What the APTA says
The APTA says “PT programs may require competitive applicants to visit the campus for an interview or conduct a virtual interview,” and that applicants “may be required to speak with a single faculty member, a student, a physical therapist, or a panel of interviewers” (APTA).
“During the interview, applicants may be rated on their oral communication skills, professional behaviors and attitudes, ability to interact in a group, knowledge of the profession, ability to solve problems, and motivation to pursue a career in physical therapy.”APTA
The APTA adds: “The applicants’ written communication skills also may be measured with an on-site essay.”
Interview formats by program
These come from each program’s own page. Formats change, so check the page for every program that invites you.
| Program | Format | What their page says |
|---|---|---|
| Rosalind Franklin University | MMI | “a series of short structured interview stations (between 5-10).” Some stations may involve role play with a standardized actor. Source |
| Regis University | Group interview, on campus | “on-campus group interview with faculty,” plus “a campus tour, simulation lab activity, observation in the skills lab.” Source |
| Hunter College (CUNY) | Zoom interview plus essay | “Eligible candidates will be invited for a Zoom interview with the PT faculty.” “Candidates are required to write a short, one page essay at the time of the interview.” Source |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | On-campus interview plus essay | “Well-qualified applicants will be invited to campus for an interview and completion of a 1-2 page essay.” Source |
| Sam Houston State University | In person with faculty | “an in-person interview with faculty on the Conroe campus;” “virtual interviews may be considered in extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.” Source |
For how MMI stations work, see our page on the MMI interview.
When PT interviews happen
Many programs interview on a rolling basis, so applying early can matter. Sam Houston State lists “Rolling interviews by invitation” from October 2026 to April 2027 (SHSU). Mary Hardin-Baylor says “Seats in the Fall 2027 class may be offered after each interview date” (UMHB). Hunter interviews “across November and December of the application year” (Hunter).
Invitations come from the program, not PTCAS. West Virginia University says you will be notified “using the primary email address listed on your PTCAS application” and to check “its spam folder/filter” regularly (WVU).
Questions to practice
The APTA says “Applicants should be prepared to discuss why they have chosen to pursue a career in physical therapy” (APTA). Programs don’t publish their questions, so based on what the APTA says programs rate, practice these out loud. They are my practice prompts, not questions any program has published:
- Why physical therapy, and not occupational therapy, athletic training, or medicine?
- What did you learn from your observation hours?
- Describe a patient interaction you saw that stayed with you.
- Tell me about a time you worked in a group that disagreed.
- What is a challenge facing the PT profession right now?
- How do you handle a heavy workload and setbacks?
- Why our program?
Rosalind Franklin says its MMI “is not designed to assess any specific knowledge related to science or the Doctor of Physical Therapy program” (Rosalind Franklin). Expect to be judged on how you think and communicate.
Your interviewers may have your application in front of them, so reread your own PTCAS personal statement before the interview. If you haven't submitted yet, see our PTCAS personal statement examples, or work with Lauren Hammond, PhD, our personal statement editor.
How to prepare
- Find each program’s format. One-on-one, group, MMI, or Zoom, with or without an essay.
- Know your why in two minutes. Build it from your observation hours and a specific patient or therapist you watched.
- Practice a timed essay. Hunter asks for a one-page essay and Mary Hardin-Baylor a 1-2 page essay at the interview.
- Practice working in a group. The APTA lists “ability to interact in a group” among what programs rate. Draw quieter people in and build on ideas.
- Dress for it. The APTA says, “If invited, dress in professional business attire.”
- Do a mock interview with feedback. You can’t hear your own filler words. A practice run shows you where your answers wander.
Practice with a real interviewer before the real one. My wife, Julie Cunningham, MA, CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist who runs mock interviews on Zoom for PT school applicants. She coaches every format: one-on-one, panel, MMI, and recorded video interviews such as Kira Talent. She works on how your answers come across: clear key words, pace, voice, filler words, organizing an answer so it has a point, staying steady when you're nervous, and how you look and sound on camera. It's $250 an hour.
Frequently asked questions
Do PT schools require interviews?
Many do. The APTA says PT programs may require competitive applicants to interview on campus or virtually. Sam Houston State says admission decisions are based on the complete application and the interview.
What do PT school interviews assess?
The APTA says applicants may be rated on oral communication, professional behaviors and attitudes, ability to interact in a group, knowledge of the profession, problem solving, and motivation to pursue physical therapy.
Is there an essay at PT school interviews?
At some programs. Hunter has candidates write a one-page essay at the interview, and Mary Hardin-Baylor asks for a 1-2 page essay.
Do PT schools use the MMI?
Some do. Rosalind Franklin’s DPT program uses an MMI of 5 to 10 stations, which may include role play with a standardized actor.
Are PT school interviews virtual?
Some are. Hunter interviews on Zoom. Regis, Sam Houston State, and Mary Hardin-Baylor interview on campus.
How will I hear about a PT school interview?
From the program. West Virginia University, for example, emails invitations to the primary email address on your PTCAS application.
Every format and quotation on this page comes from the APTA or the program’s own admissions page, linked where it appears. Last checked October 28, 2026.