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Student Ambassadors

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The Student Ambassador page for Columbia University's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program highlights current students who serve as liaisons between prospective students and the program. These ambassadors share their experiences, provide insights into the curriculum, and answer questions about student life, helping applicants gain a comprehensive understanding of the program. This resource is invaluable for prospective students seeking a firsthand perspective on the program and its community.

Student Ambassadors

Andrea Boe
- Hometown: Middlebury, Vermont
- Undergraduate Institution and Major: Tufts University, English Major
- PT area of interest: Sports, Ortho, Neuro
- Fun Fact/ Personal Interest: Running, exploring New York, eating!
- Why you chose Columbia DPT: I chose Columbia DPT because I was drawn to the personalized clinical selction process. This was very important to me and knowing that I would be placed by real people who know and cared about me, rather than an algorithm, was very comforting.
- Advice for applicants: Have an open mind about what you want to do! It's great to have an idea, but also completely okay to take your time and explore your options! That's what PT school is for!
Dana Edson
- Hometown: McLean, VA
- Undergraduate Institution and major: George Mason University-Kinesiology
- PT area of interst: Sports Ortho or Neuro
- Fun Fact/Personal interest: I played tennis in college
- Why you chose Columbia DPT: I chose Columbia DPT not only for its outstanding academics but also for the incredible community the DPT program has created. The relationship between students and faculty here is so special, and the professors are truly invested in our growth in and out of the classroom. The interactions between students and cohorts are always welcoming, and the willingness to support one another highlights the collaborative spirit of the community.
- Advice for applicants: Applying to PT school can feel overwhelming but do not lose sight of how exciting the journey is. Be authentic and do not be afraid to show who you are in your applications. Also, don't hesitate to use current students and alumni as a resource, they will give you a lot of valuable insight to determine if the program is right for you.
Katelyn Gonzalez
- Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
- Undergraduate Institution and Major: Vanderbilt University/ Medicine, Health, and Society Major
- PT area of interst: Sports/Ortho
- Fun Fact/Personal interest: I love cooking for friends and family! I am passionate about factors impacting motivation behind return to sport and return to function in patients.
- Why you chose Columbia DPT: I chose Columbia for their clinical network and dedication to never being mediocre. The faculty truly cares about the students and provides you with many forms of support.
- Advice for applicants: My advice for applicants would be to be open minded and establish priorities. Whether you know exactly what you want to do or have no idea, the curriculum and clinical education here at Columbia provides each person the individual opportunity to explore interests. Establishing priorities will help you determine if this program is a good fit for you! We want the program to contribute to your professional and personal development in the same way that we want you to contribute to the development of the program.
Elizabeth Krauss
- Hometown: NW suburbs of Chicago
- Institution and Major: Loyola Marymount University - Health and Human Sciences
- PT area of interst: Neuro rehabilitation or orthopedics, hopefully I can decide soon!
- Fun Fact/Personal interest: I played water polo in undergrad and love to explore the city by trying new cofee shops
- Why you chose Columbia DPT: I really connected to the program on interview day. I apperciated the care and community that was emphasized by the students and faculty.
- Advice for applicants: Have a few things that are make it or break it for you. It is just as important for you to choose this program as it is for this program to choose you!
Claudia Mancha
- Hometown: Chino, California
- Undergraduate Institution and major: University of Oregon, Human Physiology and Psychology
- PT area of interst: Neuro/Ortho
- Fun Fact/Personal interest: I've traveled to 5 countries and will be hiking Machu Picchu this summer in Peru!
- Why you chose Columbia DPT: I chose Columbia DPT because of its incredible faculty support, diverse student body, and numerous opportunities it has to offer.
- Advice for applicants: My biggest piece of advice for applicants is to choose experiences that you truly enjoy and not what you think looks best on an application. Try your best to not stress because you will ultimately end up at the program that is best for you.
Samantha Page
- Hometown: Stamford, Connecticut
- Undergraduate Institution and major: University of Maryland - Kinesiology
- PT area of interst: Ortho/Sports
- Fun Fact/Personal interest: I've traveled to 23 countries and hope to reach 40 before 40 years old!
- Why you chose Columbia DPT: I chose Columbia for its community. I was so welcomed by the faculty and current students on interview day and felt I would fit in well.
- Advice for applicants: Try and get as much experience in different settings as you can before school, it has helped me so much in our classes. Also, keep in mind that your hard work will pay off!