Low BA GPA, High Pre-reqs GPA.... What are my chances?

[CristinaC]

Just like many in this forum, I'm a little nervous about how to approach my education and experience in the most productive and fulfilling way... so here's my info... 

 

Cons:

I have a BA (Art History, as a single mother) with a low GPA (2.7) from 10 years ago... it feels like a lifetime ago. 

 

Pros:

I went back to school and have a 4.0 GPA on all my pre-reqs: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Eng1A, Intermediate Algebra, Stats, General Chem, Organic Chem, Psychology, Nutrition, Sociology. 

 

Also, I'm currently

  1. a volunteer at hospital (was awarded a scholarship which includes this "vip" access volunteering experience). 

  2. finishing my Medical Assistant program (4.0 GPA as well)

 

Future plans:

  1. volunteer in community clinic (focus on hispanic, low income)

  2. volunteer in clinic at Santiago, in the Dominican Republic (my father was dominican)

  3. work as M.A. for at least 1.5 yrs before PA school

 

Demographics: I'm a bilingual (spanish/english) woman from Puerto Rico, 35 y.o., living in Northern California. Member of various clubs and associations (academic and professional)

 

What else can I do to become a PA with my low BA GPA? Recommendations are more than welcome (Including more fitting schools).

 

Thank you.

[Guy]

I would say you are doing just about everything you could possibly do to make up for that low GPA you had the first time you went to school.

 

What is your cumulative GPA like now having taken those additional courses? Keep in mind that that a lot of schools have a minimum 3.0 cut off.

 

It sounds like you are really passionate about pursuing this profession and taking all the necessary steps to prepare your application. I would suggest taking more classes since you are doing so well and that will surely bring your GPA up even more. Consider taking a general biology course, medical terminology, genetics, biochemistry, etc. These are all good, relevant classes to take for PA school.

 

Study hard for the GRE. Although not required by every program, it can certainly help your chances if you crank out a really good score.

 

Best of luck to you! 

[Nicky2624]

You sound just like me. I'm also an older student with poor GPA from 10 years ago and a 4.0 since my return in 2009.  Keep focused and really work on getting a solid personal statement. They will see who you really are, how far you've come , and where you are going. I was brutally honest in both of my personal statements and I am getting ready to interview at one of my top choice schools. It was a big risk that I would not recommend to everyone, but I'm truly glad that I put it all on the table. Many PAs I've talked to say that the professors want to know that we are real people with good life experience to apply to our careers, not just cookie-cutter applicants with mommy and daddy paying for our education. Best of luck to you!