How To Reapply

[sergiogo]

Hi everyone,

I was trying to search for this discussion but I didn't find anything.

I didn't make it into any of the programs I applied to (applied to 3 total; interviewed at 1) and I'm trying to figure out how to improve for next year.

These are my main stats:

Science GPA: 3.49
Overall GPA: 3.32
HCE: Medical Technologist for 3 years
Volunteer: Interpreter and Administrative assistant at Free Clinic, where a PA practices
Shadowing: ER PA for 7.5 hours
GRE: 149 verbal, 159 quant (I know)

The way I look at it is that my application was good enough to get me an interview. So I know that I'm moving on the right track. I had some pending courses when I applied so that might be why some of the programs didn't even get me an interview.

At my interview, I honestly was a little nervous and I don't think I expanded on my answers as much as I wanted to. I prepared for traditional and situational questions but I still felt like I was put on the spot. So I know I have to improve on that somehow.

I'm thinking that I should shadow more PAs to really get a good perspective on the profession. I was also thinking of getting a CNA license so that I can do actual patient care at the free clinic like triaging and assessing patients.

Also, regarding my essay, should I keep it as is? Or should I update it and mention that I'm reapplying?

I would really appreciate the feedback. 

Thank you!

 

[MT2PA]

As someone who was an MT also, get better HCE.  More hands on.  And more shadowing.  I got a lot of interviews because I had great grades but I know that my weak hands on HCE (some of my time as an MT was phlebotomy and cell therapy, so not just lab work), and lack of shadowing are what kept me from getting more acceptances.

 

If you plan to reapply to any of the same programs, then focus on what you did to improve (vs just indicating you are reapplying) but if you pick all new schools then you don't really need to worry too much.

 

Your grades got you through the door (once) but compared to EMTs and the like, MT just isn't very hands on with patients, and 8 hrs of shadowing is nothing compared to applicants who have hundreds of hours.

[gcox87]

Fellow MT here.

 

Couple questions. 1. Did you apply early? If not that I'd an issue and so was the fact that you had pending courses. 2. Why so few schools? Apply to more. 3. Can you speak fluent Spanish? If so talk it up!

 

Your grades look fine to me, and contrary to popular belief MT is great experience.

 

Did you perform draws on patients or any other tasks that could consider your experience PCE? If not network at your job and get those experiences.

 

Gain more shadowing hours. Schools look for hundreds not tens.

 

Your volunteering sounds like a great situation. How long have you been doing it? This seems like a great place to get PCE, and I don't see why you would need a CNA to get it.

 

You should touch up your essay. Doesn't need to be a rewrite, but they want to know what you did to make yourself a better applicant.

 

Finally, reflect on your experiences at your interview, and go in more prepared next time!

[sergiogo]

MT2PA - Thank you! It's awesome to see fellow MTs here. I really appreciate the advice. I will get more shadowing hours and better HCE.

gcox87 - Another MT! Awesome!

Yes, I applied in late June, if that is considered early. I applied to the ones that were closest to me but I will definitely apply to more in order to increase my chances. And yes, I do speak fluent Spanish; I interpret at the free clinic.

At the hospital, we have phlebotomists that do our draws so I never really see any patients unless they need help holding down a freakishly strong child who doesn't want to get poked at our outpatient services.

I've been at the free clinic for almost a year now. I do interpreting during visits with the providers and also I do administrative tasks like keeping track of charts and interviewing potential patients to see if they qualify. I move around a lot and I do interact with patients frequently, but I'm not allowed to do triage nor assessments, which is what nurses, MAs, and CNAs do there. That's the main reason why I think a CNA certification would help; I would then be able to obtain actual PCE and gain a closer bond with the providers.

Shadowing and PCE seem to be the main two things I have to work on. Also, yes, I will get more prepared for the interview now that I know what it's going to be like.

Thank you all for your help. 
 

[Allegro]

I agree with the opinion that the HCE is where your stats need work. The MT job is not bad experience at all, but if you want to compete against apps with a lot of hands-on Patient Care, this is where it looks like you are lacking, especially given the outline of your MT responsiblities at your specific post.

[MT2PA]

I agree with the opinion that the HCE is where your stats need work. The MT job is not bad experience at all, but if you want to compete against apps with a lot of hands-on Patient Care, this is where it looks like you are lacking, especially given the outline of your MT responsiblities at your specific post.

Exactly.  MT is great HCE, just not great PCE.  Big difference.  MTs are generally looked upon favorably, you just also have to prove your ability/inclination to interact with patients.