LESH Posted February 12, 2016 Share Posted February 12, 2016 I'm old and I don't get out much. I was recently surprised at the number of PA admissions folks that have told me this is what they recommend to applicants. Anyone have to do this or know someone that did? Thanks LESH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC30 Posted February 12, 2016 Share Posted February 12, 2016 I don't know anyone who did but to me it sounds like a way to "rehab" less-than-competitive GPAs, which seems like one of the biggest hurdles to PA school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LESH Posted February 12, 2016 Author Share Posted February 12, 2016 I don't know anyone who did but to me it sounds like a way to "rehab" less-than-competitive GPAs, which seems like one of the biggest hurdles to PA school. "Rehab" lol, good term. I'll have to remember that. I have been saying "academic redemption"... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdflygirl Posted February 12, 2016 Share Posted February 12, 2016 I'm 28, with a master's, and was just accepted in December on my second application attempt. I first applied at age 20, when I was graduating with my BS a year early. Is my master's in anything medicine related? No. It's science, but not medicine. I got it because the place I was working at during the time had a great tuition reimbursement program and I was genuinely interested in the subject. In terms of helping my GPA, my GPA wasn't terrible to start with and since it didn't include a lot of classes in the same disciplines as the prereqs, when it came CASPA time, the difference it made was minimal. That all being said, I was asked a lot of questions about my master's degree in my program interview. The questions I got asked and the comments the interviewers made were more related to my ability to handle that level of coursework and work full time. I ABSOLUTELY feel that was the greatest benefit I got from getting a master's degree--getting used to the level of coursework and the amount of studying required. I know PA school will be difficult, but I welcome the challenge. I'm not fearful in a "I don't think I can handle this" sort of way, like I would've been fresh out of undergrad. Some people can take that leap and do just fine--but not me, and I think personally, the experience I've had in the time since undergrad will make me the best provider I can be. So in short, unless you're getting part of it paid for, I don't think it's necessary. If your GPA is the biggest concern, I think your time and money would be better spent retaking the one or two prereqs that you feel you could improve your grade in the most. Just my opinion :) Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC30 Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 ^^^ Agree with the above. I think doing well in master's level science classes are definitely a plus in an application. My comment was in reference to advice I've seen on the forums responding to people asking for help getting into PA school w low GPA. I was absolutely an applicant w a less than competitive GPA, and strongly considered taking on a master's if I hadn't been accepted this cycle! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UGoLong Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 Of what I've seen, maybe 1-5% of applicants with a prior MS, often something they picked up in pursuit of their former career path. Agree that retaking prereqs with bad grades, demonstrating you can do the work by taking a nonpreq (my personal favorite is patho), and increasing one's relevant experience are good options. Plus getting some good references. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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