Do I have a shot at all?

[pseudonym123]

I am currently doing a Master's of Arts in Biological Sciences program in Philadelphia, PA that is geared to help people boost their GPA. In my undergraduate years, I graduated with a 2.895 GPA in New Jersey while 1) interning at a hospital, 2) working as an emergency services volunteer, 3) working as a babysitter to a doctor, and finally 4) working with mentally disabled individuals. I was also able to be a part of the Northeast Regional Med prep alliance program specific for individuals who want to go to medical school. I dedicated two summers until my GPA went down a bit to a 2.895.

Where I am now though: Doing my Masters of Arts in Biological Science, doing microbiological related research with a professor, and teaching science to young kids in impoverished areas. I know I need to do the MCAT but I am so terrified of it. I don't know where to start. I am finding all of it overwhelming..If anyone has a blog or anything highlighting what you did to get into the physician assistant programs and how, I would like to see it because I need some guidance..

What would I need to get into physician assistant programs? Should I even consider it? I just need an opinion of what to do if I happen to do exceptionally well this year in my masters program..


This is an overview of my grades in the required courses:

Biology 1: B-

Biology Lab 1: B-

Biology 2: A

Biology Lab 2: B-



Chemistry 1: A

Chemistry Lab 1: A-

Chemistry 2: B-

Chemistry Lab 2: B-



Organic chemistry 1: C

Organic chemistry 1 lab: B

Organic chemistry 2: C

Organic chemistry 2 lab: B-



Physics 1: C-

Physics Lab 1: A

Physics 2: C

Physics Lab 2: A-



Calculus: B

English: A

[goheels]

Well, PA school takes the GRE not the MCAT. Also, you're missing a lot of core pre reqs such as an upper level bio course, biochem for some schools, genetics, anatomy, stats, psych. PA school also requires healthcare experience with direct patient contact.. and applicants who are considered competitive have thousands of hours. 

 

A masters program is good, but will not raise your cGPA. The cut off to even apply is usually a 3.0 cGPA so you'll need to take some postbacc classes since grad level classes don't average into your undergrad GPA.

 

I suggest you research, research, and research about what's required to get into PA school. It's nothing like med school.

[pseudonym123]

Some PA programs allow MCAT scores because I researched. In my Master's program I will be retaking biochemistry. I had already taken anatomy and got a B-, statistics I got a C+, and psychology I got a B-...In my Master's program (which is specific when it states that it is to boost an applicants GPA so to APPLY to these programs) I will be taking upper level bio courses such as immunology, microbiology, etc. I also have hours/years of direct patient care...Would all this help me?

[RuralER/Ortho]

Don't take the MCAT. It's a more expensive, difficult test that the vast majority of schools do not accept. Taking it does nothing to boost your application and is viewed as negative by many schools.

[pseudonym123]

Thank you for the advice

[corpsman89]

Forgive me,

 

The fact that you think you need to take the MCAT to get into PA school tells me that you are not prepared. You mention that you are terrified to take the MCAT, and yet when someone mentions that you don't need to take it, you respond back with "Some schools require it because I researched?" Really? Did you?

 

So first things first. Its obvious that you have not done sufficient research on going to PA school.

 

The first thing I would suggest is to look at the accepted stats page within this forum. Go through it page by page and look at what it takes for students to get accepted into PA schools.

 

Your previous undergrad GPA is no good. But what is your current GPA?

 

It sounds like you have pretty decent HCE, and some notable volunteering history.

 

You also need to take the GRE. Yes, the GRE. Not the MCAT, the GRE. (unless you insist on still taking the MCAT, and applying to the very small amount of schools that allow the MCAT).

I would suggest that you don not apply this year. It is already September and many schools deadlines have already been reached. You are at a major disadvantage here, so prepare your self for April next year, and you will have a better shot.

 

 

I know some people may not like my crass on this issue, but there is an incredible amount of information on this website. All it takes is some initiative to search for it, find it, and learn. So please do not come on this forum asking everybody to do this work for you.

 

-Greg

[pseudonym123]

The schools that would look at the MCAT were schools I researched in NYC, I am aware that the GRE is needed. I already have that. There is information I have left out. The point of this thread was to see if I even had a shot at all considering my pretty low GPA. I have spent all week researching schools and reading forums and from what people have said, the MCAT "looks better" on the application. You really did not have to be rude. Like I said, the point was to have PA students read this forum and go "oh, well maybe you CAN bring the GPA up to get into PA programs during your Master's." That's it. Relax. Have a good day. You seem stressed out.

[lddelellis]

pseudonym123 If I were you I would stay clear of the MCAT. The reason I say this is because I think most programs will frown upon it. See the MCAT is required for medical school and if you have taken it PA programs will think that at one point you were trying to get into medical school. You don't want to make it appear that you have tried applying to medical school and didn't get in so you are going "the easier route" and choosing PA school, which by no means is the easier route. Even if that isn't the case.

 

There is no PA program that I am aware of that requires the MCAT for acceptance so if I were you I would forget about the MCAT. If your GRE score isn't above at least 300 I would recommend retaking it.

 

I hope this helps your dilemma.

[pseudonym123]

Thank you! It actually helps me very much because I was thinking about whether or not I should retake the GRE.

[lddelellis]

You're welcome. Schools like to see you perform very well on the GRE because it indicates to them that you can perform well on a standardized test (which the PANCE is).

 

Also, research schools that look at applicants in a holistic approach. They will look at you as a whole and not necessarily just by stats.

 

And I don't think schools will look at you negatively for retaking courses. It just shows that you are willing to put in the extra work. Just make sure if you are retaking the courses you get A's in them. Anything less is negative as well because they expect you to get an A in the class since it is the 2nd time you have taken it.

 

Good luck!

[pseudonym123]

Yeah! that was what worried me, like if I take a class 2 times, could that hurt me but obviously not...thanks so much

[corpsman89]

The schools that would look at the MCAT were schools I researched in NYC, I am aware that the GRE is needed. I already have that. There is information I have left out. The point of this thread was to see if I even had a shot at all considering my pretty low GPA. I have spent all week researching schools and reading forums and from what people have said, the MCAT "looks better" on the application. You really did not have to be rude. Like I said, the point was to have PA students read this forum and go "oh, well maybe you CAN bring the GPA up to get into PA programs during your Master's." That's it. Relax. Have a good day. You seem stressed out.

 

c'mon I said forgive me. :)

 

I just sort of got a little sour when someone responded to your intitial post about not having to take the MCAT, and you basically dismissed it. Also, being what seems like your first post, I would expect a better description of your story. Again, what is your current GPA. 

 

I am also confused, did you take the GRE or not? You said you already have that. What does that mean?

 

Are you considering applying this year? 

 

Now, depending on how many credit hours you have, it is possible to raise your GPA. However, it is very important to keep in mind that if you decide to retake some of your classes, that CASPA will NOT replace the grade of the new class, but will instead AVERAGE them out. 

 

I will agree that I am a wee bit stressed. I just got off my 7 consecutive night shift, have two kids at home and am attending school full time. Applying to PA school also doesnt help either. But dont forget, I am still trying, and attempting to help you. 

[G. Davenport]

Sorry to be blunt but it is highly unlikely you will get into a program with the grades you listed. PA school is a medical school (slightly shorter but very similar) with no residency expectation after you graduate. The competition is tough. On average the cumulative GPA is mid to high 3 (3.5 to 3.6) and the pre-requisites science cumulative is also 3.5 or higher. To be interviewed you have to be academically competitive. Best advice is to retake every course (pre-requisites) with a B- or lower. Simply stating you did poorly because you were busy won't do it. Good luck.

 

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[MedicinePower]

It looks like from your prereqs you were shooting for med school but your grades are too low. For some reason you think PA is a "second choice" while that is simply untrue. If you have any chance of getting into PA school you need to take the actual PA prereqs, spend time shadowing PAs, and stop thinking that the MCAT is required for PA school.

[G. Davenport]

One more thing. The courses you listed are typical for med school. Pa programs rarely require physics. Many don't require organic. Best to look at the programs you are considering to see what they require. For example, we require genetics and microbiology in addition to a and p, chemistry, and biology. Again. Good luck.

 

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[goheels]

I also think you really don't have a good chance.

 

I would reevaluate your career path and determine if this is what you really want to pursue. 

[pseudonym123]

I also think you really don't have a good chance.

 

I would reevaluate your career path and determine if this is what you really want to pursue. 

Dont worry babe, going to keep trying. Don't care what you say.

[corpsman89]

Dont worry babe, going to keep trying. Don't care what you say.

 

 

Ha-ha, let us know how things go for ya!

[Timon]

Dont worry babe, going to keep trying. Don't care what you say.

Don't shoot your self in the foot before even get started. Many adcom members lurk these forums and it's pretty easy to figure out who is who on applications.

 

I like your motivation though, but no need for snarkiness here where people are trying to help you.

 

I'm a big advocate for the underdog raising their gpa and getting into programs, but i agree that your chances do not look good based on the information that's been provided in this thread and requires more work on your end to correct your short comings.

 

Have a blessed day.

 

Best of luck.

[LT_Oneal_PAC]

You'd have a better shot at DO by retaking the classes and getting higher grades. They'll take grade replacement.

[laferri2]

Ha-ha, let us know how things go for ya!

Gotta love when someone comes to a forum for advice and, when finding that said advice is not what they want to hear, cops an attitude. :D

 

My undergrad GPA was 2.88 but my grad GPA was 3.85, I am busting my butt in my pre-requisites to get over 3 for my cumulative undergrad...and I have 14000 hours of speech pathology healthcare experience.

 

If the OP is serious about PA training, he would be best served to get out of his master's program, take some more undergrad science to reverse the downward GPA trend, ace those classes, and get some decent HCE. Finishing that grad degree with the plan of immediately going for PA training is a waste of time, money, and effort. I really don't think you've given it the amount of time and consideration such an undertaking requires and I think adcoms are going to look negatively at the mishmash you've created if you get past their filters.

[goheels]

Seriously OP, you asked for advice and I gave you truthful, honest advice. Sorry that it wasn't what you wanted to hear, but you're gonna have to change your attitude. 

 

I even understand what you're dealing with, because I'm trying to work on my own stats but everything you presented has been very negative. You presented your stats as if you were applying to med school and even opted out important, relevant information so you can't blame people for saying you didn't research what it takes to get in.

 

If I were you I would either continue that masters program and excel in it OR drop out to raise your undergrad gpa. Either way, you're gonna have to raise your undergrad gpa and retake classes or take new ones. Few, few schools have a min. gpa requirement of 2.75 if those schools are on your list. 

[AMD]

@Pseudonym123

 

Your story sounds like you spread your time way too thin. It's good to have extracurricular activities but not at the expense of your GPA. I hope you've learned that lesson. It would have been better to be committed to one ECA, with fewer hours in the week, but over a few years of your academic career. This allows time for studies, and time to destress, leading to a better GPA. I'm sure at the time you thought "this will all look so good on my med school application". But honestly time management is a thing all higher ed institutions emphasize. So, I hope you learned that lesson, and I hope you pass it on to anyone you think needs to hear it.

 

On your shot at getting into PA school:

 

 

No one wants to be second choice. PA schools' AdComs can sniff half-hearted, consolation-prize seeking MD-wannabees from a mile away! These types don't do well in PA programs for many reasons but attitudes being their biggest downfall.

 

While youre working on upping your undergrad GPA, take some time to research the career. Fall in love with it, because it IS the prize, not the stand-in. That's the only way you'll do well in any PA program.

If that love never manifests, Belize has a great medical school ;-) and white sand beaches. One of preceptors went to that one, and he's a excellent physician. ijs.

 

-AMD