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Hello all. I have been digging around on this forum for a while and trying to avoid posting but with the application cycle coming up I have a question or two.

 

My first question is should I apply this cycle?

 

I am working on a Psych Degree with a

cGPA: 3.96

sGPA: 3.9

GRE: Not Yet

 

Worth Mentioning: I only have 4 prereqs left. Anatomy, Physio, Microbio, Biochem 

 

I had to withdraw my original first year due to illness and have only withdrawn from one class since then. This I feel should not be a factor after I explain but it could hurt me. 

 

I have ~4000 hours PCE as a nurse's aide. I have held the same job for going on four years. 

 

Volunteer experience - Hospital greeter 150hrs, Horse Therapy Handler ~100 hrs and rising

 

Research Experience - A good bit and I am paid to mentor other students 

 

Shadowing - 8hrs ER ( This I can get up by application ) I have also shadowed a physician for 40 hours but probably won't include that

 

LOR's - This is my problem. 1 from a Professor I research with 1 from my STNA Job (One of the head nurses) 1 from my other job or second professor

 

I don't have a PA letter. I am shadowing but don't feel comfortable asking someone I have shadowed. In my job I work with a lot of nurses and very few PAs or Physicians I plan to only apply to schools that don't require a PA letter and only want a letter from a health care professional. 

 

If I apply this cycle I would only apply to two schools in the city closest to me. My husband is in the military and we were given a house, so I prefer not to uproot but we will next cycle if we have to.

 

Is it worth only applying to two schools?

 

Thank you.

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When you say this cycle do you mean before March? Or the cycle that opens in April?

 

I think your stats look pretty good. I would absolutely include the shadowing you did with an MD, this is another area where you can explain why you want to be a PA.

 

Why do you not want to ask the PA you shadowed for a letter? I think having that letter will definitely strengthen your application and that's where a lot of people get those letters.

 

I think it is too late for you to apply this cycle (the one ending in March). Many programs are rolling admissions and have already offered all of their interview spots/filled their programs. I would prepare to apply right away in April when CASPA reopens and in the meantime finish up your pre-reqs get more shadowing hours with a PA and ask them for a LOR.

 

Best of luck!!

 

 

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Thank you guys so much for the responses!

 

I'm sorry for the confusion I meant the one opening in April so for the 2018 start dates. I greatly appreciate the input and am trying to get more shadowing and potentially a letter from a PA. I'm just nervous I won't have the relationship built for a good letter but I understand the importance of getting that letter.

 

I plan to take my GRE soon so I can submit as early as possible. Probably submit in may so I will have all but two prerequisite courses finished with grades in.

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Thank you guys so much for the responses!

 

I'm sorry for the confusion I meant the one opening in April so for the 2018 start dates. I greatly appreciate the input and am trying to get more shadowing and potentially a letter from a PA. I'm just nervous I won't have the relationship built for a good letter but I understand the importance of getting that letter.

 

I plan to take my GRE soon so I can submit as early as possible. Probably submit in may so I will have all but two prerequisite courses finished with grades in.

I would definitely encourage you to shadow with this PA more than the one shift, that should help with the relationship! I would guess most PAs remember how not fun the application cycle is and assuming you're being a good shadow and paying attention they would be willing to write your LOR if they have time!

 

Best of luck!

 

 

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If you are missing 4 pre-reqs for both schools, then apply next year. Depending on the school, they may not even look at your application if there are more than 2 missing pre-reqs. It is very late in the game to be applying to schools that are more than halfway done with interviews. However, your GPA and HCE are very good. I have heard of people applying at the last minute and are still accepted. Applying to two schools is very manageable and not too expensive, though your interview chances are very low. Even if you do not get in, the experience of applying and a draft of your essays will help next cycle. Another option is that you could make a CASPA account and not apply in order to get a feel of the application and essay questions. 

 

I agree with the other posters that a rec from a PA or a physician will greatly help. There is still a lot of time before the next cycle to build a relationship with a PA/physician for a rec. 

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Will you be done with these prereqs in this spring semester? Agree with those above...shadow this PA more and ask for the letter. You need a letter from a PA for a lot of schools, sometimes also a physician. They've been through this and if they took you as a shadow then they've taken others and I'm sure have written their fair share of LOR. The worst that can happen is they'll say no and then you try again with shadowing someone new!

 

 

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Thanks again for the responses! I mean the cycle that opens in April so not the current cycle. Sorry again for the confusion. By that time I will only have two outstanding prerequisite courses which is okay with every school I want to apply at. I am also considering taking those in summer term so they will be finished by August. I don't know that that will make a difference if I apply in May but everything is set except that PA letter.

 

I am glad I asked and now realize it's importance and will give my all in trying to build as meaningful a relationship as I possibly can through shadowing.

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