MT2PA

Everything else the same, I'd pick electives over cadavers. Everything else NOT the same...cheaper program for sure.

There's no magic trick. Prior to graduating I applied to many positions and plenty never got back to me. Several did update their system to say they were considering me, some progressed to interviews. Unless you have contacts (networking!) it's a numbers game. You could try to find the a recruiter for the medical system on LinkedIn - several have found me that way. As an aside, between licensing, waiting on DEA (6-8 weeks), and credentialing, it's typically more common to not be able to work for about 3 months after graduating. Quite a few departments don't review applications (for licensing, DEA, etc etc) over the holidays.

Go to the cheaper program. Region means nothing.

So don't worry about it? I know it sounds patronizing, but it's only a problem because you find it to be one. I was a quiet one who peaced out the minute class was over. I had the classmates I talked to on breaks and texted/messaged when not on campus, but I rarely went out with the group. I consciously made that decision and it ultimately resulted in me not being part of any of the cliques. Some groups were/are very close and even after graduation still socialize and plan trips - those that live in the same city as well as those that moved away. I keep in touch with a select few and went on with my life. If you WANT to be part of a group/make friends, you have the make the effort. There's no reason you HAVE to be friends with your classmates.

AT experience, yes. The hours your AT program requires prior to certification, no. Most programs are pretty clear that the hours earned FOR a degree or certificate program do not count for HCE/PCE, which is what the OP was asking and what I stated in my original response.

Can't tell you anything about it but I will say I used no services when I applied (no transcript entry, no advice services, no interview services, etc) and it all went just fine. It's perfectly possible to apply and be accepted without spending extra money. Little elbow grease and hard work is all you need.

I'll add: paying a lot of money for a mock interview doesn't necessarily mean you got your moneys worth. One mock interview is not really enough practice. Plenty of advice around the forum or online on how to improve interview skills.

As you said, rank doesn't matter. Every program has different priorities. There is no such thing as a 'safety' school when applying to PA programs - so you might never get interviews to those 'lower ranked' programs. Interview where you are invited to do so and don't worry about the rest.

The key to negotiation is being willing to walk away. I've negotiated with systems who told me 'we use a matrix and don't negotiate'. I told them I just simply couldn't accept the job at the rate offered and would have to politely decline. Took them about 5 seconds to tell me they would talk to someone. Bottom line, doesn't hurt to negotiate. $500 for CME is a joke, btw. Ask about license/etc payment, PTO, insurance, etc. The 403b is great but everything else needs work.

It's encouraging that they have apparently been receptive to your concerns especially regarding the legal matters. Frankly you aren't wrong to walk away given the circumstances and no one would fault you for that. Only you can decide if their efforts to remedy the situation are going to be adequate and leave you comfortable as a new grad.

Each program decides what is mandatory. In order to get 100% accurate answers, you'd have to ask each individually. It's likely the content more than the lab but that doesn't mean there's any way to get it waived. Take it at a community college and call it a day. Unfortunately as stated above, there are thousands of applicants for every available seat and programs don't need to make accommodations to fill their classes. A lot of applicants find themselves retaking courses for the sake of meeting admission requirements. It's the name of the game.

New programs tend to be more forgiving about PCE if there are strong academics. Outside of that, it really is best if you spend the time filtering through programs. It's your future and there are so many other factors to consider when applying. There are plenty of threads already on this forum to get you started.

This. Did you just start applying? I graduated in May and was applying in January. Had a contract signed 3 months later and that was considered speedy for my graduating class. If you know you won't move, make sure you get PANCE passed and get your state license. Those things will help move the process along later.

It matters. Did you fail all your courses? i.e have a GPA of 0.0 or something? Or a semester of 'incomplete' or 'withdraw'? Basically you attended and will be required to include a transcript from that time. So it will probably negatively affect your GPA, just the law of averages.

It's only September. Most schools will pull from the waitlist if necessary up until the start date (or realistically 1-2 weeks prior to start date). Plenty of time left. You'll go crazy if you think about this every day for the next 8-12 months. Go about your life.