Bigcatyoz Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 This is for anyone who is considering the PA profession and is worried about their competitiveness. I just got accepted into a great program and have received invitations to 5 interviews so far. I told myself that whenever I got in, I would post something like this. I remember reading these forums about 2 years ago and after reading the stats of most of the people on here, feeling like I'd never get in. I have less than a year of medical experience, and a GPA that barely met the requirements for most schools. I did, however, work extremely hard to have competitive grades in my prereqs, write a great narrative, and get excellent LORs. I also really did my research on the field and was able to make a good case for why I believe that I will make a great PA. All I'm saying is that if I could do it ,you could too. I know it would have been encouraging for me to have read this a couple years ago, so I'm hoping it is for someone reading it now. If you really want to do this, you'll do it. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whoRyou Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 I LOVE stories like this ... Thank You for reminding US all! Do tell me where did you get accepted? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrevInTampa813 Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 Congrats! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nazmar Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 Many congrats, and thank you for your post. Very encouraging for me, at a time when I need it. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UGoLong Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 Nice job! Best of luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenmood Posted October 15, 2013 Share Posted October 15, 2013 Congrats! I have to agree with you about how intimidating this forum can be. I recall finding this place and being grateful I had already been accepted into a program, because I knew if I had found it during the application process I would have been scared out if my mind for absolutely no reason. For all of you out there, just keep swimming. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - now Free Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phaint Posted October 15, 2013 Share Posted October 15, 2013 Congrats! Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlotte Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 You have no idea how much this is refreshing to hear. I freak myself out over this so much that I just feel like I'll never get in anywhere since I don't have a 4.0 and 200000 hrs of HCE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuirkyMedKid Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 Congrats! Thank you for posting something like this. It's nice to hear about the silver lining, especially when someone like me has only barely begun the journey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHU-CH Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 PA Schools are not looking for perfect people. I don't think anyone wants a class full of cookie-cutter 4.0 students. You will always have to convince a program that you will survive academically but after that all bets are off. Most schools like to seat: a diverse class students with great teamwork skills who will collaborate well students with the leadership potential to ensure our profession is well-positioned to meet the healthcare challenges facing our nation As you look to apply ask yourself: what is the unique thing that I will bring to a PA program? Having a 4.0 is not only not unique, sometimes it is not even all that interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Latina PA Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I want to give a word of encouragement to all the "nontraditional" "older" applicants; Don't let your age or life/family circumstances deter you from your dream. Not every PA school applicant is in their 20's and fresh out of college, there is plenty of room for those of us who started late. In fact, our life experiences and maturity makes us a well rounded and desirable applicant. Admission committees know that we are making major sacrifices by going back to school after years in another field or years raising a family. This shows them how committed we are to reach our goal and that we are driven to succeed!! It has not been an easy path for me, in fact is one of the hardest thing I have done in my life. I went back to school 20 years after graduating from high school with zero college credits. I started my bachelors in Biology at the age of 38 as a single mother of 3. Fast forward to now and I am about to graduate Magna Cum Laude with my bachelors in Biology and have been accepted to my number #1 choice school!! I (and my kids) have made so many sacrifices but its all paid off. I am so happy to be starting PA school next June at the age of 44 !! its never too late, it is definitely doable!! Don't give up, don't be discouraged! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessings!! Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 Thank you for the post. Congrats Maria 70 and Bigcatyoz!!! Maria 70 I'm really proud of you. People like you are an inspiration for the entire world. Good Luck with evrything!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpangind Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 this was really encouraging, especially around this month! Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UGoLong Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Maria70, I wish you well! I didn't have your obstacles to overcome and was older than you when I went back, but it was still one of the biggest adventures in my life. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amina Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 This post was exactly what I needed to hear. I get so discouraged sometimes so, it really helps to hear stories like yours and Maria's. This is my 2nd cycle of applications. I was wait listed last cycle. So far I have received 3 rejections, 1 interview and no response from 6 programs. Last cycle I thought, "If I don't get it in this time, I'll be more competitive next time and have a much better chance." Even though I completed all required classes with As, obtained CNA certification, more shadowing and HCE, I STILL don't feel like it was enough. With that said, I'm trying to remain hopeful and positive. Hopefully I'll have a similar post to share in the next few months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.