Applicant stats--not yet accepted

[future_pa 6135]

Undergrad Ed School: California Polytechnic State University. BS in Kinesiology with minor in Biology
CASPA  cGPA: 3.46
CASPA sGPA: 3.51 

Age at application time: 24

 

GRE: 161V (87%), 154Q (56%), 4.5W (80%)

 

Patient Care Experience:

- 1,800 hours as an EMT working on an ambulance

- 50 hours on a medical mission trip to Haiti

 

Health Care Experience: 
- 2,500 hours as ED Scribe

- 60 hours as a hospital volunteer

 

Certifications:

- EMT

- BLS

 

Shadowing:

- 18 hours of MD/PA-C surgery shadow

 

Volunteer: 
- 480 hours as volunteer firefighter

 

LoR:

- 2 from ED PA's who I worked with as a scribe

- 1 from ED MD who I worked with as a scribe

- 1 from DO from medical mission trip

- 1 from undergraduate professor

 

Schools Applied: (21) - MEDEX, OHSU, Pacific, Touro CA, UC Davis, Samuel Merritt, Western U, SCUHS, Charles R Drew, MBKU, U of Nevada (developing), U of Colorado, U of Utah, Rocky Mountain U, MCPHS Boston, Duke, U of Florida, Nova SE Ft Lauderdale, U of St Francis, NAU, TTUHS

 

 

Application Submitted Date: 6/17/16

Application Verified Date: 6/20/16

 

Interview Invites: University of St. Francis, Nova SE Ft. Lauderdale, MEDEX, UC Davis, U of Florida, MBKU, Rocky Mountain U

Withdrew application: Rocky Mountain U
Denied: OHSU, U of Utah, Medex, Duke
Waitlisted: University of St. Francis 
Accepted: Nova SE Ft. Lauderdale

 

Attempt: First

 

Good luck this cycle everyone! 

[kriff]

Undergrad Ed School: Florida Atlantic University, BS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion

 

CASPA cGPA: 3.37
Caspa sGPA: 3.47

Age at application time : 23
GRE: Quantitative - 150, Verbal - 146, W - 4.0

Direct Patient Care : (type & hours)

EKG, EEG, & Stress technician at level 1 trauma hospital ~3,000 hours

Intern at Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab 400 hours

 

Shadowing
ARNP & PA -Cardiothoracic Surgery ~24 hours 

PA- Internal medicine ~ 12 hours

MD-Dermatology 10 hours 

 

LOR's (4)

MD, PA, & ARNP that I shadowed and the director of the department I work in.

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities:

Various volunteer activities in community

Schools Applied: (15) -  South University (Savannah, Tampa, West Palm), South College (Tenn.), Nova (all 4), Barry (Miami), Drexel, Duke, Keiser, Thomas Jefferson, University of Charleston, and U of Florida.

Application Submitted Date: June 8th

Schools Received Application Date: June 23rd (glitch on my app from CASPA that caused a delay)

Interview Invites: South U- West Palm and Tampa, Keiser, Nova Ft. Myers

Denied: U of Charleston, South U (West Palm), Nova Orlando, UF

Withdrew Application:

Waitlisted: 

Accepted: Keiser

Attempts: 1st

 

*Moving post to already accepted thread*

[pabound2016]

Finally submitted my application to most (16/18) of the programs! Good luck to everyone!
Edit (submitted last two programs June 29).

Undergrad Ed School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Pre-Reqs: some were taken at a community college and others were taken at a university associated with early college credit, but the majority were taken at my undergrad
Age at application time: 22
Application Submitted: 6/27/16
Application Verified: 7/01/16

Cumulative GPA: 3.67
Science GPA: 3.63
Pre-req GPA: 3.74-3.97 (depending on the program)
GRE: V/152 (56%) Q/158 (71%) A/5.5 (98%)
Shadow Hours: 41 hrs shadowing PAs (from 3 different specialties)
Letters of Reference: 1 PA, 1 supervisor, 1 professor

Direct Patient Care: (1200 hrs total)
100 hrs Resident Care Associate at Senior Living Community
1100 hrs Nursing Assistant at Hospital

Research: 2 yrs as research assistant in two different labs mainly in plant biology

Volunteer:
~90 hrs as hospital volunteer
~40 hrs volunteering in creating of self-sustainable farm in food-desert community
~75 hrs volunteering Habitat for Humanity

Awards: Dean's list (2 semesters)

Memberships:
-Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta) Biological Honors Society
-Alpha Chi Sigma (Professional Chemistry Fraternity)
-AAPA
-Pre-PA Society at UNC
-American Red Cross Club at UNC

Leadership:
-Executive position in Tri-Beta
-Executive position in Alpha Chi Sigma
-Vice President for my rush class of Alpha Chi Sigma

Schools Applied (18 total): Arcadia, Boston U, Campbell, Cornell, Drexel, Duke, ECU, MCPHS Boston, Methodist, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Penn State, Philadelphia Uni, UNC-Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Yale, Highpoint, Lenoir Rhyne, Chatham

Interview Invites (Format-> School (interview date): Lenoir-Rhyne (7/22), Arcadia (9/13), ECU (8/19), Cornell (9/15), Methodist (September 28), Chatham (October 1-did not attend), High Point (October 1), Duke (October 26), Yale (October 20), Wake Forest (Nov. 9), MCPHS-Boston (January 20), Campbell (November 10)

Acceptances: Lenoir-Rhyne (accepted same day as interview), Methodist (Sept 30), Arcadia (Sept 16), High Point (Oct. 7), Duke (Oct. 31)

Denied: UNC-Chapel Hill, Cornell

Application Submitted Date: June 27, 2016
Application Verification Date: July 01, 2016 (1am)
Attempts: 1st

I am mainly concerned with my direct patient contact experience. For many of the programs I am just around the min (1,000 hrs). I am applying to programs that have lower minimums, but there are many other applicants with much more experience. Furthermore, I have a pretty mediocre verbal score on the GRE. It'll be an expensive application journey, but hopefully it will all be worth it. As a fresh graduate, I would be beyond happy to be accepted into any one of the programs listed above.

[GWUPA2019]

Undergrad Ed School: Butler University, B.S. Biology and Chinese
 

Age at application time: 23
 

Cumulative GPA: 3.4


Science GPA: 3.15


Pre-req GPA: 3.6 – 3.8 (depending on program)


GRE: V/152 (56%) Q/155 (60%) A/4.5 (80%)
 

Shadow Hours:  65 hours from 4 different PA specialties, 40+ hours with MDs in China
 

LOR: 1 NP, 2 supervisors, 1 professor 



 

Direct Patient Care:  (2,200+ and counting)
1,000 hours certified nursing assistant
1,200 hours PIPP position working with Alzheimer’s/dementia residents to decrease Sundowning, moderate to severe pain, depressive symptoms, and worsening behaviors

Volunteer: 


~100 hrs as hospital volunteer


~300 hrs as hospice volunteer


~50 hrs Alzheimer’s Association community educator volunteer
~300 hrs various volunteer positions
~80 hrs as Haiti Rescue Volunteer 


 

Other skills/extracurricular: Intermediate Mandarin Chinese language ability, marathon runner, Mile in my Shoes leader for running with the homeless, Biology tutor

 

Schools Applied (11 total): Augsburg college, Saint Catherine’s University, Gardner-Webb University, University of Pittsburgh, Duke, Rush University, Dominican University, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of North Texas - Fort Worth, South University - Tampa

 

Interviews: South University - Tampa, Gardner-Webb University
Denied:  Rosalind Franklin
Waitlisted: TBD
Accepted: Gardner-Webb University
Application Submitted Date: June 28, 2016


Attempts: 1st

 

My GPA is very concerning but hoping for the best! Good luck to everyone this cycle!

[mtnpa]

Undergrad Ed School: University of Michigan - Ann Arbor B.S. Neuroscience '12
Age at application time: 25/26

Cumulative GPA: 3.26 (3.049 undergrad)

Science GPA: 3.34 (2.96 undergrad)
Post-bac GPA: 4.0 (38 credits)

Pre-req GPA: ~3.8, retook majority of all pre-reqs, most of the schools I applied to replace for pre-req GPA.
GRE: V/159 Q/159 A/3.5 from this year, 159/163/5.0 from 2011 that is included in my CASPA app but iffy on the 5 year limit for schools.

Shadow Hours: 4 hours of oncology PA back when I was in undergrad, otherwise shadowing during ED scribe shifts.

LOR: 1 ED DO, 1 VP of my division in EMS, 1 client mom for my Direct Care who is also involved in my volunteering

Direct Patient Care: ~5,400
4,800 hours as an EMT-B in a 911 private EMS (however, I handle mostly IFT and the occasional P3 911 if the ALS units are busy)
600 combined hours as either a Home Health Aide or Direct Care Staff (current).
Other Heath Care: ~1,000
750 hours ED Medical Scribe (also a trainer since last month) working in 4 different ED settings (rural to Trauma 1) and one UC (all within the same hospital system)
250 hours volunteer at a cardiologist office

(I am still currently working at all 3 healthcare jobs so they are all increasing in hours. If you ask why it's because I love them all in their own way and I'm not ready to quit any one of them just yet.. and yes, I worked all 3 while retaking classes. Will not do again though for my sanity)

Volunteer: 

~300 hours with Relentless Detroit Charity, lifter in the annual powerlifting competition to raise money for the kids, lots of fundraisers, currently still do.
~180 hours at a homeless shelter before I got a job there
~600 combined hours volunteering in college ranging from Community Service chair for a student org, Habitat for Humanity, to team captain multiple years with Relay For Life (put these in separately)

Other skills/extracurricular: I do competitive powerlifting with some national records in a federation (there's multiple feds so its not an actual national record), involved in research projects throughout undergrad, last one 400 hours paid.

Schools Applied (13 total): GVSU, EMU, OHSU, Pacific, UColorado, UUtah, ISU, MSU, Duke, Yale, Rush, UToledo, TUN, (will apply to EVMS later on as a back up although it is a top choice to save money)

Interviews: Missouri State (9/8-9/9), Duke (10/4), Yale (10/25)
Denied: OHSU, EMU, Missouri State
Waitlisted: TBD
Accepted: Duke!!!!!!

Application Submitted Date: Main batch June 8 (verified 6/13) a couple in the past week.
Attempts: 2nd (1st in 2014, did get 1 interview)

I figured I would put this out there even though I'm embarrassed of my undergrad performance because I'm proud of how much I've achieved in the past 2 years since I last applied testing the waters. I feel more confident about my decision of becoming a PA also now that I have become more involved with working PAs and learned how I personally need to study to get the grades I want.
Good luck to everyone else in the low GPA boat! We can do this (:

[Gbreeze]

Deleted

[klallen311]

Undergrad Ed School: Elon University, Bachelor of Arts in Biology with minors in Psychology and Neuroscience
Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.48
Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.22

Age at application time: 25

 

GRE: 156 V (71%), 162 Q (83%), 4.5 A (80%)

 

Patient Care Experience:

- 2,160 hrs (and counting) as float pool NA at Duke University Hospital

 

Health Care Experience: 
- 36 hrs as patient escort volunteer

 

Certifications:

- NA I

- BLS

 

Shadowing:

- 20 hrs Cardiac PA

 

Volunteer: 
- 36 hrs as patient escort (listed as PCE)

- 96 hrs through various service projects as a member of Alpha Phi Omega

 

Extracurriculars:

- Alpha Phi Omega (co-ed service fraternity), membership VP

- Undergraduate research (2.5 years and a paid summer research experience)

- President's List

- Dean's List

- Elon College Fellow

 

LoR:

- 1 from PA I shadowed

- 1 from clinical supervisor

- 1 from professor and research mentor

 

Schools Applied: (7) - Elon, Duke, Campbell, High Point, UNC, UF, UAB

 

Application Submitted Date: 6/25/16

Application Verified Date: 6/30/16

 

Interview Invites: Pending
Denied: UNC, UF
Withdrew Application: Pending
Waitlisted: Pending
Accepted: Pending

 

Attempt: First

[WINO]

Undergrad School: University of California, Davis (B.S. in Nutrition Science)

 

Cumulative GPA: 3.71(132 Semester Hours)

Science GPA: 3.72 (86 Semester Hours)

BCP GPA: 3.60 (56 Semester Hours)

 

Age at application time: 23

 

GRE: Verbal: 148 Quantitative: 152 Writing: 4.0

 

Direct Patient Contact Care: 2500 hours EMT in Sacramento/Stockton

 

Letters of Reference: 1 supervisor from ambulance company, 1 dietician supervisor, 1 science professor

 

Healthcare Experience:

40 hours translating for Spanish-speaking patients with dietician

40 hours pharmacy intern

 

Shadow Hours: 4 Hours, primary care PA in community clinic

 

Volunteer:  420 Hours of community service (multiple organizations through community service clubs)

 

Awards:

Cum Laude

UCD Nutrition Citation for Outstanding Performance

Dean’s List (6 Quarters)

The President’s Volunteer Service Award - Bronze

 

Schools Applied (10): Duke, Yale, Western U, Samuel Merrit, Oregon Health Sciences University, PACE University, Stony Brook, Southern CA University Health Sciences, Marshall B. Ketchum, Thomas Jefferson University

 

Application Submit Date: June 21, 2016

Application Verification Date: June 22, 2016

 

Interview Invites (5) : OHSU, Western U, PACE, Duke, Marshall B Ketchum

 

Waitlisted: None

 

Acceptances (3): PACE, Duke, OHSU

 

Withdrew (2): Thomas Jefferson University, Marshall B. Ketchum

 

Denied (5): Yale, Stony Brook, Samuel Merrit, Southern CA, Western U (bad interview)

 

Attempts: 1^st

 

Attending: Duke

 

Woo, so excited to finally be applying! My GRE scores are lackluster and my shadowing experience is minimal to say the least, but I’m hoping my charm and newly straightened teeth will get me into PA school!

 

^Update: it did! :D

[Iluvcheezypoofs]

Undergrad School: University of Maryland, College Park (Anthropology)

Cumulative GPA: 4.00 

Science GPA: 4.00

Caspa GPA: Pending

 

Age at application time: 24

 

GRE: Verbal: 160 (85%) Quantitative: 151 (45%) Writing: 4.0 (56%)

 

Direct Patient Contact Care: 5000 hours of being a Medical Assistant in pain management

1000 hours MA in urgent care.

 

Letters of Reference: 1 PA pain managment

1 orgo professor

1 Doctor (CEO of pain management company)

 

Healthcare Experience:

160 hours Assistant Clinical Director at pain management (started end of May)

 

Shadow Hours: none listed, work almost exclusively with PAs. 

 

Volunteer:  24 hours Hospice volunteer

250 hours volunteer medical assistant for addiction medicine. 

 

Research experience: 1 year at NIH studying the effects of a specific drug on the developmental milestones of rhesus macaques. 

1 year research at GWU studying chimpanzee behavior. 

 

Awards:

Summa Cum Laude

Nominated for the University Medal 

Nominated to speak at the commencement ceremony

Dean’s List (all semesters)

 

Professional Memberships: Delta Delta Delta, Phi Beta Kappa (honors society)

 

Schools Applied (9): Duke, Tufts, AACC, Philadelphia U, Rutgers, UToledo, University of New England, Oregon H&SU, Arcadia

 

Application Submit Date: June 29, 2016

Application Verification Date: Pending

 

Interview Invites: Pending

 

Waitlisted: Pending

 

Acceptances: Pending

 

Denied: Pending

 

 

Attempts: 1^st

[enpears]

Undergrad Ed School: Emory University, BS Anthropology and Human Biology
Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.57 (3.90 for jr/sr year)
Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.41 (2.68 fr, 3.44 so, 4.00 jr, 3.80 sr)

Age at application time: 22

 

GRE: 159 V (80%), 160 Q (78%), 4.5 A (80%)

 

Patient Care Experience:

- 540 urgent care MA, 200 CNA at time of application. Working full time as an MA now (130-140 hrs a month)

 

Health Care Experience: 
- 100 clinic volunteer, 280 research assistant for an AIDS project, 18 volunteer med supply sorter

- 260 research experience - animal research

 

Certifications:

- CNA

- BLS

 

Shadowing:

- 250 MDs in 8 specialties as part of an internship, 80 with PAs in neurosurgery and ortho, work with a PA ~25hrs a month

 

Volunteer, non PCE or HCE: 

- 500 hrs as a foster cat home for a local animal shelter

 

Extracurriculars:

- Dean's List x2 (>3.85)

- Leader and head coordinator for outdoor orientation trips for freshmen 

 

LoR:

- 1 from MD

- 1 from research supervisor

- 1 from microbiology professor / pre-PA advisor 

 

Schools Applied: 8 - Univ of TN, UAB, South Alabama, Barry (Miami), East Virginia, High Point, Elon, GA PCOM

--> S Alabama and TN require 500 hours but both accept CNA and TN includes shadowing, so I'm at ~750 and ~1100 for them. The rest require 250 or less and all include CNA/ some include shadowing. I'm still not very competitive with hours, but I am above the minimums. 

 

Application Submitted Date: 7/1/2016

Application Verified Date: 7/11/2016

 

Interview Invites: Univ of TN, Elon (declined), UAB, S Alabama (declined)
Denied: None so far
Waitlisted: UTHSC
Accepted: UAB

 

Attempt: First

[PAcandidate7002]

Undergrad school: Hillsdale College

CASPA Sci GPA: 3.68

CASPA Cum GPA: 3.41

GRE: 161, 163, 4.5

 

CASPA Hours: 1600+ 

Worked as an EMT, also worked on a specialty transport team caring for NICU babies.

 

Volunteer: 1000+, healthcare education, mission trip to an orphanage when I was 13, teaching students to speak in public. 

 

Applications received: June 4th to 21st. 

 

Schools Applied to (20): South WPB, St. Joseph's, Dubuque, Charleston, Alderson-Broadus, Desales, MCPHS Worchester, Philadelphia, Quinnipiac, Rutgers, Sacred Heart, Salus, South Tampa, Arcadia-Glenside, Thomas Jefferson, U Sciences Philly, North Greeneville, Evansville, AZ School of Health Sciences, Emory & Henry

 

Interviews (4). South U, U St. Joseph's, Dubuque, U Charleston. 

Rejected: South U, Emory & Henry

 

Accepted/Waitlist.... Pending

[Petunia]

Undergrad Ed School: University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, Human Resources

Graduate Ed School: Florida Atlantic University, MBA in Healthcare

Age at application time: 32

Application Submitted: 7/9/2016

Application Verified: 7/18/2016

 

Science GPA: 3.76

Undergrad Cumulative GPA: 3.64

Grad Cumulative GPA: 3.50

GRE:  6/25/2016  V/158 (80%) Q/156 (63%) A/5 (93%)

Shadow Hours: Dermatology PA 600 Hours

Letters of Reference: 1 PA, 1 RN, 2 Professors

Direct Patient Care:  (9,250 hrs total)

9,210 hrs as Medical Assistant / patient care coordinator (paid)
40 hours as NICU volunteer (unpaid)

 

Health Care:  (4,560 hrs total)

1050 hrs as medical office manager

3510 in health administration

 

Volunteer: 
4,846 hrs with three animal rescues
120 hrs serving on non-profit board of directors
16 hrs Habitat for Humanity

12 hrs park cleanup

Honors: Dean's List & Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society 

 

Certification: CNA & BLS

Leadership:
-Served on board of directors for an animal rescue

 

Schools Applied (13 total):

-Northeastern

-Yale

-Cornell

-Duke

-MUSC

-UF

-South West Palm

-Keiser

-NOVA Fort Lauderdale

-Barry Miami

-Quinnipiac (applied 8/18)

-GW (applied 9/6)

-Northwestern (applied 9/13)

 

Interview Invites: South West Palm Beach, Nova Fort Lauderdale, Duke, Keiser, MUSC (declined the interview)

Acceptances: Keiser, Duke, Nova for Lauderdale,

 

Denied: Northeastern, GW

Attempts: 1st

[MPA]

Undergrad Ed School: Ramapo College of New Jersey

Age at application time: 20

Application Submitted: 5/24/16

Application Verified: Within one week or so

 

Cumulative GPA: 3.74
Science GPA: 3.56
GRE: Not needed 

Shadow Hours:  Trauma/ER (105 hrs), Gastroenterology (50 hrs), Air Force Flight Medicine & Family Practice (40 hrs), Neonatal Intensive Care (24 hrs)

Letters of Reference: Gastroenterology PA, crew chief/officer at volunteer ambulance and chemistry professor/head of science dept

Direct Patient Care:  (3,600+ hrs total)

989 hours private ambulance company (EMT)
2600+ hours volunteer ambulance (EMT) 
360 hours as athletic trainer aide

200+ hours as a PT aide
*Currently an ophthalmic tech

Research: Independent study in microbio (Not sure if it counted)

 

Volunteer: 
~2,600+ hrs volunteer EMT
~90 hrs doing office work for local fire prevention office
~Cancer walks

Awards: Dean's list all but one semester, 8 scholarship awards, hurricane sandy unit citation

Memberships:
-Phi Theta Kappa
-Scabbard & Blade
-Golden Key

 

Schools Applied (14 total): Univ of Bridgeport, Rutgers Univ, Quinnipiac Univ, Hofstra Univ, King's College, Thomas Jefferson Univ, Franklin Pierce Univ, MCPHS Univ (Boston), Philadelphia Univ, Univ of the Sciences of Philadelphia, PCOM, Touro College (Manhattan & Bayshore)

 

Interview Invites: Univ of Bridgeport, Rutgers (so far - still early in the game for most)

Acceptances: Univ of Bridgeport c/o 2019!!! :)

 

Denied: None

*Interviewed with Rutgers last week - no response yet
 

Attempts: 1st

[caseyg5]

Should I even bother applying if I only have about 300 patient care hours and 15 shadowing hours? My GPA is great, GRE is average, good research experience, and great letters of rec. I have all the pre-reqs. Is it a waste of money or is it at least worth a shot to apply this year? If I don't get in, I figured they will ask me during next years cycle what I have done differently to become a stronger candidate. My application is already completed and ready to submit, but I know my lack of patient care doesn't make me a strong candidate. What do you guys think?

[bluepillow]

removed

[arm930]

Undergraduate School: Johns Hopkins University, B.A. Public Health

Graduate School: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Master of Public Health

Age at application time: 24

Application Submitted: 6/1/16

Application Verified: 6/3/16

 

Cumulative GPA: 3.53
Science GPA: 3.57
GRE: 153 Q (53%), 157 V (4%), 4.0 W (56%)

Shadow Hours:  470 hours with a primary care PA, infectious disease PA, OB/GYN MD, and a trauma MD in South Africa.

Letters of Reference: PA I worked with and then shadowed, graduate thesis adviser/the PI for the research study I managed, and the director of my MPH program (who also taught 3 of my courses)

 

Direct Patient Care:

3870 hours total, mainly in clinical research. I am currently an anesthesia technician which contributed to a handful of those numbers as well. 

 

Health Care Experience:

312 hours as a trauma volunteer

Research:

1080 hours as a research manager in grad school and a research assistant in South Africa

 

Volunteer: 1976 hours between The Women's Center (a domestic violence shelter), Be The Match swab events, and an annual 5K race for leukemia and lymphoma research

 

Awards:

5 semesters of Dean's List

Academic Scholarship

1st team All-American

2 publications

Memberships:
American Public Health Association

 

Licenses:

CPR/AED

 

Schools Applied: George Washington, Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson, University of Maryland-Baltimore, Towson, PCOM, Rush University, Rosalind Franklin, Northwestern

 

Interview Invites: Drexel (10/28), Towson (8/31), Rosalind Franklin (11/18), Northwestern (8/24)

Acceptances: None yet

 

Denied: None yet
 

Attempts: 1st

[ccates]

Undergraduate School: University of Florida; Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition

Post-baccalaureate School: University of North Florida; Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

Graduate School: University of North Florida; Masters of Science in Dietetics

Age at time of application: 33

Application submitted: 7/13

Application verified: 8/1

 

Cumulative GPA: 3.49 (3.15 undergrad; 3.98 post-baccalaureate; 3.9 graduate)

Science GPA: 3.36

GRE: 157 V (74%); 161 Q (80%); 5 W (93%)

 

Shadow hours: 6 hours - Gastroenterology PA. Do not have much because I work daily with PAs.

 

Letters of Reference:

Critical Care Medicine Director/Physician

Direct Supervisor - Clinical Nutrition Manager

ER/Trauma PA

 

 

Direct Patient Care/Health Care Experience:  15,000+ as a clinical dietitian, currently specialized in Neonatal ICU and critical care medicine. Also, supervise milk preparation room in our NICU. This includes 1200 hours of dietetic internship, but this isn't considered direct patient care.

 

Research: n/a

 

Volunteer: All volunteer hours are non-medical. 1000+ hours serving on Board of Directors/Training Committee for local women's roller derby team. Participate in a lot of community events, fundraising, and Adopt-A-Highway clean-ups.

 

Awards: 4 Dean's List and President's Honor Roll

 

Memberships: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

 

Licenses: Registered and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist

 

Schools Applied: University of Florida, NOVA Southeastern- Jacksonville, Northwestern University, Duke University, University of Washington - MEDEX

 

Interview invites: NOVA (9/22)

 

Acceptances: none yet

 

Denied: none yet

 

Waitlisted: none yet

 

Attempts: 1st

 

I am worried that my overall GPA and science GPA are a bit low and that most of the pre-reqs were taken 10+ years ago. I have recently retaken Micro and earned an A. Didn't want to take the time to retake more courses but if I don't get in this time around then I will.

[asngu]

Undergrad Ed School: B.A. Molecular and Cellular Biology; Minor: Chemistry and Asian Studies from 4 years private liberal arts college. 

Age at application time: 24

Application Submitted: 8/01/16

Application Verified: 8/29/16

 

Cumulative GPA: 3.31
Science GPA: 3.10
GRE: Pending (October)

Shadow Hours:  ~278 (3 MDs and 3 PAs from different specialties, scrubbed and assisted in surgeries) 

Letters of Reference: 1 PA, 1 Supervising Nurse, 2 MDs, 1 Professor

Direct Patient Care:  (~5720 hrs)

~1120 hrs as CNA in Memory Care Facility

~2300 hrs as CNA in Preop/PACU

~2300 hrs as CNA in Tele/Obs

 

 

Research:

~900 hrs in undergrad biology lab as research assistant

 

Volunteer: 
~960 hrs (hospitals, free health clinic, international medical trips, etc)

 

I only included volunteer hours involving patient care. I have more hours during undergrad such as working with Habitat for Humanity, tutoring, soup kitchen, and such, but am hesitant to add them. Should I add them, or does it seem like I'm trying too hard? 

Awards: 

-NCAA Division I Soccer Scholarship

-Gates Millennium Scholarship

-Endownment Scholarship

-Various leadership awards during undergrad

Memberships:
-American Association of Physician Assistants

-Colorado Association of Physician Assistants

-American Society of Microbiology

 

Licenses/Certificates:

CNA

BLS

Adult/Youth Mental First Aid

Adult/Pediatrics First Aid/CPR/AED

QMAP

 

Schools Applied (10): King's, Le Moyne, MCPHS (Worcester), NYIT, Pacific, Quinnipiac, PCOM, Kean, Dominican, California Baptist

 

Interview Invites: None yet
Acceptances: None yet

Denied: None yet

Attempts: 1st
 

I'm concerned that my GPA isn't as competitive as the other applicants along with being verified so late in the cycle. This forum is the only thing keeping me sane as I am extremely anxious that I haven't heard back from any schools yet. I've already mentally prepared myself for the fact that I may not get into any schools this cycle (am I being too negative?) and am planning on taking my GRE along with 18 credits of science courses at a local community college to improve my GPA. Furthermore, I am still pending a prerequisite course (AP II), which will hinder my chances of being offered an interview. Do you guys have any recommendations or tips for me? 

[PACrankset]

Your stats are not horrible and it looks like you have picked several schools that do not require the GRE. The real downside to your applications is the fact that is so late in the cycle. Given that you are taking a full course load and taking the GRE, you will be in a better place to apply early next cycle.

[unicorns]

Undergrad Ed School:   MS&T, BS Chemistry

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.2

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.45
 

Graduate Ed School: NC State, MS Materials Engineering
 

Cumulative Graduate GPA: 3.6

Age at application time : 30

Direct Patient Care : 506 hours as an ER Scribe

Extracurricular/Research Activities: I'm currently a FT engineer, looking to change careers. I have toddlers at home, too, so....

 

Licenses: BLS

 

Shadow Hours:  ~24 (ortho trauma and family care)

 

Letters of Reference: An MD and a couple of managers I have worked for. 

Schools Applied: Saint Louis University

Application Submitted Date: 6/25

Interview Invites: Nov at SLU

I'm worried about the whole career change aspect, plus applying to only one school, plus low HCE, but....fingers crossed they like a non-traditional student. I definitely don't have the heavy stats on my side like some people do!

 

ETA: accepted!

[DesiMLS]

Undergrad Ed School: University of Bridgeport- Medical Lab. Scientist

 

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.2

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.4

Graduate Ed School: N/A

Age at application time : 28

1st GRE: N/A


Direct Patient Care : Phlebotomy approx. 2700 hrs

HCE: 3840 hrs as MLS ( Chemistry, Blood bank, Micro, Hematology, & Cytology)

 

 

Honors: Cum laude, Deans List Multiple Semesters

Research Activities: 256 hrs Research Antibodies related to Blood Transfusion Reactions

 

Volunteer: Very few Hrs with American Red Cross donating blood and Setting up University blood drives

Schools Applied: Baypath, Drexel, MCPHS, NYIT, QU, SHU, Thomas Jeff. ,SCUHS


Schools Received Application Date: 7/14-8/29

Interview Invites: Pending

Denied: 2

Waitlisted:

Accepted:

[USF17]

Undergrad Ed School: University of South Florida, B.S. Public Health

 

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.03 (USF GPA 3.76)

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.43

Graduate Ed School: N/A

Age at application time: 29

1st GRE: 144Q, 156V, 4.0 AWA

 

Letters of Recommendation: All 3 have closely supervised me in clinical setting (Surgery)

- M.D.- Director of Orthopedic Trauma Surgery

- M.D.- Head of Orthopedic Surgery (different facility)

- PA-C- Sports medicine and Orthopedic Surgery

Direct Patient Care: 14,000+ hours as a surgical technologist and first assistant

HCE: 3000+ hours patient transport and sterile processing

 

Honors: Dean’s list x2

Licenses: CST Certification, CPR/BLS/AED Certification

 

Volunteer:  100 hours in CME courses and fundraisers

Schools Applied: 8- Franklin Pierce University, South College, Southern Illinois University, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Stanford University, Thomas Jefferson University, West Liberty University, University of Florida


Schools Received Application Date: 8/29 – 9/22

Interview Invites: Pending

Denied: None Yet

Waitlisted:

Accepted:

 

My cumulative undergrad GPA when calculated by CASPA is a 3.03 because of my first attempt at college in 2005 when I dropped 4 classes. My USF GPA is a 3.76 and CASPA science GPA is 3.43, with upward trends in the last 3 semesters. Hopefully admissions committees will be understanding of this, and weigh my HCE, LOR, and life experience which I've worked really hard for.

[RN_prospectivePA]

@

DesiMLS

 

Which two denied you? I applied to many of the same programs and  I have similar stats so I'm curious. 

[RN_prospectivePA]

   

[carl3977]

Undergrad Ed School: University of Minnesota- Twin Cities

Spanish Studies, Global Studies, Political Science (BA) and Certificate in Medical Interpreting

Age at application time: 23

Cumulative GPA: 3.49
Science GPA: 3.33

GRE: V/159 Q/147 A/4.5

Shadow Hours: approximately 30 hours with a variety of PAs in both clinics and hospitals

LOR: 1 PA, 1 state senator, 1 employer, 1 TA

 

Direct Patient Care: 7 years as a PCA

 

Other Heath Care: 6 months as a receptionist and volunteer medical interpreter, 2 months so far as a scribe in the ED

Volunteer: volunteer medical interpreter at a free clinic, volunteer classroom aide at Ronald McDonald House and at a charter school

 

Schools Applied (7 total):  St. Catherine University, Bethel College, Augsburg College, UW-Madison and La Crosse, Marquette University, Carroll University, thinking about applying to more

Interviews: none yet
Denied: UW-La Crosse, St. Kate's, Bethel
Waitlisted: TBD
Accepted: St. Scholastica (pending accreditation- accepted last cycle, still have a seat)

Application Submitted Date: June

 

I was accepted into a developing program that didn't get its accreditation last year but I still have my seat. I got interviews last cycle with St. Kate's and Bethel but I think I lost it this year because I had a concussion in February and had to take a W and an I on my transcript. I got a B+ after finishing up the I this summer (not on my CAPSA GPA above) and I'm currently getting an A in the other class. I'm also retaking Biochemistry (got a C- the first time) and I'm getting an A. 

 

I'm just not sure if I should spend my money (I'm quite low on funds right now) on applying for other schools out of the state/area or if I should just hold out and hope for St. Scholastica or one of the others to come through. Do I have a realistic chance or where/how can I improve myself?