RealWayPA Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Hey Folks, I'm interested in hearing personal anecdotes and advice from those of you who managed to get interviews with cum GPAs in this range. I fall in this range (I'm at the 3.2 cum mark). What schools did you apply to? Did you apply to these schools because you felt they would be more forgiving about grades? Was your academic record every questioned or commented upon when you interviewed? How many schools did you apply to and how many rejections did you receive? For the record, I'm a second time applicant. First application was a joke and in retrospect was wayyyy too premature (very little patient care experience, cum GPA way below 3.0, only took the bare bones science classes). I took a few years and worked hard on my application. Finally, this year ALL of my stats are significantly better (including a BCP GPA of 3.63), but I've yet to receive an interview at any of the 12 schools I applied to. I'm beginning to think that I may need to expand both the number and type of programs I apply to (assuming I don't get in anywhere this cycle). Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lemon Bars Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 I would also like to hear responses to this... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoopeda Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 cGPA 3.24 (mostly from 10+ years ago; BA Philosophy) science and recent GPAs 3.65 (mostly from last 2 years) direct patient care experience 2500-3000 hours GRE 318 / 4.5 MS (Oriental Medicine), Licensed Acupuncturist Quite a few volunteer hours at a free clinic for the homeless Applied to 6 schools Interview invitations from 6 schools Interviewed 4 times ACCEPTED! :-) No question, identifying your strengths and researching schools that value those strengths should be the main focus in devising an effective application strategy. And call your target schools to really hone in on what they each value in an applicant. Many schools out there are willing to look beyond cGPA if you have other skills or a strong grade trend to offset it. In my case, I have a strong background in CAM medicine and in working with the underserved. So I looked for schools with higher average ages, more forgiving GPA policies (i.e. look at recent trends), and mission statements that seem to match my experience. My biggest asset, I think, is a graduate degree and subsequent work in something unique. This made up the majority of my interview conversations. Competition is so very fierce. I believe there's a lot to be said for standing out in a positive way. Select LORs that support your application strategy, and write a fantastic personal statement that makes everyone want to meet you. It can be done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z PA-C Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 There is a whole section of this forum with accepted applicant stats....that's what it's there for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoopeda Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 There is a whole section of this forum with accepted applicant stats....that's what it's there for. Buzzkill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RealWayPA Posted November 13, 2014 Author Share Posted November 13, 2014 Epic buzzkill! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaurusRampage Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Thanks to OP for asking this. If there is another thread similar @aiviphung, I have not found it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timon Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 5 minutes of searching got me these following threads. Goodluck on this upcoming application cycle. Just make sure you're applying to schools where you meet their avg accepted student stats. http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/18-pa-applicant-stats-page/page-47#entry191679 http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/132-applicant-stats-not-yet-accepted/page-18#entry169734 http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/5556-ask-a-pa-admissions-director/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/14062-lowish-gpa-need-advice-on-how-to-be-a-stronger-applicant/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/12338-going-for-my-third-year-trying-need-some-advice/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/13636-2nd-year-applicant/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/14092-transfer-gpa-help/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/11871-increasing-chances-for-pa-school-admission/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/13276-lower-gpa-acceptance/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/11310-no-gre-low-gpa-high-hre/?p=143267 http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/12916-pa-chances/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/7183-i-did-it-you-can-too/#entry93944 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoopeda Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 5 minutes of searching got me these following threads. Goodluck on this upcoming application cycle. Just make sure you're applying to schools where you meet their avg accepted student stats. http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/18-pa-applicant-stats-page/page-47#entry191679 http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/132-applicant-stats-not-yet-accepted/page-18#entry169734 http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/5556-ask-a-pa-admissions-director/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/14062-lowish-gpa-need-advice-on-how-to-be-a-stronger-applicant/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/12338-going-for-my-third-year-trying-need-some-advice/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/13636-2nd-year-applicant/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/14092-transfer-gpa-help/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/11871-increasing-chances-for-pa-school-admission/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/13276-lower-gpa-acceptance/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/11310-no-gre-low-gpa-high-hre/?p=143267 http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/12916-pa-chances/ http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/7183-i-did-it-you-can-too/#entry93944 I guess the point I was trying to make above is that schools will accept applicants with "below average" GPAs as long as you're above average in other areas. Don't let averages discourage you, but be realistic about the competitiveness of your application and the uniqueness of each individual school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timon Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 My reply wasn't to you Zoopeda. I actually agree with you as I've experienced it myself. The avgerage GPA that was accepted in my class was a 3.5 and I got in with a sub 2.93 GPA, but I made sure that met the min required GPA to apply, that my stats weren't too far off from the previous years accepted students, I applied early for rolling admissions, and I padded my application with every stat I could control outside of the GPA. But my reply was more towards TaurusRampage as there are so many threads about this same topic, over and over which yields the same exact responses. Aviphung only said what was on a lot of peoples mind when reading this. It's always the same thing with these types of posts, one person will say "its so competitive out there! you need a 3.7 GPA and 6000 hours of either Paramedic / ER or Critical Care RN work..." Then someone else will come in and be like "ask the program.." and then later someone will say "If you do your best and try to stand out you'll succeed, just make sure you're a fit for the program typical accepted applicant.." And finally we're all thinking the same exact thing.. "hasn't this been discussed in another thread? search is your friend.." I guess I'm just tired of seeing the same posts with the same responses.. Maybe there should be a section in the prePA forum that says "What are my chances?" and then everyone can post their stats and help settle their insecurities just like the personal statement section.. I'll admit that the search function on this forum is sketchy at best. Maybe we can petition for a few sticky threads on "What to do with a low GPA?" or "What type of HCE do I need?" or "So I've applied, now what?" and just direct these types of questions there so we don't have to get new post after new post about the same topic that way when someone like the OP comes here they can find it quick and easy. I wasn't trying to come here and rant, but you called me out so I've replied in kind. = o) Back to the OP, you should call the program and find out whats going on. </end rant> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koppma Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Also, when did you apply? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RealWayPA Posted November 13, 2014 Author Share Posted November 13, 2014 I applied early in the cycle - everything was submitted mid-May. I'm not THAT worried, because this is my second cycle applying and there is still some work I plan on doing to make sure I have the best application package I can put together for cycle #3. Cycle #3 is probably going to be the best application I can put together short of getting a master's degree or going to RN or Paramedic school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timon Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 I applied early in the cycle - everything was submitted mid-May. I'm not THAT worried, because this is my second cycle applying and there is still some work I plan on doing to make sure I have the best application package I can put together for cycle #3. Cycle #3 is probably going to be the best application I can put together short of getting a master's degree or going to RN or Paramedic school. Just keep doing your thing. I'm sure you're going to get interviews. At that time, your stats don't mean anything.. its all about you and how well you can sell yourself.. Just make sure to be yourself when you get there and if its meant to be then it'll happen. I had the same mentality almost deja vu with your attitude about 1st app vs 2nd app and really looking towards your third app as your best shot. I was surprised when I got in on my 2nd try. Good things will happen and I'm sending some positive vibes your way. = o) Good luck OP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fakingpatience Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 Buzzkill Says the one with the earlier rant about asking for stats! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macncheese Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 I have a low gpa as well ~3.2 I had a horrible start to undergrad ~ 2.5 gpa and an F from community college that carried over .. but to compensate I got straight A's my last two years of undergrad/postbacc, so an upward trend definitely helps.Advice, apply broadly!!! I'm from California but I literally applied everywhere and to a bunch of programs, because if you want a PA you'll go anywhere for 2-3 years to do it. Even with a lower GPA, I received 8 interviews invites this cycle and as well as plenty of rejections. Don't lose hope :) I remember reading the forums and feeling absolutely hopeless. But if you really pour yourself into your essay and volunteer work, and remember to expand on those experiences you'll be golden. I think I did get screened at certain programs because my stats were lower, but in the end I think it was my essay and secondaries that spoke to admissions teams! Best of luck ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoopeda Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 Says the one with the earlier rant about asking for stats! The point if threads like these is that stats are misleading, and there are lots if outliers accepted every year. There's more to the acceptance equation than GPA. The original question is not about stats; it's about how and why lower GPA applicants get accepted to school and become successful pas. But you're right, if we want the stats on a specific school, we should get them from the school (full data set). directly and not from the 4 people who post about that school. That's a different point. These posts are basically about everything BUT the stats (GPA). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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