jamiec828 Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 Undergrad Ed School: East Stroudsburg Univ in PA, BS Athletic Training Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.44 Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.5 Age at application time : 24 Direct Patient Care : (type & hours) ATC ~1500 hrs, clinical research asst Extracurricular/Research Activities: reseach involving obesity, physical activity, and chronic ankle injuries Schools Applied: Saint Francis (PA), Jefferson college of health sciences, james madison univ, desales, arizona health sciences, iowa, des moines univ, rosalind franklin, florida, utah, Application Submitted Date: Sept 2008 Schools Received Application Date: (approximate date) beg of October Interview Invites: arizona, jmu, jefferson, sant francis, Accepted: Jefferson, Saint Francis Attempts: first Attending:Saint Francis University!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRockMizunos Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 Maybe I can get some help here because I'm not sure why I continue to get rejected.... GPA 3.71 pre req's 3.85 Experience: Father's "CNA" basically his CNA caring for him since 2000 including phlebotomy, PICC line care, wound care, TPN and various drug injections and administration Univeristy of Michigan 4 month internship in Cardiovascular Medicine - full time paid Health Education at the University of Michigan which includes BPs, phlebotomy, patient education regarding risk factors for disease for 3 months full time paid Red Cross volunteer for First Aid Support Team - first aid at U of M football games, marathons, community events...1 year ~ 20 hours First aid for Gymnastics events around Michigan - ~100 hours + (former gymnast :)) 5 years Extra circ work: Journal article on diabetes and exercise - Journal fo Clin Kinesioogy Presented to EMU staff about Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes as well as at EMU's unerdergraduate symposium President of Major's organization as well as founder (3 years) VP of Phi Epsilon Kappa - pre health honors student org (1year) Dean's adviosory board (hand selected by dean for position) AAPA member CEPA member Relay for life - breast cancer 3 day Great LOR which was stated by interviewers......However, I get DENIED every time....I am young (23) with a bad GRE score ~800 (was in Mexico week before didn't study plan to retake) Shadowed PA's talk to PA's on a regular basis - especially alums from programs I have applied too could my age and GRE scores be the only things holding me back?? I'm so confused because when I request information on why i didn't get in it says: Join AAPA retake GRE (no brainer) check website often attend general information sessions ( i do all of the above) get more experience (kinda hard right now with econ) does any one have any suggestions? I don't know what I'm lacking or what to do! Please help - I am going to apply again - but after this year my classes will need to be retaken if I am not accepted due to the 6 year rule :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilot1974 Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 Are you applying to only 1 school? You should really send out apps to at least 5 programs. You seem well qualified but each program looks for a "best fit" for their specific program. Maybe I can get some help here because I'm not sure why I continue to get rejected.... GPA 3.71 pre req's 3.85 Experience: Father's "CNA" basically his CNA caring for him since 2000 including phlebotomy, PICC line care, wound care, TPN and various drug injections and administration Univeristy of Michigan 4 month internship in Cardiovascular Medicine - full time paid Health Education at the University of Michigan which includes BPs, phlebotomy, patient education regarding risk factors for disease for 3 months full time paid Red Cross volunteer for First Aid Support Team - first aid at U of M football games, marathons, community events...1 year ~ 20 hours First aid for Gymnastics events around Michigan - ~100 hours + (former gymnast :)) 5 years Extra circ work: Journal article on diabetes and exercise - Journal fo Clin Kinesioogy Presented to EMU staff about Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes as well as at EMU's unerdergraduate symposium President of Major's organization as well as founder (3 years) VP of Phi Epsilon Kappa - pre health honors student org (1year) Dean's adviosory board (hand selected by dean for position) AAPA member CEPA member Relay for life - breast cancer 3 day Great LOR which was stated by interviewers......However, I get DENIED every time....I am young (23) with a bad GRE score ~800 (was in Mexico week before didn't study plan to retake) Shadowed PA's talk to PA's on a regular basis - especially alums from programs I have applied too could my age and GRE scores be the only things holding me back?? I'm so confused because when I request information on why i didn't get in it says: Join AAPA retake GRE (no brainer) check website often attend general information sessions ( i do all of the above) get more experience (kinda hard right now with econ) does any one have any suggestions? I don't know what I'm lacking or what to do! Please help - I am going to apply again - but after this year my classes will need to be retaken if I am not accepted due to the 6 year rule :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbtennis Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 I would definitely say the only thing holding you back is the GRE. Many schools set a minimum requirement such as 1000, so I would check the averages of the schools you're applying to. Good luck! Your other statistics are great and I'm sure you'll get in this time :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lzypanda Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 Are you getting interviews? Maybe it's the interview where things aren't going right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest smyrtle1 Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 It is the GRE...lowest that I have seen aloud is 900. Either re-take the GRE or apply to schools that do not require the GRE. Best of luck to you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r3pnit Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 to tell you truth... i seen people with worst stats then that get into PA school on this forum........seem pretty good gpa wise and experience......LIke poster said above, how many schools u applying to and are u getting interveiws.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRockMizunos Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 I applied to only two this year because I honestly didn't think I wouldn't really get it....I worked so hard in my undergrad, I know my GRE was really bad but didn't think it carried that much weight....I've had interviews to both programs and they have brought it up and asked my why it was so low, and I thought they like my answers, but honestly, rejection based only one ONE silly test that doesn't even test the knowledge of my science?? Geeze, I do plan to retake it and not be in mexico a few days prior :) Thanks for all your help..... I do plan to apply to another school this upcoming cycle??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRockMizunos Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 lynzpanda: I've been told I interview well.....but perhaps it is the interivew....they have made comments during the interview that they like my answers - I know I could always improve on my interviewing skills - so any tips on that?? I need to nail this next year.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prospective PA Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 since this is an applicant stats page...all this should be moved to another thread rather than clutter up this page...sorry...no offense..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lzypanda Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 LOL none taken. Someone move it or make a thread? In the mean time - did you practice interviews beforehand? Read rodicans? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emily_Sellers Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 I applied to only two this year because I honestly didn't think I wouldn't really get it....I worked so hard in my undergrad, I know my GRE was really bad but didn't think it carried that much weight....I've had interviews to both programs and they have brought it up and asked my why it was so low, and I thought they like my answers, but honestly, rejection based only one ONE silly test that doesn't even test the knowledge of my science?? Geeze, I do plan to retake it and not be in mexico a few days prior :) Thanks for all your help..... I do plan to apply to another school this upcoming cycle??? If a school requires you to send them your GRE score, it carries weight. Many schools don't even consider GRE scores any more though, so if you're not sure you can make the typical minimum of 1000 then you should definitely look into those. I 100% agree with others who have told you to apply to more schools. 5 minimum is generally considered to be the rule. (Get Rodican's book and you will be told all of this from a real "expert.") Most programs are looking for a certain kind of candidate, and it's hard to predict whether or not you'll be admitted based upon traditional measures of merit. Programs will accept someone with a 3.1 and deny a 4.0 student. They will reject someone who has been a nurse for 10 years, but admit someone who's been a CNA for 6 months. Every program is looking for something a little different, and it all has to do with how well you sell yourself. It's up to you to find out exactly what kind of candidate each program is looking for. In general, however, they are looking for mature, driven people with a passion for learning and self-improvement. You need to present yourself as such, and show them that you've done your homework. I gotta say it: It doesn't sound like you have done your homework thus far, and that's probably showing through in your personal statement and interviews. PA school admission is competitive. You should know ahead of time what your GRE scores need to be, how important they are, and make sure that you study for them to achieve that prerequisite. I hate to say it, but not studying much and going to Mexico the week before the GRE test is not showing much preparation or initiative- two of the most important qualities a successful candidate posesses. I'm guessing the schools were wondering about this in the interview, and also possibly wondering why you haven't yet retaken the test. You may have felt that you gave them a good explanation, but what will really impress them is studying your butt off (it DOES help, a ton) and getting a much better score on the retake. If you need to retake it more than once, do it. The GRE is offered at least monthly. Do what it takes and convince the schools that you really want to be admitted, and that you will be worth their investment and emerge an excellent PA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRockMizunos Posted April 21, 2009 Share Posted April 21, 2009 (edited) its not that I haven't done those things and I have done my homework, honeslty I really have.....I've been told it wasn't important by a variety of people but through this i'm finding its more important and I was also told NOT to retake it by one of the schools counselors because of the cycle - so I am doing things I need to. But I do appreciate your input and I have read that book, it consisted of things that I have already done, I personally didn't find it all that helpful, I think this site is way better than that book and more personal...which is why I asked these questions...B/c I am frustrated and confused....but working on it...and I did get study materials....so I am working on it :) with applying to more schools - each school has diff prereqs...I really don't want to pay more $$ to take more classes....and I really don't want to leave the state I currently live in...good reasons for that.... THANKS TO ALL FOR THE HELP Edited April 21, 2009 by IRockMizunos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lzypanda Posted April 21, 2009 Share Posted April 21, 2009 I'm not sure if the book is intended to tell you to do stuff... But it was certainly a big help for me even though I had done the activities and preparations the book mentioned. I didnt even find the forum until a few weeks before my interviews. Anyways the book did as the title advertised for me! Best of luck in the upcoming cycle ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christy Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 Here are my stats... Undergrad Ed School:Florida International University Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.33 Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.23 Age at application time : 26 1st GRE: V 470, Q 520, 4.0 Direct Patient Care : Unit Secretary, Autistic Child Shadow, Surgical PA shadow Extracurricular/Research Activities: HOSA FIU Chapter President Schools Applied: (3) Nova Southeastern (Davie), Barry University, Miami Dade College Application Submitted Date: 10/28/08 Schools Received Application Date: 11//2008 Interview Invites: Nova Southeastern University, Barry University Denied: Withdrew Application: Miami Dade College Waitlisted: Nova Southeastern, Barry University Accepted: Barry University (Miami Shores Campus) :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
worthington Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 well, I would like some feed back on this one. I went to a school about a month ago and met with the admissions person. He was a young kid and a little arrogant in my humble opinion. So I gave him my transcripts which are 20 yrs old btw and have already started my pre-reqs and am taking my courses to become a CNA so I can get medical experience, am also meeting the Vice Chairman of Ortho at a well know hospital so he can guide me to his PA's to shadow for a week ( I know him through a personal connection) I've picked 5 schools I want to apply to. So here is the deal, I met with this guy, talked etc. I sent him a follow up thank you note and then followed up with a phone call, saying I had a few questions and would like to see when he was free to talk. Never heard back. In the meantime, I had signed for the informational seminar and went down to that, he was there of course and said hello and that's it, I spoke with one of teacher PA's who had a mid career change like me ( I'm in my 40's) and got some helpful inf. I then followed up again with the admin kid and said it was good to see him and just wanted to check and see if he got my email/vm and if we could still have a quick chat via the phone to get my quesitons answered. No reply via email or phone. I think it is safe to assume he , for some reason dosn't see this happening, or me being a student, not for anything but being in my 40's and dealing with a little **** is annoying to say the least. So I am not applying to that school, since the attitude towards me is really not respectful, so here is the feedback I would like: is this common? do you think older folks like me get this kind of treatment more often? is this a common tactic to see how serious you are?? should I try one more time or just let it go, so I don't look too pushy??? Thoughts, experiences etc would be greatly appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prospective PA Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 I think that you would get more answers if you re- posted this appropriately under the pre PA section on a new thread...since this is for Applicant Stats...not alot of people look at this page. I am older and had no problems, in fact I think it was welcomed and perhaps a deciding factor when looking for a good mix in the class... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
worthington Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 hi, you're right, I saw the other posts related to this and sent it over there and got some great feedback ( as well as yours) thanks! congrats to you!!!!:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dap Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Undergrad Ed School: The University of Michigan Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.65 Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.4 Graduate Ed School: (if applicable) NA Cumulative Graduate GPA: (if applicable) NA Science Graduate GPA: (if applicable) Age at application time : 21 1st GRE: 1150 2nd GRE: (if applicable) Direct Patient Care : (type & hours) Medical Assistant, EMT-Specialist, Research Assistant, Resident Assistant (about 1000 hours) Extracurricular/Research Activities: Psych research Schools Applied: RFUMS, Saint Francis (Pennsylvania), University of Toledo, Salus University, Saint Francis (Indiana), Shenandoah Application Submitted Date: Schools Received Application Date: (approximate date) Interview Invites: Saint Francis (Penn), Salus, Shenandoah, Saint Francis (IN) Denied: Toledo, RFUMS Withdrew Application: Salus Waitlisted: Saint Francis (IN) Accepted: Shenandoah, Saint Francis (Penn) Attending: Saint Francis (IN) (accepted off the waitlist!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abnawabjan Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 Undergraduate : BS Clinical Laboratory Science (UTPA) Undergrad. GPA: 3.80 Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.82 Last 60 Hours : 4.00 ( all Clinical Lab Science courses) GRE : 1040 Age at application time : 35 Health care Experience: 12 years as Assistant Pharmacist ( out side US) 6 months Pharmacy tech ( in US) Med tech in US ( current) Direct Patient Care : Phlebotomy for 3 months Schools Applied: UT Panam, UNT( lack biochemistry) Application Submitted Date: May 2008 Schools Received Application Date: (approximate date) Interview Invites: UT Panam Accepted: UT Panam 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jbraman Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 Undergrad Ed School: Siena Heights University (Adrian, MI) Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.6 Science Undergrad. GPA: 4.0 Age at application time : 26 GRE: 600 V, 700 Q , 5 Written Patient Care : 7 years full-time FF/EMT Extracurricular/Research Activities: USAR Rescue Specialist ~3 years Haz-Mat Technician ~ 5 years USAR Instructor ~ 2 years CPR/First Aid Instructor ~ 2 years PA Shadowing ~ 16 hrs Schools Applied: University of Detroit Mercy Application Submitted Date: 1/5/9 Schools Received Application Date: (approximate date) 1/12/9 Interview Invites: 1 Denied: 0 Withdrew Application: 0 Waitlisted: 0 Accepted: 1 (U of D) Attempts: One Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest allisona Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 Hey, I was reading some old posts. I'm applying to PA schools but have a low science gpa. Where did you get your LOR's from? And where did you study? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbtennis Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 I would probably make your post a new thread if you want it answered. The "applicant stats" thread is only for people that got accepted somewhere and want to share their information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmostDone2011 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 (edited) oops. nevermind. Edited June 11, 2009 by AlmostDone2011 I already posted on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest amrodri5 Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 Undergrad Ed School: Carroll College (Helena, Montana)Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.2 Science Undergrad. GPA: 2.95 Last Three Semesters: 3.9 (This saved my bacon) Biology major with a Chemistry minor. Lots of psychology, theology, and 3.5 years of ceramics. Age at application time: 22 1st GRE: 680v 710q 4.5aw (This also helped a lot) Direct Patient Care: 2200 hours as a phlebotomist Extracurricular/Research Activities: Summit Club President (organized snowboarding trips) S.A.V.E Vice President (Students Against Violating the Environment) 3.5 years studying ceramics. 1 year of volunteer work at a nonprofit Indian Health Clinic. Schools Applied: I didn't think my chances of getting in were very good, so I got kind of carried away. ASHS, Midwestern Glendale, Midwestern Downer's Grove, Locke Haven University, Shenandoah University, Stony Brook, Rosalind Franklin, UNE, ISU, Wake Forest, PCOM, OHSU, Pacific, Rocky Mountain College, St. Francis University (NM) Application Submitted Date: September 2nd Schools Received Application Date: September 14th Interview Invites: ASHS, Midwestern Glendale, Midwestern Downer's Grove, Lock Haven, Shenandoah, Stony Brook, Rosalind Franklin, St. Francis Denied: UNE Withdrew Application: ISU, Pacific, St. Francis, Rocky Mountain College Waitlisted: Midwestern Glendale Accepted: ASHS, Lock Haven, Stony Brook, Shenandoah I don't know where I'm going quite yet. I still have an interview at Rosalind Franklin on 12/9 and I'm waiting to hear from Midwestern Downer's Grove. I feel like I was really lucky to have gotten as positive a response as I did. It took me a while (3 years) in undergrad to figure out what I wanted to do with myself and when I finally did, I was in a pretty deep hole. I stayed at college an extra year and took lots of science to bring up my GPA. You don't have to be perfect to get into PA school. That is just about the best thing I have heard anyone say on this forum. Hehe. I don't feel so agitated about this PA school bit now, things aren't as bad as they could've been for me. I'll leave the agitation for after I get accepted heheh. Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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