PA Applicant Stats Page

[pulli75]

Thank you so much! I sent the supplemental back this past July 2nd, but I haven't heard back since. They might be away on vacation, so I hope to hear back soon. From what I've read so far, in various threads, it seems that invites tend to go out by September. I was hoping that you would say August, lol.

[christine16]

did you finish all the prereq classes by the time you applied? the schools you've been accepted to are the ones i'm interested in. congrats btw!

[Mikerags]

Undergrad Ed School: University of Maryland, College Park

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.23

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.37

 

Age at application time: 29

 

1st GRE: 156 V 147 Q 4.0 AW

 

Direct Patient Care : Numerous types from the Navy: Approx 8000

 

Healthcare experience total hours: Roughly 12,000 hours

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities: US Navy Hospital Corpsman 5.5 years, White House Medical Unit 3 years, Volunteer Outreach Coordinator/Kayak instructor for Team River Runner 1 year, Laboratory Assistant working in Cancer Center at Henry M Jackson Foundation, Research Assistant for the Clinical Breast Care Project at Henry M Jackson Foundation

 

Schools Applied: Arcadia, DeSales, GWU, Hofstra, King's, LIU, Mercy, NYIT, PCOM, Salus, St. John's, Towson, UMDNJ, USciences, Drexel, Thomas Jefferson, Stony Brook

 

Application Submitted Date: July 3

 

Schools Received Application Date: 7/19-8/9

 

Interview Invites: N/A

 

Denied: N/A

 

Withdrew Application: N/A

 

Waitlisted: N/A

 

Accepted: N/A

[sumarachi]

I've been waiting to post on here since forever!!

Undergrad Ed School: Morgan State University - Baltimore, MD

Overall/Cum GPA: 3.41

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.59

Age at application time: 22

 

1st GRE: Qual: 154, Quan: 147, Writing: 3.5

Qual: 150, Quan: 150, Writing 3.5 (not much of a change, 300 combined score)

 

Direct Patient Care Experience:

2600 hours - medical laboratory technologist

140 hours - nurse assistant

80 hours - shadowing PA in vascular surgery

70 hours - shadowing PA in urgent care

750 hours - surgical extern for a GI surgeon

1600 hours - volunteer at University of Maryland Shock Trauma + St. Agnes Hospital

 

4500 hours - Pharmacy Technician

490 hours - clinical rotations

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities/Community Service:

150 hours - Volunteer for Center for Social Change

450 hours - Islamic Relief volunteer

 

Awards/Honors/Leaderships:

- Tau Sigma National Honor Society

- National Society of Collegiate Scholars

- Dean's List

 

Schools Applying:

-Nova Southeastern University

-Keiser University

-Emory University

-Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine

-Midwestern University

-Northwestern University

-Duke

-Cornell University

-Thomas Jefferson

-University of the Sciences, Philadelphia

-PCOM

-Drexel

-University of Texas Health Sciences- San Antonio

-Jefferson College of Health Sciences

-James Madison

(okay... so I was paranoid about applying to too few schools)

 

Application Submitted Date: June 14, 2013

 

Interview Invites: 5 so far.. Keiser University, Drexel University, Cornell, NOVA, DeSales

Accepted: Drexel, Keiser

Going to: DREXEL! so happy!

Attempts: first!!

[newpagirl17]

congrats! I'm applying to a lot of those same schools.

[t2091]

Undergrad Ed School: Arizona State University

Overall/Cum GPA: 3.14

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.46

Post Bach GPA: 3.71

BCP GPA: 3.58

Age at application time: 24

 

GRE: Qual: 145, Quan: 150, Writing: 5.5

 

Direct Patient Care Experience: 1400 hours as CNA at acute rehab facility, 500 hours as CNA at hospital (current)

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities/Community Service:

ED volunteer 80 hours, Pharmacy Volunteer 70 hours, 80 hours of PA shadowing

 

Schools Applying: AT Still, Midwestern AZ, University of Bridgeport, Saint Francis, Samuel Merritt, Pacific University, Franklin Pierce, Barry, Desales and Rosalind

Application Submitted Date: 5/24/13

Mailed: 6/7/13

Schools Received Application Date: 6/15/13

Denied: AT Still, Rosalind

 

Interview Invites: University of Bridgeport, Saint Francis

Attempts: First

 

Accepted: University of Bridgeport

[pct2010]

Undergrad Ed School: University of North Texas

Cumulative GPA: 3.6

Science GPA: 3.09

 

Age at application time: 25

 

1st GRE: 157 (73%) Verbal, 144 (18%) Quantitative, 5.0 Analytical

 

 

Direct Patient Care (type & hours): PCT (current, surgical floor) (567 hrs), CNA (nursing home) (386 hrs)

 

Shadowing: 1 PA in family practice, (25 hrs)

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities: Phi Gamma Delta fraternity (Secretary/Scholarship Chairman)

 

Schools Applied:

[TABLE=width: 818]

[TR]

[TD]Keiser University [/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Wichita State University [/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Duke University Medical Center [/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program [/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Oregon Health & Science University [/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]DeSales University [/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]University of Texas Southwestern School of Health Professions [/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

 

Application Submitted Date: August 2013

 

Schools Received Application Date: N/A

 

Interview Invites: N/A

 

Denied: N/A

 

Withdrew Application: N/A

 

Waitlisted: N/A

 

Accepted: N/A

 

Attending: N/A

 

 

Comment: First time applying! Finished my undergrad in 2010, spent the last 3 years working on postbacc science courses, patient care experience, and saving money for graduate school. Science GPA is low, but that is still a work in progress. Fingers are crossed for interviews, if not this cycle then surely the next!

Edited August 31, 2013 by sam2010
spelling

[etopn23]

Undergrad Ed School: Baylor University/Collin College/University of Texas at Dallas

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.37

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.6

 

Age at application time : 26

 

1st GRE: Verb - 163 (91%) Quant - 159 (75%) Analytical - 4.5 (78%)

 

Direct Patient Care : anesthesia technician - ~3500 hours

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities: hospital volunteer - 300 hours

 

Schools Applied: All Texas schools

 

Application Submitted Date: Mailed the last week of August.

 

Schools Received Application Date: Last week of August, possibly first week of September?

 

Interview Invites: N/A

 

Denied: N/A

 

Withdrew Application: N/A

 

Waitlisted: N/A

 

Accepted: N/A

 

Additional info - My freshman GPA was a .55. I managed to pull it up to a 3.37 by virtue of straight As (with 2 exceptions) until I graduated.

 

This is my first time applying, and I honestly don't know what to expect. I mean, every school provides their stats along with what they look for in potential matriculants but I'm afraid my freshman year will scare many programs away. I took A&P I/II/Micro/Nutrition/Life Span while working full time and it seems that I will finish with all As but I dunno if that's enough to reassure them that I'm capable of handling the extreme course load of PA school.

 

Edit: The reason I didn't complete a post-bacc program was because I've gotten an A in virtually every science course required for my biology degree. It seemed superfluous.

[JohnConner]

Figure I'd post in here since I start PA school in a couple of weeks.

 

 

Undergrad Ed School: The University of West Florida

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.1 (3.7 last 60 hrs)

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.4

 

Age at application time : 26

 

 

Direct Patient Care : (type & hours)

Air Force medic-6000 hrs.

Medical assistant-1000 hrs.

Hospice patient care volunteer-40 hrs.

Shadowing: 8 hrs. I shadowed for exactly one day as a formality to put on my application.

 

 

Schools Applied:

Touro Nevada

USA

Three of the NOVA programs

Harding

Barry U

EVMS

South College

 

 

Application Submitted Date: 8/20/12

 

 

Schools Received Application Date: (approximate date) Don't remember

 

 

Interview Invites: South College, EVMS

 

 

Denied: All but South College and EVMS

 

 

Withdrew Application: EVMS-After I was accepted to South College

 

 

Waitlisted: None

 

 

Accepted: South College

 

 

After interviewing and getting accepted to South College, I had no desire to attend the interview at EVMS. I knew South College was the place for me. It was a long hard road to pull my grades up from a 2.3 to a 3.1 but 100% worth it.

[minnesota_girl]

Undergrad Ed School: University of St. Thomas, St. Paul MN

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.24

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.01

Graduate Ed School: (if applicable) N/A

Cumulative Graduate GPA: (if applicable) N/A

Science Graduate GPA: (if applicable) N/A

 

Age at application time : 23

 

1st GRE: 146 Q 148 VR 4.0 W

2nd GRE: (if applicable) N/A

 

Direct Patient Care : (type & hours) Medical Scribe in ED and Pain Center 1700 hours

10-day mission trip to Nicaragua (set up clinics in villages and provided direct clinical care)

3-week mission trip to South Africa (volunteered at clinics assisting physicians)

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities: Yoga instructor, volunteer teach and paid

Schools Applied: St. Kates, LSU Shreveport, MCPHS Boston, South College TN, Touro Univ Cali, Penn State, PCOM, Miscericordia, Univ of Utah, NOVA Orlando, LaCrosse WI, West Liberty

 

Application Submitted Date: 7/07/2013

 

Schools Received Application Date: (approximate date)

 

Interview Invites: none yet

 

Denied: NOVA Orlando

 

Withdrew Application: none yet

 

Waitlisted: none yet

 

Accepted: none yet

 

 

Now that I type this up, I am wondering if my states are just average? I'd love to hear feed back. When putting together my application, I have a number of volunteer hours working with a diverse population and I traveled in college. My focus was on my strenght in working with a diverse population.

 

Anyone hear anything from any of these schools?

 

Thanks guys! :)

[PAtoB]

I applied to 36 programs. Is that too many maybe?

[Naphthalene]

I applied to 36 programs. Is that too many maybe?

 

If that means you'll be eating ramen noodles and saltine crackers for the next few months, then, yes.

 

Otherwise, if you have the funds, and you feel you'd actually be suited for any and all of those programs, I don't see the problem.

[BeatlesLVR]

Undergrad Ed School: Campbell University & Central Texas College

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.79

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.75

Bach of Health Science

 

Age at application time : 39

 

1st GRE: V (520) M (600) AW (4.0)

2nd GRE: none

 

Direct Patient Care :

~Army Special Forces Medic (18D)-- 12 yrs. with dependent practioner privileges within the United States, independent privileges outside the United States. Multiple clinical rotations throughout the military and civilian health care system, including rotations in: Trauma (level 1 ctrs), Primary care, ER, OB/GYN, Derm, Surgery

 

~EMT-P -- 8 yrs. maintaining qualifications in BLS provider/instructor, PALS provider/instructor, ACLS provider/instructor, BTLS provider/instructor, PHTLS advanced provider, ATLS course (x2)

 

Current Employment: Instructor at the Joint Special Operations Medical Course, Fort Bragg NC.

 

Schools Applied:

~Duke University

~Wake Forest

~Wichita State University

~University of Oklahoma HSC

~University Of Texas Medical Branch

~East Carolina University

~Red Rocks CC (Denver, CO)

~UNT at Fort Worth

 

Application Submitted Date: August 2004

 

Schools Received Application Date: September 2004

 

Interview Invites: 7, interviewed at 5, declined interview at ECU & RRCC

 

Denied: 1 (sociology pre-req issue for UNT Ft. Worth)

 

Withdrew Application: 0

 

Waitlisted: 0

 

Accepted: (5)Duke, WSU, Wake Forest, Oklahoma & UTMB

 

Will attend UTMB

 Hi, I see that you posted your response back in 2005 so you might not be around.  H/W, in case you are, I see that you were an 18D, I was a 91W-M6 over at Fort Benning.  I'd love to pick your brain about how you are doing as a PA now!  Thank you for your service :-)

[BeatlesLVR]

Undergrad Ed School: Cleveland State University

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.82

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.69

Graduate Ed School: N/A

 

Age at application time : 22

 

1st GRE: Verbal 152, Quant 148, Writing 4

2nd GRE: N/A

 

Direct Patient Care : 128 hours as a volunteer STNA at local Christian hospice for terminally ill, 354 hours as a PCA at local hospital Southwest Gen night shift surgical floor. First Aid attendant on a week-long mission trip to South Dakota for the construction workers on staff. 16 hours in STNA training clinicals at the assigned nursing home.

 

Indirect Patient Care: 2324 hours as a pharmacy technician in a retail pharmacy

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities: Observation and participation of rodent electrophysiology at Cleveland State on Synaptic Plastic and Behavioral Characterization of a Rat Model of Depression Based on Mild Chronic Stress.

Two semesters of American Sign Language in college.

Shadowed multiple PAs/MDs in multiple specialties for approx 60+ hours.

Received a 24 credit hour certification in medical transcription through Cleveland State continuing education (which i never used)

(CPR certified, STNA license acquired, Pharmacy tech Ohio certified through Giant Eagle Corporate.)

 

Schools Applied: 9 total--CSU/CCC, Toledo, Marietta, Marquette, Alderson Broaddus, University of Pittsburgh, Midwestern U, South College (in TN), OHSU

 

Application Submitted Date: 9/12/12

 

Schools Received Application Date: (approximate date) early October

 

Interview Invites: 8/9--all but OHSU

 

Denied: OHSU, Marquette, Marietta, CSU/CCC

 

Withdrew Application: Alderson Broaddus, Toledo, South College--I denied these interviews after receiving my acceptance.

 

Waitlisted: Pittsburgh

 

Accepted: Midwestern!! Class of 2015!!

 

Attempts: first

 

I was afraid of not having enough patient care experience, and my GRE score is pretty shabby. I tried to show that I could handle multiple stressors at once in interviews (two jobs, tough courseload with double sciences each sem, personal life obstacles, etc) and I wanted to appear as well-rounded as possible with many different life experiences. I tried my best to let my passion speak for itself, and to show my personality. It's hard to know what each school is looking for...the 5 interviews I went on were so different from each other. Listen to your gut and your feelings...remember YOU ARE INTERVIEWING THEM TOO!!! If you don't feel comfortable there, there's a reason. Everything with Midwestern fell into place so flawlessly, and I've never felt so comfortable interviewing anywhere. The school was essentially my top choice :)

 

I've been daydreaming about the day I could post my stats on here. DON'T GIVE UP!! you can do it!!! :;-D::=D::smile::wink::;;D:

CONGRATULATIONS!!  I'm deathly afraid of taking the GREs.  like you, I work a FT job that I can not quit (due to it paying for my classes and my husband's schooling!), I'm enrolled in science pre-req classes at one school and trying to finish up my bachelor's degree at another school, AND I'm trying to get some patient-care hours in…. I don't know how I'm going to do it, I'm so tired.  But your post truly inspired me :-)  I can't wait for my turn to post my stats one day :-)

[ceschlorff]

Undergraduate school: North Central College

Major: Athletic Training

Overall GPA: 3.5

Science GPA: 3.4

# of health care hours (athletic training and CNA): 5000+

Age: 24

 

Interview offers: Cornell, Rosalind Franklin, Southern Illinois University, George Washington University, Midwestern (glendale, AZ), Midwestern (Downers Grove), Northwestern, Wingate, Arcadia, and Mount Union

 

Accepted: Rosalind Franklin and Southern Illinois University (I chose Rosalind Franklin)

 

Waitlist: Cornell

 

Rejected: Oregon Health and Science University, Desales, & Thomas Jefferson University

[dilemma84]

So happy to finally submit this!!

 

Undergrad Ed School: Penn State University- biology

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.41

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.29

 

Age at application time : 23

 

GRE: 153 verbal, 152 Quant, 3.5 writing

 

Direct Patient Care : CHHA ~450 hours, Hospital volunteer~ 140 hours

 

PA shadowing: 5 PAs (cardiac surgery, ortho surgery, thoracic surgery and neurosurgery) total ~100 hours

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities: Lifeguard for 7 years, red cross club, THON committee member/org volunteer

 

Schools Applied: arcadia, daemen, long island-brooklyn, salus, misericordia, seton hill, PCOM, seton hall, MCPHS-worcester

 

Application Submitted Date: 11/18/12

 

Interview Invites: seton hill, LIU-brooklyn, seton hall, MCPHS-worcester

 

waitlisted: seton hall

 

Accepted: MCPHS-worcester (attending as of now, but if I get in to seton hall from the waitlist it'll be a tough decision since shu is closer to home)

 

attempt: second

 

It wasnt easy, but hard work pays off! Dont give up if you don't get in first try!

your stats is similar to mine, I am taking some prereqs right now so hopefully my sGPA will rise up a bit more calculated by CASPA. I am working as a CNA at a sub acute unit to gain my HCE, do you mind giving me some tips on getting accepted (I am also a reapplicant) or msg me privately? most of your schools you applied are the same schools that i am very interested in also. Thank you so much for your time ! 

[dilemma84]

[h=2][/h]

Undergrad Ed School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

 

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.36

 

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.21

 

Graduate Ed School: N/A

 

Cumulative Graduate GPA: N/A

 

Science Graduate GPA: N/A

 

Age at application time : 23

 

1st GRE: V- 156 Q-159 W-5.0

2nd GRE: N/A

 

Direct Patient Care : CNA in PCU of Hospital ~1700

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities: Genetics research assistant at UNC for 2 years, clinical research assistant at ophthalmogist's office

 

Schools Applied: Duke, St. John's, UC-Davis, LIU-Brooklyn, South College- Knoxville

 

Application Submitted Date: 7/6/2012

 

Interview Invites: Duke, LIU-Brooklyn, South College

 

Denied: St. John's, UC-Davis

 

Withdrew Application: declined interviews at LIU and South College after receiving admission to Duke

 

Waitlisted: none

 

Accepted: Duke!!

 

Attempts: first

 

Hi, Congrats for your acceptance! I am super excited for you! I have similar stats and was wondering if you could give me some insights on what you did to get an interview and accepted ? I have similar GPA 3.2 after calculated by Caspa and similar CNA hrs. However, according to many programs, these numbers are not considered competitive? Please let me know I would appreciate it so much ! Thank you 

[IMGtoPA]

FINALLY!!

 

Undergrad Ed School: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.1ish

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.1ish

 

Age at application time : 28

 

1st GRE: 1200 total (570 verbal, 630 Quant), 4.5 writing

 

Direct Patient Care : PCA ~300 hours, CNA~2000, EMT ~ 300, Volunteer abroad~200,

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities: Research in plant biology lab, MAPS, APO, CRY, etc..

 

Schools Applied: Too many to list. (~20)

 

Application Submitted Date: 6/20/12 ish..

 

Interview Invites: George Washington University (10/20), LMU-DCOM (11/1), St.Catherine University

 

Accepted: George Washington University (attending!), LMU-DCOM, and St.Catherine University.

 

I am so very excited to be starting PA school at GWU! All my work has paid off. Those with lower GPAs--it is possible! You have to keep positive, and keep improving your application! Took me two tries, but here I am!

 

Hi Holycow,

 

I'm trying to send you a PM.  Can you send me one, and I will try to reply?

 

Thanks

[jlumsden]

Standard Format:

Undergrad Ed School: Central Washington University
Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.69 (CASPA)
Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.77  (CASPA)
Graduate Ed School: Indiana University

Age at application time : 34

1st GRE:  160 (verbal), 153 (math), 4.5 (written)

Direct Patient Care : 18,000+ hours direct care and case management for adults with developmental disabilities.  100 hours volunteering on a Nicaraguan ambulance (w/ EMT training).
Extracurricular/Research Activities: Volunteer work with developmental disabilities community organization, as blood donor registrar/monitor, board member for men's rugby team.  

Schools Applied: University of Washington, University of Southern California, Pacific University, University of New England, Philadelphia University, UC Davis

Application Submitted Date: 7/19/2013

Schools Received Application Date: (approximate date) 7/23/2013

Interview Invites: University of Washington MEDEX, University of Southern California, Pacific University 

Denied: University of New England (misread the prerequisites -- don't confuse quarters for semesters!)

Withdrew Application: Philadelphia University, UC Davis, Pacific University, University of Southern California

Waitlisted: None

Accepted:  University of Washington MEDEX

• Quote
• MultiQuote
   
•  

[PAtoB]

How much do PAs make in California? 

[Blue Goose]

Undergrad Ed School:  Southern Illinois University - Carbondale

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA:  3.28

Science Undergrad. GPA:  3.40

Age at application time:  27

1st GRE: 

     158/78% verbal

     155/61% quantitative

     5.5/97% analytical writing

Direct Patient Care:

     11803 hours paramedic

     1452 hours ECT technician (IV starts and anesthesia recovery)

Extracurricular/Research Activities:

     200 hours conservation volunteer (2008-present)

     200 hours volunteer firefighter (2005-2008)

Schools Applied:

     Northwestern University

     Rush University

     Rosalind Franklin University


Schools Received Application Date: 9-30-13

Interview Invites:

     Northwestern

     Rush

 

Denied:  none

Withdrew Application:  none

Waitlisted:  unknown

Accepted: 

    Rush

 

(Edited to reflect changes in invites/acceptances)

Edited November 14, 2013 by Blue Goose

[Weston54]

Since I seem to be the "low GPA PA student poster child" (LOL!) I'll go first. These are the numbers on my CASPA record:

 

*****************************************************************

 

Undergrad Ed School: Furman University (Greenville, SC)

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 2.57

(Fr: 2.13 --- So: 1.84 --- Jr: 2.07 --- Sr: 3.35 --- 5th year: 3.54)

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.13 (2.0 freshman year, 3.5 senior years)

 

Age at application time: 31

 

1st GRE: 730 V, 680 Q, 4.5 AW (2050 cummulative by previous standards)

 

Direct Patient Care:

2.5 years full-time EMT/ER tech, small military hospital

.5 years full-time EMT, small community EMS

3 years full-time EMT/medic, inner-city EMS

~1.5 years volunteer first responder (24-36 hours/month)

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities:

1 summer paid research assistantship

2 volunteer research assistantships

1 publication, coauthorship (name is #5 of 6)

1 presentation at nat'l undergrad research conference

adjunct EMT instructor

PA shadowing

 

Schools Applied: 1

 

Application Submitted Date: August 18

 

Schools Received Application Date: postcard from school dated September 29

 

Interview Invites: 1

 

Denied: 0

 

Withdrew Application: 0

 

Waitlisted: 0

 

Accepted: 1

 

 

**************************************************************************

 

 

 

 

It's been a few years since I posted this... I went to PA school, served as student member on the ad comm, graduated and am now in my second year of practice. I get quite a few people asking me questions about getting in with a low GPA, so here are a few thoughts about what helped me:

• The most important thing I did was talk to an admissions counselor at every program I was interested in attending. I concentrated my efforts on the programs that seemed enthusiastic about me despite my low GPA. You could ask which programs these were, but it wouldn't matter. After being on an adcomm and participating in this forum, I can tell you that admissions criteria can be in flux... so get on the phone and find out who is interested in YOU!
• My overall GPA was low, but I had a high science GPA and an upwards trend. I was a lousy student ages 18-20, when I changed majors every 1-2 semesters... I was a great student after several years off, then going back and obtaining a science degree.
• I did post-bacc work and got all As while working ful-time and being married - demonstrating an ability to manage a challenging schedule with success.
• I had strong, HANDS-ON patient care experience for many years.
• I had strong LORs.
• I participated in a variety of activities, showing I was a well-rounded person.

If your GPA is low, you have a harder, longer path to PA school. There probably isn't a shortcut. But, in my experience, it can be done.

 

Feel free to PM me with more specific questions.

 

Laughing Angel, I realize that you originally posted this nearly a decade ago, but was wondering if you active in this forum. I too have a slightly lower GPA and am greatly concerned about getting accepted to a PA school that has clout and will offer a good education. What PA school did you go to? Were you happy with the education you received there? Would you go somewhere else if you had the chance, why/why not? In your experience how important was it to make personal contact with the school of your choice? Thanks for your time. I hope you are still on here. 

[ctstone1]

Here we go!!

 

Age: 29 (turned 30 during the cycle)

 

B.S.Ed in Athletic Training from Ark State Univ - 2005

M.S.Ed in Kinesiology/Social Psych of Sport from SIU-Carbondale 2007

 

 

12,000++ hours of HCE, and counting, as an ATC since 2005 (working directly withan Orthopedic Surgeon and his PA since 2007)

 

 

GPAs according to CASPA

Overall Cumulative Undergrad: 3.29

Science Cum. Undergrad: 3.31

Graduate Overall: 3.49

Post Baccalaureate Science (refreshing courses and finishing pre-reqs): 3.80

(My GPA in my last 45 hours is ~3.8)

 

GRE:

V: 156

Q: 157

W: 4.0

 

Schools applied to: University of Tennessee, MEDEX NW, Penn State, Northwestern, Wake, Eastern Michigan, Rosalind Franklin, South (TN)

 

Withdrew: Wake, Eastern, RF (issue with a chemistry pre-req)

 

Interviews: Penn State, MEDEX, University of Tennessee, Northwestern

 

Wait list: University of Tennessee

Denied: MEDEX

Accepted: Penn State

 

Such a long road to get to this point. Can't wait to keep going though. Hopefully this can give some hope to all of my fellow "less than stellar" GPA-ers out there!!

[omangeac]

Age: 24 tomorrow! :)

 

Undergrad school: Northwest Nazarene University

B.S. in Biology

Dean's List 7 consecutive semesters, science honors

 

CumGPA: 3.6 (CASPA)

ScienceGPA: 3.7 (CASPA)

 

GRE: cum. 309

 

Direct patient care: over 1000 hours as a nurse aide at a hospital (PCU floor)

                               around 50 hours as a medical volunteer

PA shadowing: over 100 hours shadowing family, derm, and oncology PAs

Related healthcare experience: office assistant for 5 years in a pediatrics office

Extracurricular/community service: mission trip to Ukraine in 2011; medical mission trip to Honduras in March this year

 

Schools applied: Drexel, PCOM, Arcadia, Pace, Lock Haven, Thomas Jefferson, Salus, Marywood, Trevecca Nazarene, U of Sciences Phil, Penn State

 

Interviews: Arcadia, Pace, Lock Haven, Thomas Jefferson, Marywood, Salus, Trevecca

 

Wait List: Thomas Jefferson

 

Accepted: Marywood, Arcadia

Have not yet heard back from Pace and Trevecca, but will cancel interviews with Lock Haven and Salus since I was accepted to Arcadia :)

[Latina PA]

Its been a long and arduous road…….. I am ecstatic to finally be accepted and able to post on this thread!!!

Undergrad School: Florida Atlantic University (FAU) – Boca Raton,  FL

Major: BA in Biology

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.78
Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.76
CASPA calculated GPA: 3.76 overall   and  3.65 BCP - BioChemPhysics

Age at application time: 43  ( “non-traditional” applicant)

GRE: 306      154 Verbal, 152 Quantitative

Direct Patient Contact Hours: none
Medical Volunteer Hours: 250 as a medical interpreter and diabetes management instructor at a free health clinic for the underserved and uninsured of Palm Beach County.

Although I never actually “touched” the patients I was present during the consultation between the doctor and the patient and had to translate the doctor’s questions to the patients and obtain from the patients their medical history, symptoms and reason for the visit and translate that to the doctor. I then had to translate to the patients their lab work results, their diagnosis and medication instructions as ordered by the doctor. 

As a certified diabetes management instructor, I taught patients with diabetes how to manage their disease with changes in their diet, exercise and taking the medication as prescribed to them by the doctors. 

PA shadowing: 130 hours (primary care)

Physician shadowing: 250 hours (primary care, surgery, ER, dermatology, cardiology, gynecology, anesthesiology)
 

Non-medical volunteer hours: 100 as a teacher’s aid at my son’s school

Extracurricular Activities: Founding member of the pre-PA club at FAU and Treasurer of the club for 3 semesters.

Schools Applied: NOVA- Ft. Lauderdale,  Barry University- Miami  and  NOVA- Ft. Meyers 

                           (I had to stay in South Florida because of my children, so I threw a very small net and only applied to 3 schools)

Application Submitted Date: 07/26/2013

Interview Invites:  NOVA Ft. Lauderdale and NOVA Ft. Myers

Denied:  Barry University due to low HCE hours

Accepted: NOVA Ft. Lauderdale  and  NOVA Ft. Myers

Attending: NOVA Ft. Lauderdale/Davie  (my first choice!!!!!)

Attempt: First and Last !!!