PA Applicant Stats Page

[ndpa09]

this may be a newb question, but what is the benefit of withdrawing your application? 

Moreso just a common courtesy to the program so that they can consider other applicants, and not waste their time on applicants who are no longer interested.  

[Futureparound2]

I can't believe that I finally get to post this!  I have been looking at this thread for so long and at many times got discouraged, but hard work, faith, God, and patience perseveres!

 

Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: 2.83
Post-Bac Prerequisites GPA: 3.89
Graduate GPA: N/A

Age at application time: 34
1st GRE: 299  4.0 Writing

Direct Patient Care Experience (type & hours):

 

Dialysis Technician, Hematology/Oncology Clinical Research Assistant, Hematology/Oncology 5,000+ hours

Other Experience:

Hematology/Oncology Clinical Study Coordinator

Health Care Shadowing:
Inpatient Pulmonology
Inpatient Transplant
Pediatrics
Emergency Medicine

 

Research Experience:

Clinical Trials Hematology/Oncology

Community Service:

Sandcastles Grief Counseling - Camp Facilitator
Detroit Zoo- Special Events
Life Remodeled - Community Cleanup
Americorps - Community Cleanup
Henry Ford Cancer Institue - Ford Field Volunteer

 

Schools Applied:
Des Moine University, Touro University Nevada, Wingate University, Emory University, Western Michigan, and Wayne State

Application Submitted Date: May 29th

Interview Invites: Wingate University, Western Michigan, Wayne State

Denied: Touro University Nevada, Des Moine University, Emory University

Withdrew Application: Western Michigan, Wingate University

Waitlisted: Wingate University

Accepted: Wayne State!  YAY!

Attending: Wayne State

Attempt: 2nd

Don't ever ever give up!  When first starting out on this journey and comparing myself to others I got discouraged and thought I couldn't do this, but I knew this was what I wanted and I never gave up.  You can do this!  Don't let anyone tell you different!  Stay positive!
 

[meowmeow]

--

[macncheese]

Like everyone else, I have waited years to post here! It feels like a dream. For those of you reading this, please please don't lose hope =)  But also be realistic with your goals. Applying is a painstaking and gruelling process. It will take a lot of time and commitment to your education and extracurriculars but it is certainly not impossible! I wanted to give up so many times but I didnt. 

My personal advice:
1. As others have said: your letters of rec, and a brilliant thoughtful personal statement and well written secondaries can make a huge difference. I do believe those got me a foot in the door. I really tried to write things that spoke to my heart and that I believed would speak to the admissions teams as well.
2. THIS IS IMPORTANT APPLY EARLY. I would honesty say that if you have the hours, you should submit your primary CASPA app as soon as you can and by May and no later. For non-rolling admissions you can save those applications for a bit later if there is no pressing deadline.
3. Do well in your pre-reqs, if you didn't do well.. then definitely retake them (community college will do, but get an A). OR  do well in many other upper division sciences courses
4. Invest yourself in something that involves helping others, be well-rounded




AND FINALLY, Here are my stats !
 

Undergrad Ed School: UC
Major: Biology, B.S.
Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: 3.22
Science Undergraduate GPA: 3.32

Post-Bacc GPA: 4.00
I retook GenBio1, took Anatomy and Abnormal Psych

Last 70 Semester/105 Quarter units GPA: 3.7
(I think this played a huge factor, I got nearly straight A's for my last 2 years of undergrad)
My first year cumulative undergraduate GPA for freshman year was a 2.54.

Age at application time: 23
GRE: 152 V (53%), 158 Q (72%), 4.0 Writing (54%)
Taken Feb 2014.

Application Submitted Date: *May 10th, 2014* <----

Direct Patient Care Experience (type & hours):

1. Back Office Medical Assistant (Ophthalmic Technician): 1,300 hours +
working here at the time of application
2. Clinical Care Extender - hands on hospital volunteer opportunity: 34 hours 
3. Medical Mission Team Member: 168 hours (8 day mission trip)
4. Patient Advocate/Clinical Assistant - volunteer at a student run free clinic during undergrad, primary care services to the underserved: 143 hours

 

Health Care Shadowing: 
PA-C, Family Medicine: 50 hours
PA-C, Ortho: 157 hours

MD, Family Medicine: 30 hours

NP shadowing: 8 hours
(Getting shadowing hours was initially very difficult for me. Talk to everyone, call all the PAs in your area!)
 

Research Experience:

Undergraduate Research Assistant - UC Center for Neuroscience: 120 hours
Research Assistant Intern -  Academia Sinica - Institute of Physics: 320 hours
 

Community Service:

Event Coordinator for Community Service Club: (72 hours)

Volunteer Caregiver for Disabled Youth: (308 hours)

Volunteer English Teacher - Rural Asia for 1 month: (160 hours)

 

Extracurricular Activities/Awards:

Girl Scout's Gold Award
Diabetes Committee at Clinic

 

Schools Applied: ~17
I know people say don't over apply, but there are certain programs that you think you'll could get interview invites for and you just don't because PA school is just that competitive. Look for programs that you could see yourself going to, that are affordable to you, and programs where you can identify with their mission (I'm sure there are plenty) I was also very very afraid of not getting into a program. I have no regrets applying to so many programs and I would probably apply to more if I had to re-apply.

 

Interview Invites:  AT Still, Rosalind Franklin, Western, Touro-CA, St. Catherine, Boston University, Gardner Webb, Wingate, Misericordia

"On hold for interview": Midwestern-AZ

Withdrew: Gardner Webb, Wingate, Misericordia

Denied: Touro-Nevada, Pacific, Thomas Jefferson, Tufts, MGH, Des Moines

Waiting to hear back:  Samuel Merritt .. couple more I can't remember

Waitlisted: AT Still, Rosalind Franklin

Accepted: St. Catherine (I loved the school and the program is going to be absolutely amazing. It was really hard to turn down the offer here), Boston University, Touro-CA

 

Attending: Boston University!
 
Attempt: 1st

 

 

 

Lastly if you're interested and If there is something anything you don't understand about my 'stats', feel free to reach out.

 

Best of luck <3

[KOR91]

Undergrad Ed School: Miami University (OH)
Major: Psychology, BA
Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: 3.82
Science Undergraduate GPA: 3.98
 

Age at application time: 23
 

GRE: 155 V (53%), 149 Q (72%), 4.0 Writing (54%)
Taken April 2014

Application Submitted Date: Late May 2014

Direct Patient Care Experience (type & hours):

 

 1. Mental Health Specialist - Children's Hospital 750 Hours

2. Clinical Assistant- Emergency Room 100 hours at time of app   

 

Health Care Shadowing:

ER PA - 50+ hours

Psych PA - 10 hours

Ortho PA - 12 hours

ER MD - 12 hours 

 

 

Research Experience:

None
 

Community Service:

250+ hours in missions work 

 

Extracurricular Activities/Awards:

D1 Varsity Athlete - 4 year letterman, Captain

University student org president 

 

 

Schools Applied: ~5

Ohio Dominican U, Trevecca, Univ of Tennessee, Barry U St Pete, UTSW

Interview Invites:  ODU, UT, Barry


Withdrew: Trevecca (didn't hear anything as of 11/24, so withdrew app) 

Denied: UT, UTSW

Waitlisted: N/A

Accepted: Barry U St Pete, ODU

 

Attending: ODU!
 
Attempt: 1st

[merrrym]

Undergrad Ed School: Indiana University-Bloomington-Major in Psychology, minor in Sociology and Nutrition

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.17

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.30

Age at application time: 25
GRE: 150 verbal, 152 Quantitative, 5 analytical 

Previous work:

Program Manager at a non-profit for clients with developmental and emotional disabilities

Medical Scribe at George Washington University Hospital

Teaching Assistant for Anatomy at Indiana University

Medical Assistant to a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon-Present position- Majority of hours 

Direct Patient Care: Over 4,000 Hours

 

References: Plastic Surgeon, General Surgeon, Surgical PA-C

 

Shadowing: About 120 hours shadowing a Surgical PA 

Schools Applied:  Midwestern-IL, Mississippi College, GWU, Anne Arundel, EVMS, Colorado, Heritage College, Barry- FL, UC Davis, Idaho State, Rutgers, Baylor, Bay Path, Pacific, Quinnipiac, Marietta, Johnson and Wales, Samuel Merritt
Application Submitted Date: May 5, 2014
Interview Invites: UNE, Mississippi College, Heritage College

Interviews Denied: Heritage College
Denied: Rutgers, GWU, Colorado, UC Davis, Bay Path, Pacific
Withdrew Application: Heritage College
Waitlisted: UNE
Accepted: Mississippi College (deposit is in)

--Waiting to hear from UNE (first choice)

 

Attempt: 2nd

 

Not the best grades or GRE scores, but I work really closely with my references. I think that the personal statement, references and when you turn in the application go a long way. Be yourself in the interview. Admit to where your weaknesses are and how you will overcome them. (I did that in my Mississippi interview and I was accepted the next day).

[cncunio]

Undergrad School: Gordon College, Wenham, MA
Major: Biology, BS
Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: 3.47
Pre-req/Science Undergraduate GPA: 3.76

Post Bacc GPA: 4.00

CASPA GPA: 3.3 (I had a very rough freshman year at FSU but was able to turn my life around!)
 

Age at application time: 23
 

GRE: 157 V (73%), 154 Q (57%), 3.5 Writing (35%)
Taken March 2014

Application Submitted Date: May 27, 2014

Direct Patient Care Experience (type & hours at time of application):

1. Clinical Associate (CNA) Float Pool at a Hospital: 1600 hours

2. CNA at Rehab/Nursing Center: 700   

 

Health Care Shadowing:

ER PA - 14 hours

Ortho PA - 4 hours

ER MD - 12 hours 

 

 

Research Experience:

Undergrad Novel Marine Bacteria Research: 100 hours
 

Community Service:

ECHO volunteer : 40 hours

Parkinson's clinic volunteer: 15 hours 

Brigham and Women's Volunteer: 60 hours

Clinic Volunteer Honduras: 10 days/ ~80 Hours

 

Extracurricular Activities/Awards:

 

Deans list and Presidential honors on multiple occasions

D3 Volleyball Team 1 semester 

 

Schools Applied: ~17  No shame in applying to a bunch of schools. My low freshman year GPA took a big bite out of my CASPA one, so I wanted to cover all of my bases. I still made sure to only apply to schools I really felt would be a great fit. Do your research!

 

Midwestern Glendale, Touro Nevada, NOVA Southeastern, AT Still, Western University, Samuel Merritt, Keck USC, UC Denver, Quinnipiac, MCPHS Boston, UNE, Stony Brook, Albany Medical College, OHSU, Pacific, UNTHSC Fort Worth, Utah

Interview Invites:  Midwestern, Touro, NOVA, UC Denver, MCPHS Boston, UNE, Stony Brook, Albany, Stony Brook

Withdrew: Stony Brook, Possibly Midwestern...

 

Waiting to hear from: Quinnipiac, Keck USC, Western U, Samuel Merritt

Denied: Touro, NOVA, AT Still, UNE, OHSU, Pacific, Utah

Waitlisted: Albany Medical College

Accepted: UC Denver Nov. 25 (The program director called me the day after my interview to offer acceptance!), MCPHS Boston Nov. 24 (took a month to hear back)

 

Attending: UC Denver!!
 
Attempt: 1st

 

For all of the applicants with low freshman year GPAs that turned themselves around: keep up the good work!! Bring confidence to your interview and get fantastic letters of recommendation. Don't let rejections get you down; learn from your mistakes and become stronger - you can do this! 

 

Feel free to ask any questions

[tatpat]

I am so happy to be finally posting here. If you are reading this because you want to be a PA then my advise to you is work hard for it, do what it takes.  Ask people for advise, get best experience you can and most important keep your grades up. It is not easy, but definitely possible.

 

Here are my stats:

 

Undergraduate school: Wayne State University

Major: Bachelor of Arts in Nutrition and Food Science 

CASPA cGPA: 3.92

CASPA sGPA: 3.89

 

Age at application time: 27 

 

GRE: 152(V), 157(A) and 3.0 on writing (don't know what happened)

 

Direct Patient Care:

Patient Care Technician:  3400 hours

Certified Nursing Assistant: 800 hours 

 

Health Care Shadow: 8 hours 

 

Volunteer experience: 50 hours 

 

Leadership experience:

Supplemental instrutor for Biology class: 200 hours (1 semester)

 

Schools Applied: Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University, University of Toledo, University of Detroit Mercy

 

Interview Invites: Eastern Michigan University, University of Toledo

 

Rejected: Wayne State University 

 

Waitlisted:

 

Accepted: Eastern Michigan University  Yeyyyy!

 

Attempt: 1st.

[Forensikchic]

I got accepted yesterday!!!!!  Woohoooo!  So happy to be posting this update!

 

 

Undergrad Ed School:University of Mississippi Medical Center-  B.S.Cytology (1993)

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.3
Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.3

Post Bachelor GPA: 3.56 (36 credits)

Masters (Forensic Science) GPA: 4.0

Age at application time : 46

Direct Patient Care : (type & hours)

EMT- > 2000

 

SHADOWING:100+ hours in urgent care, family medicine, endocrinology and childrens ortho

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities:
Community Volunteer, Food Bank, Spina Bifida of Texas, Arthritis Foundation

Schools Applied: UTHSCSA

Application Submitted Date: CASPA verified July 27

Interview Invites: UTHSCSA October 11th- TOMORROW

Denied: none

Withdrew Application: NA

Accepted: UTHSCSA

Attempt: 1st

[EMEDPA]

Congrats to recently accepted folks!

[Tori]

 

Undergrad School: Colorado State University

Major: Microbiology

CASPA Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: 3.63

CASPA Science Undergraduate GPA: 3.61

Post Bacc GPA: N/A

 

 

Age at application time: 21

 

GRE: 159 V (81%), 156 Q (64%), 4 Writing (56%)

Taken June 2014

 

Application Submitted Date: July 26, 2014

 

Direct Patient Care Experience (type & hours at time of application): 1345hrs total

1. Advanced-EMT in Emergency Department (ER tech) - 610 hrs

2. Advanced-EMT in Plastic Surgery Center (worked more like an MA) - 515 hrs

3. EMT Volunteer on mobile heath van in India -100 hrs

4. EMT Volunteer at Komfo Anokye Hospital in Ghana - 120 hrs

 

 

Health Care Shadowing:

ER PA - 18 hours

Derm PA+MD - 20 hours

Ortho MD - 20 hours

 

 

Research Experience:

Undergrad Microbiology/RNA biology Research: 550 hours

 

Community Service:

State Problem Captain for Odyssey of the Mind : 250 hours

Dispatcher at RamRide(drunk driving prevention): 75 hours

Volunteer with various breast cancer awareness events: 75 hours

tutoring: 48 hours

 

 

Schools Applied: ~20 total: Midwestern AZ, UC Denver, UNE, Pacific, Baylor, Midwestern IL, Idaho, Concordia, Rock Mountain University, Iowa, Northwestern, Duke, Rocky Mountain College, Pace, Arcadia, Rosalind Franklin, George Washington..(+ a few apps I didn't finish supps for)

 

Waiting to hear from: Northwestern, UC Denver, Iowa, Baylor

 

Interview Invites: 11 total: Midwestern AZ, Arcadia, Rocky Mountain University, Pace, Concordia, Rocky Mountain College, UNE, Midwestern IL, Rosalind Franklin, GWU, Idaho

 

Waitlist to Interview: Duke

 

Interviews Attended: Midwesten AZ, GWU, Rosalind Franklin

 

Denied: Pacific

 

Waitlisted: N/A

 

Accepted: Midwestern AZ, GWU, Rosalind Franklin

 

Attending: George Washington University!

 

Attempt: 1st

 

I was very worried about not getting in straight from college since I'd heard it was looked at negatively so I definitely over applied and applied semi-randomly. After receiving my first acceptance from Midwestern in September I was able to look more critically at schools and turned down 8 interviews. During my interview at GWU I completely fell in love with the school and all it had to offer so I could not be more excited to attend my top choice! My advice to anyone applying would be to apply with a purpose and be confident in your strengths as an applicant. Don't pick schools just because you meet THEIR criteria, pick schools because they meet YOUR criteria. In the end I couldn't be happier... but seriously, don't be like me.

 

If you have any questions feel free to message me

[jl3267]

For anyone struggling with the decision to either wait and accumulate more hours, or submit early, SUBMIT EARLY!! I do not even know how to emphasize strongly enough how important it is to get your applications in as soon as humanly possible. I think it made all the difference for me even though I didn’t have a lot of patient care hours! My CASPA was submitted within the first week of the cycle opening and was verified in early May. I’m happy to answer additional questions about the application cycle, the schools I interviewed at, or anything else via private message.

 

First Time Applicant

Undergrad: BS in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology at Arizona State University

Undergrad GPA: 3.95

Science GPA: 3.95

 

Age at time of application: 22

 

GRE: Verbal 166 (96%); Quantitative 163 (87%); Writing 5.0 (93%)

 

Direct patient care hours: ~650 at the time application was submitted, >1000 currently

(In a variety of capacities, but most notably as an EMT and as a lab tech at a free clinic for the underserved)

 

Research hours: >1000, 2 years of research in biochemistry, and was the first author in corresponding publication

 

Community service/Volunteer hours: ~50 hours of volunteering at a hospital information desk, and most of my DPCE was in a volunteer capacity as well

 

Shadowing hours: ~200 hours shadowing orthopedic PA

 

Programs Applied to: (11) A.T. Still, Midwestern-AZ, Midwestern-IL, MCPHS-Boston, Northwestern, Wake Forest, Yale, Cornell, Philadelphia University, Boston University, CU Denver

 

Interviews: A.T. Still, Midwestern-AZ, Philadelphia University (cancelled), Northwestern, Midwestern-IL, CU Denver, MCPHS-Boston, Yale, Boston University (cancelled), Wake Forest (declined)

 

Denied: Cornell, CU Denver

 

Waitlisted: Midwestern-AZ

 

Withdrew application: Philadelphia University, Boston University, Wake Forest, Midwestern-AZ

 

Accepted: A.T. Still, Midwestern-IL, Northwestern, Yale, MCPHS-Boston

 

Attending: Yale!!!! First choice wooo!

[rknowle]

Undergrad School: Clemson University 
Major: Biological Sciences 

Minor: Business Administration 
CASPA Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: 3.40
CASPA Science Undergraduate GPA: 3.35
Post Bacc GPA: 4.0 for 12 hrs

CASPA Overall GPA: 3.46

CASPA Overall Science GPA: 3.44 

Age at application time: 25

GRE: 165 Verbal (95%), 155 Quant (61%), 5.5 Writing (97%)

Application Submitted Date: June 18, 2014

Direct Patient Care Experience (type & hours at time of application): Emergency Room Technician 2500 hrs 

 

Health Related Certifications: NREMT-Basic, BLS for Healthcare Providers

Health Care Shadowing: Emergency Medicine PA 40 hrs 

 

Other Health Care Experience: EMT clinicals 50 hrs 

Research Experience: None

Community Service: Alternate Spring Break Program 100 hrs

Schools Applied (7 total): University of Tennessee Health Science Center, South University Savannah, University of Florida, East Carolina University, Wingate University, Duke University, University of South Alabama

Interview Invites (6 total): University of Tennessee Health Science Center, South University Savannah, University of Florida, East Carolina University, Wingate University, Duke University (was selected off of the interview waitlist) 

 

Waitlist to Interview: Duke University 

 

Withdrew Application: University of South Alabama 

Interviews Attended (3 total): University of Tennessee Health Science Center, South University Savannah, University of Florida 

Denied: University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Waitlisted: South University Savannah (the class had already been filled before my interview), University of Florida 

Accepted: South University Savannah

Attending: South University Savannah

Attempt: 2nd

 

As many others have mentioned, applying early is crucial. The first time I applied I waited until the application deadline in order to get as many clinical hours as possible. By the time I applied, the class was already full and they were not offering any more interviews. Other things that I did to stand out the second time around: 

- took two additional classes: microbiology and medical terminology 

- retook two classes: anatomy and physiology II and college chemistry I 

- shadowed a PA 

- had the PA that I shadowed send an additional letter of recommendation directly to the schools 

- worked really hard on my narrative. Most of my interviewers commented on how insightful and honest my narrative was and I think it played a large part in why I was invited to interviews. 

 

My advice is to be honest with yourself about the strengths and weaknesses of your application. Highlight your strengths and work hard to improve on the weaker aspects. I knew that my GPA was not as competitive due to mistakes that I had made as an immature college freshman. I decided to retake classes that I had received lower grades in and to take additional classes in order to pull up my GPA. I also openly and honestly addressed my GPA in my narrative which my interviewers appreciated and respected. 

 

Finally, do not disregard a school before you go to an interview. I was underwhelmed at schools that I thought I would love and I adored schools that I had written off as my last choices. Go to the interview with an open mind and go with your gut when choosing a program. 

 

Good luck! 

[Monte]

Undergrad School: University of South Florida

Major: Double major – Biomedical Sciences and Gerontology

CASPA Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: 3.63

CASPA Science Undergraduate GPA: 3.45

Age at application time: 22

GRE: Didn’t take, schools didn't require it

Application Submitted Date: July 15, 2014

 

Patient Care Experience:

150 hrs of observing therapy services between 2 clinics and a hospital.

150 hrs of observing a chiropractor

100 hrs volunteering at a hospital emergency department directly assisting patients

150 hrs observing physicians/Pas

 

Research Experience: Undergrad research in long-term care

Community Service: 200 hours working with organizations directed at serving handicapped children

 

Schools Applied (9 total): Kettering, Findlay, Toledo, PhilaU, PCOM, Usciences, MCPHS Manchester, Daemen, Seton Hill

 

Interview Invites (2 total): Findlay, MCPHS Manchester

Interviews Attended (2 total): Findlay, MCPHS Manchester

 

Waitlisted: Findlay

Accepted: MCPHS

Attending: MCPHS

 

What I've learned this cycle...

APPLY EARLY and get direct care hours.

 

Goodluck!

[Culbreth007]

Undergrad School: University of Central Florida

Major: Exercise Science and Sports Physiology- Human Performance Track
CASPA Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: 3.80
CASPA Science Undergraduate GPA: 3.71
Post Bacc GPA: N/A


Age at application time: 20

GRE: 151 V (65%), 155 Q (51%), 4 Writing (50%)
Taken December 2012

Application Submitted Date: May 2, 2014

Direct Patient Care Experience (type & hours at time of application): 1347 hrs total
1. CNA/ Clinical Research Coordinator- 1227 hours

2. CNA at Endocrinology Associates of Florida- 120 hours


Health Care Shadowing:
Family Practice PA- 80

Pediatrics Dr- 48

Pediatric Nephrology Dr- 192

ER Dr- 24


Research Experience:
Working as a Clinical Research Coordinator as listed above

Community Service:
Founder of Castles of Hope- 528

Diabetes Conference- 24

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer- 40

Clothing Drive- 16

Homeless Shelter- 40

Cheering for Caitlin Fundraisers- 20

 

Other Work Experience

Owner of Social Media Elite- 728 hours


Schools Applied: ~16 total: UF, Yale, Nova (all 4), Barry, Duke, Penn State, Arcadia, University South Alabama, Desales, Clarkson, NYIT, Campbell, Midwestern

Waiting to hear from: Arcadia, Penn State, Campbell

Interview Invites: 11 total: Midwestern, Yale, UF, Barry, Nova Ft. Lauderdale, Nova Jacksonville, Nova Ft Myers, University South Alabama, Desales, Clarkson, NYIT

 

Withdrew: Nova Orlando

Interviews Attended: Desales, Barry, UF, Yale

Denied: Yale, Duke

Waitlisted: N/A

Accepted: UF, Desales, Barry

Attending: University of Florida!

Attempt: 1st

My best piece of advice is to apply early and never limit yourself to where you can go. I was applying while still completing my undergraduate degree and thought it would be a miracle if I got into any school on my first try. Still, I had told myself that I was applying to several different programs, some of which would be ivy leagues. I had no intention of ever being offered as many interviews as I received or by as great of programs. I also learned that you should never want to go to a school just because of its ranking on USAToday or because of its name. Find the best fit for you where you will get the best education and have the best experience. If you have any questions, feel free to message me. Everyone on this page has experience what you're going through first hand and very recently....so don't stress! Everything will work out the way it's supposed to. Go Gators!!!! :D

[ProspectivePA]

Undergrad Ed School: University of Connecticut

Major: Bachelors in Dietetics 

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.36
Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.34 

Age at application time : 23

GRE taken June, 2014: 152 V (53%), 155 Q (61%), 4 W (54%)  

Direct Patient Care : (type & hours)

Clinical Dietitian at a hospital - 2,400 hours

Emergency Medical Technician - 600 hours

 

Shadowing:

4 PAs (Gastroenterology PA, Geriatric PA, Surgical PA, and a private practice PA)

Schools Applied (10): Tufts, Yale, Quinnipiac, Pace, Weill Cornell, NYIT, UC Davis, Touro in CA, Duke, University of Florida 

Application Submitted Date: 6/28/14

Interview Invites (8): Tufts (attended), Yale (attended), Quinnipiac (attended), Cornell (attended), Pace (attended), UC Davis (declined), NYIT (declined), UF (attended) 

Still waiting to hear from: Touro 

 

Denied: Duke (no interview invite), Cornell (after interview) 

Waitlisted: Tufts, Yale 

Accepted: UF and Pace! Still waiting to hear from Quinnipiac - will update 

 

Attempt: 1st 

 

Few words of advice if you care:

First of all, make sure you REALLY want to become a PA. Your motivation should be deep within your heart and this will be evident in your application and interview. Research the career. Research PA schools ASAP and look into their mission/admission requirements/statistics, etc to make sure they are a fit for you. (FYI admission requirements may change year-by-year and you may not qualify for the next year even if you did before so continually check). Shadow as many PAs as you can to get a good feel for what you're getting into. 

 

Second: With a lackluster GPA and GRE score, I wasn't sure if I would get an interview invite to even one of the schools. However, I did not let this bring me down. I planned WELL in advance (two years before I submitted the application) and made sure my other application aspects were much superior. I wrote a moving essay from my heart that conveyed my sincere commitment for this career, my maturity, and my personality. I made sure I volunteered and worked as much as my time allows so my health care experience was competitive. I built a strong rapport with my references well before I requested them to write it for me (kept in touch with them over time, gave them a thank you note if they allowed me to shadow them as well as after they wrote the recommendation letter). I retook particular courses that I did not do very well in during the summer breaks (yes you, biochemistry!). I read some books that help prepare for PA school application (Ex: The Ultimate Guide to Getting into Physician Assistant School and How to "Ace" the Physician Assistant School Interview by Andrew Rodican). I applied as EARLY as I can (3+ months before the application deadline).

 

Last but not least: BREATHE and "enjoy" the process. Don't let any feelings of premonition stress you out. Though being anxious and stressed can be a natural response, I realized this is futile so I made sure I wasn't stressed too much from PA school application. This helped me feel very comfortable during the interview and be myself.

 

I strongly believe a combination of the above helped me get an interview invite to 8 of the 10 schools I applied to so far! I'm not anyone special and if I can get into PA school, you most surely can as well! Please don't hesitate to ask for any questions. I was in your shoes only a moment ago and before you know it, we'll be practice PAs saving lives! 

[Max PA17]

Undergrad Ed School: Midland Lutheran College

Major: BS, Respiratory Therapy 

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.36

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.17                                  My GPA took a hit early on when I was younger/immature and had other priorities.

 

Graduate GPA: 3.96 Healthcare Administration

Post Undergrad. GPA: 4.0 (25 credits)

 

Age at application time : 27

 

GRE taken August, 2014: 154 V (63%), 156 Q (64%), 4.0 W (56%)  

 

Direct Patient Care: (type & hours) Respiratory Therapy: 6,500

 

Shadowing:

1 PA, Family Practice 8 hours.

My shadowing hours are limited because I felt that my experience in HC was more important as I work along side PAs, MDs, NPs on a regular basis. Working full time and going to school provided very little time to shadow. However, if I didn't get in this year this would've been one area that I would have focused on improving. 

 

Application Submitted Date: September 2014

 

Applied: Le Moyne, Pacific University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Red Rocks CC, UC-Davis, University of Texas Southwestern, University of Utah, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Des Moines University, Rosalin Franklin, St. Ambrose, and Monmouth

 

Interview Invites (2): Des Moines University, St. Ambrose University (declined)

 

Wait-listed to Interview: Red Rock Community College

 

Denied: Le Moyne, Pacific, UC-Davis, UTSW, Utah, UNMC, Monmouth. I haven't heard from the others.

 

Accepted: Des Moines University

 

Attempt: 1st 

 

I posted this in hopes of it possibly providing encouragement for those that are trying to get into PA school with less than stellar GPAs. Becoming a PA is a dream for me. I have made the first step towards accomplishing that goal, but I had to work for it. If I didn’t get accepted this year I would have continued plowing away until I got in.

 

 

A few words of advice that I have picked up along my journey that may help some of you: If you have a lower GPA or other aspect of your application that needs improvement and you want to be a PA then find a way to develop it. The key words, though, are “want to”. When I say want to I mean you must have the passion, drive, and determination to do whatever is necessary in order to persevere and accomplish your goals because after all – gaining acceptance is only the beginning which leads to the “becoming a PA” road, that road is a challenging one. Another word of advice would be continue your journey as if you aren't getting in this year, continue to work towards making your application stronger. If this isn't your year, you have wasted some precious time that could’ve been used to strengthen your application. Don't sulk. Don't get discouraged. Keep your head up and move forward. Another is residency; schools generally want PA students that are going to stick around and the best way to do that is to accept students from the same state. If you notice, DMU and St. Ambrose are both Iowa schools and I am from Iowa. Residency is more important than you think, use it to your benefit and apply to your home schools! If anyone has any questions please let me know I would be glad to help.

[Bluelilly]

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.8

 

Science Undergrad. GPA: 4.0

 

GRE: Did not take

 

Previous work: Medical lab assistant/Phlebotomy, Certified group fitness instructor (special population)

Direct Patient Care hours: 8300

 

Extracurricular: make and give clothes away to the sick and needy

Shadowing: 30 hours shadowing an Orthopedic PA

 

Schools Applied: 4 total: Howard University, Pacific University, Touro Winthrop

 

Application Submitted Date: August 28th 2014

 

Interview Invites: Pacific University

 

Denied: Touro Winthrop (applied too late and class was already full). Howard University (because of 2 required physical education classes and a technical writing course were unfulfilled)

 

 

Withdrew Application: N/a

 

Waitlisted: N/A

 

Accepted: Pacific U

 

Attempt: 1st

I have wanted to become a PA for so long and I'm so happy to finally be able to post my stats along with an acceptance to my preferred program.

Pacific was my #1 choice program and I am so excited to start this journey. I wish everyone the best 2015!!!!

[aryapac7]

Very excited to finally be able to post this! I had drastically different results both years I applied, so maybe this will be helpful to those trying to figure out what they can change to be a better applicant. Perseverance is key!

 

My GPA started off rough my freshman year, and it's very obvious when I started taking courses that I liked and began doing well in them. I retook the GRE when I applied the second time, and got a much better score thanks to a study course. Most importantly I completely revamped my personal statement and had about 20 people read it over, including my old professor and a current PA. I kind of winged it my first year. I also had an MD write a letter of recommendation my second year, but the other two letters were from the same people (a former professor and my nurse manager).

 

I hope this helps future applicants! I'm going to include my stats from both years I applied (2013 and 2014). Good luck everyone!

 

Undergrad Ed School: University of MN - Duluth
Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 1st year: 3.46 / 2nd: 3.57 (Got my butt in gear and got straight A's my last year)
Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.5ish / 3.69 

Age at application time: 21 / 22

1st GRE: 150V, 158Q, 3.5W
2nd GRE: 158V, 159Q, 5.0W **I took an online Kaplan course, and highly highly highly recommend it.

Direct Patient Care: CNA on a Rehabilitation unit of the hospital + floating to other units including ICU and general surgery - 750hrs first time applying / 2,500hrs second time

Extracurricular/Research Activities: No research. Many leadership roles through the University Honors Student Association, chem club, and tutored general and organic chemistry in the university's tutoring center. Accumulated approximately 500 volunteer hours at various places, primarily as a mentor, child care worker at a Boy's and Girls Club, and as a volunteer at the hospital playing card games and socializing with stroke patients

Schools Applied: 10 / 12

Application Submitted Date: End of August / July 2nd

Schools Received Application Date: (approximate date) Mid September / July 10th

Interview Invites: 0 first time / 7 second time. Albany Medical (declined interview), St. Catherine's, Bethel MN, Rosalind Franklin University, Midwestern - IL, Midwestern - AZ (declined interview), University of Iowa

Denied: 2nd time: OHSU, Pacific University, Carroll, Marquette, Madison (was on the waitlist for an interview, though), University of Iowa (after I interviewed)

Waitlisted: St. Catherine's, Bethel

Accepted: Rosalind Franklin, Midwestern - IL, Bethel

Attending: Rosalind Franklin! 

[lmhanson]

Undergrad Ed School: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Major: Microbiology
Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.4

Postbacc School: University of Minnesota

Postbacc GPA: 4.0 (20 credits)

Age at application time: 26

GRE: 155V, 162Q, 4.5W

Direct Patient Care: CNA for individuals with developmental disabilities, ~ 2000 hours

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities: over 2000 hours in research, published author on 4 journal papers, 4.5 USTA tennis player, volunteer in ER, Pi Beta Phi sorority, held 3 supervisor positions in work and volunteer organizations

Schools Applied: 25 (too many to list)

Interview Invites (9): Augsburg, Marquette, Rosalind Franklin, Midwestern University (Downer's Grove), Northwestern University, Yale, Quinnipiac, Wake Forest, Rush (turned down invite)

Denied after interview: Marquette, Quinnipiac

Waitlisted: Midwestern (Downer's Grove) 

Accepted (5): Augsburg, Rosalind Franklin, Northwestern, Yale, Wake Forest

Attending:  Deciding between Augsburg and Northwestern .. most likely attending Northwestern

[jbm14]

[First Time Applicant]

Undergrad: BS in Kinesiology - Exercise/Fitness Management at University of Central Oklahoma; Minor in Biology (graduating in May 2015)

Undergrad GPA: 3.6

Science GPA: 3.2

 

Age at time of application: 22, interview at 23

 

GRE: Verbal 147 Quantitative 150 Writing 4.0

 

[only took it once without studying]

 

 

 

Patient care hours:

~100 hrs Physical Therapy Technician

~70 hrs Medical Assistant in a Gastroenterology office

5 mins of CPR (o_o)

 

Community service/Volunteer hours:

~300 hours in the ER

Volunteer for USA paralympic volleyball team

Countless sorority philanthropy events

3x Volunteer for Endeavor Games

 

Shadowing hours:

Urgent Care PA (~108 hrs)

Gastroenterology PA (2 hrs)

Gastroenterology MD (3 hrs)

Anesthesiologist MD (8 hrs)

Family Medicine DO (4 hrs)

Optometrist OD (2 hrs)

 

Programs Applied to: (2) University of Oklahoma - OKLAHOMA CITY; University of Oklahoma - TULSA

 

Interviews: OU-OKC only

 

Denied: OU-Tulsa

 

Waitlisted: None

 

Accepted: OU OKC

 

Attending: OU OKC (first choice!)

 

 

I did not have the highest GPA or many patient care hours, so I must have killed my interview... Just remember to be confident and passionate, and ask lots of questions!

[lamapa]

Undergrad Ed School: University of Florida (Go Gators!)

Cumulative Undergrad: GPA: 3.41
Science Undergrad: GPA: 3.42
Graduate Ed School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (PhD) 
Cumulative Graduate GPA: 3.88
Science Graduate GPA: 3.88

Age at application time : 28

1st GRE: 157 V, 160 Q, 5 Writing

Direct Patient Care : none

Extracurricular/Research Activities: 12,000+ hours research (Graduate student/undergraduate research; mostly working with adult stem cells); also- programs/volunteers director for 501c3 working with Ronald McDonald House, Founder fundraising website for Bolivian animal refuge, Big Sister with Big Brother Big Sister, Guest lecturer for undergraduate/graduate biochemistry courses, TA for general chemistry

 

Shadowing: PA-C (Urology, Vascular Surgery) 200 hours, MD (Endocrinology, Surgery) 450 hours

Schools Applied: 6 total; Nova (Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Naples, Jacksonville), Barry University, Florida International University (I want to stay in [south] Florida so limited myself to FL schools)

Application Submitted Date: Early November

Schools Received Application Date: Mid November

Interview Invites: 5; Nova (Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Naples, Jacksonville), Barry (declined interview)

Denied: none

Withdrew Application: 2; Barry, FIU

Waitlisted: none

Accepted: 4; All Nova campuses, attending Nova Ft. Lauderdale (my #1!)

 

I am posting this because I know that I am not a traditional candidate. When I was researching the profession and looking for PAs that took a similar path, I found that I had very few resources. I hope that anyone in a similar situation can find encouragement in my experiences and move forward to apply! I was very worried that I had NO direct patient care experience, but I think my strengths in other areas were able to offset that issue. Be persistent, identify your weaknesses, and make up for them any way you can.  And apply as early as you can! By the time I interviewed, I was interviewing for some of the last seats open, OR the class was full and I was placed on an accept/hold list until someone withdrew their seat. The application process is stressful enough, don't put that extra pressure on yourself-apply early!

 

Once you get an interview, try to relax-if you're there, you are qualified. I've helped with recruitment for my PhD program, and to me it looks like nerves can really get in the way of a successful interview. Mentally preparing for my interviews really helped me feel confident. I picked up two books by Andrew Rodican (How to "Ace" the PA School Interview and The Ultimate Guide to Getting into PA School). They were extremely helpful! Some of the content overlaps, but the practice questions and answers can help you prepare and structure anecdotes beforehand, which I used in multiple interviews. 

 

Good luck to everyone applying! 

[jtmathew]

Undergrad ED school: University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign
Undergrad: 2.45
Science Undergrad: 2.92
cGPA (CASPA): 2.97
sGPA (CASPA): 3.32
Post-Bacc: 4.0


Age at application: 30

GRE: Verbal 162, Quan 155, Analy 4.5

Direct Patient Contact: Cardiology Tech- 1200 hrs; Patient Escort- 1800 hrs

OHCE: 300hrs- Volunteering at AIMMC, 500hrs- Volunteering at CCCHC

Research: 1000hrs- ecological wildland fire research

Shadow: 4 PA's (~200 hrs)

Certification: ACLS/BLS, ECG tech, Emergency Wilderness First Aid

Extracurricular: Co-Chair of Unit Based Council for Cardiovascular services; Math/Science/English Tutor for TRIO program at city college of Chicago; youth basketball and football coach

Schools applied:
Rosalind Franklin
Midwestern- Downers Grove
Midwestern- Glendale
MCPHS-Worcester
Pacific
Idaho State

 

Interviewed: Idaho State

Accepted: Idaho State

 

I lesson in persistence and hard work. CLEARLY, Gpa isnt everything. Im super excited to start this journey.
 

[sms0131]

Finally!!!!!  Yay!!!!

 

Undergrad School: Arizona State University

Major: Applied Biological Sciences  

CASPA Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: 3.46
CASPA Science Undergraduate GPA: 3.70

Age at application time: 33

GRE: 160 Verbal (84%), 156 Quant (65%), 4.5 Writing (80%)

Application Submitted Date: June 18, 2014

Direct Patient Care Experience (type & hours at time of application): not much

 

Health Related Certifications: NREMT-Basic(expired), Phlebotomy Cert.

Health Care Shadowing: Ortho PA 50 hrs, Neurology 40 hrs 

 

Research Experience: None

Community Service: Church Volunteer (5000 hours) , other minor volunteer projects

Schools Applied (6 total): UTSW, Baylor, Idaho State, AT Still, Western, Midwestern (Glendale)

Interview Invites (4 total):  Idaho, Baylor, Western, Midwestern

 

Waitlist to Interview: 

 

Withdrew Application: Western

Interviews Attended (3 total): Idaho, Baylor, Midwestern

Denied: AT Still, UTSW

Waitlisted: Baylor
Accepted: Idaho State University, midwestern-glendale

Attending: Idaho State University!  
Attempt: 1st

 

I am a non-traditional 34 year old applicant who switched from a finance career to come back to my passion.  I recently completed my undergrad and did not have a chance to build any meaningful HCE hours.  I feel fortunate to be accepted this cycle, and I was planning to build HCE if I had not been accepted.  It can be done!  Work hard and follow your passion!  It is never too late to re-invent yourself and follow your dreams!

[charlotte]

Undergrad Ed School:  University of Minnesota
Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.49
Science Undergrad. GPA:  3.42 (although 3.88 in last 60 hours)

 

LORS: 1 from a PA I met with a few times, 1 from a professor I took 2 classes with and met with once weekly for an entire semester to do research with, and one from a previous work supervisor.

Age at application time : 23

1st GRE: 310 (157 V + 153 Q , 4.0 W )
 

Direct Patient Contact (type & hours)

Auditory Brainstem Technician for newborns ~850 hours

Medical Scribe ~ 202 hours (although now it's closer to 1700) 

 

Shadowing: I shadowed 3 PAs for a total of 28 hours. One of the PAs I shadowed passed away suddenly and tragically :'(

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities:

Research: Auditory Evoked Potentials

Volunteered with Students Today, Leaders Forever on a mission trip

Volunteered as an intern at a nonprofit low income Children's dental clinic

Volunteered as a vision screener at low income schools

Volunteered at a long term care facility

Volunteered at an emergency department

 

I also got my EMT-B

Schools Applied: Harding, Northern Arizona, Marshall B. Ketchum, George Washington, Idaho State, Rosalind Franklin, Elon, Trevecca, Eastern Virginia, Campbell

 

Application Submitted Date:  8/13/2014

Schools Received Application Date: (approximate date) I finished my supplementals in October-November = late!!!

 

Interview Invites: Idaho State, Trevecca, Marshall B. Ketchum, Waitlisted for Elon

 

Denied: Harding, Northern AZ, George Washington, Campbell

 

Waitlisted: Idaho State, Marshall B. Ketchum, Trevecca Nazarene

Accepted:  Trevecca!! 

 

Still haven't heard from Eastern Virginia as they don't invite until June.

 

Attempt: 1st

 

I never thought I would get this far on my first attempt. It's not much to some people, but it's my dream to become a PA. I have been browsing this forum since about 2010 and I can't believe I've finally made it. YOU CAN DO IT. I always thought I'd never get in. I worked hard in my last year of college and had a 3.88 in the last 40-60 hours, which I think helped me. I applied late, which I think hurt my app a bit. My advice is: apply early. 

Also, I made a huge spreadsheet of every single school out there and narrowed down schools that fit me the most. I think that really helped my chances.