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I can't believe I'm finally able to post this! For non-traditional students, don't be discouraged. Started on this journey about 3 years ago taking pre-reqs and 2 application cycles later I can finally say I'm going to be a PA!

 

Attempt 2

 

Undergrad School: Associates from Community College and Bachelors of Science from State School
Major: Psychology minor: Sociology

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.13 this cycle but last cycle it was 3.22. CASPA did not give a good reason for this. (Rough freshman year)
Science GPA: 3.78 
Age: 30
GRE: V) 530 Q) 610 W) 4.0

HCE: Clinical Research Assistant ~10k hours   (EEG and MRI imaging specialist, phlebotomy trained, neuropsych test administration) 

Shadowing: 55 hours 2 PAs in Primary and Urgent Care
Extracurricular/Research Activities: Numerous poster presentations for neuroscienctific conferences. 

Volunteer: ~100 hours community based 
 

Schools applied Cycle 1: Emory, Mercer, MCPHS (Worcester); Interviewed at Emory and MCPHS and denied from both. 

Schools Applied Cycle 2: Yale, Quinnipiac, MGH, Johnson & Wales, Univ of Bridgeport, Baypath, Bryant, Emory, Tufts 
 

Interview Invites: Bryant University, Emory, Quinnipiac, MGH (declined), Bay Path (declined)

Denied: Tufts, Yale, Johnson & Wales, Univ of Bridgeport

Waitlisted: Emory (eventually accepted off WL) 

Accepted: Quinnipiac, Bryant 

Attending: Quinnipiac (my top choice!) 

 

I'm non-traditional. Went back to school for pre-reqs in my late 20's while I had a 1 year old and pregnant again. Took pre-reqs at a University (A&P1/2, Chem1/2, Orgo1)  as well as a Com Coll (hybrid MicroBio and online Genetics). For the second cycle I upped my shadowing hours, took 2 more UL bios, and just felt more confident during my interview. Don't be discouraged if this isn't your first app cycle, you can do it! 

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Applied 2015-2016 cycle (1st attempt)

 

Undergrad Ed School: AA - Tallahassee Community College, BS - Florida Atlantic University

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.91

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.90

 

Age at application time : 23

 

1st GRE: total 300, 4.5 Writing

 

Direct Patient Care

Physical Therapist assistant - 406

Adapted Aquatics - 24

ER Volunteer - 96

 

Extracurricular

FAPA

Phi Kappa Phi

Assoc. Pre-Physician Assistants (Director)

Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students

 

Research Activities

NSF Undergraduate REU @ FSU Biomedical Lab - 400

 

Schools Applied: Nova (Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers and Orlando), South University (Tampa, Savannah), Barry University, University of Florida, Salus, NYIT, Western University (10)

 

Application Submitted Date: June 28

 

Schools Received Application Date: July 10 approx.

 

Interview Invites: Nova (Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers), NYIT and Salus

 

Denied: Western (Some pre-req did not qualify), South U

 

Withdrew Application: Salus, NYIT

 

Waitlisted:None

 

Accepted: Nova Fort Myers, Nova Fort Lauderdale

 

Attending: Nova Fort Lauderdale!!!!

 

Best of luck to everyone!!!

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I was so happy to read your post. I have pretty similar stats and have been so nervous since I applied this June. I applied once at age 20 with little experience and was not accepted anywhere, so I pursued a different career. Now 8 years later, and having served as a volunteer EMT in my rural community, I applied again. I've been so anxious to hear about interviews but you have given me hope!

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Undergrad Ed School: SUNY Geneseo

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.81

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.42

Graduate Ed School: Penn State (Admitted/Pre-PA)

 

 

Age at application time : 27

 

1st GRE:  Verbal: 157 Quantitative: 150 Writing: 4.5

 

 

Direct Patient Care :  

Patient Care Technician: ~1500 hours

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities:

​United States Marine Corps Veteran, Sergeant (5 years active duty, 1 deployment)

Tons of misc undergraduate activities plus multiple secondary billets while in the USMC.

 

Schools Applied: Penn State, Lockhaven, Daemen, Le Moyne,SUNY Upstate, Clarkson University, Phil & Atlantic City, Stony Brook, Thomas Jefferson, Arcadia, Kings College, Yale...I applied to TEN I am the first person in my family to pursue undergraduate, no less graduate studies and was a bit nervous you could say!

 

Application Submitted Date: June 30th CASPA, July 7th CASPA Verified...supplementals throughout July

 

Interview Invites: Lockhaven, Penn State, Arcadia (declined Arcadia invite), Thomas Jefferson (Declined)

 

Denied: None

 

Withdrew Application: Daemen, Le Moyne,SUNY Upstate, Clarkson University, Phil & Atlantic City, Stony Brook, Thomas Jefferson, Arcadia, Kings College, Yale

 

Waitlisted: None

 

Accepted: Lockhaven, Penn State

 

Attending: Penn State, May 2016!

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  • 2 weeks later...

1st time applying. 

 

Undergrad Ed School: Samford University

Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: 3.60

Science GPA: 3.38

Post-Bac Prerequisites GPA: 3.30

Age at application time: 27
GRE: 148v, 158q, 3.0w

Direct Patient Care Experience (type & hours):

Patient Care Tech: 10,400 hrs

Research Experience:

handful published articles for anatomy journals

chapter author of an anatomy medical textbook

Shadowing:

8-10 doctors & PA's; 100+ hrs

Volunteer:

400+ hrs: Children's hospital, local schools, Junior board member, 

 

 

Schools Applied: UAB, Duke, UW MEDEX, UPAP, OHSU, University of Colorado, Emory

Application Submitted Date: early August
Interview Invites: Duke, MEDEX, UPAP, University of Colorado, UAB
Denied: Emory, OHSU, Duke, MEDEX, UPAP, University of Colorado
Withdrew Application: none
Waitlisted: none
Accepted: MEDEX, UAB

 

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1st time applicant here

 

College: Oakland University

CASPA cGPA: 3.80

CASPA sGPA: 3.78

Post-Bach Pre req GPA: 3.85

 

Age of application: 24

GRE: 155v, 152 q, 4.0w

 

Patient Care Hours: ~1800 hours as a medical technologist at a small hospital, i draw the blood on the floors and out patient facility as well as do the lab work

Shadowing: ~50 hours family medicine PA, ~30 hours ER doctor

 

Volunteer: ~100 hours ER volunteer

 

Schools applied: Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University

Application Submission: late July

 

Accepted: Wayne State

Withdrew: Eastern Michigan

Attending: Wayne State

 

Edit: first time applicant, got into my school of choice

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Lots of hope to those that may have underwhelming undergrad GPA's!!! I truly did not expect an interview much less an acceptance on my first attempt, but I worked extremely hard to improve my stats and spent every waking hour getting volunteer/PCE hours. If I can get into PA school, I have no doubt that you can too!!!! :)

 

Undergrad ed school: University of Central Florida, B.S. Psychology

cGPA: 3.16 (3.87 in 30 credit hours post-bac, due to terrible undergrad GPA 2.99)

sGPA: 3.47

BCP 3.67

 

CASPA verification: July 7th

Age at time of application: 27

 

1st GRE:  V 156 Q 150 W 4.0 (306)

2nd GRE: N/A

 

PCE: 1550+ hours as a back office Medical Assistant in plastic/reconstructive surgery

HCE: 2500+ (Healthcare staffing and Vet Tech/Office Admin work in veterinary care)

 

Research: 0

 

Shadowing: 100+ in Plastic Surgery, Ortho, Derm and Urgent Care

 

Volunteering: ~100 hours with the melanoma foundation, just began volunteering at a free community clinic, various charities and philanthropies with my sorority 

 

Awards/ honors/etc.:  Dean's List, President's List, Rho Gamma, MDC Chair for KAO, UCF Swim, Panhellenic Chair

 

Schools applied to: (10) University of Bridgeport, Loma Linda, University of Florida, MGH Institute of Health Professions, UC Davis, University of Utah, University of Charleston-WV, NYIT, Rocky Mountain U., Southern Illinois U

 

Rejected: NYIT, Loma Linda, University of Utah

 

Interviewed: University of Charleston (150 interviewed for 22 seats), University of Florida

 

Waitlisted: University of Charleston (notified that I was #1 on the wait list and someone gave up their seat!!)

 

Withdrew: Southern Illinois (did not complete supplemental after learning that cGPA must be at least a 3.2)

 

Accepted: University of Charleston!!! 

 

Attempts: 1st

 

Attending: 

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Undergrad Ed School: Northwest University (WA)

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.11

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.96

 

Age at application time : 26

 

1st GRE: Q- 150 V 152 W – 4.5

 

Direct Patient Care : Corpsman – 12,800 (Anesthesia Tech, General Duty Corpsman on a Carrier) Lab Assistant - 500

Extracurricular/Research Activities: 1,300 hours – College Pastor / 300 hours – Military Associations / 150 hours – Operation Smile

 

Schools Applied: MEXEX, George Washington University, Pacific, Trevecca, Franklin Pierce, Barry, St Francis. 

 

Interview Invites: MEDEX, George Washington, St Francis (did not attend this one)

Denied: Trevecca, Barry, Franklin Pierce, Pacific (My chem wasn’t ‘high’ enough)

Withdrew Application: none

Waitlisted: none

 

Accepted: MEDEX, GWU

 

Attending: MEDEX, Seattle Class 48 baby!!!

 

I’m posting this to give hope to those who have a low GPA – it is possible!! 12 months before I submitted my application my cGPA was 2.7!!! 46 credits of science later I was able to get my GPA up – don’t give up, keep the press on!!!

 

what was your sGPA before 46 credits of science?

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So excited to finally be posting this! This was my second time applying (got waitlisted at three schools last year, and no seats opened up), so don't get discouraged if you have to apply twice.

 

Undergrad Ed School: BYU, French major

Undergrad. GPA: 3.1

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.1

Post-bacc. GPA: 3.9

Post-bacc. science GPA: 4.0

Overall GPA: 3.3

Overall science GPA: 3.6

 

Age at application time : 31

 

1st GRE: V:750, Q:710, A:4.0

 

Direct Patient Care : 4600 hrs as PCT at hospitals and nursing homes

 

Schools Applied: Duke, GWU, Northwestern, Nova Ft Lauderdale, Philadelphia U, Rosalind Franklin, Salus, SUNY Upstate, UNT, UTHSC San Antonio, UTSW, UTMB, Texas Tech, Wake Forest

 

Application Submitted Date: 8/8/12

 

Schools Received Application Date: (mailed) 8/24/12

 

Interview Invites: UNT, GWU, SUNY Upstate, UTMB, UTSW, Duke (invited, but didn't attend interview)

 

Denied: UTHSC San Antonio, Philadelphia U, Rosalind Franklin, Salus

 

Withdrew Application: Northwestern (didn't finish supplemental), Nova Ft Lauderdale, Texas Tech, Wake Forest

 

Waitlisted: none

 

Accepted: UTSW (attending!), GWU, SUNY Upstate, UTMB, UNT

 

 

How many additional credits did you take for your science GPA to go up by 0.5?

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I can finally post this!

 

Undergrad Ed School: Grand Canyon University- Biology major
CASPA cGPA: 3.4
CASPA sGPA. GPA: 3.0
Cumulative Graduate GPA: 4.0

Age at application time : 29

1st GRE:  took but don’t remember exact scores

Direct Patient Care : Military Medic, phlebotomist, ER tech- 8,000+ hours

Schools Applied: AT Still, Midwestern (Glendale), Touro University Nevada, MEDEX, University of Utah, UC Davis, OHSU

Application Submitted Date: June 24th 2015

Interview Invites: Touro University

Denied: AT Still, Midwestern, OHSU

Haven’t heard from: MEDEX, University of Utah, UC Davis (still under review)

Accepted: Touro University Nevada

Attending: Touro University Nevada!!!

Attempts: 1st

 

Good luck to everyone applying!!!

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  • 3 weeks later...
Undergrad Ed School: University of South Dakota for first two years, University of Nebraska at Omaha last 2
Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.43
Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.37

Age at application time : 24
1st GRE: 149 Q, 152 V, 4.5 Writing

Direct Patient Care : (type & hours) 
Patient Care Technician (CNA) - 3,800 hours paid and an additional 300 hours volunteer
Phlebotomist -  2,100 hours

Extracurricular/Research Activities:
Undergraduate Research Intern in lab at a medical school - 700 hours
Vice President of Philanthropic Service for sorority - 2000 hours
Undergraduate Research intern at UNO - 300 hours
Shadowing: 130 hours with 4 different PA's, each in different areas and 1 family medicine MD
Schools Applied: (11 Total) Augsburg, Towson, Baylor, UC Denver, UNMC, MEDEX, GWU, Iowa, University of Sciences of Philadelphia, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Arcadia

Application Submitted Date: CASPA submitted July 26, 2015

Schools Received Application Date: (approximate date) varied but all within about a week

Interview Invites: alternate for an interview at Towson, still waiting to hear from the rest, will update

Denied: Iowa

Withdrew Application: none so far

Waitlisted: will update

Accepted: will update

Attempts: second (was an alternate for UNMC the first time around and I only applied to 3 schools the first time as well)
 
Any thoughts on my chances? 
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2nd try

 

Undergrad Ed School: Montana State University (Graduated 2009, Microbiology)

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.09

Science Undergrad. GPA:  3.09 (I took A&P again after graduating and got A's)

Graduate Ed School: (if applicable) Medical Technologist School (3.8 ish, not accredited so they don't count)

Age at application time :28

1st GRE: 156 quant (65), 161 verbal (87), 4.0 writing (54)


Direct Patient Care : (type & hours)
7840- Molecular Microbiology, Medical Laboratory Scientist

I was able to do some Phlebotomy to bolster my application. Lots of research, developing new tests etc.. 

 

3200- Hematology, Medical Laboratory Scientist

I worked here FT for a year and a half before keeping it as a once a month part time job. Do hematology, coag, urinalysis and body fluids. 

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities:

Research via my primary job and a lot of undergrad research. 

I volunteered with a soup kitchen, emergency department, and a program that helped kids grieving the loss of a loved one. (270 hours or so)

Schools Applied: Medex, Heritage, U of Idaho, Pacific Universty, NAU, Midwestern, red rocks (denver)

Application Submitted Date: August 4th,  2015

Schools Received Application Date: (approximate date):
August 15th or so

 

Interview Invites: Medex, NAU

Denied: Red Rocks

Withdrew Application: NAU

Waitlisted: None yet

Accepted:  MEDEX

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Applicant stats--Accepted!!!!

Undergrad Ed School: Grand Canyon University, South Puget Sound Community College

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.56

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.48

BCP GPA: 3.39

 

Age at application time : 21 (2nd attempt)

1st GRE: Verbal 154, Analytical 2.5, Quantitative 149

 

Health care experience/Direct Patient Care : (type & hours) 

CNA: 1,160 hours at time of application, 1,800 hours at time of interview (ATSU)

Free clinic volunteer: (triage, nursing roles) 4 hours 

Transport Volunteer (not hands on): 56 hours

 

Shadowing : (type & hours) 

Family medicine PA: 52 hours at time of application, 82 at time of interview (ATSU)

Pediatric PA: 4 hours

Pediatric MD: 48 hours 

Emergency Department MD: 8 hours

 

Volunteer Experience:

AWANA Jr. High Leader: 34 hours

Public Service Committee Member (GCU AzHOSA): 30 hours

Serve the City (AZ) 4 hours

Blood Drive Worker: 3 hours

Mexico Mission Trip: 180 hours

Food bank: 4 hours 

Vacation Bible School Leader: 25 hours

Clothing Drive: 2 hours

Marriage Conference (kitchen): 2 hours

 

Awards:

2013-14 Academic All American 

Dean’s List-Grand Canyon University 2012-2014

Vice Presidents List-South Puget Sound Community College 2010

Employee Recognition-Mother Joseph Care Center 2015

 

Certifications:

BLS CPR

Nursing Assistant Certified

 

References:

2 PA-Cs

1 MD

1 RN

1 Science Professor from College 

 

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities:

Athletics: high school softball, high school bowling (team captain), high school equestrian team

4H: equestrian member for 6 years, club officer for 5 years, state team member for 5 years

Research: none

 

 

 

Schools Applied: A.T. Still University, Midwestern, Northern Arizona University, Touro University-Nevada, Touro University-California, Pacific University

 

Application Submitted Date: E-submitted to CASPA April 29, 2015

 

Schools Received Application Date: CASPA verified on May 15, 2015

 

Interview Invites: Touro University-Nevada, A.T. Still University 

 

Denied: NAU

 

Withdrew Application: N/A at this time

 

Waitlisted: Touro University-Nevada

 

Accepted: A.T. Still University, Touro University Nevada

 

Attempt: 2nd

 

Attending: A.T. Still University

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Applicant stats--Accepted!!!!

Undergrad Ed School: BS Biology from Northeastern University

Post Bacc: Bristol Community College

Undergrad. GPA: 3.58

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.52

Post Bacc GPA: 4.0

Post Bacc Science GPA: 4.0

Cumulative GPA: 3.61

Cumulative Science GPA: 3.56

 

 

Age at application time : 27- 1st attempt

GRE: Verbal 158, Analytical 4.5, Quantitative 151

 

Health care experience/Direct Patient Care : (type & hours)

Medical assistant: 9320, 6 months part time while in school and 4.5 years full time.

 

Shadowing : (type & hours)

Ortho PA in hospital setting: 50 hours

 

References:

2 MD

1 Science Professor from post bacc

 

Schools Applied: Northeastern university, MCPHS Worcester, Boston University, Yale University, quinnipiac University, university of Bridgeport, Johnson and Wales university

 

Application Submitted Date: E-submitted to CASPA July 30th

 

Schools Received Application Date: CASPA verified on September 13th

 

Interview Invites: Northeastern, University of Bridgeport, MCPHS, Johnson and Wales, Boston University

 

Denied: Yale

 

Withdrew Application: Northeastern, University of Bridgeport, MCPHS, BU

 

Waitlisted: None

 

Accepted: Johnson and Wales

 

Attempt: 1st

 

Attending: Johnson and Wales

 

I interviewed at JWU first and was a complete wreck about it because it was my top choice. The interview was fantastic, the facility is amazing and the faculty was so passionate. Definitely solidified it as my top choice. I got a call from the program director around 2 hours after my interview that I had been accepted. Once I received the email confirmation I contacted all the other programs I had interviews scheduled for and cancelled them, and sent my deposit in the JWU.

Go Wildcats!! Class of 2018 !!

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Excited to finally post this! Still waiting to hear from a couple of schools and waiting to interview at Grand Valley. 

 

 

Undergrad ed school: Aquinas College (Grand Rapids, MI), B.S. Biology

cGPA: 3.80

sGPA: 3.93

Post Bac GPA: 4.00

 

CASPA verification: July 7th

Age at time of application: 24

 

1st GRE:  V 151 Q 155 W 4.5 (306)

2nd GRE: N/A

 

HCE: 2500+ CNA in the Intensive Care Unit

 

Research: 200 hours researching the suture tensile forces on pacemaker leads

 

Shadowing: 0

 

Volunteering: ~100 hours in various soup kitchens, teaching elementary students, science days at college

 

Awards/ honors/etc.:  Dean's List (All 4 years), Student Senate, Varsity Hockey Team Captain (also established the program while in school), AED President, BBB Historian, Pre-Health Professions Scholarship, Magna Cum Laude

 

Schools applied to: Butler, Northwestern, Rosalind Franklin, Midwestern (IL),  Rush, U of Colorado, Cornell, Hofstra, NYIT, Grand Valley, U of St. Francis (IN), U of WI-Madison, Carroll U, Marquette, Yale, Le Moyne, and Toledo 

 

Rejected: Rush

 

Interviewed: U of St. Francis, Yale, U of CO, Rosalind Franklin, Midwestern, Grand Valley (interview 10/30)

 

Waitlisted: 

 

Withdrew from Interview: NYIT, Hofstra, Marquette, Carroll U

 

Accepted: Rosalind Franklin, waiting to hear from Yale and U of CO

 

Attempts: 1st

 

Attending: 

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Applicant Stats- Accepted!

 

Undergrad Ed School: Virginia Commonwealth University 

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.55
Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.32
Graduate Ed School: N/A
Cumulative Graduate GPA: N/A
Science Graduate GPA: N/A

Age at application time : 22 when submitted, but I am now 23 

 

Application attempt: 1st 

1st GRE: 306 (quantitative and verbal combined) 4.0- writing score 

Direct Patient Care:

 

~2500 hours as an Emergency Department Medical Scribe. I was the chief medical scribe for my hospital when I applied as well. 

~200 hours as a volunteer on multiple medical mission trips to various countries in Central America

~250 hours shadowing PA's and MD's in various specialties/settings 

Extracurricular/Research Activities:

 

-University Honor Council

-Elementary school tutor

-Habitat for Humanity

-Physicians for Human Rights

-Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity 

-VCU Honors College 

Schools Applied: (too many lol)

 

-Alderson Broaddus 

-Barry

-Bethel

-College of St. Joseph 

-Drexel

-Francis Marion

-Lockhaven

-Lenoir Rhyne 

-Mary Baldwin

-Mississippi College

-Missouri State

-Rocky Mountain

-South University (GA)

-University of Tennessee 

-University of St. Francis

-UTMB

Application Submitted Date: May 18th 2015

Schools Received Application Date: application was verified about 3-4 weeks after submitted 

Interview Invites: Mary Baldwin, University of Tennessee, University of St. Francis, Lenoir Rhyne, Mississippi College, College of St. Joseph 

Denied before interview: Lockhaven, South

Withdrew Application: College of St. Joseph (did not attend interview), Francis Marion, Alderson Broaddus 

 

Have not heard anything from yet: Bethel, Barry, Drexel, Missouri State, Rocky Mountain, UTMB 

 

Denied after Interview: Mary Baldwin, University of Tennessee

Waitlisted: University of St. Francis, Mississippi College 

Accepted: Lenoir Rhyne

 

​Attending: Most likely Lenoir Rhyne! Although still waiting to hear back from several schools

 

I hope my application shows that just because you are younger and might not have thousands of hours of patient care experience it does not mean that you don't have a good chance of getting accepted. Clearly schools were able to see my application strengths when they invited me to interviews. The biggest piece of advice I could give to someone is prepare for the interview! I was denied from the first 2 schools I interviewed at and I think a big reason was due to my lack of preparation. I thought I could just wing it and be fine, but that didn't work out for me too well. For my next 3 interviews I really prepared and could tell a huge difference in my confidence level and ability to answer tough questions under pressure. If you make it to an interview the school believes you are qualified to attend the program, they really are just analyzing your interview at that point.  Don't give up it will happen for you if it's meant to be! 

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Hello everyone,

 

Just have a quick question that I hope someone can answer. My CASPA application was submitted and verified at the end of August and my secondary application to Penn State was submitted mid September. Ball park figure, how soon should I know if I will get an interview? I know everyone's situation is different, but can anyone give me their best guess??? Thanks. 

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It could take weeks to months, especially since Penn States supplemental deadline isn't until 12/1. But that is good news for you because you submitted early! If you are worried it never hurts to contact the program and make sure they received it or when you might hear any news. I'm sure they would appreciate your interest and eagerness!

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Undergrad Insitution:

Western Washington University

Major: Biology and Anthropology

GPA: 3.41

Science GPA: 3.24

 

Graduate Institution:

Western Washington University

Physical Anthropology

GPA: 3.7

Science GPA: 4.0

 

CASPA Verified GPAs:

Cumulative: 3.46

Science: 3.33

 

Age at Time of Application: 31

 

GRE Scores: 720Q, 560V, 3.5AW

 

Direct Patient Care Experience: 12,000 hours paid urban EMS/Ambulance

 

Research Experience: Graduate School Thesis

 

Community Service: N/A

 

Shadowing: N/A

 

Schools Applied:

UW MEDEX

Rocky Mountain College (Montana)

University of Utah

Touro College (California)

Samuel Merritt University

Arcadia University (Pennsylvania)

Drexel University

Oregon Health and Science University

Pacific University

Rutgers University

New York Institute of Technology

 

Schools Interviewed:

MEDEX

OHSU

RMC

Drexel

Arcadia

U of Utah

 

Accepted: Drexel, U of Utah

 

Waitlisted: N/A

Withdrawn: Samuel Merritt, NYIT

 

Rejected: Everywhere Else

 

Attending: Drexel University, Class of 2017!

 

Comments: This was my first year applying, and although I was a competitive applicant, I really hindered myself in that I did not have experience in participating in a high-level professional interview. My first post-interview rejection was 100% due to my lack of confidence and demeanor. However, I was fortunate enough to have multiple interviews to hone my presentations and confidence. This paid off in the end, as I was accepted to the final two schools where I interviewed.

 

Also, to current applicants, my only advice to you would be to thoroughly research the mission statements of each school to which you apply. I would suggest reviewing faculty profiles as well, to see if the areas in which they practice match up with your intended area(s) of specialization. There were a few schools at which I interviewed (whom I will not name) that I felt were misleading in the mission statements on the school websites when compared to the interests and goals discussed by faculty at interview.

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Undergrad ed school: University of Arizona, BA in Media Arts

 

cGPA: 3.62

 

sGPA: 3.94

 

CASPA verification: May 30

 

Age at time of application: 29

 

GRE:  V 162 / Q 150 / W 5 / (Total 312)

 

PCE: 1500+  (ED tech, Transport Tech @ pediatric hospital)

 

Research: 0

 

Shadowing: 100+  (ortho, pediatric ortho, primary care for the homeless)

 

Volunteering: 200+

 

Past Work Experience: VFX Coordinator (feature films), YouTube Producer, CSO/Entrepreneur for online video production company

(I'm a career changer)

 

Schools applied to: Arcadia (both campuses), Philadelphia University (both campuses), Drexel, DeSales, Thomas Jefferson, U-Sciences, PCOM, Salus, Temple

 

Attempts: 1st

 

Interview Invites (attended all): Arcadia, DeSales, Salus, Drexel, Thomas Jefferson

 

Denied: Philadelphia University

 

Withdrew Application: Salus, DeSales, U-Sciences, PCOM, Temple

 

Waitlisted: none

 

Accepted: Arcadia, DeSales, Salus, Thomas Jefferson

 

Attending: Thomas Jefferson University

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Undergraduate Education: Temple University, BS in Kinesiology

Cumulative undergrad GPA (per CASPA): 3.71

Science undergrad GPA (per CASPA): 3.56

Graduate GPA: N/A

 

CASPA submitted: May 21st

CASPA verified: about June 8th

Age at time of application: 21

Attempt: 1st

 

1st GRE:  Verbal: 155,  Quantitative: 150,  Writing: 4.0

2nd GRE: N/A

 

LORs: 1 professor, 1 PA, 1 DPT

 

Direct Patient Care Experience: 1150 hours at time of application (now 1500):

- Physical therapy aide (600 hours)

- Emergency Department Scribe (400 hours)

- Nursing Assistant (150 hours)

 

Research:

None beyond working with teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder in furthering their motor development and exercise skills as part of a professor's pre-research project

 

Shadowing: 

25 hours with general surgery physicians

- 10 hours with a primary care PA

- 10 hours with a surgical ICU PA

- many more hours directly exposed to PA's and physicians through my work as a scribe

- also shadowed a dentist, PT, OT, and cardiopulmonary perfusionist in order to confirm that I want to be a PA

 

Honors/Awards:

University Honors Program, Dean's List

 

Volunteering:

- 100 hours through various organizations (fundraising for Temple's Dance Marathon, volunteering at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, etc.)

 

Schools applied to: 6 total -  Barry University (Miami), Nova Southeastern (Fort Myers), University of Florida, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Penn State

 

Interview Invites: Barry, Nova, Thomas Jefferson, University of Florida, PCOM (attended all but PCOM)

Rejected: Penn State

Waitlisted: Thomas Jefferson

Accepted: Barry, Nova, University of Florida

Withdrew: Barry, Nova, Thomas Jefferson, PCOM

 

Attending: University of Florida! My top choice :)

 

So thrilled that I'm going to be a Gator PA! 

Good luck to everyone applying in the future. 

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Undergrad Ed School: University of Central Florida, B.S. Psychology
CASPA undergrad cGPA: 3.43

CASPA undergrad sGPA: 3.02

Post Bac sGPA: 3.55 (retook a few classes and took extra science classes to raise my low science GPA to 3.13)

Age at application time: 23

Attempt: 2nd
GRE:  150 Q, 153 V, 4.5 W

HCE: 

1200+ hours as a  Pediatric Patient Care Technician

400 at application time, currently ~1000 hours as a  ER Medical Scribe

 

Volunteering:

80 hrs Volunteer Clerical Assistant at primary care clinic

90 hrs Volunteer at Miami Children’s Hospital

50 hrs Volunteer with Autism Speaks

 

Shadowing: 1 Ortho PA, 1 ER PA, 1 Urgent Care PA: 66 hrs1 Primary Care NP: 117 hrs

 

LORs: 1 PA, 1 Professor, 1 NP, 1 RN coworker

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities:  Undergraduate TA: Department of Psychology, Undergraduate Research Assistant: Department of Psychology, Member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, Member of Rho Lambda National Honor Society, Member of Psi Chi National Honor Society, Mentors for Violence Prevention at UCF

Schools Applied: Nova Fort Lauderdale, Nova Fort Myers, Barry University

Application Submitted Date: CASPA Verified on 7/24/15

Schools Received Application Date: (approximate date) Novas: August 4th, Barry: August 8th

Interview Invites: Nova Fort Myers (9/28), Barry University (10/23)

Denied:

Withdrew Application: Nova Fort Lauderdale

Waitlisted:

Accepted: Nova Fort Myers, Barry University

 

Attending: Nova Fort Myers!!

 

 

 

As a 2nd year applicant I posted this because I want people with lower GPAs to still have hope. Last year I applied VERY late (like November late) and wasn't even given a chance. This year, I went back and took some extra science classes, continued to gain HCE, and started volunteering. I also believe that my LORs and PS were VERY strong, which definitely helped compensate for my low science GPA. YOU CAN DO IT! Don't give up, and remember why you started this thing in the first place! 

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