danking704 Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 Undergrad Ed School: University of Colorado Boulder (geography major) Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.2 (Caspa) Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.8 (took all pre req and sciences post bacc at community college) Age at application time : 27 1st GRE: 290 1st attempt applying Direct Patient Care : 5,000 hours at mental health facility. 200+ hours EMT (working as a full time EMT at time of application) Extracurricular/Research Activities: volunteer trips abroad LOR: PA I shadowed, A&P teacher, therapist I worked with at the mental health facility. Shadow: 1 PA berriatric surgery, PA in the clinic of a berriatric practice total of about 15 hours Schools Applied: UNE, university of Tennessee, MGH , Charleston university, UNC, south college, Bridgeport, Chatham, LIU, medex, SIU, UC Davis, Monmouth Application Submitted Date: 6/5/15 Schools Received Application Date: most let me know they received it a couple weeks later some took longer. Interview Invites: Monmouth, MGH, charleston university Interviews attended: MGH, Charleston university Denied: all the others, some I never heard from but just assumed I didn't get in bc I saw in the forum others had interviewed and been accepted Waitlisted: charleston university Accepted: Charleston university, MGH Attending: charleston university I was nervous applying with a GPA on the lower end but there is a school out there for everyone. I think applying early helped me a lot. Good luck to everyone applying / working towards applying. Took me a long time to get to this point but it paid off. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmPA26 Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 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 hrs, 1 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! Thanks for your post! It gives me hope :) Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GatorChomp Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 Happy to FINALLY be able to post this after 2 cycles of stress, patience and hard work! Age at time of application: 24 Cumulative Undergrad: 3.11 Cumulative Undergrad Science: 3.42 Post-Bacc: 3.35 Overall Science: 3.42 Other Science: 3.86 BCP (Biology, Chemistry, Physics): 3.34 Last 40 Credits: 3.62 GRE: 300 (Q-145 V-155, 4.0 Writing) Patient Care Experience: 3,264 hours Health Care Experience: 1,926 hours Total Experience: 5,190 hours My healthcare experience is primarily as a Rehabilitation Aide and Phlebotomist in a 382 bed hospital. I am also a Pharmacy Tech at a local CVS Pharmacy. I am also a Standardized Patient for medical school students taking their Clinical Skills Step 2 exam. Other Work Experience: Student mentor at my university for freshmen/sophomores and student mentor at a local high school for students matriculating into college Volunteer: 500 hours (Make-A-Wish, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, March of Dimes, Boys & Girls Club, local rehab clinics and hospice facility) PA Shadow: 1 Neuro PA & 1 Gastrointestinal PA for a total of 70 hours Certifications: Phlebotomy, CNA, CPR, BLS, Pharmacy Tech, First Aid/AED Letters of Recommendation: 2 PAs, 1 MD, 1 Clinical Supervisor, 1 Professor CASPA Submit/Verification Date: June 11th/June 22nd Schools Applied: Emory, UC-Davis, Barry, University of New England, University of Florida, University of North Carolina, Duke, University of the Cumberlands, Texas Tech, Arizona Health Sciences Interview Invites: Texas Tech & University of Florida Accepted: Texas Tech & University of Florida Attending: University of Florida Gooooooooo GATORS! To anyone with less than stellar GRE scores or GPAs, please do not give up! If this is what you truly want to do, look for other ways to strengthen your application and when you receive interviews, make sure you rock them and leave the admissions committee with a memorable impression! I'm thankful for the second opportunity and it has only made my passion for the profession that much stronger! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
booker9 Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 Relieved that I'm now DONE with this application process, and excited to start PA school next year! Undergrad: B.S. English Literature cGPA: 3.8 sGPA: 3.8 CASPA verification: June 3rd GRE: V 166 / Q 156 / W 5 HCE: 1500 hrs ER medical scribe Research: ~300 hrs Shadowing: ~30 hrs (PAs in emergency department, gastroenterology, and family medicine) Volunteering: ~400 hrs Attempts: 1st Schools applied to: Arcadia (Glenside), AT Still, Barry, Chatham, Cornell, Elon, Samuel Merritt University, MCPHS University (Boston), Midwestern (Downer's Grove & Glendale), NYIT, Northwestern, NOVA (Ft. Myers & Orlando), PhilaU, Rosalind Franklin, South University (Savannah), University of New England Interview Invites: Arcadia, AT Still, Barry, Chatham, Cornell, Elon, MCPHS (Boston), Midwestern (Downer's Grove & Glendale), NYIT, Northwestern, NOVA (Ft. Myers), PhilaU, South University (Savannah) Interviews Attended: Cornell, Midwestern (Downer's Grove), Northwestern, South Accepted: Cornell, Midwestern (Downer's Grove), South Denied: No formal denies, but strongly believe "soft denies" from Northwestern, NOVA Orlando, Rosalind Franklin, and UNE Attending: Cornell! Notes: I was very nervous going into this cycle due to my HCE, which is why I applied to so many programs. My only advice is don't underestimate yourself! Your personal statement is very important, and admissions committees are looking for diverse classes. That means they don't want an entire class full of EMTs and CNAs, or an entire class of people with perfect GPAs. Don't feel bad if you don't fit the perfect "pre-PA mold." Once you get an interview, don't let yourself be intimidated by others. It's a cliche but just believe in yourself and know your strong points. Also, APPLY EARLY!!! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disciple3 Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 Undergrad ed school: University of Pittsburgh, B.S Emergency Medicine cGPA: 3.05 sGPA: 3.20 Post Bacc: 3.85 CASPA verification: May 20th Age at time of application: 25 GRE: V 160 Q 157 W 5.0 (317) HCE: 6000++ hours Paramedic Research: None Shadowing: 120 in rural primary care, 36 in Childrens Hospital ED Volunteering: 60+ hours contributing to various charitable events such as 5k runs etc. Member of Team Rubicon Awards/ honors/etc.: Air Force Veteran Schools applied to: LHU, Penn State, GWU, Stonybrook, UNE, UNC, Salus, Drexel, Desales, PCOM, Thomas J, Yale, Franklin Pierce, Marietta, Mt Union, MEDEX, Marywood, Pace, AA/UMBC, MUSC, Univ of Toledo, Duke, West Liberty Interviews: Lock Haven, Stonybrook, Penn State, GWU, UNE, Salus, Marietta, UNC, Mount Union, MEDEX (Nov 19th, WITHDRAWN - no more interview funds), West Liberty, Univ of Toledo(withdrawn) Rejected: Marywood, Pace, AA/UMBC (somehow missed a pre req in progress), Yale, MUSC, Thomas J, Desales, Duke, Drexel, PCOM Still Under Review: Franklin pierce Waitlisted: Stonybrook, Marietta Accepted: UNE 2nd time around So excited to move my post to the accepted thread!! The cycle is still going but it's such a relief to see all the hard work and years of effort paying off finally. I feel like my GPA and course history really dragged me down regardless of the fact I got quite a few interviews. Nonetheless very happy to be accepted and attending my 2nd pick out of all the schools I visited, UNE! 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typophsyco Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 Undergraduate Instititions: Florida Atlantic University, then University of Central Florida , community colleges here and there Cumulative Undergraduate: 3.25Cumulative Undergraduate Science: 3.18 Post Bach GPA: 4.0 (Only for one class… I retook Orgo I and earned an ‘A’) BCP: 41 hours, 2.86 GPA.Yes. That’s right. I have earned my fair share of 'C's in prerequisite classes. The number of ‘B’s outnumber ‘A’s in the rest of that mix. I’ve included this statistic because I want to make a note of two things. One is the importance of an upward trend. My ‘C’s were all during a rough time in my life and I rebounded after that year and came back with better grades. The other point is that some of you are like me in the sense that you came in from high school with 40-something credits. I’m not saying this to brag. I’m pointing out that I came into college with most of my “basic sciences” done and jumped right into more difficult classes. I didn’t even take physics I and II thanks to AP/IB tests. So this number may be artificially low due to the credits included without grades. Most of the classes I received grades for were upperlevel classes.Maybe admissions noted that... maybe they didn't. I'll never know. GRE: Q 554 (56%), V 558 (78%), Writing 5.5 (98%) Employment: 590 hours in computer repair (I started off computer science and this was one of two jobs I worked freshman year. The other was food service) 480 hours Microbiology QA Intern810 hours Lab intern (not research)2,160 hours Emergency Department Scribe (GREAT experience, highly recommend)150 hours (but add to this 40 hours a week since early May) ED Scribe Trainer HCE:48 hours Medical Missions Trip to Costa Rica36 hours (plus 15 hours a week since May) volunteer Phlebotomist in a local free clinic220 hours as an unlicensed Medical Assistant in a local clinic (Also see ED Scribe)Research: 70 hours Shadowing:440 hours Podiatry40 hours Internal Medicine Volunteer:500 hours fundraising for a local charity and organizing events for them52 hours of doing crafts with terminally ill children20 hours for Missions Trip (I broke the same trip down into different components. Did NOT double dip. Split up the hours if you want to list them in multiple areas, DON’T double them.)48 hours at Camp Boggy Creek (Also, if you live in Florida, HIGHLY recommend! If you live in other locations, google “Serious Fun Camps”. They’re fun and a great way to get meaningful hours) References: 1 PA, 1 MD, 1 Employer (These were excellent reviews. Make sure these people KNOW you. I believe these were my saving graces as they likely backed up the things I said about myself in my essay and supplementals.)Schools Applied To: You can bet with my grades, I cast quite a wide net. I applied to most schools in Florida. Then Stony Brook, Albany, Touro in California, and Baylor. Interviews: South University Tampa, Stony Brook (As of 11/2/15) Rejections: South University Tampa, Albany, Touro. Acceptances: Stony Brook, My NUMBER ONE Choice!!! Pending: All others, plan to withdraw This is my second attempt. Let me just say something here. I have two ‘W’ on my transcript. I retook neither, though I planned to essentially retake all prerequisite courses if I was not accepted this cycle. I know. That’s a pretty rough track record. Why would any school accept that? I wouldn’t accept that. The answer, I think, is that I made up for it. I didn’t look back, didn't make excuses, and I put everything I had into recovering from my grades in the past and improved on future grades. I had a reason for my poor performance and I made it known as a learning experience and proved that I learned from it. Don't use me as an example of "it's alright if I get a bunch of 'C's.." because it is DEFINITELY better to have 'A's. Slacking on school makes it harder on yourself, and I wish I was able to do better in the beginning. I volunteered and worked a lot to prove myself. Some days I worked days and nights to show that I was passionate about my goals, especially after being rejected from all schools my first try. I really put the pedal to the metal this year, if you know what I mean. And I found wonderful people who I knew would write wonderful things about me in my references. Low GPA people, you can do it! But you absolutely need to put in the work. A LOT of work. Show the admissions committees that you are a person that is unique and more than just numbers on a page (especially if those numbers are mediocre). Let your application build a consistent story of who you are, and when you interview don't be afraid to let your excitement show through. Getting into this school is a dream come true for me. It was my best-case scenario and I used the idea of maybe being accepted to Stony Brook as my motivation. And it worked! If people like me can make it, then so can you! Good luck to everyone. 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kac208 Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 Undergrad ed school: University of Pittsburgh (B.S. in Rehabilitation Science) cGPA: 3.75 sGPA: 3.75 CASPA verification: June 2nd Age at time of application: 22 1st GRE: V 149 Q 154 W 4.5 (total 303) 2nd GRE: N/A PCE: 729 (at time of application) ---> ~ 900-1000 after application HCE: 577 Research: 0 Shadowing: 12 Volunteering: 47 Awards/ honors/etc.: Dean's List (7 semesters), Gamma Sigma Alpha Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society, Delta Epsilon Iota Honor Society, Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, Magna Cum Laude. Schools applied to: Arcadia, Philadelphia University, Penn State Hershey (never submitted supplemental), King's College, DeSales University, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University. Interview invites: Arcadia, Philadelphia University, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, King's College Waitlisted: Arcadia, King's College Rejected: Philadelphia University, Desales University, Thomas Jefferson Withdrew: Accepted: University of the Sciences in Philadelphia!! Attempts: 1st SOOOO EXCITED! I was extremely fortunate to have had three interviews, but I do not believe that I was well prepared for my first two, which led to a waitlist and denial. Apparently, third times the charm. I was more comfortable and confident. Good luck to everyone else! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pandaPAC Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 Undergrad Ed School: Local Community College/ Very small catholic university in NJ Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.3Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.12Graduate Ed School: (if applicable) Very large monster school in BostonCumulative Graduate GPA: (if applicable): 3.02Age at application time : 281st GRE: 154 verbal, 156 quant, writing score super low (who cares)2nd GRE: (if applicable): N/ADirect Patient Care : (type & hours) > 4000 hours of ED medical scribe, over 1000 hours of PA and MD shadowing during this experience. Volunteering on pediatrics floor, volunteered at free clinic while in grad school, MD shadowing in pediatrics and plastic surgery.Extracurricular/Research Activities: Studied classical voice in high school/college, swimming, musical director for elementary school theater group. Honors research in undergrad resulting in 1 publication. Honors: Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership SocietySchools Applied: Rutgers, Arcadia, Pace, LIU, stony brook, MCPHS, drexel, Boston University, Monmouth University, Seton Hall University, Thomas Jefferson, Tufts University, Suny Upstate.Application Submitted Date: June 2ndSchools Received Application Date: (approximate date) June 5th ishInterview Invites: Rutgers, Stony Brook, MCPHS, Boston University, Drexel Denied: Pace, Arcadia, Tufts, Stony Brook and Rutgers (after interview)Withdrew Application: LIU, Thomas Jefferson, SUNY upstate, Monmouth, Seton HallWaitlisted: MCPHSAccepted: Drexel, Boston University <3 <3 <3 Attending: I don't know!!!! Why do you ask these hard questions??? 2nd attempt Feeling extremely fortunate, don't give up guys! Quote MultiQuote 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bella00 Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Undergrad Ed School: The College of Wooster Cumulative Undergrad GPA: 3.75Science Undergrad GPA: 3.8Graduate Ed School: The University of Akron Cumulative Graduate GPA: 4.0 CASPA Submitted: August 1st CASPA Verified: August 19th Age at application: 22 1st GRE: 149 (verbal), 149 (quantitative), 4 (writing) Direct Patient Care Experience: >1000 hours as a Patient Care Assistant at a hospital, ~100 hours volunteering as a Health Coach while in Undergrad., >50 hours shadowing a Family Medicine MD and PA and a Pediatric MD. Research: >500 hours of Organic Chemistry research Volunteer: 100 Extracurricular Activities: DIII Varsity Softball, President of Tri-Beta Honor Society, President of Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Volunteering at local school before/after program Awards/Honors: DIII Scholar Athlete, Cum Laude, Honors on my Independent Study Thesis Schools Applied: Baldwin Wallace, University of Findlay, Marietta College, Mt. Union, West Liberty, Alderson-Broaddus, Oregon Health and Science University, Penn State, University of the Cumberlands, South College (Tennessee), University of Tennessee Interview Invites: University of the Cumberlands, Mt. Union, Marietta (waiting), University of Findlay (waiting) Denied: Oregon Health and Science University and University of Tennessee Waitlisted: None Acceptances: University of the Cumberlands and Mt. Union!!!! Attending: Mt. Union!!!!!!!! Still waiting to hear from all of the other schools, but in my case I feel very blessed to have received the interview opportunities that I did especially since this was my first time applying to PA schools. I thought for sure I wouldn't receive any interviews, but I learned not to sell myself short (and neither should you)!!! Mt. Union was my top choice and I was ecstatic to receive an interview but I didn't think I would ever get an acceptance. I truly believe that my interviews saved me because I prepared for weeks in advance, and I went into each one as MYSELF. Don't show the schools something you aren't because in the end it probably won't work out, they want to see who YOU are and what you have to offer. If you receive an interview, SMILE, BE YOURSELF, and BE HONEST! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qqiu1 Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 Undergrad Ed School: Johns HopkinsCumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.5Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.4Graduate Ed School: N/ACumulative Graduate GPA: N/AScience Graduate GPA: N/AAge at application time : 22 or 23...1st GRE: V 157 (71%), M 156 (71%), 4.5 W (94%)Direct Patient Care : ED medical scribe >2000 hours, EMT 200 hours, shadowing 100hExtracurricular/Research Activities: Research at Biological Chemistry, Urology, and PathologySchools Applied: Arcadia, DeSales, Drexel, UF, Rutgers, Cornell, Duke, Albany, ...etc (rest does not matter but applied to like 15-17)Application Submitted Date: mid JuneInterview Invites (attended): Arcadia, DeSales, Drexel, Rutgers, Duke, AlbanyDenied: Albany and DukeWaitlisted: Rutgers Accepted: Arcadia, DeSales, Drexel Attending: most likely DeSales :) 1st attempt applying, goodluck everyone! Some advice I would give is: DON'T UNDERESTIMATE YOURSELF. I had a pretty bad last semester, below 3.0 GPA, which really brought down my cGPA and sGPA, but I took the prerequisites after I graduated at a community college, which boosted it back up to the 3.5. Also, if you stats are close to mine, apply to 10 schools. I applied wayyy too many (15-17), ended up getting interviews from 12 of them, and attended only 6 which is enough... after the 6th one, I was done. So DON'T APPLY TO A SCHOOL IF YOU DON'T INTEND ON GOING IF ACCEPTED! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guiriguiri Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 Undergrad Ed School: University of OregonCumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.34Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.0postbac: GPA 3.98 (Oregon State University)Cumulative cGPA: 3.55Cumulative sGPA: 3.78Age at application time : 291st GRE: N/ADirect Patient Care : 378 hours Spanish-English interpreter (volunteer), 500 and change as a cardiology scribeExtracurricular/Research Activities: 160 hours research, secretary of pre-health science clubSchools Applied: SLUApplication Submitted Date: July 23rdInterview Invites (attended): SLUDenied: N/AWaitlisted: N/A Accepted: SLU Attending: SLU 1st attempt applying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
af811 Posted November 17, 2015 Share Posted November 17, 2015 Undergrad Ed School: West Virginia University (BS athletic training)Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.51Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.39Graduate Ed School: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (MS kinesiology)Cumulative Graduate GPA: 3.68Science Graduate GPA: 3.61Age at application time : 231st GRE: Verbal 140, Quantitative 144, Writing 3.5Direct Patient CareAthletic training student: 1,658hrs PA shadowing (orthopedics): 250hrs Certified athletic trainer: 3,120hrs Extracurricular/Research Activities: Thesis Schools Applied: Arcadia, Salus, Barry (st. croix), SUNY upstate medical, LIU, Nova southeastern (ft. lauderdale), Application Submitted Date: 9/14/15, verified 9/28/15Schools Received Application Date: 10/5/15Interview Invites: BarryDenied: Arcadia Withdrew Application: NAWaitlisted: NAAccepted: Barry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
em873 Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 Undergraduate Education: SUNY Geneseo, BS Biology, Minor in Environmental Studies Cumulative GPA (per CASPA): 3.79 Science GPA (per CASPA): 3.77 Graduate GPA: N/A CASPA submitted: May 26th CASPA verified: 6/1/2015 Age at time of application: 23 Attempt: 1st GRE: Verbal: 161, Quantitative: 166, Writing: 4.0 LORs: 2 professors, and 1 paramedic Direct Patient Care Experience: 500 hours at time of application (now ~2000): - Emergency Room Medical Scribe (1700) - Volunteer EMT (300) Research: Nothing outside research projects done for classwork. Shadowing: ~80 hours between shadowing an MD, PA, and NP. Schools applied to: 10 total - Penn State University, Yale University, Le Moyne, Upstate Medical, Thomas Jefferson, Drexel University, Lock Haven University, Wake Forest, Chatham, and DeSales Interview Offers: Penn State, Yale, Le Moyne, Upstate, Drexel, Lock Haven, Chatham, DeSales Interviews attended: Penn State, Yale, Drexel, and Lock Haven Waitlisted: None Accepted: Penn State, Drexel, and Lock Haven Withdrew: Le Moyne, Upstate, Thomas Jefferson, Wake Forest (did not complete secondary), Chatham, DeSales Attending: Penn State!! Good Luck Everyone!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cop to pa Posted November 21, 2015 Share Posted November 21, 2015 Undergraduate Education: Towson University, BTPS in Allied Health cGPA: 3.03 sGPA: 3.14 Graduate GPA: N/A CASPA submitted: 5/22/15 CASPA verified: 6/05/15 Age at time of application: 38 Attempt: 1st GRE: 316 V: 165 Q:151 Writing: 4.0 LOR: 1 Academic advisor/ professor, 2 PA Patient Care Experience: 21,000+ (8 year Navy Corpsman, 3 year ER tech/ CNA, volunteer EMT) Research: 0 Shadowing: 24 hours (outpatient derm PA, inpatient hospitalist PA) Schools applied to: 12 (13 campuses): Arcadia (both campuses), Barry, Baylor, Des Moines, Desales, Harding, Penn State, Rosalind Franklin, University of Florida, University of Missouri, University of North Texas, Wake Forrest Interview offer: Des Moines, Penn State, University of Florida, Wake Forrest Interview attended: Des Moines, Penn State, Wake Forrest Waitlisted: N/A Denied: Arcadia (both campuses), Penn State, University of Missouri, University of North Texas Accepted: Des Moines, Wake Forrest Withdrawn: Barry, Baylor, Desales, Harding, Rosalind Franklin, University of Florida Attending: Wake Forrest It can be done. Research the programs; every program, and find the right fit for you. I pared my list down from over 200 schools to these 12. I was invited to interview at 3 out of the top five schools I felt I was competitive at. If you have a low GPA, look for the words "holistic review" and have a strong application. Know how you compare to the averages and do not give up. There are hundreds of seats every year and you only need one. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marktheshark89 Posted November 21, 2015 Share Posted November 21, 2015 Undergrad Ed School: East Carolina University Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.38 (3.32 CASPA) Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.17 Age at application time : 22 1st GRE: 148q 148v Analytical - 3.0 2nd GRE: 148q 150v Analytical - 4.0 (Don't know if i should retake the GRE for this application cycle). Direct Patient Care : Medical scribe - 1,147 hours Shadowing orthopedic surgeon/PA and cardio-thoracic surgeon - 300 hours Extracurricular/Research Activities: Undergraduate assistant for general biology lab. Graduate research assistant in the biology department. Internship at Vidant Medical Center. University anatomy tutor. Athletics. Schools Applied: High Point, Elon, Campbell, East Carolina, South College Application Submitted Date: September 2015 - November 2015 Schools Received Application Date: September 2015 - November 2015 Interview Invites: Denied: High Point Withdrew Application: Waitlisted: Accepted: You definitely want a GRE of 300+ to be competitive. Your GPA is on the lower side, and you dont have any good direct patient care experience. I'd take a year, retake the GRE, get 2000 hours of work as a CNA, EMT, etc, and then try again if this year doesnt work out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksebzda Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 Undergrad Institution: Temple UniversityDegree: BS, KinesiologyGPA: 3.82Science GPA: 3.78Graduate Institution: University of Delaware Degree: MS, Exercise Science GPA: 4.0Science GPA: 4.0CASPA Verified GPAs: Cumulative: 3.85Science: 3.83Age at Time of Application: 24GRE Scores: Verbal - 160, Quantitative - 160, Writing - 4Patient Care Experience: 80 hours as exercise physiologist in stress test lab, 100 hours as a hospital volunteer Shadowing Experience: 80 hours family practice NP Research Experience: 300 hours (at time of application) as research assistant (graduate), 100 hours as research assistant (undergrad) Community Service/Extracurricular: 360 hours as teaching assistant (A&P lab), 1000 hours as officer for women's club volleyball team (undergrad), additional activities included senator for graduate student government, ambassador and peer mentor for honors program at TU, and peer mentor for student-athletes at TU Awards/Honors: Undergrad - Magna Cum Laude, Outstanding Senior in Kinesiology, Dean's List, Honors Program Director's List, Temple Scholars Award; Graduate - Full Graduate Funding, Neeve's Award for Outstanding Master's Thesis Schools Applied: Thomas Jefferson University Arcadia University (Glenside campus) Penn State Hershey Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PA campus) DeSales University Philadelphia University Interviews:Jefferson Arcadia Penn State PCOM (declined)Accepted: Jefferson, Arcadia, and Penn StateWaitlisted: N/A Withdrawn: PCOM, DeSales, and Philly URejected: N/AAttending: Thomas Jefferson University!!!! Comments: This was my first year applying and I was really nervous about my lack of direct HCE/PCE hours. I think I made up for my lack of hours with a strong undergrad and graduate GPA, strong GRE scores, and good letters of recommendation. I also spent a lot of time preparing for the interviews by researching the programs that I was applying to and prepping answers to common interview questions. I also owned up to the fact that I was lacking in hours at my interviews (stating I knew that this was where my application was the weakest) and instead trying to highlight other areas of my applications, such as my research hours, etc. If anyone has any questions they want to ask, please feel free to PM me! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mm7711 Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 Undergraduate Ed School: West Chester University of PA; B.S. Exercise Science Cumulative Undergrad GPA: 4.0 Science GPA: 4.0 CASPA Verified: August 24th Age at time of application: 21 GRE Scores: 159- Quantitative; 160- Verbal; 4.5- Writing Direct Patient Care Experience: ~400 hours CNA in assisted living facility Health Care Experience: 500 hours volunteer work in emergency department/ambulatory care Shadowing: ~100 hours (urgent care, gen surgery, internal medicine, NICU, nephrology, vascular, peds, etc.) Community Service/Extracurricular Activities: member of Phi Epsilon Kappa honors society; vice president of campus Habitat for Humanity chapter; volunteer work for American Red Cross Schools Applied: Arcadia (both campuses), Philadelphia U, DeSales, Thomas Jefferson, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, King's College Interviews: Arcadia (Delaware), DeSales, Thomas Jefferson, PCOM (declined interview at King's) Accepted: Arcadia (Delaware), DeSales, Thomas Jefferson, PCOM Attending: DeSales University!!! The best piece of advice I can give everyone is to be confident in yourself and to be yourself at the interviews. I didn't really prepare much for the interviews and just answered the questions honestly. Good luck to everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambulance13 Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 Undergraduate Education: Florida State University, BS in Interior Design Cumulative GPA (per CASPA): 3.65 Science GPA (per CASPA): 4.0 Graduate GPA: N/A CASPA submitted: 5/20 CASPA verified: 5/22 Age at time of application: 26 Attempt: 2nd GRE: Verbal: 155, Quantitative: 157, Writing: 4.0 LORs: 1 professor, 1 PA, 1 Nurse Manager Direct Patient Care Experience: - CNA in Hospital: 1,400 hours at time of application (now 2,440): Shadowing: - About 50 hours with 2 ortho PAs, and an Oncology PA. Honors/Awards: - Dean’s List all through college Volunteering: - 120 hours at the local hospital - 240 hours at an orphanage in South Korea Schools applied to: Barry (St. Pete), South University Tampa, South University Savannah, Midwestern University Downers Grove, Pace, Pacific, UNE, UC Davis, Philadelphia, Chatham, Touro, DeSales Rejected: Philadelphia Interview Invites: South Tampa, South Savannah, Midwestern, Pace, UC Davis, DeSales, Chatham Interviews Attended: South Tampa, South Savannah, Midwestern Waitlisted: None Accepted: South Tampa, South Savannah, Midwestern Withdrew: Barry, Pace, UC Davis, DeSales, Chatham, UNE, Pacific, Touro Attending: South University Tampa I am so super stoked to be going to South!! To all those non-traditional students, don’t lose hope!! I did my undergrad in an arts degree and that didn’t hold me back. I applied last year (last minute) with a very weak and rushed application and not surprisingly got rejected. This year around I prepared better and expanded my school selection. I got interviews at quite a few of the schools I applied to, and got accepted at all of the ones I interviewed at which was pretty amazing. Congrats to everyone else getting accepted this cycle, and good luck all those still waiting to hear back :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elw3491 Posted November 23, 2015 Share Posted November 23, 2015 Undergraduate Education: University of Maryland, BS in kinesiologyCumulative GPA (per CASPA): 3.50Science GPA (per CASPA): 3.51Graduate GPA: N/ACASPA submitted: May 1CASPA verified: 5/7/2015Age at time of application: 24Attempt: 1stGRE: Verbal: 153, Quantitative: 163, Writing: 4.0LORs: 1 professor, 1 PA, 3 physiciansDirect Patient Care Experience: 2,500 hours clinical assistant at a hospital in Neuro IR200 hours assisting/scribing in plastic surgery300 hours assisting in orthopedicsResearch:2,000 hours doing clinical research in Neuro IR and 13 publicationsShadowing:50 hours shadowing a PASchools applied to: Towson, Anne Arundel, GWU, Drexel, Thomas Jefferson, Temple, Rush, Cornell, Pace, LIU, Northeastern, BU, MGHInterview Offers: Towson, Rush, Northeastern, Anne Arundel, Temple, TJU, PaceInterviews attended: Towson, Rush, NortheasternWaitlisted: Rush (withdrew from waitlist)Accepted: TowsonWithdrew: Temple, TJU, Anne Arundel, RushRejected: MGH, BU, Northeastern, and assuming everywhere else I haven't heard fromAttending: Towson/CCBC! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BG92 Posted November 23, 2015 Share Posted November 23, 2015 Undergrad Education: Towson University Cumulative Undergrad: GPA: 3.51a Science Undergrad GPA: 3.32 Post-Baccalaureate GPA: 4.00 (7 Credits – 2 Courses) Overall GPA: 3.54 Age at time of application: 23 Attempt: 1st Application Submitted Date: 6/08/2015 Schools Received Application Date: 6/30/2015 Direct Patient Care Experience: About 1,730 hours at time of application as an EMT, etc. Volunteering: Over 3,700 hours at my local volunteer Fire Station. Shadowing: -125 hours shadowing various Physicians in Trauma Centers and Intensive Care Units. -95 hours shadowing Urgent Care/Emergency Physician Assistant. -70 hours shadowing surgical Physician Assistant Schools Applied: Towson University/CCBC, West Liberty University, University of the Sciences of Philadelphia, Saint Francis University, Philadelphia University, Pace University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kings College, Hofstra University. Interview Invites: Towson University/CCBC, Saint Francis University, Philadelphia University, and University of the Sciences of Philadelphia. Interviews Attended: Towson University/CCBC Denied: Pace University Withdrew Application: West Liberty University, University of the Sciences of Philadelphia, Saint Francis University, Philadelphia University, Pace University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kings College, Hofstra University. Waitlisted: None. Accepted: Towson University/CCBC Attending: Towson University/CCBC! Extremely excited to be attending my number one choice in programs, Towson/CCBC. I almost didn't apply this year because I didn't think I had a chance of getting in but I have received interviews at 4/5 schools that I heard from. I interviewed at my number one school first and didn't need to interview at any other schools after being accepted. I had great letters of recommendation, and I prepared for my interview for over a month. Make sure you submit your application early and do everything you can to prepare for the interview. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bb38 Posted November 25, 2015 Share Posted November 25, 2015 Undergraduate Education: Texas Tech Univ., BA Psychology/Biology cGPA: 3.7 sGPA: 3.6 Post-baccalaureate: 4.0 (Statistics, Chem1, Chem2, OChem, A&P2, Genetics) Graduate Education: UT Dallas, MS Neuro in progress Graduate GPA: 3.9 CASPA submitted: 6/6/15 CASPA verified: 6/12/15 Age at time of application: 24 Attempt: 1st GRE: V: 152 (54%) Q: 155 (60%) Writing: 4.0 (56%) LOR: 1 Professor, 1 PA, 1 Supervisor Patient Care Experience: >2500 hours Clinic Staff Assistant orthopedic surgery Research: 350 hours Molecular Pathology program assistant, 220 hours Human Factors Psychology research assistant, >400 hours PTSD study research assistant Shadowing: 20 hours (13 hrs family medicine PA, 7 hrs ortho PA) Schools applied to: UTSW, UNTHSC, TTUHSC, Baylor Interview offer: UNTHSC Interview attended: UNTHSC Waitlisted: N/A Denied: UTSW, TTUHSC (too many pre-reqs in progress for the latter during fall 2015) Accepted: UNTHSC Withdrawn: Possibly Baylor Attending: UNTHSC!! I figured as much as I used this forum to maintain sanity and find hope during the app process, I would give back so other prospective PA students can feel the same. The feedback I got from schools where I was rejected was that my LORs were "less-than-stellar," likely because I asked my writers last minute. Every aspect of your application counts. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cstrawser Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 Undergraduate Education: University of Illinois; BS in Kinesiology cGPA: 3.8 sGPA: 3.8 Post-baccalaureate: 4.0 (Microbiology) Graduate Education: N/A CASPA submitted: 9/23/15 CASPA verified: 10/03/15 Age at time of application: 29 Attempt: 1st GRE: V: 160 (85%) Q: 158 (64%) Writing: 4.5 (80%) LOR: 1 Professor, 3 PAs, 1 EMS Coordinator Patient Care Experience: >7500 hours: 3100 ER HCT, 1600 EMT-B, 800 Army Medic, 2000 Paramedic (Approximates) Research: None Shadowing: 110 hours (70 hrs Army PA, 12 hrs orthopedic PA, 18 hrs Primary Care PA, 10 hrs ER PA) Schools applied to: Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) Interview offer: SIU Interview attended: SIU Waitlisted: N/A Denied: None Accepted: SIU Withdrawn: None Attending: SIU First time applying. SIU was my first choice; since I didn't want to go anywhere else, I didn't apply to any other school. They received my application on 10/16/15, and received an invite to an interview on 11/16/15 the same day. I did not try and memorize any interview answers; in order to keep my answers genuine, and not seem like I only had rehearsed answers. I guess hard work and genuineness really does pay off. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Lafleur Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 I guess hard work and genuineness really does pay off. Has anyone ever argued otherwise in the history of the world? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yesIMbob Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 Undergraduate Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, BS in Biology, minor in psychology cGPA: 3.58 sGPA: 3.41 CASPA submitted: July 1,2015 CASPA verified: July 21,'2015 Age at time of application: 28 Attempt: 1st GRE: V: 156 Q: 154) Writing: 4.5 LOR: clinical supervisor, PA, and MD Patient Care Experience: 6000 ER Tech, 1200 EMT Research: None Shadowing: 21 hrs with ICU PA, 10'hrs ER MD, 10 hrs ER PA Schools applied to: Touro Nevada, Wingate, Wakeforest, UTMB, Elon, UNE, NAU, Nova Southeastern. Interview offer: All schools Interview attended: NAU and UTMB Waitlisted: N/A Denied: NAU Accepted: UTMB Withdrawn: All others Attending: UTMB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erincieslak Posted December 2, 2015 Share Posted December 2, 2015 Undergraduate Education: Monmouth University Class of 2016, BS in Biology with a concentration in Molecular Cell Physiology cGPA: 3.85 sGPA: 3.96 Graduate Education: N/A CASPA submitted: 6/20/15 CASPA verified: 7/09/15 Age at time of application: 21 Attempt: 1st GRE: V: 155 (67%) Q: 149 (37%) Writing: 3.5 (38%) I did not prepare much for the GRE's because only 2 schools that I applied to required them and they were not my top choices to begin with. LOR: 4 Professors for a compiled faculty letter, 1 Orthopedic Surgeon, 1 Boss Patient Care Experience: approximately 1500 hours (EMT, medical volunteer at Special Olympics, hospital volunteer) Research: 1 year working with MRSA and essential oil treatments Shadowing: approximately 100 hours with various ortho PAs Schools applied to: Hofstra, Monmouth, Rutgers, Drexel, DeSales, Stony Brook, Arcadia Interview offer: Hofstra, Monmouth, Rutgers Interview attended: Hofstra, Monmouth, Rutgers Waitlisted: N/A Denied: Rutgers, Arcadia, Stony Brook Accepted: Hofstra, Monmouth Withdrawn Acceptances: Monmouth Have Yet to Hear From: Drexel, DeSales (but I am withdrawing my applications from these programs) Attending: Hofstra Class of 2018!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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