PA Applicant Stats Page

[236spartan]

Undergrad: Michigan State University
Major: Human Biology    Minor: Health Promotion
Originally From: Toledo, Ohio area
Age at Application Time: 23
 
CASPA cGPA: 3.43        
CASPA sGPA: 3.29
Postbacc GPA: 4.0
 
GRE: 154 verbal, 154 quantitative, 4.0 writing 
 
Patient Care Experience:
- STNA in a nursing home (300 hours)
- Living Skills Advisor at a brain injury rehabilitation center (2,100 hours)
- Clinical Assistant in a Med-Surg unit (1,300 hours)
 
Shadowing:
- Ortho PA (10 hrs) 
- Neuro PA (24 hrs)
- Respiratory PA (8 hrs)
- OB/GYN Physician (36hrs)
 
Certifications: 
- CBIS

- STNA

- BLS

 

LOR:

- Supervisor at the brain injury rehabilitation center

- OB/GYN physician

- Neuro PA
 

Schools Applied:  Philadelphia U, University of Science of Philadelphia, Arcadia, Elon, Kettering College, King's College, Marquette, MCPHS Worcester, South College (TN), Findlay, Toledo, Seton Hill

Application Submitted Date: 9/17/16

 

Interview Invites: Kettering (interviewed in November), Toledo (interviewed in January), South College (interviewed 3/17), Seton Hill (declined interview)

 

Accepted: Kettering College, South College (Knoxville, TN)
 
Attending: South College 

 

Attempt: 2nd (applied to Toledo and Ohio Dominican my senior year; rejected without interview to both)

[Sportsyn907]

Undergrad Ed School:  University of Dayton

 

Major: Pre-medicine  Minor: Psychology

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.14

Science Undergrad. GPA: 2.88

Age at application time : 30

1st GRE: N/A 

Direct Patient Care : Patient care exp - Registered Respiratory Therapist ~ over 13,000 hrs at time of application

Healthcare experience - Airway Committee - 8 hrs at time of application

Healthcare experience - AIDET Committee - 38 hrs at time of application

Extracurricular/Research Activities: NKU Health Professions Club - Health&Wellness Officer; Vice President

Division I Scholarship Athlete - 4 yrs; Team Captain

UD Flyers Optimist Club - Secretary

 

Certifications:  BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP

Schools Applied: University of Utah; Red Rocks Community College; Touro University-Nevada; University of Nevada; Arizona School of Health Sciences; Touro University-California; Dominican University of California

Interview Invites: University of Utah, Dominican University of California

 

Denied: University of Utah

Waitlisted: N/A

Accepted: Dominican University of California!!

 

Attempts: 2 (First time was to see if I could actually receive secondary applications; Second time, I applied EARLY!)  

 

I am definitely not your typical applicant!  Being a non-traditional applicant meant I had to really boost up the other areas of my application considering I do not have a stellar GPA (cumulative or science.)  I went back for Post-Bac and displayed an upward trend in my grades, especially, among my science courses (Undergrad sGPA: 2.35 -> Post-Bac sGPA: 3.24).   I got plenty of PCE in NICU, SICU, MICU, CICU, Med/Surg, TCU, and ER.  I also wrote and revised my personal statement numerous times to make it unique and true to me.  Getting the opportunity to attend a PA program took 8 years in the making, and I did everything I could to make myself the most competitive applicant that I could.  I'm an example that with perseverance and determination you can earn your rightful place in a PA program where you belong.  Do not take the process lightly, and work diligently to get where you want to be!

[sunny7788]

Hello all!!

 

I am currently a second time reapplicant after working in direct service care in mental health for 2 years and boosting up my GPA by retaking freshman level courses that I received a B-/C in. I expect my Science GPA to go up significantly since all my sciences are in A/A- range.

 

I appreciate all your posts so much since they are so informative as to what a pre- pa student profile should look like. However, the schools applied to are not any of the schools I plan to apply to and those that were mentioned, it seems like they never responded to applicants since these schools were not in waitlisted, interviewed etc lists.

 

And so I am hoping to hear from accepted PA students that were accepted to any of the following schools:

DeSales

Phil U

Barry

Pace

NYIT

Penn state

 

I would really appreciate it immensely!!

[VTkat]

Hello all!!

 

I am currently a second time reapplicant after working in direct service care in mental health for 2 years and boosting up my GPA by retaking freshman level courses that I received a B-/C in. I expect my Science GPA to go up significantly since all my sciences are in A/A- range.

 

I appreciate all your posts so much since they are so informative as to what a pre- pa student profile should look like. However, the schools applied to are not any of the schools I plan to apply to and those that were mentioned, it seems like they never responded to applicants since these schools were not in waitlisted, interviewed etc lists.

 

And so I am hoping to hear from accepted PA students that were accepted to any of the following schools:

DeSales

Phil U

Barry

Pace

NYIT

Penn state

 

I would really appreciate it immensely!!

 

Hey I am going to Pace in a couple of months. My stats are:

 

Undergrad: University of Vermont

Major: Biology

Minor: Chemistry

Age at Application Time: 22 (now 23)

 

CASPA cGPA: 3.64        

CASPA sGPA: 3.55

 

GRE: did not submit to any schools (but was 305 for Q and V and 3.5 for Writing) 

 

Patient Care Experience:

- Surgical Assistant for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery outpatient office (600 hrs)

- Licensed Nurse Assistant in Medical ICU (400 hrs)

- Medical Assistant at Dermatology practice (900 hrs; didn't count toward application since I started after becoming accepted)

 

Shadowing:

- ED PA (50 hrs)

 

Involvement and Volunteer Hours:

- Founder and President of Pre-PA Club at University

- Member of Delta Delta Delta and held various leadership positions (Chapter Correspondent, Nomination Committee Chairman, 3D Body Image Coordinator, House Manager); received Emerging Leader Scholarship and Greek New Member of the Year Award

- Rho Lambda Member

- Member of Catholic Center at University

- 100+ hours of various community service through organizations

- Weekly volunteer at local hospital's Child Life Unit (50+ hours)

 

Certifications: 

- Dental Assistant (surgical assistant job)

- LNA/CNA

- CPR

 

LOR:

- Supervisor/D.D.S. from Oral Surgery practice

- PA from ED

- Professor for 2 genetics classes

- Professor for advanced physiology class

 

Schools Applied:  Pace University, King's College, Drexel University, ATSU, Springfield College, NYIT, Phila U, MCPHS (Boston)

Application Submitted Date: CASPA: early July (maybe late June); Schools: variable (most in July, but last one at end of August)

 

Interview Invites: Springfield College, ATSU, Pace University, MCPHS (denied interview), King's College (denied interview)

 

Waitlisted: Springfield College

 

Accepted: Pace University (denied all subsequent interviews from other schools)

 

Attending: Pace University

 

Attempt: 1st

[FuturePA-S1995]

Hello all!!

 

I am currently a second time reapplicant after working in direct service care in mental health for 2 years and boosting up my GPA by retaking freshman level courses that I received a B-/C in. I expect my Science GPA to go up significantly since all my sciences are in A/A- range.

 

I appreciate all your posts so much since they are so informative as to what a pre- pa student profile should look like. However, the schools applied to are not any of the schools I plan to apply to and those that were mentioned, it seems like they never responded to applicants since these schools were not in waitlisted, interviewed etc lists.

 

And so I am hoping to hear from accepted PA students that were accepted to any of the following schools:

DeSales

Phil U

Barry

Pace

NYIT

Penn state

 

I would really appreciate it immensely!!

 

I was accepted to Phil U, feel free to DM me! 

[brandonhughey]

Well I guess I'll post here since CASPA opens in FOUR DAYS! :)

 

Undergrad Institution: Grand Valley State University

cGPA: 3.92

sGPA: ~3.95 

          - Got an A in all Bio, Physics, and Chemistry courses, but got an A- in a couple exercise science classes from sophomore year of high school...

Post-grad (3 classes- micro, chem, nutrition): 4.0

 

Age at time of application: 21

1st GRE: 145V (...), 160Q, 4.0W

2nd GRE: Retaking in June

 

Direct patient care: 1500 Hours as a Medications Technician in an Assisted Living Center 

 

Volunteer: 200 hours in PT clinics (Hospitals, outpatient, homehealth), 10-15 different random volunteering events (when I was volunteer coordinator of pre-PT club)

 

Extracurricular/Research: Volunteer Coordinator of Pre-Physical Therapy club, Phi Theta Kappa, Student Scholars Day at GVSU, Presented research at ACSM conferences, Eboard of Exercise Science Club, Exercise Physiology tutor, 300 Hours in Senior Thesis Research Project for exercise science (had subjects, trials, etc), Honors College

 

LOR: 2 LPNs (1 director of nursing, 1 shift supervisor) and Microbiology professor....... might try to get a last minute PA in there...

 

Schools will be applying to: Grand Valley State University, Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Yale, Duke, probably a couple more out of state schools.

 

Will submit application by July 1

 

I feel like my GRE score will hold me back, so I am going to attempt to retake it in June. Hoping for a better score! Let me know what you think. 

[ryebread203]

I feel like my GRE score will hold me back, so I am going to attempt to retake it in June. Hoping for a better score! Let me know what you think. 

 

brandonhughey, dont stress about the GRE score. Your combined total is above 300 and that is what matters. The GRE is generally used as a metric by which programs can make necessary first round cuts. They will look to see whether you meet the minimum required GRE score just like they will look for minimum gpa and healthcare hours. Your stats are good enough to get interview invitations. The thing you (myself included) should work in is obtaining more direct patient care hours. Good luck on the interviews.

[pabound2016]

brandonhughey, dont stress about the GRE score. Your combined total is above 300 and that is what matters. The GRE is generally used as a metric by which programs can make necessary first round cuts. They will look to see whether you meet the minimum required GRE score just like they will look for minimum gpa and healthcare hours. Your stats are good enough to get interview invitations. The thing you (myself included) should work in is obtaining more direct patient care hours. Good luck on the interviews.

 

Some programs want a minimum 150 for each GRE subscore, FYI. 

[katesters]

Undergrad Ed School: California State University San Bernardino, BS in biochemistry and minor in biology
Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.81
Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.69
Post Bachelor GPA: 4.00 (16 credit hours)

Age at application time: 24
GRE: 160 V, 154 Q, 4.0 W

Direct Patient Care: (type & hours)
CNA at skilled nursing facility- just over 2,000 hours

Shadowing:
12 hours with the NP at the SNF I work at

LOR:
Organic Chemistry Professor whom I also did research with
2 of the Charge Nurses I work with

Extracurricular/Research Activities:
~1000 hours research in O-Chem lab
I just started volunteering at a local hospital and will update my app later in the cycle

Schools Applied: (12)
Northern Arizona University
Western University
Charles Drew
UC Davis
Pacific University
OHSU
University of Wisconsin- Madison
UNTHSC
Drexel
DeSales
MCPHS-Worcester
California Baptist University

Application Submitted Date: June 15 (still working on program materials for about half of my schools)

Application Verified Date: June 20

Interview Invites: UC Davis, Western University, MCPHS Worcester, DeSales, Cal Baptist, UW Madison

Denied: UNTHSC, OHSU, Drexel, Pacific, UW Madison, Charles Drew, Western University 

Withdrew Application: MCPHS Worcester

Waitlisted: DeSales

Accepted: UC Davis, DeSales

Attempts: first 

[caseymoolah]

I ended up not attending PA school but I figured I'd post here in the hopes that it helps someone out.

 

Undergrad Ed School: Top 25 school in the southeast, B.S. Psychology
 

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.59
 

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.54


Age at application time : 24

1st GRE: 312

Direct Patient Care : 1300 hours as a medical scribe. 100+ hours as a research assistant.

Extracurricular/Research Activities: Worked as a research assistant in 2 different neuroscience labs (2 poster presentations). Was on the exec board of my undergrad's PA club.

Schools Applied: Augusta, Mercer, OU: OKC, Keck, Duke, NSU-FL, PCOM-GA, Philadelphia University

Application Submitted Date: 09/20/16

Schools Received Application Date:

Augusta: 09/06/16 (separate application process)

Mercer: 11/18/16

OU:OKC: unsure when

Keck: 11/2/16

Duke:  unsure when

NSU-FL: 09/26/16

PCOM-GA: 09/26/16
PhilaU: 09/30/16
 

Interview Invites: NSU-FL, OU:OKC, Augusta, Mercer

Denied: Keck, PhilaU, Duke, PCOM-GA, Mercer, OU:OKC

Withdrew Application: N/A

Waitlisted: Augusta, later withdrew

Accepted: NSU-FL

[NataliePA-S]

Undergrad Ed School: University of California, Berkeley

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.72

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.68

Graduate Ed School: (if applicable)

Cumulative Graduate GPA: (if applicable)

Science Graduate GPA: (if applicable)

 

Age at application time: 29

 

1st GRE:

Verbal 154 64%, Quantitative 143 14%, Analytical Writing 5.0 93%

 

2nd GRE: (if applicable)

 

Direct Patient Care: Certified Nurse Assistant ~ 3 years 2,000hrs

 

Shadowing:

PA 16hrs

Non-PA 64hrs

 

LOR: Anatomy Professor, Organic Chemistry Professor, Family Physician, Mental Health Program Director

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities:

Doula, Family nursing, Helping Babies Breath, Global health program, Pre-Op Surgery, Nursing Assistant trainee, non-profit Mental health program, Personal Care Assistant, Neuro Rehabilitation Specialist, YEAH volunteer, Expressive Art Assistant, Schistosomiasis research

 

Schools Applied:

Touro University, California

Touro University, Nevada

Samuel Merritt University

Rutgers

A.T. Still University

Marist College

Rosalind Franklin

Northwestern

Cornell

Pacific

Wichita State

Duke University

 

Application Submitted Date:

 

Schools Received Application Date: (approximate date)

 

Interview Invites:

Touro University, California

Touro University, Nevada

Rutgers

Marist College

Wichita State

 

Denied:

Samuel Merritt

A.T. Still University

Rosalind Franklin

Northwestern

Cornell

Pacific

Duke

 

Withdrew Application: NA

 

Waitlisted:

Touro University, Nevada

 

Accepted:

Marist College

 

Attempts: two

[jmll]

Undergrad: UCLA

Major: Psychobiology B.S.                 Minor: Evolutionary Medicine

 

Caspa cGPA: 3.24

Caspa sGPA: 3.03

Post-bacc: 3.47 (3 classes)

 

Age at time of application: 23 

GRE: 320 (Q: 161-79%, V: 159-82%, W: 5.0-93%)

 

Direct Patient Care: 

- Paid: Dermatology MA ~2500 hrs 

- Non-paid: Family Medicine MA ~600 hrs 

- Volunteer: Hospital Volunteer ~310 hrs

 

Extracurriculars/Volunteer: ~615 hours

- Mentorship/teaching intern for health outreach programs

- Co-founder & leadership position of non-profit health on-campus organization

- Volunteer of multiple programs working with children 

- Member of a few campus clubs & greek sorority 

 

Research: 

- undergrad researcher for neuropsychiatry epilepsy lab ~800 hours

 

Certifications:

- CPR/BLS

 

Other:

- Dean's List (2 quarters)

- co-author of 2 article publications in scientific journals

- presented research posters at on-campus science research fair twice

 

Shadowing: 

- 4 Derm PAs ~130 hours 

 

LORs:

- 1: derm MD of office I worked at

- 2: derm PA I shadowed & worked with

- 3: PhD/MD grad student I did research for cosigned by PhD faculty member

- 4: community college science professor I took most recent pre-req with

 

Application Submitted Date: late July - October 2016 (I kept adding programs & submitted as I finished apps in batches)

 

Schools applied: 20+ (mostly CA schools), which I realize is too many but I was getting nervous about not hearing back & fortunately had the resources to cast a wide net

 

Interview Invites: Chapman University, Dominican University of CA, USC 

3 out of state programs waitlisted me for an interview spot, so I definitely should have applied much earlier in the cycle 

 

Waitlisted: USC

 

Denied: a lottt..

 

Accepted: Dominican U of CA

 

Attempts: First

 

I heavily relied on this thread while starting my apps this time last year and it's crazy to finally be able to post here! I feel extremely fortunate to be granted admission on my first attempt despite my super low GPA and not taking many post-bacc credits. I was pleasantly so surprised to be offered an interview (& waitlisted) at my dream school, so you never know what can happen. I got really discouraged plenty of times especially since my subpar grades barely made the cutoffs for many programs and wanted to give up receiving rejection after rejection. But seeing other people posting about their success with low GPA's kept some optimism alive, so maybe my case will offer someone a little bit of hope! Best of luck & apply early!! Feel free to DM me & I'll help the best I can

[hustleforthePAC]

.

[kenab1]

Undergrad Ed School: Concordia University Irvine

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.49

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.18

Post Bach GPA: n/a

 

Age at application time : 22

 

1st GRE: V-159 Q-150 W-4.5

 

Direct Patient Care : (type & hours)

Nursing assistant in float pool at large hospital in Southern California: 960 hrs

Patient care attendant in float pool at large hospital in Southern California: 2680 hrs

Total: 3640

 

Healthcare Experience (non-paid):

Student intern (ER Tech): 408 hrs

Receptionist at pregnancy care center: 324 hrs

Junior volunteer nurse's aide: 640 hrs

 

Volunteer:

Peer health and Wellness education volunteer: 148 hrs

Church campus volunteer: 384 hrs

Missionary volunteer: 448 hrs

 

Shadowing:

Ortho PA: 20 hrs

Family Med PA: 16 hrs

Family Med NP: 11 hrs

ED MD: 8 hrs

 

LORs:

-Clinical supervisor who's known me for many years

-Family Med PA

-Family med NP (who's known me for many years)

-science prof

-non-science prof whom I've had for a few classes and studied abroad with

 

Schools Applied (18):

Concordia University Wisconsin, Carroll University, Baylor, U. Of South Alabama, U. Of St. Francis (Indiana), Des Moines University, St. Ambrose University, Idaho State, U. Of Findlay, Marrietta College, Campbell, Wake Forest, South College (TN), Indiana Univeristy of Health Sciences, James Madison Univeristy, U. Of Charleston, Wingate, Sullivan

 

Application Submitted Date: May 7

 

Application Verified Date: May 13

 

Interview Invites (8): Wingate, University of Charleston, Marietta College, Concordia University Wisconsin, Campbell, James Madison University, Sullivan (did not attend), U. Of St. Francis Indiana (did not attend)

 

Denied: All but Concordia and Marietta

 

Waitlisted: Concordia and Marietta

 

Accepted/Attending: Marietta College!

 

Attempts: 1st

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[k0525]

Undergrad Ed School: Boston College

Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.54

Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.98

Graduate Ed School: (if applicable)

Cumulative Graduate GPA: (if applicable)

Science Graduate GPA: (if applicable)

 

Age at application time: 25

 

1st GRE:

Verbal 161 88%, Quantitative 159 73%, Analytical Writing 5.5 98%

 

2nd GRE: (if applicable)

 

Direct Patient Care: None!

 

Shadowing:

Ortho PA 14 hours 

 

LOR: Chemistry Professor, Orthopedic PA (previously shadowed), Boss at HR job

 

Extracurricular/Research Activities:

Volunteer for newborn assistance charity, volunteer teacher at HMS MedScience

 

Schools Applied:

MCPHS University

Boston University

 

Application Submitted Date: 8/24/2016

 

Schools Received Application Date: 8/29/2016

 

Interview Invites:

MCPHS University

Boston University

 

Denied:

Boston University

 

Withdrew Application: NA

 

Waitlisted:

NA

 

Accepted:

MCPHS University

 

Attempts: 1st

 

I had very little (if any) healthcare or science background.  I was an economics major in college and had been working in Human Resources for several years after that.  I took my prerequisites while working and applied to 2 schools.  I was not expecting much with an atypical background but got interviews at both and was accepted to my top choice.  

I am more than happy to chat with anyone going through the process, especially anyone coming from an atypical background!

[mnreyes]

Undergrad Ed School: University of South Florida

CASPA Cumulative Undergrad GPA: 2.9

CASPA Science Undergrad GPA: 2.7

 

Graduate Ed School: University of South Florida Masters in Public Health, Global Communicable Diseases Program

CAPSA Cumulative Graduate GPA: 3.91

CASPA Science Graduate GPA: 3.91

 

CASPA Post Bach GPA: 4.0 (27 credits total retaken)

CASPA Post Bach Science GPA: 4.0

 

CASPA Overall Cumulative Undergrad GPA: 3.01

CASPA Overall Science Undergrad GPA: 3.0

 

Age at application time: 29

 

1st GRE: 570Q 480V 3.0W

2nd GRE: 148Q 152V 3.0W

 

Direct Patient Care:

Medical Assistant in weight loss clinic 5175 hrs

Medical Assistant in Allergy 2048 hrs

Total: 7223 hrs

 

Shadowing:

ED MD 300hrs

Family Medicine PA 30 hrs

 

Research and Volunteering:

Public Health Lab 136 hrs volunteer in MPH program

Other non medical volunteer 70 hrs

 

LOR: First Attempt I had 2 MDs and 1 PA, Second Attempt I had 2 MDs and a PA and my third attempt I had 1 MD that I worked with in Allergy, 1 PA that I shadowed and 2 PA friends of mine from undergrad, because why not lol

 

Schools Applied: 20+ over three attempts

 

Application Submitted Date: May 2016

 

Schools Received Application Date: June 2016

 

Interview Invites: North Greenville University, MGH, Florida State University

 

Denied: North Greenville and MGH

 

Withdrew Application: 0

 

Waitlisted: 0

 

Accepted: Florida State University

 

Attending: Florida State University!!!!!!!!

 

Attempt: 3

 

I've waited 6 years to post on here as I am a third time applicant and can finally say that I have been accepted into PA school!!! To all of you out there who are questioning whether you can get into PA school, I am here to say that yes it can happen. My first two tries I didn't get one single interview. After that I decided to go back and retake some of my undergraduate classes that I didn't do well in ( orgo 1, immuno, A&P1 and 2, genetics, micro, psych, stats) and aced every single one of them, which totally surprised me haha. It was definitely not an easy road and I wanted to give up so many times over the past 6 years but I am so glad that I went through it all because in the end it only made me stronger. Like it has been said so many times, apply early, write a stellar personal statement, have strong hands on experience and good letters of rec. Good luck to all the new applicants this cycle and if this is truly your dream don't give up! it can be done :)  

[bocc54]

Thank you everyone who has shared their stats and schools in here. I think this thread really helps prospective students get a good idea on which schools they should target based on their GPAs, PCE etc.

[Patricia5827]

I've been reading this forum for over a year and I am so excited to finally post on it!

 

Undergrad institution: Wayne State University (Detroit)- B.A. in Biological Sciences

CASPA Cum. Undergraduate GPA: 3.35

CASPA Science Undergraduate GPA: 3.14

 

Age at application: 22

 

GRE: (No prep time)

Quantitative - 152

Verbal - 145

Writing - 3.5

 

CASPA Application Submitted Date: 08/01/15

 

Application Verified Date: 08/20/15

 

Patient Care Experience:

-3 years as a clinical research assistant. Worked in a pathology lab using a spectrometer to collect data on brain tumors and colon. Few schools did not accept it as direct patient contact.

-1 year as a medical office assistant in a family practice. I got limited exposure working directly with patients. Many schools accepted this as direct patient contact.

 

Community Service: 350+ hours (Mostly general hospital volunteering, I was part of a school organization that arranged various volunteering opportunities in which I participated).

 

Shadow Experience: 30 hours shadowing two surgical PAs. My job as a research assistant entails lot of cooperation with different specialist (MDs) so essentially I have over 200 hours of shadowing doctors.

 

Achievements: Co-author on 2 publications in medical journals, certified phlebotomist (never used it), community scholar award, and I am forgetting few other things.

 

LOR: Pediatric Surgeon/Director of Research aka my boss, Surgical PA (shadowed), Family practice manager.

 

Schools Applied: (13) Western Michigan University, Rosalind Franklin, Eastern Michigan University, Augsburg University, University of Toledo, Drexel, George Washington university, Touro Nevada, Arizona school of Health Sciences, Duke, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Northwestern, Desales.

 

Interview Invites: University of Toledo

Rejected: All except one

 

Accepted: University of Toledo

Attempt: 1st

 

Before applying I spent hours and hours looking through almost every page on this forum. Each time I was more discouraged because my GPA, GPAs, and GRE were below average; my patient care experience was inadequate; and I was too young. So I decided to write this post to give many applicants the courage who find themselves on a crossroad of attempting get in or continue with post-Bach.

 

My single biggest mistake in my application was not submitting early. I could have had at least 2 more interviews to several rolling admission programs. After submitting my app, the waiting game beings but for me it lasted until March (kinda late). I did not receive a single interview from any place, so in January I registered for 3 science courses in a community college to boost my GPAs (btw I called few schools who rejected me and said this was my biggest problem). I even got a different job working as a rehab aide to get more patient contact experience. Even though I was devastated, I was not going to give up.

 

One day in March I received an interview invite out of the blue; mind you, at this point 12 schools already rejected me. I was more than happy to accept and went 2 weeks after (later dates were available but I wanted to go early). I prepared as much as possible, had about 25 questions written down which I could recite verbatim. Going in with low stats and being my only interview, I knew this was do or die (reapply). Listened to Lose Yourself on my drive there lol.

 

I believe the interview levels out the playing field. The admission committee knows you on paper but that's not going to help much if your personality is not well suited for this career. Fortunately for me, the whole interview process (~5 hours) went great and that's mostly due to the program director and interviewers for creating a very comfortable/relaxed atmosphere. As a matter of fact, I was considerably more nervous before going to the interview than during the actual interview. Also, I really liked everything the program had to offer, the facilities are top notch located on their integrated medical campus.

 

Suggestions: Before interview invite

1. Apply early!!! I spent so much time procrastinating on my personal statement and it did not help.

2. Shadow PAs. This is crucial.

3. Be involved in the community, volunteer, good things will happen!

 

After Invite:

1. Prepare for the interview as much as possible. When you get there, be polite to EVERYONE. Most importantly, be yourself and keep calm.

2. Send thank you notes. I know this sounds cliche but it's a professional thing to do and worked for me.

 

I hope this helps. GOODLUCK!!!

 Im going through this forum and this post really helped me. like you, my gpa isnt the best but im hoping my PCE And GRE scores will even it out. The more I read on here the more disappointed I get. Im submitting my application next week, lets hope for the best!

[Patricia5827]

Im not sure if this is the appropriate place to post this, but I would love to get some advice on my stats?

Undergraduate Institution: University of Central Florida, B.S. Sports and Exercise Science

Cumulative undergraduate GPA: 3.1

Science undergraduate GPA: 3.07

 

Post-bacc GPA: 4.0 (Did some science classes at local Community College to bump up my GPA)

 

Age: 24

GRE: 306, 5.0 writing

 

Direct patient care:

ED Scribe ~3,500 hours (The schools im applying to count scribe as direct patient care)

 

Other work experience:

Worked as a Fan Ambassador for Orlando City Soccer - 360 hours

 

Community Service:

Volunteered at local animal shelter - 100 hours

Volunteered at local cardiology office- 40 hours

Volunteered for multiple community service events through academic program while in undergrad

LOR: 2 ER PAs, 2 ER MDs, professor from post bacc college

 

 

Honors/Memberships:

Deans list- two semesters

Presidents list- two semesters

UCF LEAD Scholars- selective academic leadership program, awarded LEAD Scholars medallion upon graduation for completing program

 

 

Applying to Nova- orlando, nova-ft lauderdale, nova-ft meyers, UF, Wake Forest, and Campbell University

[ilygurlie]

^ I think you maybe have a slight chance, but I would be prepared for reapplying.

 

PCE isn't that great even though it's accepted.  I would continue taking more post bacc classes and look at schools that specifically look at past 60 credits.

[Jigglytofu]

I'm so ecstatic to be posting here ;_;

 

Undergrad: Emory University
Major: Biology    Minor: Global Health
Originally From: Atlanta, GA
Age at Application Time: 23
 
CASPA cGPA: 3.57       
CASPA sGPA: 3.3
Postbacc GPA: 3.9
 
GRE: 162 verbal, 159 quantitative, 4.0 writing 
 
Patient Care Experience:
- CNA at Emory University Oncology/Hematology floor, 7a-7p (7 months)
- CNA at Emory University Cardiovascular Med Surg floor, 7p-7a (one year)
- Live-in CNA at nursing home (two months) 
-Assistant preschool instructor/clinical research at Emory Autism Center (1.5 years)

Total hours: ~2500

 

Other Work Experience:

- Research assistant in Neuroscience/Genetics lab working with drosophila (PA schools didn't care, no one asked me about this part of my resume thank goodness lol)
 
Shadowing:
- Internal Medicine, PA in private clinic, 24 hours
- Internal Medicine, PA in hospital/nursing home/private clinic, 16 hours
- Reproductive Endocrinologist, MD, 8 hours
- Pediatrician MD, 24 hours
- Pediatrician MD, 24 hours
 
Certifications: 
- CNA

- BLS

 

LOR:

- Unit director from Cardiovascular floor 

- Internal Medicine PA I shadowed

- Comparative Vertebrae Anatomy professor from college

* Additional two LOR from my current Oncology unit director and my supervisor from the Autism Center for my application to Emory's School of Public Health
 

Schools Applied: Emory University, University of Florida, Baylor, PCOM, Quinnipiac, Rush, Rosalind Franklin, Northwestern

 

Application Submitted Date: 6/8/16

 

Interview Invites:  Rosalind Franklin (attended in September), Rush (attended in October), Emory (attended in October), Northwestern (declined interview for October), Quinnipiac (declined interview for November), Baylor (declined interview for January)

 

Accepted: Rush, Emory
 
Attending: Emory University dual degree PA/MPH program!!  

 

Withdrew:  Northwestern, Quinnipiac, Baylor

 

Rejected: Rosalind Franklin (interviewed), UF (no interview), PCOM (no interview)

 

Attempt: 1st

My essay and healthcare experience landed me the interviews, but my interviews definitely got me into the programs. I am incredibly shy and terrible at interviews, which showed through in my first one at Rosalind Franklin. It was MMI format, and I was very weak at thinking on the spot as well as processing my thoughts to articulate. I made sure to practice ALL my answers and possible scenarios for my second MMI at Rush, not to the point of being rehearsed but more so like I was giving a powerpoint presentation- I knew which points I wanted to elaborate, but I didn't memorize each answer in order for it to sound more natural. I walked away feeling confident after the interview and sure enough, I got in. 

Funnily enough, I thought I did TERRIBLE at my Emory interview. I was the only one who didn't make the admissions committee laugh during our round-table introductions, and my teeth and body were chattering/shaking the entire time so that I barely could get any words out in between the quakes. Thankfully my passions and answers really matched well with their school mission. I also prepared some "unique" selling point/answers for those questions, "why should we accept you?/what would you bring to this school?/what makes you unique?" I thought really long and hard about it and was pretty satisfied with my answers and I think they helped at the Rush and Emory interviews. Also I think the question "what do you think would be the most difficult part of PA school/being a PA?" is a chance to really showcase your maturity and wisdom- did you research the profession enough to be able to give a thoughtful answer, or are you going with a common response like, balancing schoolwork and life? One person in my group actually said he didn't think there would be any difficulties because being a PA rocks! 

Also, like everyone says, acceptances really are like a toss-up. I got interview invites to places that I thought were a reach, and rejections from places I thought I was a strong candidate for. The important thing is to pick schools that would match well with your goals, and schools that fit you (and you being a good fit for them). Also be sure you think you'll be happy there! 

TLDR; ESSAY, HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE, INTERVIEW (PRACTICE!!) Feel free to PM me with any questions, I'll be happy to answer them. I used this forum a lot when I was applying, so I hope I can give back to anyone who needs help!

[Patricia5827]

^ I think you maybe have a slight chance, but I would be prepared for reapplying.

 

PCE isn't that great even though it's accepted.  I would continue taking more post bacc classes and look at schools that specifically look at past 60 credits.

Yeah im already bracing for it. If i dont get in, im gonna take more classes and maybe find another hce

[vsrrt]

Undergraduate​: Florida Southwestern State College

Major: B.A.S in Cardiopulmonary Science

 

Age at application time: 24

 

Cumulative GPA: 3.58

Science GPA: 3.61

 

GRE: V/151 Q/148 W/4.5

 

LOR: Critical Care PA, 2 night shift Respiratory Therapy Supervisors & Respiratory Therapy Program Director at FSW.

 

Credentials: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Adult Critical Care Specialty (RRT-ACCS), Neonatal & Pediatric Specialty (RRT-NPS), ACLS, PALS, NRP, BLS, and STABLE.

 

Direct Patient Care:

Registered Respiratory Therapist at a Regional Trauma Center

Registered Respiratory Therapist at a Local Community Hospital

Both include working in ER, PACU, medical ICU, cardiac ICU, Cath Lab, NICU, L&D, Peds, rapid response and code blue team (~6000 hrs, 2.5 years and going)

 

Clinical rotations as a student Respiratory Therapist (~800 hrs, ~1.5 year)

 

Other Work: Subway Restaurant Team Leader and sandwich artist (~6000 hrs, 4 years)

 

Schools Applied (7 total): University of Florida, Adventist University, Nova - All Campuses, Barry University

 

Application Submitted Date: May 27th

 

Interviews:

Denied:

Waitlisted:

Accepted:

 

All fingers crossed.

 

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

 

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

[akrenner0991]

I am so thrilled to write on this board. 

 

I did not get that great of a GRE score- so hopefully this gives people hope!!!! (and the program i got accepted to required the GRE) 

 

 

Undergrad Ed School: Augsburg College, Minnesota 

Degree: Bachelors of Science in Biopsychology 
Cumulative Undergrad. GPA: 3.8ish
Science Undergrad. GPA: 3.8ish 


Age at application time : 25

GRE: V/147 M/147 W/4.5 

Direct Patient Care : I was a CNA, EMT in my prior years, but I have been a full time surgical technologist for 4.5 years, so all together I have around 11,000 hours 

Extracurricular/Research Activities: Beta Beta Beta National Honors Society in Biology, Psy Chi National honors society in Psychology, Cum Laude, was a research associate in an emergency room, i also did student/faculty research in undergrad 

 

Application Submitted Date: July 2016

Interview Invites: 2

Waitlisted for interview : 3

Accepted: 1 (I gave up my other interview spot) - GO CLARKSON UNIVERSITY!!!!! 

[valdivia.ashley]

Hello All!

This will be my first time applying this cycle. I have worked very hard to get here please let me know what you think or if anyone has any pointers for me. I had a to retake a few classes which I know will hurt my cumulative GPA in caspa but I am staying hopeful.

 

Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management February 2018 current GPA 3.74

 

Anatomy-B

Physiology-B

Microbiology-A

Nutrition-A

Pharmacology-A

Intro to Chem-C

Gen Chem-C

Statistics-B

Intro Psychology-B

Developmental Psy-A

ENG I-B

ENG II critical thinking-A

 

GRE-retaking

 

HCE

-4 years as a medication technician and resident assistant at an assisted living facility

-6 years as a lead laboratory technician

 

Extracurricular activities-

-Crisis Crew

-Assembling homeless kits with younger relatives/family

 

 

Volunteer-

- Crisis text line (counselor)

-Employment Enrichment program for clients with mental health conditions

 

LOR

-NP from current place of employment

-Clinical Lab Scientist from my lab department who supervises me

-RN from assisted living who was my direct report

 

 

My passion is to work in an underdeserved area preferably the San Joaquin Valley and motivate kids from small towns and be able to offer top of the line care to people who cannot commute to larger cities for healthcare.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk