Pre-Pa Question:

[1231nal]

Quick Question about acceptance. So my GPA will be around 3.3-3.34 by the time of graduation. I am a general Biology major at a small liberal arts college in Illinois. I have amassed 1750 hours of Float CNA work in a 265 bed hospital, and around 3000 HCE as an ER-Tech in a 20 bed ED. I have been on 6 mission trips all around the country and world, and numerous other small missions locally. (India, Honduras, Cleveland, Detroit, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Manchester KY, Kalamazoo MI, Memphis) The mission trip to India was partly a medical mission trip. I have been volunteering continuously for my church for as long as I can remember. Member of my colleges Pre-Med Society. Member of Phi Thetta Kappa Honor Society. Two of my medical mentors are PA's and allow me to shadow them. I have not taken the GRE yet, but am obviously hoping I get 300+.

 

I have been extremely passionate about becoming a PA for about 5 years now (I am only 20). I want to do mission work around the world when I become a PA, because that is what I feel called to do. 

 

My one question and only concern is my GPA. If my GPA doesn't look that great, but the schools see my passion for medical mission work and for becoming a PA, will the lower GPA (3.3ish) be okay?

 

 

I know this is an overused question, but I am just interested in what people have to say.

              Thanks in advance!

[Glorious_Ignoramus]

There is no subbing for a low-ish GPA.  Fortunately, with a 3.3 you meet the threshold cut-off for many schools, so at least your application won't be denied outright.  The paid HCE hours are there, the volunteering is there, with a 3.3+ I'd say you have a decent shot.

 

Have you considered D.O. school?

[woodlingj]

I'm just a fellow pre-PA applicant so take my advice appropriately but from what I've seen, I think many of the younger (successful) applicants tend to have high GPAs and lower PCE hours. However, because you have a lot of hours at such a young age, you're a very unique applicant. I think schools will certainly be able to see your dedication to healthcare and for some schools that is more important than GPA. I think you could get a few interviews if you apply strategically. Apply to schools that value PCE more than GPA and especially the ones that value helping the underserved. If you highlight your mission work, that will certainly be a strong point in your application. My advice would be to maybe make your GPA your first priority until you graduate and if that means cutting back on working, you might consider that. Your hours as is are good, if you can get your GPA closer to the 3.4 or 3.5 range you'd be in really good standing.

[corpsman89]

Don't mind Glorious_ignoramus. You can definitely sub for a lower GPA. If you go to the accepted stats page you can see plenty of candidates that were accepted into schools with your GPA and your amount of PCE.

[Petunia]

I think you sound great!  I agree with the person above... finish with your GPA as strong as you can... you are so rounded in other ways, that's the only part that you need a little push.  But regardless, I think you will get interviews.

I am also very interested in medical missions around the world.  Apply heavily to Christian-based private schools.  I think you will be a desirable candidate at the majority of schools, despite your young age.  But you have extra arrows in your quiver.

 

Good luck - you will do fine

[1231nal]

Thanks guys, and gals. I really appreciate it! This definitely makes me more confident heading into the next two years of undergrad. I am going to try my best to raise my GPA closer to 3.5. Thanks again!