Re-Application Plans?

[gopherpig]

So I've had two interviews - one was a rejection, one still pending. And the rest of my schools have yet to get back to me. At this point, I'm feeling pretty strongly that reapplication is going to have to be my next move. 

 

Because I don't really have a solid amount of PCE, I really wanted to try and get going on this now before the next cycle opens up. But I was also looking at taking some classes to increase my GPA. 

 

Just kinda wondering if anyone knows if it is encouraged or frowned upon to ask the admissions of the schools interviewed with for some constructive feedback. Going into this cycle, I half expected not to get any interviews because of my lack of hours.. but getting a couple was a bit confusing. Not sure if I should be focusing on gaining hours (only hesitant b/c I have a full-time job I want to keep and it has been a real struggle to gain additional employment in my location around my current schedule) or if I should try to improve my GPA (not horrible sGPA 3.52; overall GPA 3.67 - not including some phlebotomy credits for a class I took late last year).

 

For me, I felt like my rejection interview went really well. And it's a program I would love to attend, so I really want to improve for next year - but I want to spend my time in the most effective way. Has anyone else contacted programs and received specified critiques that were beneficial? Or should I simply try to improve in multiple ways overall? 

[pa2016x]

So I've had two interviews - one was a rejection, one still pending. And the rest of my schools have yet to get back to me. At this point, I'm feeling pretty strongly that reapplication is going to have to be my next move. 

 

Because I don't really have a solid amount of PCE, I really wanted to try and get going on this now before the next cycle opens up. But I was also looking at taking some classes to increase my GPA. 

 

Just kinda wondering if anyone knows if it is encouraged or frowned upon to ask the admissions of the schools interviewed with for some constructive feedback. Going into this cycle, I half expected not to get any interviews because of my lack of hours.. but getting a couple was a bit confusing. Not sure if I should be focusing on gaining hours (only hesitant b/c I have a full-time job I want to keep and it has been a real struggle to gain additional employment in my location around my current schedule) or if I should try to improve my GPA (not horrible sGPA 3.52; overall GPA 3.67 - not including some phlebotomy credits for a class I took late last year).

 

For me, I felt like my rejection interview went really well. And it's a program I would love to attend, so I really want to improve for next year - but I want to spend my time in the most effective way. Has anyone else contacted programs and received specified critiques that were beneficial? Or should I simply try to improve in multiple ways overall? 

 

 

if you don't mind me asking how many PCE hours did you accumulate? Also I feel like your GPA is fine. you should just improve your PCE. 

[MT2PA]

You need PCE.  

 

You can ask for feedback but be prepared to get a canned 'With so many applicants we can't provide personalized feedback'.  If you get a response it will more than likely be about your app as a whole and not necessarily specific interview help.  They might simply tell you that you didn't interview well and not tell you WHY, if that is indeed the issue.  Usually it's "We got so many great applicants this year and we just can't accept them all".

[twototango]

I received both personalized and not so personalized feedback. It was worth it to me to ask.

 

I would also recommend you get more PCE hours.

 

Good job for trying to be on top of things, but keep your head up! You still haven't heard from many programs.

 

 

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[Natalie2018]

So I've had two interviews - one was a rejection, one still pending. And the rest of my schools have yet to get back to me. At this point, I'm feeling pretty strongly that reapplication is going to have to be my next move.

 

Because I don't really have a solid amount of PCE, I really wanted to try and get going on this now before the next cycle opens up. But I was also looking at taking some classes to increase my GPA.

 

Just kinda wondering if anyone knows if it is encouraged or frowned upon to ask the admissions of the schools interviewed with for some constructive feedback. Going into this cycle, I half expected not to get any interviews because of my lack of hours.. but getting a couple was a bit confusing. Not sure if I should be focusing on gaining hours (only hesitant b/c I have a full-time job I want to keep and it has been a real struggle to gain additional employment in my location around my current schedule) or if I should try to improve my GPA (not horrible sGPA 3.52; overall GPA 3.67 - not including some phlebotomy credits for a class I took late last year).

 

For me, I felt like my rejection interview went really well. And it's a program I would love to attend, so I really want to improve for next year - but I want to spend my time in the most effective way. Has anyone else contacted programs and received specified critiques that were beneficial? Or should I simply try to improve in multiple ways overall?

Hey! I applied twice, before getting accepted.

 

My first go around (2014-15) was right after I graduated undergrad and I submitted late and did not have any real PCE outside of volunteering at a hospital. I also had a very similar GPA as you, maybe even lower. I received one interview and was placed on the waitlist.

 

As I was rejected from programs I emailed them and asked what I could improve on in my application, and got feedback from many of the programs.

 

I decided the main things I was going to focus on was PCE and getting my application in sooner.

 

I had gotten my CNA license right after submitting my CASPA in 2014 so I continued working full time as an aide, and also continued shadowing a PA when I could and volunteering at a local free clinic.

 

I had gotten a C in anatomy and physiology 1 the first time around so I did decide to take that again but otherwise I didn't mess with my GPA.

 

I reached out to my potential LOR writers (2 PAs, MD, science professor, and an RN I worked with) in March and informed them what the process would look like in hopes that they could submit their letters within a week or two of CASPA opening. I also edited my personal statement before CASPA opened. I was able to submit my CASPA 2 days after it opened and received 2 interview invites and was accepted to both programs.

 

All of that to say, I would encourage you to reach out to your programs and see where they feel you are lacking and work on that. But also, do some self reflection and see where you think your application is weak and not representing the PA you can be. I get that its hard to get PCE, but honestly in my experience that's probably the number one thing programs look at so I would think if you improved in that area it would make you a much stronger applicant than if you improved your GPA by a few points.

 

Best of luck to you as you continue on this journey!

 

 

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[loliz]

Please wait until you actually get rejected before you request feedback. 

 

IF it makes you feel better-- I interviewed at 3 programs in October. The week of Christmas I was accepted to one, two weeks later accepted to another, and two weeks later than that was placed on waitlist for a third. Keep in mind that PA schools are not only putting energy into reviewing applicants---they are actually running an active program as well ;)

 

That being said-- if you reapply, make sure you show initiative. Personal and professional growth, strong grades in any course you take, community involvement and by all means you will need to edit your PS, but don't do it now- it will need to be updated depending on how you as a person develop. 

 

Good luck!