Advice Please!

[coolandhot]

I am writing this letter to communicate that even though my GPA is not what is expected of average students who apply to PA programs, they are not reflective of who I am as a student and as an human being. I believe very strongly that I was affected by outside justifying conditions and that recent improvement in my grades along with my nurturing demeanor and passion for medicine makes me a prime candidate for your Physician Assistant program. On paper I understand that I may look standard, however if given the possibility to interview, you will observe that my personality and generous yet humble nature really pops through in meeting with me. I knew when I applied that my GPA from Los Angeles Valley College between (Spring 2004) and UCLA extension between the years (2006-2010) were below average. Nevertheless, I believe that there were extenuating circumstances that have prevented me from meeting existing grade point standards. One of these circumstances was my Father’s untimely death. Because my father and I were extremely close, his passing away affected my schooling. It was during this period that I received a “D” in “Bio 3” from Los Angeles Valley College. I repeated “Bio 3” the following semester at Los Angeles Valley College and earned a “B”. I appealed and Los Angeles Valley College gave me“grade forgiveness” for the “D” - CASPA did not factor this in the calculation of my GPA, and therefore lowered my GPA significantly. The second circumstance was the diagnosis of Keratoconus. Which is what my doctors where were telling me what was causing me rapid degeneration of my vision. During my time at UCLA, this disorder made sitting in the class room and reading material exceedingly difficult. To make matters poorer, treatments were minimal at best. After years of meeting with many specialists I was able to find help and my vision is finally healthy. Despite this time in my life, I never gave up in the 8 years I have been working towards my goal of receiving an acceptance letter. Furthermore, I have managed to work multiple full time jobs to get by, maintain my grades, participate in community services, volunteer at my local hospital, shadow Physician assistants, be loving as well as supportive son to my mother, and get engaged to a loving woman who has proved to be my side through thick and thin. My life has been very blessed. My experience with fall backs and failures has made me grateful and more mature. I have developed an even deeper respect for the medical advancements in the era we live in and to the new technologies that where available to my father and me. I have become extremely motivated to pursue this field in order to take responsibility for my and other peoples well being. The pain of that experience directed my path in life: to bring health and education to as many others as I can while helping each individual far beyond the grounds of a hospital. Since this very difficult period in my life, my grades have improved measurably. My average Science GPA which was 2.5 approximately a year ago is now at a 3.0. Whatever decision is made upon my acceptance, with respect to my admission, I completely respect it. It has and always will be my vision to become a PA. Under the circumstances of being admitted, I understand the curriculum is going to be difficult; however, I am excited about the opportunity and am willing to do whatever is necessary to accomplish this goal. I want to be a medical professional who not just loves science but who practices science with love, respect, and compassion. The challenge to succeed in an arduous but auspicious objective through medicine is enormously gratifying. As a P.A., I would be diagnosing illnesses and finding specific methods for counteracting imbalances while acting with professional care. There is no place I would rather be than making choices that change lives for the better. Patients would feel that they are in the best of care because they genuinely would be. Holding a degree from your school will allow me to provide the care to individuals who need medical attention and will give me the possibility to give back to my school of choice and to my community. Thank you for your time and consideration. I very much look forward to growing as a student and as a health care professional with your school.

[coolandhot]

I am writing this letter to communicate that even though my GPA is not what is expected of average students who apply to PA programs, they are not reflective of who I am as a student and as an human being. I believe very strongly that I was affected by outside justifying conditions and that recent improvement in my grades along with my nurturing demeanor and passion for medicine makes me a prime candidate for your Physician Assistant program. On paper I understand that I may look standard, however if given the possibility to interview, you will observe that my personality and generous yet humble nature really pops through in meeting with me. I knew when I applied that my GPA from Los Angeles Valley College between (Spring 2004) and UCLA extension between the years (2006-2010) were below average. Nevertheless, I believe that there were extenuating circumstances that have prevented me from meeting existing grade point standards. One of these circumstances was my Father’s untimely death. Because my father and I were extremely close, his passing away affected my schooling. It was during this period that I received a “D” in “Bio 3” from Los Angeles Valley College. I repeated “Bio 3” the following semester at Los Angeles Valley College and earned a “B”. I appealed and Los Angeles Valley College gave me“grade forgiveness” for the “D” - CASPA did not factor this in the calculation of my GPA, and therefore lowered my GPA significantly. The second circumstance was the diagnosis of Keratoconus. Which is what my doctors where were telling me what was causing me rapid degeneration of my vision. During my time at UCLA, this disorder made sitting in the class room and reading material exceedingly difficult. To make matters poorer, treatments were minimal at best. After years of meeting with many specialists I was able to find help and my vision is finally healthy. Despite this time in my life, I never gave up in the 8 years I have been working towards my goal of receiving an acceptance letter. Furthermore, I have managed to work multiple full time jobs to get by, maintain my grades, participate in community services, volunteer at my local hospital, shadow Physician assistants, be loving as well as supportive son to my mother, and get engaged to a loving woman who has proved to be my side through thick and thin. My life has been very blessed. My experience with fall backs and failures has made me grateful and more mature. I have developed an even deeper respect for the medical advancements in the era we live in and to the new technologies that where available to my father and me. I have become extremely motivated to pursue this field in order to take responsibility for my and other peoples well being. The pain of that experience directed my path in life: to bring health and education to as many others as I can while helping each individual far beyond the grounds of a hospital. Since this very difficult period in my life, my grades have improved measurably. My average Science GPA which was 2.5 approximately a year ago is now at a 3.0. Whatever decision is made upon my acceptance, with respect to my admission, I completely respect it. It has and always will be my vision to become a PA. Under the circumstances of being admitted, I understand the curriculum is going to be difficult; however, I am excited about the opportunity and am willing to do whatever is necessary to accomplish this goal. I want to be a medical professional who not just loves science but who practices science with love, respect, and compassion. The challenge to succeed in an arduous but auspicious objective through medicine is enormously gratifying. As a P.A., I would be diagnosing illnesses and finding specific methods for counteracting imbalances while acting with professional care. There is no place I would rather be than making choices that change lives for the better. Patients would feel that they are in the best of care because they genuinely would be. Holding a degree from your school will allow me to provide the care to individuals who need medical attention and will give me the possibility to give back to my school of choice and to my community. Thank you for your time and consideration. I very much look forward to growing as a student and as a health care professional with your school.

[coolandhot]

I am writing this letter to communicate that even though my GPA is not what is expected of average students who apply to PA programs, they are not reflective of who I am as a student and as an human being. I believe very strongly that I was affected by outside justifying conditions and that recent improvement in my grades along with my nurturing demeanor and passion for medicine makes me a prime candidate for your Physician Assistant program. On paper I understand that I may look standard, however if given the possibility to interview, you will observe that my personality and generous yet humble nature really pops through in meeting with me. I knew when I applied that my GPA from Los Angeles Valley College between (Spring 2004) and UCLA extension between the years (2006-2010) were below average. Nevertheless, I believe that there were extenuating circumstances that have prevented me from meeting existing grade point standards. One of these circumstances was my Father’s untimely death. Because my father and I were extremely close, his passing away affected my schooling. It was during this period that I received a “D” in “Bio 3” from Los Angeles Valley College. I repeated “Bio 3” the following semester at Los Angeles Valley College and earned a “B”. I appealed and Los Angeles Valley College gave me“grade forgiveness” for the “D” - CASPA did not factor this in the calculation of my GPA, and therefore lowered my GPA significantly. The second circumstance was the diagnosis of Keratoconus. Which is what my doctors where were telling me what was causing me rapid degeneration of my vision. During my time at UCLA, this disorder made sitting in the class room and reading material exceedingly difficult. To make matters poorer, treatments were minimal at best. After years of meeting with many specialists I was able to find help and my vision is finally healthy. Despite this time in my life, I never gave up in the 8 years I have been working towards my goal of receiving an acceptance letter. Furthermore, I have managed to work multiple full time jobs to get by, maintain my grades, participate in community services, volunteer at my local hospital, shadow Physician assistants, be loving as well as supportive son to my mother, and get engaged to a loving woman who has proved to be my side through thick and thin. My life has been very blessed. My experience with fall backs and failures has made me grateful and more mature. I have developed an even deeper respect for the medical advancements in the era we live in and to the new technologies that where available to my father and me. I have become extremely motivated to pursue this field in order to take responsibility for my and other peoples well being. The pain of that experience directed my path in life: to bring health and education to as many others as I can while helping each individual far beyond the grounds of a hospital. Since this very difficult period in my life, my grades have improved measurably. My average Science GPA which was 2.5 approximately a year ago is now at a 3.0. Whatever decision is made upon my acceptance, with respect to my admission, I completely respect it. It has and always will be my vision to become a PA. Under the circumstances of being admitted, I understand the curriculum is going to be difficult; however, I am excited about the opportunity and am willing to do whatever is necessary to accomplish this goal. I want to be a medical professional who not just loves science but who practices science with love, respect, and compassion. The challenge to succeed in an arduous but auspicious objective through medicine is enormously gratifying. As a P.A., I would be diagnosing illnesses and finding specific methods for counteracting imbalances while acting with professional care. There is no place I would rather be than making choices that change lives for the better. Patients would feel that they are in the best of care because they genuinely would be. Holding a degree from your school will allow me to provide the care to individuals who need medical attention and will give me the possibility to give back to my school of choice and to my community. Thank you for your time and consideration. I very much look forward to growing as a student and as a health care professional with your school.

[Corpsman2PA]

Is this your Personal Statement? It reads to me more like a list of excuses for under performance. Do we all have obstacles that affect us? Yes. But you're painting a picture that, to me, says "See it wasn't my fault." Personally, I would mention rather succinctly about your fathers passing and medical condition and how that affected you and your school performances. Then move on and tell us more about your experiences in healthcare. Why would a school take a chance on somebody based on their plea bargain? What happens if you encounter another rough patch in PA school? Will your grades crumble? Seems like a gamble/liability that I personally wouldn't want to take as an Adcom. Many times when applicants explain their bad grades its due to a "rough patch." But then, when everything is fine and dandy they get excellent grades. This to me says, "when I'm stressed I fall apart, when I'm not- I do fine." I want somebody that can still perform even when the cards are stacked against them. Losing your father most definitely had an impact on your grades, no doubt about it. As well as your medical condition. But mention it succinctly (less than a paragraph) and then prove to me that you're ready for my PA program. Don't plea with me to accept you.

I'm not inclined or intrigued to meet you based off of this. I want somebody that gets my attention and is interesting that I would like to meet in person.

[Corpsman2PA]

Is this your Personal Statement? It reads to me more like a list of excuses for under performance. Do we all have obstacles that affect us? Yes. But you're painting a picture that, to me, says "See it wasn't my fault." Personally, I would mention rather succinctly about your fathers passing and medical condition and how that affected you and your school performances. Then move on and tell us more about your experiences in healthcare. Why would a school take a chance on somebody based on their plea bargain? What happens if you encounter another rough patch in PA school? Will your grades crumble? Seems like a gamble/liability that I personally wouldn't want to take as an Adcom. Many times when applicants explain their bad grades its due to a "rough patch." But then, when everything is fine and dandy they get excellent grades. This to me says, "when I'm stressed I fall apart, when I'm not- I do fine." I want somebody that can still perform even when the cards are stacked against them. Losing your father most definitely had an impact on your grades, no doubt about it. As well as your medical condition. But mention it succinctly (less than a paragraph) and then prove to me that you're ready for my PA program. Don't plea with me to accept you.

I'm not inclined or intrigued to meet you based off of this. I want somebody that gets my attention and is interesting that I would like to meet in person.

[Corpsman2PA]

Is this your Personal Statement? It reads to me more like a list of excuses for under performance. Do we all have obstacles that affect us? Yes. But you're painting a picture that, to me, says "See it wasn't my fault." Personally, I would mention rather succinctly about your fathers passing and medical condition and how that affected you and your school performances. Then move on and tell us more about your experiences in healthcare. Why would a school take a chance on somebody based on their plea bargain? What happens if you encounter another rough patch in PA school? Will your grades crumble? Seems like a gamble/liability that I personally wouldn't want to take as an Adcom. Many times when applicants explain their bad grades its due to a "rough patch." But then, when everything is fine and dandy they get excellent grades. This to me says, "when I'm stressed I fall apart, when I'm not- I do fine." I want somebody that can still perform even when the cards are stacked against them. Losing your father most definitely had an impact on your grades, no doubt about it. As well as your medical condition. But mention it succinctly (less than a paragraph) and then prove to me that you're ready for my PA program. Don't plea with me to accept you.

I'm not inclined or intrigued to meet you based off of this. I want somebody that gets my attention and is interesting that I would like to meet in person.