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I want to apply early to schools but I only have ~1500 hours of PCE. The job I had furloughed me less than one month ago and said they would bring me back later. I'm not sure when I will be called back.
 
My stats:
cGPA and sGPA ~3.9 : ~ 85 credits of science courses. Also completed most of the recommended courses.
GRE 307 4.0AW
70 hours shadowing
300 hours volunteering
2000+ hours of leadership (in non-clinical employment in retirement home and extracurricular activities). 
5 LOR: 2 PA’s, 1 MD, A&P professor, and Volunteer Coordinator
 
Should I just apply to programs now considering that my hours aren't going to change much within the next few weeks? Would I be able to update schools with hours later on (like if I was given an interview)?
 
Thanks in advance for the advice!
 

Edited by atoy1
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I'd apply, a lot of schools have less than a 1500 PCE hour minimum. Some need over 2000 as a minimal requirement and don't think you will get cleared since that is a minimum requirement.

You'd have to work full time for 3 months to hit the 2000 mark. I think your safe applying now and when you get an interview I take that as already passing the PCE requirement. So I wouldn't be that hung up on needing to update them. They may ask what you have been doing since applying, but I wouldn't be too worried. Just find schools you meet the minimum requirement on PCE and i think you will do just fine.

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10 minutes ago, TylerV said:

I'd apply, a lot of schools have less than a 1500 PCE hour minimum. Some need over 2000 as a minimal requirement and don't think you will get cleared since that is a minimum requirement.

You'd have to work full time for 3 months to hit the 2000 mark. I think your safe applying now and when you get an interview I take that as already passing the PCE requirement. So I wouldn't be that hung up on needing to update them. They may ask what you have been doing since applying, but I wouldn't be too worried. Just find schools you meet the minimum requirement on PCE and i think you will do just fine.

Thank you for the advice! Most schools I am applying to have a 500 hour PCE requirement. I think it's probably in my favor to just submit now knowing that most schools have rolling admissions.

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3 minutes ago, atoy1 said:

Thank you for the advice! Most schools I am applying to have a 500 hour PCE requirement. I think it's probably in my favor to just submit now knowing that most schools have rolling admissions.

My opinion is the earlier the better! My stats are not on your level, so I really had to be early. 🤣 Good luck!

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Update 5/21/2020: I submitted my application to a few schools about one week ago, but I received a Medical Assistant job offer this week that would allow me to gain more PCE (40+ hours a week guaranteed for the next year which is more than what I was getting at my previous job). I applied for it after I submitted a few applications and received an immediate interview/job offer. Should I hold off on applying to the rest of my schools until I start this job? I plan on updating my application since I have this new job and have been doing virtual shadowing weekly (I know some schools don't count it as shadowing but I think it holds some value). 

Edited by atoy1
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  • 2 weeks later...

I'm in a similar situation and have decided to turn in my app within the next week and update my application with hours as soon as I find another job. 

If you don't mind, could you share the schools you are applying to with 500 PCE requirement? I have 800 PCE and have been researching schools with a lower requirement. Thanks in advance!

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