Ask a PA Admissions Director

[paadmissions]

@topsey Thank you for your question. Based on the stats you've provided it seems as if you'd be a competitive applicant on paper. Our program looks at the combined V&Q score for the GRE so I think you're ok, but pay attention to what the programs you apply to want to see for each section before you decide to retake the test. Hope this helps. 

`Here's my stats:

 

Graduated magna cum laude, Bradley University 2003, major psych, minor studio art.

GPA/science GPA is solid. Guessing around 3.6 or so. 

Post-bacc at SIUC. Don't know what my official CASPA GPA is...but I think I've gotten more A's than B's.

Have a smattering of W's on the transcript, but address it in my PS.... so it is what it is.

 

Over 2500 HCE in home healthcare, post-acute rehab facility for people recovering from traumatic brain injuries, and ICU unit secretary/CNA.

 

40+ hrs shadowing a family practice PA and a pediatric PA

 

30+ hrs volunteer at children's hospital - playing with kiddos in the onc dept/ensuring their families have a positive experience in general

100+ hours volunteer at resale shop (all proceeds go to the children's hospital)

20 hours hospice volunteer

400 hours direct service volunteer - women's center that helps survivors of domestic/sexual abuse

30 hours tutoring elementary school kiddos

 

1500 hrs undergrad research assistant with a child neuropsych lab

 

GRE: 155 verbal 67%, 146 quant 25% (me don't add so good), 5 analytical writing 93%.

 

Other things: pretty confident that I have a bitchin' personal statement, will have decent LOR from 1 professor, 1 volunteer coordinator, 1 PA.

 

Question: I want to apply this year...probably by the end of this week. Should I take the GRE again because my math score was so low???????

[rnfromAZ]

PA Admissions director-

 

Thank you for your advice. I am planning to apply to one program that I have been considering. I have another issue going on that I need some advice on. I am taking a summer session (accelerated timeline) upper division science course that I have found to be terribly delivered. Unfortunatly, my grade is suffering and because it is on an accelerated timeline, the withdraw date is passed and I am locked into this course, and am hoping for a C. Do you think it would be taken into consideration that this C may be from extenuating circumstances, in light of my GPA for the other upper division course I am taking and the rest of my science coursework taken in the past year (approx 45 credits) is a 4.0?

 

Of course, I will repeat this class at another institution to prove I can handle the material. I have taken and gotten a 4.0 in a similar class last semester, so this material was not foreign to me.

 

Thank you 

[Typophsyco]

Hello!

 

Thank you so much for the time you have taken to answer all of our questions!

 

I have a question about Health Care Experiences (HCE.) I realize that different schools require and probably prefer different types of experience, but are there any types of experiences that you feel really help prepare students for the PA cirriculum.

 

For example, I see many students on this forum who have a wide range of HCEs. Many served in the military, did Peace Corps, traveled on missions trips, and have been EMTs or CNAs for years. I, on the other hand, have completed most of my hours as a medical scribe in offices and in emergency departments. I have dabbled in other areas for community service and extra hours here and there, but I feel as if my list is much shorter than other successful applicants, even though our hours may total to the same.

 

Do you think there is a preference for an applicant to have a very wide range of experiences, one very influential and extreme experience (like Peace Corps), or sticking to one experience and really getting to know that experience? Or are all applications that meet the hour requirement (if there is one) considered equally and as a whole to better the committee's picture of the applicant as a person?

 

Additionally, the mean age for PA school accepted students is well above the age of many graduating undergraduates. Do admissions committess take age and student status into consideration when reviewing HCE?

 

I'm sure it is best to have many hours in many fields, however, as a full-time undergraduate student working a full-time job, I find it impossible to find more hours in my week for anything more without taking time off before applying- something I am very resistant to do.

[paadmissions]

@rnfromAZ I do think it may raise some concern because it is so recent. I've been a part of a class where the delivery method was not very effective, but be careful how you address that if asked. Be sure to discuss it dispassionately and avoid putting every bit of the the blame on the instructor. Make sure to talk about what you've learned from the experience, i.e. which delivery method works best for you, what, if any changes, did you attempt to make during the class to ensure you would understand the material, and if you attempted to talk with the instructor outside of class. Before placing all the blame on the instructor, which may very well be the case, be sure you consider all angles of how and why. I hope this helps!

PA Admissions director-

 

Thank you for your advice. I am planning to apply to one program that I have been considering. I have another issue going on that I need some advice on. I am taking a summer session (accelerated timeline) upper division science course that I have found to be terribly delivered. Unfortunatly, my grade is suffering and because it is on an accelerated timeline, the withdraw date is passed and I am locked into this course, and am hoping for a C. Do you think it would be taken into consideration that this C may be from extenuating circumstances, in light of my GPA for the other upper division course I am taking and the rest of my science coursework taken in the past year (approx 45 credits) is a 4.0?

 

Of course, I will repeat this class at another institution to prove I can handle the material. I have taken and gotten a 4.0 in a similar class last semester, so this material was not foreign to me.

 

Thank you 

[paadmissions]

@typestudent Thank you for your question. From our standpoint, there is not one particular position that we prefer over another. That said, we encourage as much hands-on experience and exposure to PAs that you can get.  Our program does count scribe hours and there are other programs that do not. So depending on where you apply make sure you're not going to have to pick up another position to meet the requirement.  What we're looking for through HCE is that you gain insight into the medical field, whether it's learning the characteristics of a good provider (having compassion, knowledge, integrity, etc), the PA/physician relationship, dependability, a decent understanding of the inner workings of the medical team, and that you have a comfort level working with patients.  PA school is such a short amount of time so to have a good starting point in the areas I've mentioned above is beneficial to you especially when you get into your clinical year and then ultimately as a provider. 

In regards to your age question...I get that question a lot and to be honest we can't hold age for or against you in the application process. I honestly don't care if your 21 or 52, it's all about how you demonstrate, through your application and interview process, that you're mature and ready to handle the task before you. Keep in mind, there can be non-traditional students who act more immature than some of our traditional students and there are some traditional students who act less mature than the non-traditional students. It's all about how you represent yourself. 

Hope this helps!

Hello!

 

Thank you so much for the time you have taken to answer all of our questions!

 

I have a question about Health Care Experiences (HCE.) I realize that different schools require and probably prefer different types of experience, but are there any types of experiences that you feel really help prepare students for the PA cirriculum.

 

For example, I see many students on this forum who have a wide range of HCEs. Many served in the military, did Peace Corps, traveled on missions trips, and have been EMTs or CNAs for years. I, on the other hand, have completed most of my hours as a medical scribe in offices and in emergency departments. I have dabbled in other areas for community service and extra hours here and there, but I feel as if my list is much shorter than other successful applicants, even though our hours may total to the same.

 

Do you think there is a preference for an applicant to have a very wide range of experiences, one very influential and extreme experience (like Peace Corps), or sticking to one experience and really getting to know that experience? Or are all applications that meet the hour requirement (if there is one) considered equally and as a whole to better the committee's picture of the applicant as a person?

 

Additionally, the mean age for PA school accepted students is well above the age of many graduating undergraduates. Do admissions committess take age and student status into consideration when reviewing HCE?

 

I'm sure it is best to have many hours in many fields, however, as a full-time undergraduate student working a full-time job, I find it impossible to find more hours in my week for anything more without taking time off before applying- something I am very resistant to do.

[rnfromAZ]

PA admissions director-

 

Would it be worth mentioning this in my CASPA letter of intent; that I have learned what coursework delivery methods work better for me and that I will keep this in mind going forward with prerequisites? Or leave that out and if interviewed, touch on that then

 

Thanks!!

[paadmissions]

@rnfromAZ I would phrase it similar to that but add a little meat to it, meaning you have learned how to adjust to deliveries that may not always be suited for you and recognize when these changes or further guidance need to be made or seeked out. Hope this helps.

PA admissions director-

 

Would it be worth mentioning this in my CASPA letter of intent; that I have learned what coursework delivery methods work better for me and that I will keep this in mind going forward with prerequisites? Or leave that out and if interviewed, touch on that then

 

Thanks!!

[pdjags]

@paadmissions  Good evening! I have a dilemma and desperately need some advice. Although many applicants are posting about being "competitive" with their higher GPAs, I am very concerned about my low GPA. My BCP GPA calculated by CASPA is only a 2.62. To quote another user, I "majored in my social life" and partied too much my first two years. In addition, my last two years were full of very difficult and heavy credit-loaded semesters in order to "make up for lost time". Although I retook classes during my undergrad, all of my poor grades are included in my calculated GPA. Since graduating college two years ago, I have been working as a medical assistant. At the same time, I have been trying to remedy my situation by taking science classes, and I plan to continue taking more after I submit my applications in order to try and increase my GPA. My prerequisite GPAs are high, and my overall GPA and GRE scores all meet the necessary requirements.

 

I am applying to programs in the Southeast, and Methodist is one of my top choice schools. However, I am very concerned that even if I continue taking classes, I will not meet the requirement of a 3.0. I calculated what my GPA would be after taking six additional courses and getting only As and high Bs. It only brings my BCP GPA to an 2.83. My question is....what should I do?! Should I communicate with each school that I am applying to, let them know about my situation, and ask them about their policy on CASPA generated BCP GPAs? Or should I withdrawal all of my applications, take time/years to take more classes, and then apply later? 

 

Thank you in advance for all the time you are spending answering these detailed questions! It is so greatly appreciated! 

[DStillwagon]

@paadmissions I'm sorry if this has been asked because I haven't had the time to read thru all the past posts, but my question is this: what stands out the most to ADCOMs when looking through applications? Obviously one has to meet all the requirements for that program to even be considered, so what's the next criterion for inviting applicants to the interview? I'm so nervous that even though I probably look great on paper that I won't even be selected for interviews because of the sheer volume of applications.

 

Thank you!

[DStillwagon]

I guess I could post my stats.

 

Associate in medical laboratory science. GPA 3.5ish

 

Bachelor's in organizational leadership. GPA 3.97

 

CASPA overall GPA 3.6, science 3.2 (did poorly in online MLT to MT program)

 

6 years HCE as certified MLT with phlebotomy

 

Will be shadowing a PA within the next few weeks.

 

Taking GRE Tuesday, but practice was 150Q and 150V. I'm a very good writer so AW should be high.

[hat0001]

Hello! I have enjoyed reading this very informative thread! I was hoping you could give me your opinion on my chances of getting accepted to PA school. Here are my stats:

 

Major: Biomedical Sciences from Auburn University-cum laude

 

Overall GPA: 3.5

Science GPA: 3.1

   - I took over 70 credit hours of science courses..with most being upper level as I APed out of quite a few lower level classes! 

GRE: Verbal 162 Quantitative 155 (317 total) writing 4.5

 

HCE: About 2500 hours as a Clinical Allergy Specialist. I perform allergy testing, give allergy injections, mix immunotherapy medications, various patient care within a primary care facility working with all levels of providers including PAs, NPs, MDs, and DOs.

 

Research: I worked for over a year as a research tech in a Nephrology lab with about 2500 hours of research. Worked mostly basic science research, but was also responsible for updating and organizing clinical research databases.

 

PA Shadowing: 40 hours all in primary care

 

Volunteer work: ~300 hours working for American Cancer Society planning Relay for Life, about 200 other volunteer hours as well

 

My LORs are: 1 MD, 1 NP, and 1 from a DO

 

I really think the only thing holding me back is my science GPA! Do I stand a chance?? I am also limited in the number of schools I can apply to as I took comparative anatomy and mammalian physiology instead of Human A&P. I really want to apply this cycle if I can be competitive. 

 

Thank you!

[paadmissions]

@pdjags Thank you for your question and I believe we just spoke on the phone, but I will post my response just for information. Every program will look at or weigh the GPAs differently. We weigh prerequisite GPA and GRE scores the highest out of selection factors. Of course we weigh overall GPA and look for quality experience, but the other two carry a little more weight. We like to see applicants who exceed the prerequisite GPA recommendation (prefer to see a competitive range of 3.4-3.6+), courses being taken at a 4 year institution (at least the upper level bio and chem requirements), and of course an upward trend in academic performance. Unfortunately, other programs may look at things differently, but from our standpoint that's pretty spot on with what we're looking for. If you have not already, you may want to briefly address your academic "hiccups" early on, make sure to mentioned what you've learned from it and what you've done to improve upon it. Hope this helps!

@paadmissions  Good evening! I have a dilemma and desperately need some advice. Although many applicants are posting about being "competitive" with their higher GPAs, I am very concerned about my low GPA. My BCP GPA calculated by CASPA is only a 2.62. To quote another user, I "majored in my social life" and partied too much my first two years. In addition, my last two years were full of very difficult and heavy credit-loaded semesters in order to "make up for lost time". Although I retook classes during my undergrad, all of my poor grades are included in my calculated GPA. Since graduating college two years ago, I have been working as a medical assistant. At the same time, I have been trying to remedy my situation by taking science classes, and I plan to continue taking more after I submit my applications in order to try and increase my GPA. My prerequisite GPAs are high, and my overall GPA and GRE scores all meet the necessary requirements.

 

I am applying to programs in the Southeast, and Methodist is one of my top choice schools. However, I am very concerned that even if I continue taking classes, I will not meet the requirement of a 3.0. I calculated what my GPA would be after taking six additional courses and getting only As and high Bs. It only brings my BCP GPA to an 2.83. My question is....what should I do?! Should I communicate with each school that I am applying to, let them know about my situation, and ask them about their policy on CASPA generated BCP GPAs? Or should I withdrawal all of my applications, take time/years to take more classes, and then apply later? 

 

Thank you in advance for all the time you are spending answering these detailed questions! It is so greatly appreciated! 

[paadmissions]

@dstillwagaon Thank you for your question. That's a hard question to answer and the unfortunate thing about the # of applicants we have applying for a limited number of seats is that we have to turn away quality applicants. That said, a few things that may help applicants get an interview:

• Exceed academic and clinical hour selection factors.
• Of course programs will look at non-cognitive factors like your volunteer positions,leadership positions, consistency in most everything that you do (e.g. holding down a job), solid letters of recommendation
• Whether through your CASPA application or supplemental application, demonstrate that you understand the mission/vision of the program. For example, if you want to eventually practice in a metropolitan area and practice in a surgical setting, you should not apply to a program whose goal is to place primary care providers in underserved areas.  It's not going to be a program that would best fit what you want to do upon graduation.

If you do get an interview be sure to prepare for your interview as much as you prepare your application. In my opinion, the interview process is what really solidifies one's seat in a program. I hope this helps and if this year doesn't work out and you are competitive try again next year. Some have to apply more than once for PA school. 

@paadmissions I'm sorry if this has been asked because I haven't had the time to read thru all the past posts, but my question is this: what stands out the most to ADCOMs when looking through applications? Obviously one has to meet all the requirements for that program to even be considered, so what's the next criterion for inviting applicants to the interview? I'm so nervous that even though I probably look great on paper that I won't even be selected for interviews because of the sheer volume of applications.

Thank you!

[paadmissions]

@dstillwagon Before I would say you're a competitive applicant I would want to look at the following in regards to your coursework:

• Performance (GPA) in the prerequisites
• Where you took the majority of your biology and chemistry requirements, especially the upper level courses (university level vs. community college/online vs. in-the-classroom)
• If you had a rocky transition with some of your sciences, what did you do to show improvement

All other factors look solid (pending official GRE scores), but consider the above information carefully and see if there is any room for improvements. Hope this helps.

I guess I could post my stats.

Associate in medical laboratory science. GPA 3.5ish

Bachelor's in organizational leadership. GPA 3.97

CASPA overall GPA 3.6, science 3.2 (did poorly in online MLT to MT program)

6 years HCE as certified MLT with phlebotomy

Will be shadowing a PA within the next few weeks.

Taking GRE Tuesday, but practice was 150Q and 150V. I'm a very good writer so AW should be high.

[paadmissions]

@hat00001 Thank you for your question. I agree with your assessment of your science GPA and that may be the factor that may weaken your competitiveness. I would also want to see your performance in the prerequisites to see if that supports your science GPA, and if you want to open yourself up to more options you could consider taking a Human A&P. If your science GPA is around a 3.1 you may have to go back to retake some of the prerequisites to be competitive so you could slid that in as a course to take. You may want to look into meeting with the programs that interest you to see if you should wait and make the necessary course work improvements before you apply. Hope this helps!

 

Hello! I have enjoyed reading this very informative thread! I was hoping you could give me your opinion on my chances of getting accepted to PA school. Here are my stats:

 

Major: Biomedical Sciences from Auburn University-cum laude

 

Overall GPA: 3.5

Science GPA: 3.1

   - I took over 70 credit hours of science courses..with most being upper level as I APed out of quite a few lower level classes! 

GRE: Verbal 162 Quantitative 155 (317 total) writing 4.5

 

HCE: About 2500 hours as a Clinical Allergy Specialist. I perform allergy testing, give allergy injections, mix immunotherapy medications, various patient care within a primary care facility working with all levels of providers including PAs, NPs, MDs, and DOs.

 

Research: I worked for over a year as a research tech in a Nephrology lab with about 2500 hours of research. Worked mostly basic science research, but was also responsible for updating and organizing clinical research databases.

 

PA Shadowing: 40 hours all in primary care

 

Volunteer work: ~300 hours working for American Cancer Society planning Relay for Life, about 200 other volunteer hours as well

 

My LORs are: 1 MD, 1 NP, and 1 from a DO

 

I really think the only thing holding me back is my science GPA! Do I stand a chance?? I am also limited in the number of schools I can apply to as I took comparative anatomy and mammalian physiology instead of Human A&P. I really want to apply this cycle if I can be competitive. 

 

Thank you!

[skumar]

@paadmissions

 

At the time of application, I had one pre-req in progress (microbiology). The program I have been accepted to does not require the pre-req course I was taking as a term of admission (only recommended). If this is the case, does this mean I don't have to report the course since I have admission? or should I report my grade anyway?

 

Thanks

[DStillwagon]

Associate in medical laboratory science. GPA 3.5ish

 

Bachelor's in organizational leadership. GPA 3.97

 

CASPA overall GPA 3.6, science 3.2 (did poorly in online MLT to MT program:

It was an online program that I really had no desire to do, only went with it because my boss wanted me to; it required watching and listening to online lectures and I was staying up all night after my evening shifts, which means I wasn't sleeping well. Those 5 classes were B's and C's and really screwed my GPA).

 

Prerequisite GPA 3.8

 

6 years HCE as certified MLT with phlebotomy

 

Will be shadowing a PA within the next few weeks.

 

Taking GRE Tuesday, but practice was 150Q and 150V. I'm a very good writer so AW should be high. Update: took GRE yesterday. 157Q, 150V, waiting for AW.

[BobSaget]

.

[ecec890]

@paadmission

 

Hey paadmissions, I was wondering if I would be considered for any interviews with this stats:

 

Major: Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Cumulative GPA: 3.30

Science GPA: 3.31

 

HCE:

2500+ Hours as a general medical technologist

700+ Hours as an assistant manager in the clinical medical molecular department

~100 hours shadowing a PA in orthopedic surgery

 

Certifications: ASCP, BLS, and a few miscellaneous ones for the laboratory

 

LOR: one from a PA, one from my director of the molecular laboratory, one from my manager

 

I will be taking the GRE in August as well but I am mostly applying to schools that do not require the GRE.

 

I am also concerned about a C- that I received in general microbiology which was then followed by B+ in a clinical microbiology sequence course I took afterwards. Would schools look at all the microbiology courses I took or would they just account for the general microbiology?

 

Thank you so much for your help!

 

 

 

[Illigsc]

@PA admissions,

 

In your experience, and looking toward the future, how important is HCE? Seems that more and more schools are gearing away from the requirement. Let's say I am an applicant with low amount of HCE (600 hrs direct care Home Health) but still meeting min requirements and a high GPA 3.9 in Microbiology, will I fare better or worse compared to an applicant with lower grades but better HCE (say a med tech or EMT for example)? I realize this is program dependent, but if you could give me a general answer that would be great.

[curiousprepa]

Hi PA Admissions Director, are you wililng to look over the following stats?

 

Red flags on my PA application

• I currently have a GPA that is slightly above 3.0 on my CASPA.
• I previously withdrew from a nursing program. I also failed out of another nursing program.

Things I plan to do for admissions

• I am planning to take about 24 credit of science courses, which will raise my GPA slightly above 3.10, I may even retake some of my courses to raise my GPA slightly above 3.20
• I am planning to do work as a CNA to fulfill HCE experience
• I plan to take the GRE
• I also plan to shadow PAs and MDs

If I were to consider admissions into a PA program, then what else should I do to strengthen my application? Do you think I would have a good chance?

[paadmissions]

@skumar Thank you for your question. I would recommend you submit the final grade just so they have it for your records. Hope this helps. 

@paadmissions

 

At the time of application, I had one pre-req in progress (microbiology). The program I have been accepted to does not require the pre-req course I was taking as a term of admission (only recommended). If this is the case, does this mean I don't have to report the course since I have admission? or should I report my grade anyway?

 

Thanks

[paadmissions]

@dstillwagon I would assume that your prerequisite GPA is solid and will be competitive for most programs. With what you've provided I think you'll be ok, but it never hurts to ask programs to review your transcripts and offer feedback on whether or not you should apply. I hope this helps! 

Associate in medical laboratory science. GPA 3.5ish

Bachelor's in organizational leadership. GPA 3.97

CASPA overall GPA 3.6, science 3.2 (did poorly in online MLT to MT program:
It was an online program that I really had no desire to do, only went with it because my boss wanted me to; it required watching and listening to online lectures and I was staying up all night after my evening shifts, which means I wasn't sleeping well. Those 5 classes were B's and C's and really screwed my GPA).

Prerequisite GPA 3.8

6 years HCE as certified MLT with phlebotomy

Will be shadowing a PA within the next few weeks.

Taking GRE Tuesday, but practice was 150Q and 150V. I'm a very good writer so AW should be high. Update: took GRE yesterday. 157Q, 150V, waiting for AW.

[paadmissions]

@disregardless Thank you for your question. I know it is a pain, but I would email the programs you're applying to to see if that is an issue. From our program's standpoint, we require 8 additional semester hours of biology so if you've taken two additional 4 semester hour courses, outside of the intro to Biology (i.e. A&P II, Cell Biology, Medical Micro, etc) we would aim for counting those to fulfill the requirement. Hope this helps!

@paadmission

 

I have a question!

 

I went to Boston College and BC did away with their traditional Gen Bio Labs that go with their Gen Bio courses. The Labs therefore have been made into a separate 3 credit course called INVEST/MOLECULAR CELL BIO

 

My dilemma is if I should email/call every program I applied to clarifying this because one of the schools I applied to emailed me regarding this issue and thought my application was incomplete because they did not see the obvious Gen Bio Lab courses.

 

What should I do? D:

[paadmissions]

@ecec890 Thank you for your question. I would say you're probably average with the applicant pool when it comes to your GPA and have the possibility of being consider further. I would break it down even further to see what your prerequisite GPA is to see if there are any classes you may need to retake to exceed program recommendations even further. In regards to your Micro class, double check with the programs if your clinical micro class will fulfill the requirement. If they don't accept it, I'm almost 100% positive that you may need to retake it because you've scored a C-. I hope this helps!

@paadmission

 

Hey paadmissions, I was wondering if I would be considered for any interviews with this stats:

 

Major: Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Cumulative GPA: 3.30

Science GPA: 3.31

 

HCE:

2500+ Hours as a general medical technologist

700+ Hours as an assistant manager in the clinical medical molecular department

~100 hours shadowing a PA in orthopedic surgery

 

Certifications: ASCP, BLS, and a few miscellaneous ones for the laboratory

 

LOR: one from a PA, one from my director of the molecular laboratory, one from my manager

 

I will be taking the GRE in August as well but I am mostly applying to schools that do not require the GRE.

 

I am also concerned about a C- that I received in general microbiology which was then followed by B+ in a clinical microbiology sequence course I took afterwards. Would schools look at all the microbiology courses I took or would they just account for the general microbiology?

 

Thank you so much for your help!