suspirox Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 Hello, First of big thanks to everyone in advance for the all the post and help on this forum. Here are my stats: Age:23 Undergrad gpa: 3.3 Degree: Molecular Biology Bachelors College credits : 160+ ( I have an associates) Healthcare work/patient care hours: 8+ years Currently working as a tech w/direct patient care and clinical research. (I am certified and distinguished in my field w/ multiple publications and honors) # of schools applied:10 schools Interviewed: 2 Rejected: 4 In every one of my interviews I was always asked about my low GPA- I explained my undergrad situation I was homeless for some time/ worked 3 jobs and lost my parents all during my freshmen year. As I am well aware everyone has difficulties to overcome and I do have an upward trend and am still taking science course at my local community college with all A's. Given I have almost 9 years of healthcare experience, I think my low gpa is the reason I am not being given serious consideration. All my interviews said I had great LOR and they liked my personal statement. So my question is what can I do to become more competitive? Should I get a Masters? Retake any pre- reqs with lower then an A? I've tried to reach out and ask this question directly to the admissions committee but most schools say, they don't offer any academic counseling. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToppDog Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 Look at schools that prefer lots of HCE over stellar GPA. If all your grades since your freshman year are very good, there are schools that will take that into account. Your science GPA should probably be above 3.0 to be considered by any school though, so if it's not, yes, retake some pre-req science classes to get it up there. If you have to take the GRE, make sure you do well on that too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
balsam88 Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 Look into schools that count that last 60 credits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suspirox Posted October 21, 2012 Author Share Posted October 21, 2012 Thanks guys. I have mostly A/Bs in my pre-reqs w/ the exception of Orgo and 1 high 450 bio course. My down fall during undergrad was that I focused on my science courses more then my gen-eds so for example I have c's in latin or computer for just purely being immature and not time-efficient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lemon Bars Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 Is a 3.3 gpa really considered low at all PA schools across the country? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suspirox Posted October 21, 2012 Author Share Posted October 21, 2012 Unfortunately YES. The reality is you are competing against pre-meds w/ 4.0 who were not successful in attaining a seat in med school. Will they make great PA students? yea sure, but I hope admission committees consider people who really want to be a PA for the profession and are excellent clinicians with hours of hands on patient care experience. I hope I don't sound bitter but that's how I see things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briepm Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 Unfortunately YES. The reality is you are competing against pre-meds w/ 4.0 who were not successful in attaining a seat in med school. Will they make great PA students? yea sure, but I hope admission committees consider people who really want to be a PA for the profession and are excellent clinicians with hours of hands on patient care experience. I hope I don't sound bitter but that's how I see things. Actually for what it's worth, it's just as common if not more so that those applying to med school didn't get into PA school.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suspirox Posted October 21, 2012 Author Share Posted October 21, 2012 def..and going back on my comment, thats not to say pre-PAs don't have 4.0s either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Steve Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 First year applying? You have now had great exposure, learning how to fine tune your application. What do you do for your health care experience? You mentioned papers you have had published but failed to mention what the field was. Have you contacted the schools where you were rejected from and asked why? How confident are you that your two interviews were stellar? See any room for improvement? Have those two schools actually rejected you too or are you cycling into a worst case scenario way of thinking? You may be on your way to PA school and not even know it.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suspirox Posted October 22, 2012 Author Share Posted October 22, 2012 My healthcare experience is in the field of ophthalmology. I work in a multi-specialty practice with retina, peds, cornea, and primary care. I also assist in the ambulatory surgery center side by side with the surgeons. My research is the same field, specifically diabetic retinopathy in minorities and developing new ocular therapeutics. This year I will be presenting my research at a national convention for ophthalmologist. I also volunteer as a tech for disabled and non- verbal children every weekend. As far as knowing if my interviews went well, I can only speak on my experience of course, but I tried to be genuine and sincere with everyone. I have contacted the schools and I either get NO response or a "we received many applications this year and cannot offer u a seat" response, with no specifics. I truly hope I get into PA school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedicinePower Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 I think you also need to cast a wide net. PA school admission is very competitive so in order to get somewhere you'll have to apply more widely. If I get into PA school in Wyoming then I'll be moving to Wyoming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMaistre Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 There has to be something you are not telling us. With those stats, you should be getting accepted to one of those 10 schools. I have seen recent applicants with stats much worse get accepted. Either you are applying to the wrong schools or there is something else in the mix. It just doesnt make sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suspirox Posted October 22, 2012 Author Share Posted October 22, 2012 Well thank you, I guess I'll take that as a complement. Truthfully, I've spilled the beans, so much in fact i'm afraid some admissions might see this and recognize my app. I have applied broadly, I'd go to Alaska if that's what it took. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cinntsp Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 This is where your personal statement comes into play. You need to put a positive spin on what you went through and demonstrate how it has made you a stronger applicant. Own that GPA when you're interviewing. Tell the interviewers that you had some hiccups due to a rough time in your life and what you learned from it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mestizo_beats Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 I'm in the same boat with cgpa 3.3 and science gpa 3.3. at least you got interviews. I'm still waiting to hear from any school I applied to :-/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ct10 Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 i think you need to have more confidence. how can you convince them your capable and deserving if you don't believe that yourself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LabMouse Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 I've agreed with some others. Based on your experience, it doesn't seem to be that low of a GPA. I don't have a great GPA: (Science 3.34, Non-science 3.65, Total: 3.48), but I really highlight the work I do in the field to show I'm capable. I do have a certification that CASPA didn't factor into the GPA (in Medical Technology), but your experience sounds just as good. I don't think the problem is your GPA, but I do think you need to learn how to sell yourself to programs that fit you. Highlight the great things, mention why things aren't where they necessarily should be, and more than anything, express your desire to be a PA! It worked for me, with one acceptance with two more interviews on the way with my top three programs :) Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beattie228 Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 I completely agree with some of the other posters here. Your GPA isn't at the top of the spectrum, but it's certainly not at the bottom either. A PA I work with put it really eloquently when I was leaving to fly for my interview at my top choice. She told me "You're not interviewing for a seat at their school. You're interviewing to be a future colleague of theirs in 2 years time." If you're getting an interview offer, they seen something on paper that they liked about you and are now wanting to meet you in person to confirm their original decision. Embrace the positive things you have to offer to the programs student body, and have good answers prepared to possible questions for some of the areas you feel you're not as competitive in. Best of luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Steve Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 "You're not interviewing for a seat at their school. You're interviewing to be a future colleague of theirs in 2 years time." If you're getting an interview offer, they seen something on paper that they liked about you and are now wanting to meet you in person to confirm their original decision. Best of luck! I agree wholeheartedly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgdog Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 ummmm nevermind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkles9708 Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 I got in with a similar GPA and less experience. Like someone else said its not like all the schools you applied to you got rejections from, you did atleast get 2 interviews. Just try to be confident and practice interviewing with someone you know won't "sugarcoat" how well you do in a mock interview. I also got approached about my low GPA and one school I actually had to persuade the committe that my academic issues were behind me and that I knew I could make it through their program. BE YOURSELF in your interviews and also be professional. I really think a couple of my interviews last year would have ended up more positively had I not overthought some of the questions and answered them more personably. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brendan987 Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 Interviews are always a good sign. These people are busy, they will not bring in someone thinking that it will be a waste of time. They believe that this person is a candidate. On the flip side of the coin, I have not been invited for an interview and have higher grades than you. Grades are not everything. I would not be worried until you straight up get a letter saying "we recieved a lot of qualified applicants this year, but you are not qualified enough" letter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suspirox Posted October 23, 2012 Author Share Posted October 23, 2012 Yea I tried my best for my personal statement to really shine- I had friends and professors proof-read it and had several drafts made up. So I guess the overall consensus is not to pursue a Masters and just re-try? Mestizo- I hope you hear back, but I definitely understand where your coming from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkles9708 Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 I would update your personal statement and try and take more science classes if you can while waiting. Also try to keep getting hours and community service is also always a good idea :) Ask the schools what your weak points were, even where you had interviews so you know what to improve on for next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mestizo_beats Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 would you guys recommend going back and taking classes that you got a "C" in? ex. Biology, micro? or taking upper level science classes? (assuming I dont get into any school this cycle) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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