Undergraduate education: University of Houston with a degree in Management Information Systems-Business
Overall GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.7
Total PCE hours:
2000+ hours
(ER Scribe, Internal Medicine Medical Assistant, ENT Scribe)
Shadowing hours:
300+ hours
(PAs from different specialties such as orthopedics, family practice, urgent care, allergies, VA, etc)
Other volunteer hours:
300+ hours
LORs:
1 from Professor
2 from Doctors
1 from PA
1 from Corporate America ex-manager
How many times did you apply?:
1st time applicant
Age:
25 years old
Gender:
Female
How many programs did you apply to?
17 programs
How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes?
8 programs
(Accepted to 2 programs, waitlisted at 3 programs, no response yet from 1 interview, cancelled 1 interview as I was accepted, and denied at 1 program)
Where will you be attending?
Sullivan University
Any red flags on your application?
I had 2-3 Ws on my transcript from undergrad and I had to explain this EVERY time when asked about it, so be careful with withdrawals!
Also, my GRE score was VERY average compared to some of my candidates
Anything you found surprising about interviews?
One interview that I was at had us do a white coat fitting the second we walked in! I thought this was quite interesting as no other school did this
I was also surprised at how comfortable the interviews were and how BASIC some of the questions they asked were. It was so important to remain calm and collected because you prepare so much for something that turns out to be so quick and casual!
Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process?
I highly highly highly recommend Savannah's book- PA School Interview Guide! This is an awesome first book to purchase to get started with understanding how one should approach interviews. It breaks down SO much, and i would re-read it on my kindle through my phone the day of interview.
Any other advice for other pre-PA students?
Don't give up! If someone like myself can get this far, so can you. My stats are pretty average but my story wasn't and I mastered on conveying this message to interviewers! Be authentic and be honest! Try to be as competitive as possible by doing MORE than the minimum requirements for school and schools WILL notice that. And for those of you that are career changers, there is light at the end of the tunnel and it is SO worth it :)
Where can we find you?
Instagram: @pa.RIDS
