Undergraduate education: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overall GPA: 3.67
Science GPA: 3.46
GRE: 308
PA-CAT: Did not take
Total PCE hours: 1600 – I was a Patient Care Assistant on a Medical Neurology and Family Medicine floor.
Total HCE hours: 615 – I was an Undergraduate Research Assistant working on the localization of hormones in the brain.
Shadowing hours: 73 hours. I spent time cold calling clinics and emailing every PA I could find on my hospital’s directory. I also inquired with my managers at the hospital and they were able to reach out to a few PAs that they were good friends with. It was a struggle but worth it!
Volunteer hours: 1318. I volunteered at many places during my time in undergrad and my gap years. I was President of a volunteer based club, Love Your Melon. I also volunteered at the local hospital and Ronald McDonald House. Once I was in my gap years, I started volunteering on a research based team at The United Way… it was the best opportunity!
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 25
Gender: Female
How many programs did you apply to? I chose PA school because I love collaboration, lifelong learning and I love people. The backbone of this profession is the ability to work independently while also collaborating in order to provide the best care possible for your patients. I also chose this career because I love human connection, which PAs find on a daily basis with their patients and colleagues. Now as I end my first year of school, I realize that all these values of Physician Assistants still ring true and I am so proud of my profession.
How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? 10 schools. 3 interviews. 3 acceptances.
Where will you be attending? Des Moines University
Anything you found interesting about interviews: I was amazed at how much it was an interview for us too. With COVID, it’s hard to get a good feel of the school so it was pivotal that I gain all the information about the school as possible during the interview.
Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, webinars, etc) you used to get through prerequisites courses, the application or interview process? I lived off of the PA Platform and their books. I wouldn’t have gotten in without it!
Any advice for other pre-PA students? The interview process is terrifying – but you already did the work to get you there. Make sure to show them your true, professional self and let your passion shine through. (Oh and don’t forget some good zoom lighting!)
Where can we find you? (Instagram, TikTok, Website, etc) Instagram – @mollypappin
