accepted

Accepted: Alissa - Dominican University of California PA Student

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Undergraduate Education: University of California, Irvine — B.S. Biological Sciences

Overall GPA: 3.36

Science GPA: 3.25

GRE: 304 (V 150, Q 154, W 5.0)

Total HCE hours: 572 hours — volunteering at a hospital, ED, and in hospice

Total PCE hours: 4320 at time of application — ED scribe, medical assistant at a dermatology clinic

Shadowing hours: 112 hours — 2 different internal medicine PAs

Other volunteer hours: ~400 hours through sorority philanthropies

LORs: dermatologist (my boss), physiology professor (I got an A in this class), and my previous supervisor who I worked for 6 years as a lifeguard

How many times did you apply?: 2 times

Age: 26

Gender: Female

How many programs did you apply to?: 12 programs

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes?: 5 interview invites, attended 3 interviews, 2 acceptances, and 1 rejection

I am currently attending Dominican University of California's MSPAS Program, class of 2020!

Any red flags on your application?: Cs in general and organic chemistry, an F in molecular biology (which I retook and got a B)

Anything you found surprising about interviews? Interview days were super long and each one lasted from about 8am to 2pm. I quickly learned that it was important to maintain my energy levels throughout the day because the faculty had all sorts of activities planned for us (a tour, breakfast/lunch, group activities, writing assignments, meeting current students, and the actual interview itself). One of my interviewers yawned during my afternoon interview, so be prepared to stay upbeat for the entire day (bring some snacks, stay hydrated, whatever works for you)!

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process?

How to Ace the Physician Assistant Interview  (affiliate link) by Andrew J. Rodican helped me to formulate answers general interview questions, asking current PA students about their past interview experiences, and emailing schools directly about prerequisites. Also, it's really helpful to do mock interviews, especially if you have interview nerves like I do. I practiced with my boss, my coworkers, a PA that I shadowed, my best friends, my mom — practice makes perfect! On that note, don't memorize your answers, because you don't want to sound rehearsed.

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

If you failed a class or have a lower GPA, you can still get into PA school! Retaking courses that you got low grades in and taking additional science courses not only shows admissions your academic improvement, but it will also help you solidify your foundational science knowledge. I'm so glad I retook classes because now as a current PA-S1, I am doing well and I understand concepts better than I did before! Good luck :)

Where can we find you?

Instagram: @alissalaura_ (DM me with any questions you have!)


If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com 

Accepted: Kristen - Grand Valley State University Future PA

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Undergraduate education: Grand Valley State University, Major: Allied Health Science with an emphasis on Pre-Physician Assistant Studies

Overall GPA: 3.9

Science GPA: 3.79

GRE: 304 (147 quan - yikes! 157 qual), 5.5 writing

Total HCE hours: ~100 as a home health aide for the elderly, ~150 as a nanny for a young child with a disability

Total PCE hours: 2500 total. For 500 of these hours I worked as a CNA in an assisted living/memory care. After about 8 months I was able to get into a local hospital as a "floating" nurse technician - I got to work everywhere from med/surg to mother/baby to the cardiothoracic ICU. I later transferred to my current position as a nurse technician in a pediatric hospital on a unit that specializes in epilepsy monitoring.

Shadowing hours: 30! Shadowed an adolescent medicine PA, cardiovascular surgery PA, and pediatric nephrology PA. Use your networking skills - the hardest person to find is the first one you shadow. Each PA I shadowed thereafter was a referral from someone  else I previously shadowed. Once I got the first PA to say yes (after many, many emails to other PAs) it was much easier from then on.

Other volunteer hours: 100 on alternative spring break trips (50 of these hours I lead my own trip), 20 hours as a medical assistant in a walk in free clinic, ~100 hours as academic chairwoman of my sorority

LORs: 1 from adolescent medicine PA (an alumni from the school I am attending), 1 from my public health professor, 1 from my manager at the hospital, and 1 from my anatomy lecture and physiology lab professor

How many times did you apply?:  1 :)

Age: 21

Gender: Female

How many programs did you apply to? 4, all in Michigan

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? 3 interviews, waitlisted at 1, accepted to 2!

Where will you be attending? (if you're comfortable sharing) Grand Valley State University!

Any red flags on your application? Most definitely my GRE score. I almost retook the GRE and paid for a very expensive GRE prep course. I have always really struggled with math and that clearly shows in my score. However, after speaking with my academic advisor I decided to go ahead and apply with this score. I think my academic record and work experience shows a lot more about who I am that one simple score on math I haven't done in years!

Anything you found surprising about interviews? The importance of being relaxed and prepared. I generally knew what I would say for (most) answers, which really calmed my nerves once I got to my second and third interviews. Most of the schools wanted to know why I wanted to go to that school in particular. This was a common theme everywhere I went. Also, all the students at my interviews were so nice and helpful. They definitely remember what it's like to be in our shoes and sometimes gave quick tips before we went into the actual interview part.

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? physicianassistantforum.com and of course, Savanna's book! (The Physician Assistant School Interview Guide) I highlighted in the book and scribbled some thoughts in the margin. I also kept an excel sheet of my own to keep track of the required prerequisite courses for each individual school and if I had heard back from them yet. This just organized my thoughts and calmed my nerves. For difficult science classes I always turned to Khan academy or Quizlet!

Any other advice for other pre-PA students? Keep the faith and don't give up. I had so many doubts and could never stop comparing myself to others, but in the end I was the only person standing in my way! Do your best and know that there will always be someone who is doing more, and that's okay! Also, get to know your professors early on in college and try to retake a different class with them if you find a professor you click with. That's how I secured solid LOR since my professors really knew who I was as a person. I also did not know any PAs personally so I had to cold email many to even get a response. I used my work email at the hospital and our website to find PAs - so basically network, network, network! I think it is very important to have a LOR from a PA specifically.

Where can we find you? (website, instagram, etc) @kristencody1 IG


If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com 

Accepted: Megan - Bethel University Future PA

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Undergraduate education: University of Minnesota Duluth

Overall GPA: 3.77 at time of application (doesn’t include senior year)

Science GPA: 3.66 at time of application (doesn’t include senior year)

GRE: Verbal: 149, Quantitative: 156, Writing: 4.0

Total HCE hours: 50

Total PCE hours: 1,200

Shadowing hours: 6

Other volunteer hours: ~500; I volunteered a lot! I went on a 3-week mission trip to France, a therapeutic horse riding center, and a pony camp as well as spent a lot of time in leadership volunteer positions such as leading music ministry at church, leading bible studies, being a part of my church’s leadership team, and helping to lead retreats.

LORs: I had three LORs: one professor that I was a TA for, one RN who has known me my whole life, and one from my priest on campus

How many times did you apply?:  1

Age: 22

Gender: Female

How many programs did you apply to? 3 programs

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes?

I only interviewed at one school: Bethel University, and I got accepted and that is where I will be enrolling. One of the other schools I applied to does not do interviews and I have yet to hear back from them, and the third school I did not receive an invite to interview at. I honestly wasn’t expecting to get accepted my first time, I basically applied to schools around my area to get comfortable with the system!

Where will you be attending? (if you're comfortable sharing)

Bethel University in Minnesota, Class of 2021

Any red flags on your application?

I had a “W” my first semester of college in Calculus II because I was taking a lot of credits and I changed my major, but I was never asked about it.

Anything you found surprising about interviews?

My biggest shock was how young I was compared to the other interviewees! Many of them had a couple years post-undergrad where they gained a lot of experience which was a little nerve-wracking for me. Also, the group interview portion was a little awkward because you had to read the room really well in order to stand out without being rude or disruptive!

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process?

I listened to the PA Platform podcast a LOT! It helped me feel so confident going into interviews because it was really informative about everything from PA programs to interview processes to the life of a PA. I also got the e-book for “PA School Interview Guide” and that was super helpful too!

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

Start everything as early as possible! Start your personal statement (even if it is just a sentence), get familiar with CASPA, research programs and plan your pre-reqs, do whatever you can to shadow PAs, MDs, and NPs, & get those patient care hours!! Also, stalk PAs on social media! YouTube, podcasts, & Instagram are all great resources and will not only keep you motivated but will also educate you on everything you need to be successful in getting into PA school!

Where can we find you? (website, instagram, etc)

Instagram: @meganroseberger


If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com 

Accepted: Katherine - Dominican University of California Future PA

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Undergraduate education: UC Santa Barbara, Biology major

Overall GPA: 3.65

Science GPA: 3.8

GRE: I chose to not take the GRE 

Total HCE hours: ~1300 hours 

Total PCE hours: ~3100 hours at time of application - back office MA in a Dermatology office

Shadowing hours: 100 

Other volunteer hours: 100 (Junior League of Santa Barbara, Loma Linda Hospital, Beach Clean Ups, Homeless shelter)

LORs: 1 PA (I work with at my office), 2 MDs (owner of practice/supervisors), 1 Profressor and 

How many times did you apply?:  1

Age: 23

Gender: Female

How many programs did you apply to? 7

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? Invited to 3, Interviewed at 2, 1 acceptance and 1 wait list.

Where will you be attending? (if you're comfortable sharing) Dominican University of California 

Any red flags on your application? I did not have as many extracurricular hours as many students tend to have and I also chose not to take the GRE. While I did understand that would limit my choices during applications, it was a personal decision I made based on timeline, stress and my current workload at the time. Luckily I was never asked about either of these things during interviews but I was nervous that programs would not see me as "well-rounded" as other applicants who had far more volunteer/shadowing hours.

Anything you found surprising about interviews? People are so friendly- fellow interviewees, faculty and current students! At both interviews I attended, the students and faculty truly made a huge effort in trying to settle our nerves and make us feel more comfortable during the process. I even made friends with a few people at both interviews and have stayed in touch during the process. You need to go into the interview open minded and try your best to relax!

I also had two completely different interviews at each program. One had 3 tests (3!!) that we had to take prior to our group interview which was followed by an individual interview. The other school had a 2-on-2 interview, group activity and an active research assignment we had to complete. The days were long! I spent 7.5 hours at the first school and about 4 hours at the second. 

Tip #1: Bring comfortable walking shoes for campus tours. Your feet will thank you

Tip #2: Wear a smile throughout the day! Your interview starts the moment you set foot on campus and won't end until you're on your way home. Everyone is watching you, so put your best foot forward, portray confidence with a smile and be friendly to others that are interviewing. It will make you less nervous!

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? 

When preparing for interviews, I LOVED Savanna's book the Physician Assistant School Interview Guide. I bought it the same day I learned of my first interview invite and read it cover to cover probably 3 times! The questions were helpful and gave me a better idea of how I should formulate my answers. 

PAEA directory for researching programs. 

Various blogs and Instagram profiles (Life as a PA, With Ashley Kay, Page the PA, Fresh Prince of Healthcare) were a great reminder to push through the tough times and keep working towards your goal!

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

Don't compare yourself to others! Remember you are just as deserving as everyone else who is applying during your cycle or at your interview, you just need to show admissions just how awesome YOU are! I will be the first to admit I often found myself looking at people's "stats" on the PA forum and would think I wasn't good enough or wouldn't get in my first time, but I learned quickly that you can't do that! It's not healthy and it won't do you any good. Focus on your positives and what makes you unique, write them down even so they're at the forefront of your mind (this will help you during interviews too). The process is slow and nerve-wracking but everything happens for a reason and if you keep working hard, you'll one day get to be a PA!!

Where can we find you? (website, instagram, etc) 

Instagram: Kat_thepa 

Blog: kat-thepa.weebly.com 


If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com 

Accepted: Sarah - MCPHS in Boston Future PA

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Undergraduate education:  University of Connecticut, my degree was in Allied Health Science

Overall GPA: 3.88

Science GPA: 3.89

GRE: Verbal-155 Quantitative-152 Analytical Writing-4.5

Total HCE hours: over 2000

Total PCE hours: 1600

Shadowing hours: 24

Other volunteer hours: 2000+

LORs: 4

How many times did you apply?: one time! my first time!

Age: 24

Gender: Female 

How many programs did you apply to? 10

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes?

I received 7 interview invites and ended up interviewing at 5 programs. I turned down the other 2 interviews, as I had already committed to a program. I was accepted at 2 programs, and wait listed at the remaining 3 programs

Where will you be attending? I am thrilled to be committed to MCPHS in Boston. For as long as I wanted to be a PA, my dream was to attend this program. I am so excited to begin in the Fall of 2019!! 

Any red flags on your application? My GRE scores were not as strong as I had hoped. I struggled with the GREs, and ended up taking them twice to improve my scores. It was not my strong suit, but I knew I had other areas of my application to be proud of.

Anything you found surprising about interviews? As nerve-wracking as they were, I loved my interviews! For the most part, I loved getting to know the program, faculty, and students. However, my first interview was an MMI style, and I was completely thrown off as it was SUPER challenging. I definitely learned a lot from that first interview and am ultimately grateful that it challenged me to prepare even harder for the next interview. 

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? I utilized your book (PA School Interview Guide), along with the book "How to Ace the Physician Assistant School Interview" by Andrew Rodican (affiliate link). I seriously think that both of these books were the key to my successes, along with practicing out loud in front of a mirror and to my family and friends. I was lucky to also have contacts through Instagram and PAs I shadowed to help me during my application and interview process.

Any other advice for other pre-PA students? My best advice would be to start preparing to apply early. Allow enough time to shadow, study for the GREs, gain patient care hours, and strengthen your application through volunteer work. Prepare your personal statement before the application opens in April as well. I found that this really allowed me to have adequate time to make sure my application was as strong as it could be, and left enough time to prepare for interviews. I also would say to take interviews as seriously as possible, preparing for them intently and thoroughly. I believe that because I was prepared for my interviews, I felt confident and could be myself without letting nerves take over. I hope this helps!!

Where can we find you? On instagram! @sarahconnors_7 

Message me with any questions or concerns, or email me at sarah7connors@gmail.com .


If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com 

Accepted: Evan - Baylor College of Medicine Future PA

Undergraduate education: B.S. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Georgia

Overall GPA: 3.87

Science GPA: 3.64

GRE: 314 (Verbal – 160 Quantitative – 154 Writing – 5.0)

Total HCE hours: 52 (Medical Spanish Study Abroad Trip)

Total PCE hours: 420 (Worked at camp for kids with Type 1 diabetes)

Shadowing hours: 100 (Cardiothoracic Surgery PA)

Other volunteer hours: 450

LORs: 4 – 1 PA, 1 Professor, 1 Clinical Director of a volunteer organization, 1 Club advisor

How many times did you apply?: 

Age: 21

Gender: Female 

How many programs did you apply to? 3

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes?

I interviewed at all 3. I was accepted to 2. Then I was waitlisted and denied to 1.

Where will you be attending? Baylor College of Medicine

Any red flags on your application? I didn’t have a lot of patient care hours, which limited the schools that I could apply to. However, I had a wide range and depth of volunteer experience that made my application stand out.

Anything you found surprising about interviews? Two of the three interviews that I went to were nothing like the cookie cutter interview questions I had prepared for. They were very personable. A lot of the questions they asked were about my application and my specific experiences.

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? 1. The best advice I received for the interview process was know 3 reasons why you want to go to that school, 3 reasons that school should pick you, and have 3 questions about the program. 2. If you are still in undergrad, try to take your Anatomy I&II classes your senior year. It has been really helpful in PA school so far that I remember so much from that time. 3. Use Magoosh (affiliate link) and the Official GRE books to study for the GRE. It helped me a lot! 4. If you have a pre-PA organization at your school, get involved! If you don’t, start one!  

Any other advice for other pre-PA students? Take all the advice you are receiving with a grain of salt. I was told that I wouldn’t get accepted straight out of undergrad, that I would burn out, and that I didn’t have enough patient care hours. I was even told that I wouldn’t be accepted because I wore a dress to my interview. And I got in!

Where can we find you? No social media. Email: esimonejohnson@gmail.com


If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com 

Accepted!: Madison- Indiana University

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Undergraduate education: Purdue University 

Overall GPA: 3.54

Science GPA: 3.43

GRE: 309 (151 Verbal, 153 Quantitative, 5.0 Analytical Writing) 

Total HCE hours: 100 Scribing at an Urgent Care

Total PCE hours: 2000 as a medical assistant at the same Urgent Care

Shadowing hours: 60 (30 with a dermatology PA and 30 with a functional medicine PA). This is one part of my application I wish I had spent more time on. I also had hours shadowing a nurse practitioner which was helpful as well. 

Other volunteer hours: 200 at the Indiana Veterans Home, a nursing home for veterans

LORs: 3--One from the MD I worked with, one from a NP I worked with, and one from the dermatology PA I shadowed. If you work in a medical setting, I highly recommend creating relationships with the providers. It made it so easy for me to ask for LORs, and they were more than willing because they had spent so much time with me and knew my work ethic. I think these helped offset my lower GPA. 

How many times did you apply?: 1

Age: 23

Gender: F

How many programs did you apply to? 12 schools; originally it was only 9, but as time went on and I hadn't heard from some of the schools at all I panicked a bit (Try not to freak out like me and spend more money!!) 

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? I received 3 interview invites, and I attended two: one at the University of South Carolina and one at Indiana University. I got waitlisted at South Carolina and luckily, I got accepted to Indiana University--my dream school! 

Where will you be attending?  Indiana University. Go Hoosiers! 

Any red flags on your application? I think the two weakest parts of my application were my science GPA and my shadowing hours. If I could go back, I would retake a few of those science courses I struggled in, and I would find a PA I could shadow for a longer period of time. This is why it's so important to create those meaningful relationships with providers you work with or encounter. I wish I would have taken shadowing as seriously as I did getting patient care hours. It's just as important, if not more, because you get to see how different the daily duties of PAs in different fields are. 

Anything you found surprising about interviews? I was surprised at how quick some of the interviews were. In one of mine, the actual interview with faculty was only 20 minutes. The pressure was on! I had 20 minutes to convince them that I was a good candidate, and it was a bit stressful. Make sure you prepare exactly what it is you want them to remember/know about you because you may not get that much time. Other than that, I was surprised at how comfortable they made everyone feel; in the end it's just a conversation. If you can remember this, it's a lot less daunting and you're more likely to be yourself! 

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? The PA Platform was my go to all the way! Guys, Savanna provides so many resources; at first I only used the Facebook page and then her interview book. But, I started listening to the podcast the nights leading up to my interview, and it got me in such a wonderful mindset. Use all of the fantastic educational materials she provides. I also used the Physician Assistant Forum, and believe it or not, I used social media. Instagram and Facebook are great ways to connect with PAs and Pre-PA students. I had remembered that one of my peers at Purdue had gone to PA school and was working in Illinois, so I messaged her about the interview process and CASPA, and she was more than willing to give advice. The PA community is so supportive of each other, so use that to your advantage. 

Any other advice for other pre-PA students? While I was applying, I struggled the most with comparison. I would always seek out other students' stats, their GRE scores, what HCE they had, etc. As a result, I would start to doubt myself and question whether or not I would actually succeed at being accepted. The wonderful thing about the process is that everyone has their strengths. Use them! Stay in your lane and focus on all the fantastic things you're accomplishing. The process is tough, but if it were easy wouldn't everyone become a PA? Be kind to yourself and remember that your timeline and the ways in which you get to that white coat are your own, no one else's. You got this friends. Keep hustling! 

Where can we find you? (website, instagram, etc) You can find me on IG @practicingpoise. I also started a blog with some Pre-PA tips www.http://www.practicingpoise.com, or you can email me at bakermadison13@gmail.com. My program doesn't start until May, and I need something to fill up the time, so feel free to reach out! I am more than willing to help in any way I can, or if you just need a good vent session I am always around. Never give up and good luck! 

Accepted: Mallori - Future Franklin College PA Student

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Undergraduate education: Ball State University

Overall GPA: 3.89

Science GPA: 3.84

GRE: Below 300 (Not competitive)

PCE: ~500  (Patient Care Assistant)

HCE: ~400 (Hospice volunteer, Medical brigade volunteer, Hospital volunteer)

Shadowing: ~80 (Family Medicine, Orthopedics, Dermatology, Oncology)

Teaching: ~2,500 (Graduate Assistant, Biology Supplemental Instructor,  Anatomy Study room assistant)

Non-healthcare volunteer: ~100 (Camp Counselor, Habitat for Humanity volunteer)

Leadership experience: ~2,500 (Hall Council President, HOSA Future Health Professionals collegiate chapter Founder/President, Leadership ambassador, Camp Kesem officer team member)

Research: ~400 (Cancer)

Extracurricular: Workout classes, boxing club and a member of various campus organizations

LORs: MD, PA, Biology/Microbiology professor, Pre-health professions advisor

How many times did you apply?:  1

Age when applied: 24

Gender: Female

How many programs did you apply to? 10 programs

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? I was offered 5 interviews. I was denied from 1 program, an interview alternate at 1 program and have yet to hear from the other 3 programs. I attended 3 of the interviews, denied interview offers from the other 2 programs and I received acceptances from all 3 of the programs I interviewed with.

Any red flags on your application? I had a non-competitive GRE score, low amount of direct patient care hours and two-course withdrawals on my transcript. When applying with my lower GRE score I looked at programs that didn’t require the GRE, did not focus or mention a specific GRE score they were looking for applicants to obtain. Also, with my low amount of PCE hours, I looked at programs that didn’t require a certain amount of hours or required the number of hours where I met the minimum.

Anything you found surprising about interviews? Every interview I attended was completely different! The interview styles I experienced included traditional, situational/ethical and MMI. It was a great opportunity to see how each program used their own unique interview techniques for picking their future students from a variety of diverse applicants. Additionally, I was shocked at how friendly and sociable fellow interviewees were! Interviews are a stressful time yet everyone was talkative and wanted to get to know you. I actually made quite a few friends throughout my interviews and even saw some of the same people at multiple interviews! Overall, I had a wonderful experience with my interview process and just know everyone there wants to see you do well and succeed!

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? I used a variety of resources from a plethora of social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Podcasts and various websites. I highly recommended joining the Pre-PA club facebook page/group to meet fellow Pre-PA students from around nation. I followed various PA-S/PA-C on Instagram who talk about their experiences, how to prepare for the PA school application process and write very helpful blog posts. I listened to The Pre-PA club podcast by Savanna Perry, I watched Adanna the PA videos on YouTube and visited ThePAPlatform.com which all helped me get more exposure to information regarding Pre-PA FAQs. To make sure I had a great personal statement I utilized editing. Then, once I started receiving interviews I ordered the Physician Assistant School Interview Guide book by Savanna Perry. By using these resources it allowed me to have a diverse outlook on what are the beneficial ways to be the most competitive applicant you can be!

Any other advice for other pre-PA students? Start as early as possible! This can be through getting PCE hours, shadowing, taking to GRE and completing prerequisites. As you know this application process for PA school is very competitive so the more you can stand out, the better! I also would recommend trying to become a well-rounded applicant and not just focusing all your energy on one aspect like PCE hours. Also, PA-S’s and PA-C’s are all so willing to help and want to see Pre-PA’s succeed! This is because they were in your shoes and understand what you are going through. With this being said don’t be afraid to ask them for help or questions. Lastly, just believe in yourself and know your hard work will pay off!

Where can we find you? Instagram: @m_wisuri


If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com 

Accepted!: Lily - Low GPA to Bryant University

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Undergraduate education: Northeastern University (Boston, MA)

Overall GPA: 3.34

Science GPA: 2.95

GRE: 309 - V 157, Q 148, W 4.0

Total PCE hours: 2,560 - working as a physical therapy aide in college

Shadowing hours: 15 - shadowing 3 local PA’s briefly during breaks from school

Other volunteer hours: Teach for America corps member on Chicago’s west side 2014-16, which adds up to about 1,600 hours. I then continued teaching HS science as a TFA alumnus until the end of the 2018 school year.

LORs: Physical therapist (former employer), Physical therapist/Athletic trainer (mentor), and School Principal (current employer)

How many times did you apply?: 3

Age: 27

Gender: Female

How many programs did you apply to? 18 total, first cycle: 4, second cycle: 7, third cycle: 7

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? 2, 1 left me on the waitlist, and the other I was accepted after.

Where will you be attending? Bryant University (Smithfield, RI)

Any red flags on your application? Low (low, low) science GPA and quantitative GRE score

Anything you found surprising about interviews? Honestly, I was surprised at how friendly and kind all of the other interviewing candidates were. Despite being direct competitors, all nervously corralled into rooms waiting to make our best possible impressions, at both interviews I attended I met really interesting, fabulous people. This was a refreshing surprise and made the days far more pleasant than I was expecting.

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? I read Savanna’s Physician Assistant School Interview Guide cover to cover, completed mock interviews with the PA Life, and listened to the Pre-PA Club podcast on my way to work. I also did something a little unorthodox. I was unsure if I’d get accepted at a school that started in January, June, or September, or simply be rejected all over again so I started applying for jobs. I landed several interviews for positions as a medical assistant and a medical scribe. And even though it was clear to me that I was not interested in working at some of these places, I took the interviews anyways. I was determined to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, so forcing myself into interviewing regularly helped me to practice my answers to common questions and be less nervous in this setting.

Any other advice for other pre-PA students? “Never, ever, ever, ever give up.” Seriously, look at my science GPA. It is abysmal. But I have experiences and skills that are unique and unlike many other candidates’. This is something I made a point of emphasizing at every possible opportunity during my interviews. I used the shortcomings of my past to paint a picture of growth and newfound drive, as well as sharing what positives about my background could be useful tools as a PA student and as a provider.

This is the best advice I can give to pre-PA students. Whether you have glaring red-flags academically as I do, or a low number of patient care hours, etc. Don’t ignore it, address it and show the interviewers how it has shaped you positively. Moreso than that, it is very important to impress upon your interviewers what other assets you have to offer the program and the profession, despite these weaknesses. What specifically sets you apart from the next PA- hopeful who walks into their office? Why should they overlook the flaws on your application and dial your number when making acceptance calls? That is where your focus needs to be when preparing for interviews battle. Good luck!

Where can we find you? @lilyboyle or boyle.lily@gmail.com


If you've been accepted to PA school and would like to share your story in an Accepted! post, send an email to savanna@thePAplatform.com or use this link to contact us at The PA Platform


Accepted: Emily - North Greenville University

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Undergraduate education: University of Georgia, Dietetics

Overall GPA: 3.68

Science GPA: 3.5

GRE: 300

Total HCE hours: 600 Dietetics practicum, Athens Pregnancy Center Nutrition Mentor and Medical Camp Counselor

Total PCE hours: 2500 Dietetic Technician and Medical Assistant

Shadowing hours: 90 Dermatology PA

Other volunteer hours: 200 Habitat for Humanity and church mission trips

LORs: Physician (from work), NP (from work), Pharmacist (Medical Mentor)

How many times did you apply?:  2 times

Age: 28

Gender: Female

How many programs did you apply to? 6 programs this cycle. 3 last cycle.

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? 

3 invites so far

I chose to commit to North Greenville University. I was one of two students offered a seat in the program immediately following the interview. This is a fairly new program, but after meeting with the staff and current students, I knew it was the place for me.

Last cycle: one interview, one waitlist.

Any red flags on your application? 

Low GRE score.

Anything you found surprising about interviews? 

I was surprised by the low key and relaxed nature of the interview! I was surprised by the questions asked during MMI but overall, I could sense that the questions were meant to show how I problem solve rather than the answer itself.

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? 

My medical mentor was absolutely vital in writing and editing my personal statement! Once I landed the interview, I began reading the PA Interview Guide - it was such a huge help in calming my nerves! It opened my eyes to see that programs are inviting me because I am qualified - the interview is a way to show them my personality!

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

Don't be afraid to reach out for help. Stay true to yourself throughout the process! If there's something you're passionate about, stick to it. Use it as an opportunity to find where you belong as a future PA.

Always tell a story when answering an interview question. Any speaking opportunity is a chance to let your personality shine!

If you're a applicant, try not to take it personally! Reach out to other current PA-S, Pre-PAs and PA-C for advice. You'll be surprised just how willing our little community is to support one another. Find out where you can improve your personal statement, PCE/HCE, or interview style. Show these programs how resilient you are!

Where can we find you?

Instagram: @emily.a.pa


If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com 

Accepted: Savannah - Methodist University

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Undergraduate education: University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Major: Biology with a Biomedical Emphasis. I will be graduating in May 2019.

Overall GPA: 3.93

Science GPA: 3.95

GRE: 304 with a 4.5 writing score

Total HCE hours: 0 (lol)

Total PCE hours: At the time of application, ~1300-1800. 500 of my hours were not counted at certain schools because I obtained them as a Paramedic Intern. Most of my patient care hours were obtained as a Paramedic and the rest I functioned as an EMT-Basic.

Shadowing hours: 54 with a PA and 8 with a physician 

Other volunteer hours: ~350. Most hours were obtained volunteering at events for our honors college.

LORs: Dean of the Honors College, a PA that teaches at the university I wanted to attend, Biochemistry professor, Physics professor, Supervisor/Owner of company I worked for

How many times did you apply?:  1

Age: 21 now, and 20 at the time of applying/being accepted

Gender: Female

How many programs did you apply to? 10. Still waiting to hear back from 5 schools.

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? Invited to 5 interviews, rejected 4 of the invites, and accepted to the 1 school I interviewed with.

Where will you be attending? Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. I am local to this area, so Methodist was one of my top picks.

Any red flags on your application? 35th percentile in math section on the GRE, my age, and lower PCE hours

Anything you found surprising about interviews? The faculty was easy to talk to, and they were also transparent about any issues the school had dealt with in the past. Methodist exhibited professionalism throughout the entire process, even before I had applied. Their program director answered emails promptly, and the interview process was explained in great detail. When contacting schools and interviewing with them, please keep in mind how they talk to you and how eager they are to assist you with questions. This process is a two way street, and they are trying to sell themselves to you too.

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? For interview prep questions, I used How To "Ace" The Physician Assistant School Interview by Andrew Rodican (Affiliate Link). The book gave me a feel for what questions to expect, but the book felt outdated in some areas. For websites, I used the PA student forum and Savanna's blog posts. The Pre-PA Club on Facebook was also useful. On the forum, I was able to connect with people who were interviewing, and I met up with some of them before we interviewed. Now some of them are going to be my classmates!

Any other advice for other pre-PA students? If you meet the requirements to apply, go ahead and do it. When CASPA opened up, I had made up so many reasons I shouldn't apply (age, GRE score, low PCE). I ended up getting interviews at schools that were my "reach" schools, so I had worried myself to death for no reason. Do your best to prepare for interviews early because sometimes schools give a last minute interview to people, and you might not have time to start prepping like you had thought. Finally, APPLY EARLY!

Where can we find you?  My Instagram is @savannahmelvin and my email is savannahmelvin028@gmail.com


If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com 

Accepted: Tayler - Francis Marion University PA Student

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Undergraduate education: The University of Texas-Austin ( B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences) 

Overall GPA: 3.54

Science GPA: 2.9

Pre-req GPA: 3.8

GRE: 298

Total PCE hours: about 1550 at time of application 

Shadowing hours: 70 

Other volunteer hours: around 5,000 (I volunteered A LOT)

LORs: 4 (2 PA’s, 1 NP, 1 Professor)

How many times did you apply?:  1

Age: 24

Gender: Female

How many programs did you apply to? About 18

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? 2 (1 waitlisted, 1 acceptance)

Where will you be attending? Francis Marion University Physician Assistant Program (I started August 20th)

Any red flags on your application? Low science GPA, my GRE wasn’t that competitive, but I met the requirement of my program.

Anything you found surprising about interviews? My interviews were pretty laid back. You can tell they wanted to know who you were as a person and not just giving you a hard time. 

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? How to Ace the Physician Assistant School Interview  (Affiliate link)

Any other advice for other pre-PA students? You can do this! Do NOT give up. This process isn’t easy but its so worth. If you know you want to go to PA school start getting your patient care hours early. If your GPA isn’t the best that doesn’t count you out! Keep working hard but most of all enjoy the journey. One minute you will be submitting your CASPA and before you know it you will be starting PA School. 

Where can we find you?

I have a blog called ministry in medicine where I talk about my journey! www.ministryinmedicine.com 

Instagram: @Incomparabletay


If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com 


Accepted: George - Stony Brook + 4 Other Acceptances to PA School!

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Undergraduate Education : City University of New York, Brooklyn College. 

Overall GPA : 3.51 

Science GPA : 3.47

GRE : 301 (Math 151, English 150, essay 4) 

Total HCE hours : 580 (volunteering at a hospital, Medical Assistant) 

Total PCE hours : 4,350 (Medical Assistant at a Vascular Interventional Radiology clinic, where I learned to start IVs and draw blood ; MA at a Pain Management office; PT Aide at a PT/OT rehabilitation clinic) 

Shadowing hours : 240 ( ER PA-C and an ER Attending Physician, honestly loved this experience, learned a lot by observing the PA and the attending Physician) 

Research hours : 38 (Emergency Medicine research At Maimonides Medical Center) 

Other Volunteering hours : 265 ( At St. Vartan Cathedral in NYC) 

LOR : A&P 1,2 professor, Biochem 2 professor, Organic Chem 2 professor, ER PA-C , ER- Attending, Anesthesiologist (My Previous Boss), Radiologist (My Current Boss). 

How many times did I apply : 1 time 

Age: 22

Gender : Male 

How many programs did you apply to: 10 

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes:  I attended 7 interviews, got into 5, and 2 rejections. 

I will be attending Stony Brook University PA program , class of 2021. (I start next June). 

Any Red Flags ?: I had a D in Orgo Chem 1 Lab and a C+ in Orgo Chem 2 Lab.. I had to explain those grades in every interview I had. 

Anything you found surprising about the interviews?: 

Honestly, I was surprised how nice everyone was, and how they are genuinely trying to get to know you. They are not there to make  you feel uncomfortable. They just simply want to get to know you and that was comforting. Luckily, I didn’t have those MMI interviews, because I really have no idea why those even exist. For Stony Brook, I had a tour of the entire facility, and 2 individual, 25 minute interviews with different faculty members. 

I purchased PA Interview Guide by Savanna Perry, which was definitely super helpful. I bought the electronic version and had it in my phone and just read it twice before my interviews. 

My advice to Pre PA students is don’t get discouraged!!!! When I got a D in organic chemistry lab , I went to my professor and wanted to speak to him about my grade. He asked me what career I wanted to pursue and I told him that I wanted to become a PA and that my dream school is Stony Brook. He told me that the most I’ll ever be in life is an EMT. That was the most discouraging moments ever. So work hard guys . Study your butts off. Don’t let disappointments derail you from your goal. Grades are super important but PCE hours are JUST AS IMPORTANT!!! Don’t slack on hours! And ask for LOR as early as possible. You don’t want that to hold you back from applying early. 

Where can we find you? Instagram: @georgethepas


If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com 


Accepted: Whitney - University of Kentucky

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Undergraduate education: I obtained my Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology and Health Promotions from the University of Kentucky in May 2018!

Overall GPA: 3.37

Science GPA: 3.42

GRE: 150 V / 147 Q / 4.5 A

Total HCE hours: 2,100 (Sterile processing assistant and ER scribe)

Total PCE hours: 3,500 (CNA in a variety of settings - nursing home, private, large university hospital, and rural hospital)

Shadowing hours: 620 (PA's in different fields - ortho, ER, primary care, and pediatrics)

Other volunteer hours: 3,450

Leadership hours: 7,600 (Student-athlete)

Research hours: 0

LORs: 5 (PA, MD, APRN, Assistant Athletic Director, and a Professor)

How many times did you apply?: 1

Age: 21

Gender: Female 

How many programs did you apply to? 4

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? I had one interview with UK and was accepted before the other 3 programs extended interview invitations. 

Where will you be attending?  University of Kentucky - Morehead Campus (Go Cats!)

Anything you found surprising about interviews? I really enjoyed interviews because it allowed me the chance to know more about the students and staff, even future classmates! The interviews were much more of a conversation and I felt very comfortable.

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? I purchased the PA Interview Guide and read through it after submitting all of my CASPA and supplemental apps. I would go through and quiz myself on questions in the book and practiced with my family. I also scheduled a mock interview with Hanna while I was waiting for interview invitations. I was able to review how I interviewed and fine tune some of my weaker points.

Any other advice for other pre-PA students? My advice for Pre-PA students is to become involved in your favorite PA program and your state's PA chapter. Start learning about staff, the program's mission, disparities in healthcare, attend your PA program's fundraisers and join their pre-PA club if they have one! By the time I applied to UK I felt like I was part of a family (who all happen to be very intelligent and compassionate PA's!) I would also say to enjoy your hours as a CNA or EMT and don't be afraid to ask questions to ultimately learn more about medicine and science. I feel very strongly that patient care is the most valuable asset someone can possess as a future PA. You learn to appreciate not only how hard you work to pursue the PA profession, but how hard each individual in healthcare works to provide quality care to our patients. I would also suggest trying to scribe whenever possible! It's a wonderful opportunity to shadow providers and learn about the medical decision making process!

Where can we find you?

Instagram: @_whitness5
Twitter: @_whitness5


If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com 


Accepted!: Carmen - University of Manitoba (Canada)

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Undergraduate education: 4-year honours B.Sc degree majoring in Biology

Overall GPA: 3.6/4.5 scale

Science GPA: n/a

Recent 60 credit hour GPA: 3.8 (this is the GPA our program uses)

GRE: n/a

Total HCE hours: 400 hours

Total PCE hours: 1500 hours

Shadowing hours: 16 hours

Other volunteer hours: 400 hours

LORs: 3: One from my manager at the restaurant i work who I’ve known for 3 years.
One from a PA I shadowed and who has been my mentor through this process over the past few years.
One from my honours project lab supervisor.

How many times did you apply?:  Two

Age: 24

Gender: Female

How many programs did you apply to? One

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? I interviewed with the one and was accepted a week later!

Where will you be attending? University of Manitoba in Canada

Any red flags on your application? I was most concerned about my lower GPA

Anything you found surprising about interviews? I actually had a lot of fun interviewing and it truly was just them getting to know me as a person.

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? I read Doing Right by Philip C. Hébert which was a book on medical ethics that helped with interviews. (Affiliate Link) I also used many blogs and forums focused on PA/Medicine for interviews and MMI’s.

Any other advice for other pre-PA students? I think gaining experience is not only important because the programs require it but it also makes you a well-rounded person and gives you vital life experiences that anyone going into a healthcare profession needs. Between my first year applying (and not getting an interview) and my second year (getting accepted) I gained experience by working with people who had neurological motor disabilities. I found that I learned so much from the experience not only about working with people but also about myself and I feel more prepared and equipped to enter the PA profession because of it. 


If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com 


Accepted!: Tarika - Future Georgia PA Student

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Undergraduate education:  University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Overall GPA: 3.8

Science GPA: 3.7

GRE: 314

Total HCE hours: 250

Total PCE hours: 4500 (MA and scribe) 

Shadowing hours: 1000

Other volunteer hours: 320

LORs: 3 (1 PA, 2 physicians) 

How many times did you apply?:  2

Age: 24 (by the time I start) 

Gender: Female

How many programs did you apply to? 5

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? so far, 2. Accepted from one, waiting on the other. 

Where will you be attending? Not sure yet, but somewhere in Georgia! 

Any red flags on your application? I still have a prerequisite to complete. The first time I applied, I asked a PA who I only shadowed ONCE to write me a letter and that was a mistake.

Anything you found surprising about interviews? My interviewers were surprisingly super warm and they made me feel really comfortable! They just wanted to get to know me rather than "grill me" with hard questions. 

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? I read "how to get into PA school" by Andrew Rodican. (Affiliate Link)

Any other advice for other pre-PA students? Have patience! Good things happen when the time is right. Don't lose focus and don't give up if this is something you really want! Form good relationships with the PA's/Doctors you shadow and work with because your recommendation letters really matter! DM me if you have any questions! 

Where can we find you? @tarika03 on instagram! 


If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com 


Accepted!: John - UAB

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Undergraduate education: The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) 

Overall GPA: 3.93

Science GPA:
3.92

GRE:  313; 157 Verbal (76%ile), 156 Quant (61%ile), 5.0 Writing (92%ile)

Total HCE hours: 900 hours (400 at primary care corporate internship, ~500 in research at time of application)

Total PCE hours: ~20 hours

Shadowing hours: 130 hours

Other volunteer hours: > 2,000 hours (in addition to many other volunteer opportunities, I worked pro-bono at a summer camp that I lived at for the entire summer)

LORs: 4

How many times did you apply?: Only once! 

Age: 21 at time of application

Gender: Male

How many programs did you apply to? One; due to having so few PCE hours, I opted to only apply to my home program the first year, and then if I was not accepted, I intended to work and gain more PCE and re-apply the next cycle to far more programs. 

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? I interviewed at one school and was ACCEPTED! 

Where will you be attending? I will be attending UAB!

Any red flags on your application? Of course, my abysmally low patient care hour count. I’m thankful for the fact that UAB did not have a hard-and-fast PCE requirement, as that allowed me to supplement my application elsewhere with a variety of HCE and other leadership positions. 

Anything you found surprising about interviews? 

I was pleasantly surprised at just how low-key the interview was. Of course the stakes were high and there was a lot of preparation that, appropriately, should go in to the interview, but I was very quickly put at ease by the entire body of faculty, staff, and students that helped orchestrate interview day. You could tell that the entire team wanted the applicants to be put at ease, and they truly want their future students to succeed, meaning there weren’t any ridiculous curveballs that were thrown at us. The whole process was truly enjoyable and I feel like I was able to leave with confidence in hand. 

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process?

To be totally honest, other than a few articles on interview etiquette around Google, as well as some really helpful articles on thepalife.com that surveyed PA vs. MD (the other career I was considering early in undergrad), most of my preparation came through on-campus career development resources, my wonderful Biomedical Sciences advisors, and some really insightful professors. One in particular was my former communications professor who graciously gave me audience a week or so before my interview to really coach me through useful things to say. Making friends and building bridges with those who are a few chapters in life ahead of you is so invaluable.
 
Any other advice for other pre-PA students? 

Aside from the comments I made in the last response about making connections, building bridges, and picking others’ brains, one of the biggest things you can really do to serve yourself well in your journey to PA is to find out what it is that makes you tick, and why becoming a PA is the most fulfilling and appropriate way for you to apply yourself as a professional. In other words, why PA? Why do you want to practice medicine? When a respectable salary and a relatively short schooling lose their luster in yet ANOTHER long and challenging work day, what is going to motivate you in your medical career? For me, it was through my shadowing experiences that I recognized firsthand the kind of impact a PA was able to make while having a wonderfully broad scope of practice. I was enamored with having a career that would allow me to see patients, perform H&Ps, order tests, perform diagnostics, make a diagnosis, deliver or order treatments, and even perform surgery, all while allowing me to do so at a much lower cost in less time than medical school. To really be able to challenge myself every day in a field that I love where I can think critically and analytically about my patients, all while delivering compassionate medical care to those who are relying upon me is truly the most fulfilling career that I, personally, can see for myself.  

This is one of the things that, outside of your stats, will do the most to propel you out front in interviews: know yourself well and spend the time discovering and thinking through your motivations. Portray yourself as someone who has carefully thought through their decision, who has shadowed and worked and studied and researched to the point that you can precisely say why a career as a PA is the absolute best decision you can make. That’s an applicant that I would want in my program. 

Where can we find you? (website, instagram, etc): Find me on Instagram with the handle @the.musical.pa, where I will be documenting my journey through PA school and offering a glimpse into what it’s like to evolve into a healthcare professional. You may get a taste of my music career here and there as well. ;) 


If you've been accepted to PA school and would like to share your story in an Accepted! post, send an email to savanna@thePAplatform.com or use this link to contact us at The PA Platform.

Accepted!: Ananya - Florida International University

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Undergraduate education: B.A. in Sociology from Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL

Overall GPA: 3.4

Science GPA: 3.3

GRE: 316 - Verbal: 156 Quantitative: 160 Writing: 4.5 

Total HCE hours: ~1500 - Worked in medical records for a physician's office in summers from 11th grade through sophomore year in college; went on medical missions trips twice

Total PCE hours: ~3000 - Worked as a medical assistant in the summers at a physician's office from junior year through graduation and then full time through my gap year, in my senior year of college I worked as a triage specialist for a clinic that served patients without insurance

Shadowing hours: 200+ - I shadowed in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Critical Care and ER

Other volunteer hours: I was involved in a lot of extracurricular volunteer opportunities through clubs I was in and organizations on campus

LORs: I had one from the physician whose office I worked in from 11th grade - my gap year; one from my mentor who's an internist, one from a teacher I had when I was in medical school (for a year), and one from a PA who I shadowed

How many times did you apply?: This was my first cycle

Age: 24 (almost 25!)

Gender: Female

How many programs did you apply to? 18. (I don't necessarily recommend this - I was told to apply to more schools due to the idea that some schools might reject me right off the bat for having attended medical school previously. Then, I got nervous in November because I didn't have any interviews at that point so I applied to 6 other schools whose deadlines hadn't passed and weren't on my radar before)

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? 6; I was accepted to 2 and on the waitlist at the other 4 (also 3 of the schools were ones that I applied to earlier on in the cycle, and the other 3 were schools that I applied to later on)

Any red flags on your application? I spent a year in medical school in the Carribbean, so I'm sure that was a red flag; Also had Cs in 2 classes (but I retook them and received As)

Anything you found surprising about interviews? I was more nervous before going into the room than I was during the actual interview. I think the way the conversation evolved really gave me insight for whether I was a good match for the program. The schools I was most comfortable with were the ones in which it seemed like I was having a conversation rather than being interviewed. Also, I participated in one MMI style interview and it wasn't as bad as I was expecting it to be. I think it's best to get rid of preconceived notions and truly showcase who you are as a person in all of your interviews - In the end, I believe that's what matters the most. 

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? I followed and connected with pre-PA, PA-S, and PA-C instagrammers :) For GRE prep, I used Magoosh (and LOVED it) & for interview prep I used The 100 Interview Questions from The PA Platform (thanks Savanna!).

Any other advice for other pre-PA students? YES - STAY POSITIVE! It is so easy to get bogged down with trying to get everything done right, making sure you're competitive and then waiting to hear back about interviews and acceptances. Remind yourself of all of the great things you've accomplished, continue working hard and know that in the end, it will all pay off. 

Where can we find you? (website, instagram, etc) Instagram: @livingthatPAlife is where I am documenting my journey through school and eventually in the field. In addition, feel free to email me anytime at amahajan.pa@gmail.com and I will help as best I can. 

Accepted!: Bailey - South University (Savannah)

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Undergraduate education: The University of Georgia; Nutritional Sciences- B.S.F.C.S.

Overall GPA: 3.92

Science GPA: 3.90

GRE: 311; 156 Verbal, 155 Quantitative, 4.5 Writing

Total HCE hours: 84 (EMT ride-along clinicals)

Total PCE hours: ~1,200 (~900 as a full-time medical assistant in a family practice, ~300 as a personal care aid for a college student with spinal muscular atrophy)

Shadowing hours: 164 (130- Orthopedics, 15- Dermatology, 19- Gastroenterology)

Other volunteer hours: ~50

LORs: 4 (1 from the physician who I worked with as a medical assistant, 1 from my junior year anatomy professor, 1 from my boss at the boxing gym where I coached fitness classes, and 1 from my college advisor)

How many times did you apply?: 1

Age: 22

Gender: Female

How many programs did you apply to? 7  

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? I received an interview invitation from one of my top choices 15 days after submitting my CASPA. Exactly 1 month later, I was accepted. I received another interview invite about 1 week after the first and attended that interview as well. The programs that start in January move fast!! 

Where will you be attending? South University, Savannah

Any red flags on your application? I worried that my patient care and volunteer hours were too low, but I hoped that the admissions committees would notice the quality of my hours rather than the raw numbers.

Anything you found surprising about interviews? I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the faculty members made the candidates feel! Both of the interviews that I attended were two days long. The first day consisted of a presentation, meet and greet, student Q&A, tour, etc., while the actual interviews took place on the second. On the inside, I was super anxious, but once I was one-on-one with my interviewer, I was extremely calm. I could tell that the faculty genuinely cared about their current students, and wanted to explore my personality to determine if I'd be a good fit. 

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? I read and annotated "How to Ace the Physician Assistant Interview" by Andrew Rodican (Affiliate link). One of my friends was also kind enough to set up a mock interview in a coffee shop. We pretended to not know each other, and it really helped my confidence in my answers.  

Any other advice for other pre-PA students? In my opinion, the most important part of your application is your GPA. Focus on your classes in undergrad and maintain a high GPA. It's easy to jump at patient care opportunities while taking classes, but there's time after graduation to gain experience. It's hard to raise your GPA once it starts dropping. Also, once you have an interview invite, set the tone for your interview by walking in the room with confidence, smiling a lot, and even cracking a joke! 

Where can we find you? (website, instagram, etc) I’m happy to talk to pre-PA students and help them in their journeys! My friend, Skyler, is in her first year of PA school and together, we run an Instagram account about our pre-PA strategies and programs that we chose! Find me on Instagram @pa.pals

Accepted!: Amanda - MEDEX PA Student

On The Pre-PA Club Podcast_Mock Interview with @jamienicole_pa.s2 (24).png

Undergraduate education: Bachelor degree in Clinical Physiology

Overall GPA: 3.96

Science GPA: 3.99

GRE: I did not submit my GRE to the PA programs because it wasn't that good, haha. I graduated from my undergraduate degree in June of 2015, and immediately began an intensive one year Masters in Medical Sciences program from 2015-2016 so when I applied for PA school, I had both an undergrad and a graduate level degree, therefore eliminating the need for submission of my GRE. I did not do the Master's program solely to replace the GRE, but knew it would increase the strength of my application while also demonstrating my commitment to the healthcare, since I worked full-nights in an emergency department while completing the Master's degree. 

Quant - 155

Qual - 152

5.0 

Total HCE hours: 4,000

Total PCE hours: 2,500

Shadowing hours: 300 with MDs in an ER, PA in an ER, PA in an urgent care clinic

Other volunteer hours: 500 at a nursing home over 5 years, doing manicures and game days.

LORs: 5 (2 professors, 3 MDs/PAs)

How many times did you apply?: Once

Age: 25

Gender: Female

How many programs did you apply to? 2

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? Interviewed at both, accepted to both

Where will you be attending? University of Washington MEDEX, Tacoma cohort

Any red flags on your application? I had substantially less patient care hours than the 'competitive applicant' (UW considers a competitive applicant to have upwards of 10,000 hours of PCE) 

Anything you found surprising about interviews? They were surprisingly really, really fun. Completely exhausting, but if you can relax and try to make a few fast friends, it makes a world of difference to make your more personable and more outgoing, even with the nerves. I was also surprised to find that I truly am a worthy and competitive applicant. I think the majority of us go in to these things and think "oh my gosh, am I really good enough, qualified enough, competent enough compared to all of these other people?" Once the day gets going and you realize, hey, I actually am ready for this! and can accept that you were chosen out of thousands of applicants, it is so encouraging, and to see that the other amazing people you are interviewing with have a lot in common with you (work background, education background, similar personalities). Allow yourself to be open to accepting that you are a qualified, competent, competitive applicant! 

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? A fellow PA I worked with gave me a copy of How to Ace the Physician Assistant School Interview (affiliate link) by Andrew J. Rodican and that was so helpful to even begin to fathom what the day would be like. My undergraduate university (Central Washington University) offered mock interviews tailored for whatever the need was, and I took full advantage of that. I think I did two mock interviews at CWU, and those were oddly nerve wracking and even more intense than what the real interview day was. But it made the interview process day of feel familiar and subsided my nerves immensely. I knew what I was going to say, I knew somewhat what questions might be posed, I learned how to reign in my excessive hand gestures, but to still show enthusiasm and fine tune my body language. 

Any other advice for other pre-PA students? Don't compare your chapter of life with someone else's chapter of life. Being unique, totally your own, and your own timeline has INCREDIBLE value. Someone else's story and specific chapter in life are totally their own, but yours and theirs are equal in valuable. Mock interviews are invaluable. You cannot prepare for the interview day enough, and mock interviews eliminate a huge source of nerves. PA school is becoming more and more competitive, and even though interviews are where you sell yourself as a competent, compassionate and capable PA student, the GPA and personal statement are what gets you noticed in stacks and stacks of applications. Spend time on your personal statement. Don't have more than 4 or 5 people review it as to not overwhelm you, but I spent the better part of 12 months working on it to make it as perfect and concise and a "story" as possible. Getting through the initial review process is critical, and making the strongest application on CASPA will get you to that interview!

Where can we find you?

@amanda_rae_the_PA or @amandababy1292