A.T. Still University Arizona PA Program: Jackie's Second-Cycle Acceptance Story

I chose the PA profession because I always had a interest in medicine and when I discovered this particular profession everything sounded ideal. As most people can agree with I found the lateral mobility, shorter schooling, less debt and less responsibility enticing while researching. When I began working in an ER department I met many PAs and yet no one seemed to regret their decision about their career. On the contrary, I met many MDs/DOs who said if they could go back they would choose to be a PA. I watched the way PAs worked with patients, their scope of practice and their contribution to the team. Where I worked the PAs would help with minor procedures if the doctor had a critical case to manage without hesitancy. Seeing how well respected PAs are in the workplace, but just how much value they add to a healthcare team really inspired me to live up to that name one day. I know that I want to contribute in some way to underserved populations and this profession will allow me the opportunity to make the greatest impact while doing what I enjoy. I also feel that this profession allows you to be someone outside of healthcare. People often lose their identity in becoming a healthcare provider, but I feel being a PA still allows you to have hobbies and adventure outside of the profession.

I applied to 18 the first cycle and 9 the second cycle.

I interviewed with 2 schools the first cycle, 1 waitlist and 1 rejection. The second cycle I received 2 interview invites, only interviewed with 1 and was accepted.

A.T. Still University Arizona Campus (current student)

I was surprised at how welcoming the staff was. I imagined that it would feel extremely intense and intimidating, but it actually turned out to be the opposite. Of course this depends on the school, the people, the type of interview, but overall a much better experience than anticipated.

The physician assistant interview guide book and the pre-PA club podcast by Savanna Perry were extremely useful in the application and interview process.

Don’t give up. The process can be daunting especially when you inevitably compare yourself to others and their stats, but if this is truly what you want you will get there one day. You may not get in the first cycle like you wanted, but you will get in eventually, when the time is right. Have faith and confidence in yourself, and don’t be afraid to own up to your flaws!

IG @jackie.orellana

Twenty-seven applications across two cycles, three interviews total, and one acceptance that stuck. Jackie is now a student at A.T. Still in Arizona. You may not get in the first cycle like you wanted, she says, but you will get in eventually, when the time is right.