Undergraduate Education: Liberty University
Overall GPA: 3.9
Science GPA: 4.0
GRE: Did not take
PA-CAT: Did not take
Total PCE hours: 3000+ I worked in a local health clinic before transferring to a major hospital network where I now work as an OBGYN MA.
Total HCE hours: 1000. I started taking calls at the desk in a local health clinic and also worked in a hospital pharmacy during the COVID-19 vaccine roll out.
Shadowing hours: 100. I shadowed PAs and physicians at the hospital network where I worked through a student shadowing program.
Volunteer hours: 50. I volunteered at my church in the youth ministry and summer camps.
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: I am 28, but was accepted at 27
Gender: Female
Why PA? I chose to become a PA instead of a physician because I’m a curious person. I wanted the flexibility of being able to change my specialty if something new struck my interest. Also, seeing the way PA’s and physicians work together, I realized I liked the collaborative nature of the PA role. Finally, there was one PA in particular who I shadowed who was just amazing with his patients. I want to “be like him” when I grow up.
How many programs did you apply to? 7
How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? I had three interviews. I was accepted to two programs and waitlisted at the third.
Where will you be attending? Elon University
Anything you found surprising about interviews? It really is true, you are interviewing the school as much as they are interviewing you. The connection I had with the faculty who interviewed me really helped me to narrow down my choice of program since I was given multiple offers.
Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, webinars, etc) you used to get through prerequisites courses, the application or interview process? The PA Platform
Any advice for other pre-PA students? Take it step by step and then let it go. Love the moment you’re in, throw yourself into the challenge that is before you in this moment and don’t worry so much about things falling into place. If you work hard at the small things each day, they will.
Where can we find you? @Linneah_anne_olsen on Instagram
