Undergraduate Education: Governor State University
Overall GPA: 3.35
Science GPA: 3.35
GRE: 307
PA-CAT: Did not take
Total PCE hours: 6256= 2328 RN + 3928 PCT
Total HCE hours: 0
Shadowing hours: 6 hours virtual shadowing
Volunteer hours: 68 hours total. 40 hours from 2 food pantries, 20 from YMCA volunteering, 8 from school volunteering.
How many times did you apply?: Two times
Age: 26
Gender: Male
Why PA?I was looking for a rigorous education that would best prepare me to practice medicine and develop my skills as an advanced practice provider. Which a PA education with their minimum 2,000 clinical hours provides. I was looking into surgical specialties which a PA education is more tailored for. Also I wanted the option of switching specialties without going back for certifications.
How many programs did you apply to? 1st cycle 16 programs. 2nd cycle 20 programs.
How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? 1st cycle, 1 interview...waitlist.. then rejection. 2nd cycle 1 school waitlist without interview, I know strange but it exists. Then 4 interviews, 3 waitlists, 1 acceptance then another acceptance from waitlist.
Where will you be attending? Rush University, Chicago.
Anything you found surprising about interviews? How different and diverse the interviews are to each other. Also how welcoming each school was, and eager to meet the applicants they have chosen.
Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, webinars, etc) you used to get through prerequisites courses, the application or interview process? PA Platform ! I used all of their services which I highly recommend ! I bought the PA resource essay editing service, PA platform mock interview, and Savanna Perry personal statement guide and interview guide. Also listened to podcasts about interviewing for PA interviews as well and how to write a great essay which I found all on youtube.
Any advice for other pre-PA students? Prepare as best as you can. Utilize any resources available. This helped me relax going into interviews knowing I did the best I can to get to this point. Once you receive an interview know that that the faculty once you to knock it out of the park. Be personable, relax. Leave a good memory for the faculty to remember you by.
Where can we find you? Instagram- @sekmaciej
