Undergraduate education: Rutgers University , Newark, NJ.
Overall GPA: 3.3
Science GPA:3.5
GRE: Didn’t take it
Total HCE hours: more than 16,000 hours as an ER tech for 4 years and Respiratory Therapist for 4 years
Total PCE hours: same as above
Shadowing hours: 90 hours
Other volunteer hours: 200 hours
LORs: 1 PA, 1 MD, 2 professors, 1 supervisor from work
How many times did you apply?: 2
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Why did you choose PA? because I want to learn to treat the whole human body instead of specializing in the lungs. I often feel limited with my capabilities on taking care of my patients as a respiratory therapist
How many programs did you apply to? 19
How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? 19 applied. 6 interviewed. 4 waitlisted and only 1 admitted. 14 rejections
Where will you be attending? I will be attending UC-Davis PA program
Any red flags on your application? GPA of 3.3 is on the low side. And there were multiple C’s on my transcript including General Chemistry 1 and 2.
Anything you found surprising about interviews? I found that everyone is so nice, both the interviewers and the interviewees. And I saw a couple of same people in different interviews. That was surprising.
Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? I used 2 books for the interviews. 1st one and also my favorite and most helpful is the Physician Assistant School Interview Guide by Savanna Perry, and How to “Ace” The Physician Assistant Interview” by Andrew Rodican. I also did the mock interview with the PAplatform website and listen to the podcasts. I also watch PA-S you tubers who shared their journey into PA school.
Any other advice for other pre-PA students? Take this seriously. It’s harder than you think. I learned it the hard way. Use the services from thePAplatfom.com. They are extremely helpful. Watch the YouTube videos by James Kim. I also had help to edit my essay. Don’t get discouraged easily, don’t give up. If you really want it, you can do it. Always be openminded and use all the opportunities that are available. People always say to be yourself for the interview. I completely disagree with this. I say be the best version of yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others because you are the pilot of your own life. The author of your own life novel. Not them.
Where can we find you? (website, instagram, etc)
You can find me on Instagram @wahwahwei. I usually post my dog’s photos and my cookings, but I am about to post my journey into PA school too.
