Undergraduate education: B.S in Biology from the University of Florida Class of 2017
Overall GPA: 3.45
Science GPA: 3.27
GRE: 154/154/4.5
Total HCE hours: 952 (all volunteer)
Total PCE hours: 620 at time of application, >2000 by time of matriculation (CNA, MA & now Medical Scribe)
Shadowing hours: 20
Other volunteer hours: 1237 including 1.5 year of research study
LORs: 4 letters - 1 from research professor/mentor, 1 from previous project manager from volunteering lab, 1 from nurse manager at CNA job and 1 from the executive director of clinic where I volunteered for 3.5 years. They all knew me very well except the nurse manager but I wanted a letter from someone who had seen more of my clinical side. I unfortunately did not get to shadow much by application time and did not have a PA letter.
How many times did you apply?: Once
Age: 23, I took two gap years
Gender: Female
How many programs did you apply to? 3 Florida programs all near me since I could not move very far
How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? I received two interviews which ended up in 1 waitlist and 1 acceptance.
Any red flags on your application? I'd say the biggest red flag was my low PCE hours when I submitted my application (620 all from being a CNA), my science GPA also isn't stellar and I had a downward slope GPA wise. I did get straight As in some courses I took after college. I had a W in physics 1 course, a D+ in my first semester for chemistry 1 (retaken the following semester where I received an A-) and 3 Cs & 1 C+ (all in science courses).
Anything you found surprising about interviews? I'd say what was the most surprising is the fact that they were both very encouraging and supportive. Despite this, it is a competitive environment and you have to be on your toes prepared for all types of questions. I think after you receive an interview it is clear the school is interested in what you offer, but you need to stand out in the interview.
Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? In terms of the interview, yes, I did a lot of research on different types of behavioral and straight forward questions that could be asked. I read Savanna's book and the How to Ace PA interview book which both got me in the right mindset. I was also quizzed by a PA I work with and video-taped. As far as pre-requisites, I recommend using the various resources online! I loved YouTube videos from Khan Academy, Freelance-teacher.com, Organic chemistry as a second language I & II and a few others. Learn your learning style! When it comes to applying, start reading the CASPA FAQ early, if you're applying this coming cycle, start reading it NOW, it'll make applying much simpler.
Any other advice for other pre-PA students? Apply early (before end of May if you can help it), be in contact with your top schools. I attended open houses, asked questions, introduced myself to the admissions director, sent emails, maintained eye contact during interviews and let my confidence shine through. It is so important to be focused and determined to be admitted. Connections are vital and the earlier you make them the easier the process will be. The PA career is amazing and everyone knows it, so it is definitely getting more competitive. If you have a low GPA and low PCE hours, tailor the schools you apply to but don't let it stop you from applying to a school you love. Your personal statement is your saving grace, pour your whole heart into it. Make sure that your application has a "theme" (for example I did a lot of work with the underserved and was passionate about research, having presented at various universities) so that when someone reads through your application, they can say what you're about in a sentence. This is what makes you stand out, for PA school and any other graduate school program!
Where can we find you? (website, instagram, etc)
I recently started a website to help those who are struggling with choosing a career in health since it was something that took a lot of my time! It is easy to know you want to be in medicine, but for many it is difficult to pinpoint which career you'd like to pursue. The website is PreHealthPath.Com which offers Pre-PA advice as well.
You can also find me giving out Pre-PA & Pre-Health advice on my instagram @ angelicamaria_pa
